“To whom will he teach knowledge,
and to whom will he explain the message?..
And the word of the Lord will be to them
precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.” Isaiah 28:9a,13a
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10
A morning storm rumbles and grumbles, scattering spray, slamming rain pellets on the metal roof, pocking the water already at high tide. Wind shakes branches as a wriggling backdrop to the streaky downpour. How can more rain be absorbed? What happens when the clouds keep adding water to water?
In the Christian life, we can have enough for now, yet always add. We can be filled with the Spirit, and supplement that filling so it affects all we think, say, and do. Our days here below, this side of glory, are never to be static, but given so we will keep adding to what God pours into us as He fits us for heaven. Just as unused muscles atrophy, and used ones develop and strengthen, so we keep on being filled in order to overflow in lush, significant, fruitful living. (John 15:16)
How vibrant is our sanctification? How robust our exercise of every gift given, every quality bestowed? What are we practically doing to add to our faith, and virtue, and knowledge, and how steadfastly do we keep on? When are we taking time and deliberation to set aside other intoxicants that allure us to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (Luke 17:6; Ephesians 5:18)
What choices do I daily make that either push me backwards or propel me forward in my sanctification? How do I measure on learning and loving and praising God more and more? On being increasingly grace-filled, kind, compassionate, and forgiving? How obviously are the fruits of the Spirit growing, and what difference are they making in my thought life, my work, my relationships with others? (Psalm 145:1-2; 146:1-2; Jeremiah 7:23-24; Galatians 5:22-23)
Lord God, while I have breath, may You increase and I decrease. Please keep adding to all that is of You in me, so others recognize I have been with You, and my life fruit brings You glory. (John 3:30; Acts 4:13)
As the rain and snow 