The A+ is Jesus. As I grew up, I always wanted to be an A student. I tried and tried even harder. I wanted to be "perfect." I knew I could overcome anything. Of course, I knew that Jesus is perfect and I was not! But still I struggled. After an intensive study and fasting period, I wanted to share how the Lord has given me some true knowledge.

I knew and know that sometimes I do things strictly on my own especially in the area of school. Well, a year ago, I embarked on a journey of a lifetime--I entered my graduate studies at seminary. Before I was able to do things relativity on my own because it was not hard enough Well, seminary is difficult. However, I knew that God wanted me here to strengthen my walk with Him and I figured out their was a change of direction in my calling. (different location) (more on that later) He kept telling me be faithful to the call.

I realized that especially over the last few weeks that I have inwardly denied God's power and strength because I tried to do things on my own. I also repented of my usage of time. I realized that God has given me enough time to do everything He wants me to do..not what I want to do. I had put myself on the throne and NOT HIM! I needed to get rid of those added expectations of myself! This is where contentment reigns! 1 Peter 1, this chapter has been so important to me this semester! First, everyone wants to see Jesus in His glory but the way we see Jesus  is through His special revelation of Scripture. Look what God says about the creation and His Son, "In the last days has spoken to us His Son , whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom he made the world. " Hebrews 1:2 Furthermore, our knowledge comes from Him. We are  only partakers of His divine nature.  Peter understood that to be a bond servant was in Jesus, not to be a servant of this world. How do we gain righteousness? Through Jesus! He is our standard of righteousness and this is how we received faith! Then grace and peace is multiplied in our lives in the knowledge of Him. Our knowledge is not earthly knowledge. Our peace and grace is connected to His knowledge. Hence, the A+ is Jesus. His divine power-not me again- granted us everything we need to live and to have godliness through His true knowledge! His true knowledge gives us His glory and excellence (A+) His calling for us according to His glory and excellence as a result of His true knowledge.
Remember His glory and excellence because He granted  His magnificent promises by then you will be partakers of this divine nature, and escape the corruption of this world.
Then be diligent not to get an earthly A but be diligent, in your faith supplying moral excellence, in your moral excellence, knowledge , and in your knowledge, self-control, in your self-control, perseverance, in your perseverance, godliness, in your godliness,  brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
What is the end result-love! Why am I doing all this? love!  Jesus modeled this self-sacrificing love for us when he died and rose again! We have to model it to this dying world and share Him! So the world may know Him and know His true knowledge and love! John 3:16  They are not fruitless (previous list-moral excellence list), in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. I am to love God First, my neighbor Second, and no selfish love on my part!
Don't let me forget my purification of my former sins!
I am certain of my call, Use me Lord! Help me to practice all of these things, so I can love like You love! You are my A+! My true knowledge, glory, and excellence! I will never stumble with You! You are on the throne! Thank-you for this reminder! I am laying aside this earthly dwelling and all the "A's", but I am looking to You as my A+ and my very best!
Thank-you, Amen!
Everything is through your Beloved Son, whom You are well pleased! The perfect A+!