Closing Words

1 Jn. 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. An if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him.

 

John declared his purpose in writing the book: that those who believed in the Son of God would be assured of eternal life. Not only that but they could have confidence that if they prayed according to His will, He would hear and answer. Glorious! But sometimes it is hard to know the will of God in a situation that is specifically not mentioned in the Word.

 

Then he discussed sin in the life of a brother. What is the believer's right course of action? Ask the Father to give him life. Do not pray for the sin unto death. Even though all wrongdoing is unto sin, not all sin is the sin unto death. If someone is born of God, he will not continue sinning because he is protected by God from the evil one. Believers are in the power of God but the world lies in the power of the evil one.

 

We can rest assured that since the Son has given us understanding through His Spirit, we will be able to discern truth. We are in Him who is Truth, in the Son of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the true God and eternal life. Because all this is true, keep yourselves from idols!!!

 

Father,

Open my eyes to any idolatry in my life. Give me Your love for the sisters and brothers in my life. Thank You for eternal life and for assured prayer. Teach me how to know Your will.

In His name,

Amen

 



Overcomers

1 Jn. 5:5

Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

If I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, I have been born of God! And I do! As a result of this new birth and because I love the Father, I love those who have also been born again. We share the same Father, both believe in Jesus, and both have a new nature. Wow! How do I know that I love my brothers and sisters in Christ? I know because I obey God's commandments! Jesus said, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.[Jn. 13:34-35] Love is my identifying quality.

 

How do I overcome the world? By being born of God through faith by grace! By believing that Jesus is the Son of God. Without Jesus I would have no way to the Father. I would have no faith or grace. His death and resurrection is my life. As I live in resurrection life, each day more of my flesh dies with Him. When Jesus left His earthly ministry, He gifted believers with His Spirit. The Spirit is the one who testifies with my spirit that I am a child of God. He is Truth. Through Jesus I am not only a child of God, an overcomer the world, but I have eternal life! Life is in the Son! Having Jesus means life eternal praising God with all the saints who believe as well. So many blessings!! What a loving and great God!

 

Father,

Thank You for Jesus and all that comes into my life because He is my life. As you drew me to Yourself for salvation, draw my heart to You in obedience to all Your words. Open my eyes to see my flesh and my sin. Grow my desire to be like You in all that I do, say, and feel.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

More 'By This'...

1 Jn. 3:13

By this we know that we abide in Him and He is us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

 

 

How important is love! Initially, we are called Beloved. Love is now part of my name. God has given me of Himself in that He gave me love. I love others because I have been born of God and know God. Love is the identifier, the assurance, the new nature, the relationship builder, and the link to the Divine.

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

 

In love, God was made manifest to me in the person of His Son so that I might live through Him. He sacrificed His Son, His only beloved and begotten Son. By doing this, He reached out to me. He loved me first when I were still dead in our sins. He loved me so much that He sent His Son to be the propitiation for my sins, the substitute. Because God loved me in such a way that I ought to love  anothesr. Even though no one has seen God, He abides in me and His love is perfected in me. Through His great grace His power is perfected in my weakness.

 

I are not only assured of Him abiding in me by His love but also by the gift of His Spirit. Whoever confesses, acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in Him and he in God. Jesus Christ is the portal, the go-between, the One who made it all possible.

 

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world.

 

Love is not only perfected in me so that I might love others, that I might have the gift of the Spirit, and so that I might have assurance of God abiding in me, but also so that I may have no fear of judgment. There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast our fear. This perfect love has no fear because Christ has taken the judgment when He died for my sins. What a gift! If I say that I love God but hate my brother, I am a liar. It is just that simple. It doesn't matter what he has done or how justified I feel. How can I love God whom I have not seen when I can't even love my brother that I have seen. Whoevers loves God must also love his brother.

 

So we have come to know the love of God for us.

 

Father,

Thank You for this great love, for the gift of the Spirit, for the gift of the Son, for Him being my propitiation, for no fear of  judgment, for giving me a love that can love others, and for perfecting Your love in me.

In the Name of the Propitiation,

Amen

Another 'By This'...

1 Jn. 4: 6

We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.

 

How do believers discern false teaching? Any teaching must be tested by doctrinal accuracy and practical application. John commands believers to test every spirit not to be automatically believing every word that they hear. What is said must line up clearly with Scripture in word and in deed. Of course, the watershed issue is Jesus Christ. Does this teaching confess Jesus as the Son of God in the flesh? Does this teaching include His full humanity and His full deity? Many will say He was a good man, a great teacher, or another prophet. But not so! This is a spirit of antichrist, a spirit of man's own making that was in the world in Paul's day and is still in the world today.

 

Believers need not fear because Jesus Christ and the Spirit who are in them are greater than any spirit in the world. Jesus already overcame  these spirits [Satan and his demonic horde] through His death and resurrection. They are playing a losing game, trying to capture as many weak minds as they can before their time is up. Since believers are from God, whoever knows God, listens to them, not just hears but listens. What they say will make sense! But those who do not listen [no doubt only hear], and do not agree are not. What believers say will not make sense to them. It will not feed their humanistic, materialistic, worldly view of life. Agreement to Scripture signals the Sprit of Truth or the spirit of error! There is no variation! There is no softening of the message to make it more palatable! By this...either believe in Christ for who He says He is or don't...no fence riding!

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and strength to speak for You. Take away my foolish fear and fill me with the spirit of power, love and a self-control.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen

By This...

1Jn. 3: 16

By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

 

By this we know love. Without the self-sacrifice of Jesus, we would never know true love, love that can save a soul and reconcile that soul to God.  The flesh does not know this kind of love; instead, it knows lust, self-gratification, pleasure, etc. But love through the divine is amazing and truly a gift from God. If we know this love, and we do, it demands that we follow in its footsteps. We must lay down our lives for our brothers. We must not only love in word and talk, but in deed and in truth. How better than through the One who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life! 

 

1Jn. 3:19

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him...

 

If our heart condemn us, God is greater. His infinite, omniscient knowledge knows our heart. If our heart does not condemn us, and it can't because of the sacrifice of Jesus that covers us in His blood, we can be confident before God. Our prayers will be answered because of our obedience to the Word. And the word says we believe in the name of Jesus and love one another! Whoever keeps His commandments, abides in God. Here is the rub! To keep the commandments, we must be in the Word to even know the commandments. 

1 Jn. 3:24

Whoever keeps His commandments abides in God, and God in Him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit He has given us.

 

How do we know Jesus abides in us, lives in us every moment? First, by knowing and keeping His commandments  Secondly, by His Spirit that He has given us. God called us to be His children. He sent His Son to make that possible through His death and shed blood on the cross. Then Jesus gave us the gift of His Spirit to lead, guide, and teach us. Not only that but He gave us Himself to live in us, Christ in me the hope of glory! And He gave us His Word so we would know how to live. Saved, sealed, and enabled to live a life that will bring glory to God! And what do I do? Accept it as the glorious gift that it is! Surrender to the One who love me! Desire to be His every minute of the day, not just in word and talk but in deed and truth.

 

Father,

Thank You for the greatest gift ever! Give me the grace to accept, surrender, and desire.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Love One Another

1 Jn. 3:11

For this is the message that you ha e heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

 

It sounds like a simple message! Love one another. Yet, in reality it is a hard message. Consider Cain who killed his brother out of jealousy because his deeds were evil while Abel's were righteous. In the heart of all men is this same murderous strain. Certainly not many of us murder, but many of us hate, or do more socially acceptable things, ignore or avoid one another, don't return phone calls, or worse yet, don't answer, etc.  People just bug us if they prevent us from having our way. We are self-centered people who want all the love coming our way. But Jesus came to change that. His example was one of self-sacrifice. He gave His all even to the point of dying so that we might live in newness of life. This new life allows for no hatred of our brother no matter how it manifests itself. In fact, if we claim new life and hate our brother, we are deceiving ourselves. There is no new life in the heart of a murderer [hater]!

 

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the single most teachable moment, by it we know love! Love is now indelibly imprinted on the souls, minds, hearts, and spirits of His followers. As He laid down His life for us, so we in turn, must lay down our lives for others. If we see someone destitute of clothing, food, or shelter, we must not close our hearts to them. If we do we have not demonstrated the love of Christ. We must meet the need! A closed heart is devoid of the love of God. His love must abide and grow constantly. The final word is to love in word and talk, but also to love in deed and truth. Talk is not enough! Actions reveal the truth. We must love in deed and truth!

 

Father,

Help me to love as You loved me, as Your Son loved me. Make my deeds and actions match the truth of my words and talk. Grow me in Your love.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

 



Practice

1 Jn. 3:9-10

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

 

The sin issue is pretty cut and dried. There is no gray ground of indecision. Those born of God do not make a practice of sinning! Jesus came to take away sin, if we continue in sin, it defeats what He did on the cross. He died so that I might live in new life, not a life plagued by sin. If someone says that it is ok to practice a lifestyle of sin, they are deceiving false teachers. Whoever makes a practice of sin is of the Devil, and whoever practices righteousness is of God. The operative word here is practice. Just as I am not going to be 100% righteous so I will not be 100% free of sin. But my attitude toward each of these states must be drastically different. I must abhor sin, confessing and repenting immediately. As I practice righteousness, there will be times that I will fall. But God is faithful and just to forgive as long as I confess.

 

It was the Father's great love for me that made this new life possible, that I could be called a child of God. At this time I am in transition not fully seeing what I will be. But when Jesus comes for me, than I will see Him as He is, and I will be known fully as well. Everyone who hopes in Him purifies Himself as He is pure. Jesus is my hope and the way for me to be purified, free from slavery to sin. He is my strength to live as I should, to live a life that is free from the practice of sin and is committed to the practice of righteousness.

 

Father,

Give me Your strength and grace to live as Your word teaches. Help me break the sins that still bind me. Give me a heart that yearns for You constantly and one that is deeply grieved by my sin.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Abide in Him

1 Jn. 2:27

But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no life--just as it has taught you, abide in Him

 

John writes his spiritual children about the last hour, about the time when the antichrist is coming. Apparently many antichrists have come claiming to be the one true Christ. So it is essential that the children know how to stay strong till the end. John gives them some things to remember.

 

Final instructions and  things to remember:

• They(false teachers and antichrists) went out from them. It clearly established that they were different because they did not stay with the believers. These teachers take a different route, one that is there for awhile to snag as many as they can. Once there harvest is done, they move on.
• Believers have been anointed by the Holy One and have all knowledge (the indwelling Spirit).They know the truth and can recognize the lie. They need to remember all that they have been taught.
• The liar (antichrist)  denies that Jesus is the Christ and the Father and the Son.
• Let your teaching from the beginning abide in you. Don't lose the truth you have had. Hold on to it. It is in this teaching that you are promised eternal life. .
• The anointing you received abides in you and teaches you all that you need to know. It is true and not a lie. Because of this, you have no need to be taught by anyone else.
• Abide in Him!

There it is simply stated, abide in Him! Know His word backwards and forwards. Make it part of who you are so that no one can take it away or confuse you with their words. Rely on the teacher, guide, and comforter that Christ left us, the Holy Spirit. His job is to bring all things that Christ said to our remembrance. He is our seal, our guarantee, and our anointing.

 

Father,

Keep me strong. Even now when things are not difficult, teach me Your words so that when the day is hard, I will remember and be strong in Your power. Spirit, energize my soul. Draw me ever closer to Jesus.

In the name of the Son,

Amen

Confidence and Commands

1 Jn. 2: 12-14

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

 

John addresses several groups within the body. Whether a person is a child, a young man or woman, or a father or a mother in the faith, each one has a relationship with the Jesus and with the Father. John is reassuring them that they need not fear persecution will destroy them because their confidence is in the right place.

 

What do these groups of people know? First the children know their sins are forgiven because of Jesus. A fact that every new believers needs to know and be assured is true. The children also know the Father because they are securely in His hands and can never be snatched away. Once sins are forgiven the reconciliation with the Father is a reality.

 

The second group are the fathers who have know Jesus from the beginning either from their physical age or the longevity of their relationship with Him. Why does John repeat this same fact about the fathers? Perhaps it is because knowing Christ from the beginning would be inclusive of all other facts mentioned because their faith was mature.

 

 Finally, the young men are the overcomers who have fought Satan and have come out victors. How do they overcome? They are strong in the word and this word abides in them. This is the key to practical, every-day victory. If a believer is not abiding in the word, he will have to fall back on his flesh. With only the flesh, the young man will surely fail.

 

Also in this passage, John teaches two other commandments that all people need to know. First, if a believer says he is in the light and hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. A believer who loves his brother is abiding in the light. John does not want anyone to deceive themselves. What is this hatred and who is the brother? Hatred is what results when the darkness has blinded the eyes. Perhaps this person had a glimpse of the light, enough that he thought he had arrived. But the works in his life are the evidence of the light in him. Hatred of another person reveals the true heart, a heart still in darkness. Jesus commanded us to love each other as He has loved. In a love like this there is absolutely no darkness, no hatred. He is the Light and once He is in the life His light fills to the full.

 

Secondly, he commands that the love of the believer not include the love of the world. If  one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. What is this love? How do I know if what I feel is love or survival? This love would include the desires of the flesh [lust, self-gratification, lack of self-control, opportunism, anger, hatred, etc.], the desires of the eyes [coveting, keeping up with others, discontentment, climbing the corporate ladder, materialism, etc.] and the pride in possessions [houses, lands, furniture, clothes, having what is bigger and better, etc.] All of these things are temporal and will not fulfill a person. If anything takes the place and prominence of Christ in the life, then idolatry results. The love of the world is creeping in to take control of the heart. This is the battleground. What is in my heart? Is Jesus where He should be? Is the Spirit revealing more areas that need to be eliminated?

 

Father,

Reveal my sin so that my heart may be wholly yours. Thank You for giving me forgiveness of sin and a relationship with the Father. Keep me abiding so that I may fight off the devil. Make me Your overcomer.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Advocate

1 Jn. 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

 

John's purpose was for the believers, his children in the faith, to be free from sin. But he knew that his children [as well as himself] were in a body of flesh, flesh that would wage war against the spirit. He went on to tell them that if they do sin [notice, not when they do sin], they have an advocate with the Father, the indwelling Jesus Christ. He is the propitiation for our sins, the righteous substitute who paid the price for my sin [and all the world]. He was the substitute who bore God's wrath and turned it into favor. John already said in Chapter 1 that if we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession is the key. Sin must be dealt with immediately.

 

However, our attitude should not be one of carelessness toward sin since we have Jesus, but instead we should want to grow ever closer to Him. John said that by this we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. Obedience should characterize our lives! Whoever claims that they know Christ but fails to obey is a liar and the truth is not in him. Strong Words! It is better that John states this plainly so people are not deceived. The believer's attitude must be one of obedience to the truth of the word. Whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him; Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. There it is simply stated but not simply lived out! Only through grace is this possible.

 

Father,

I know Jesus and love Him, but still I do not obey all the time. Give me the strength to obey the Word and to be in the Word so that I know what should be seen in my life. Give me Your grace. Perfect it in my weakness.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Confession

1 Jn. 1: 8-9

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

The message John was proclaiming was the light, God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. In Jn. 1:4-5 it says, In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God has clearly established the boundaries. With Him, there is total light and the divine ability to overcome darkness, but with Satan there is total darkness with a complete inability to overcome the light. I would think the choice would be easy. I mean who wants to live in darkness? But somehow, Satan makes the darkness seem appealing, and human pride laps it up. 

 

However, this light is crucial to the believer. First it reveals Christ to us. Without the light we would not know or even recognize Him. Through the light we become new creatures, creatures who walk in His light. Secondly, the light reveals any hidden or blatant darkness [sin] within the believer's life. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.This is purely pride rearing its ugly but controlling head. It is truly a foolish person who sees no sin in his life! Even Paul knew this struggle with sin. So when I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. There is the struggle! And I am no exception!

 

 But the light provides us help. We can go at any time and with confidence to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace to help in time of need. What is our need? It could be when we are tempted and find ourselves succumbing to our flesh. It could be when we are listening to false teachers or counselors encouraging us to go the way of the flesh. It could be when pride has such a foothold that it is blocking the light of wisdom in our lives. Whatever it is, the light is there for us to give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Even though our pride fights against it, we must confess!  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession is of key importance! We must identify and admit the sin in our lives! If we don't, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us! Pretty heavy! No believer would set out to make God a liar or even have that thought in his or her mind, yet in reality, that is what we are doing when we don't acknowledge our sin.  Why not confess? God promises to forgive and cleanse. I need to claim this promise!

 

Father,

I confess my carelessness in confessing sin. Convict my heart mightily and grant me repentance. Grow me in Your wisdom and in the revelation of the knowledge of Christ.

In His name,

Amen



Joy

1 Jn. 1:4

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

 

John begins his letter be establishing his credibility. He has seen, heard, and touched the word of life--that is Jesus Christ  and in Him is eternal life. Jesus was with the Father but was made manifest to mankind and especially to John. Because of this, John proclaims the gospel of Jesus, the gospel of the cross. John states two goals: one, is experiencing fellowship with other believers, with the Father, and with Jesus Christ; and two, is experiencing complete joy. 

 

In Jn. 15, John also writes of this joy.  Jesus taught His disciples to be connected to the vine[ Him]. If they would abide in Him and He abide in them, then they would bear much fruit.  By this fruit bearing the Father would be glorified. If His followers would keep His commandments, they would abide in His love just as His obedience to the Father was in love. Here is His final statement: These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Abiding in Jesus brings fruit bearing, obedience, and complete joy.

 

Joy is a very real part of the Christian life and walk. Just thinking about all that Jesus has done for me should give me joy immeasurable. Joy should be the result of doctrine, of practical teaching, of promises, and yes even of discipline. Jesus died on the cross for us for the joy that was set before Him. He endured so much shame and pain for me. But He never lost sight of the joy that was awaiting Him in heaven The same goes for me. No matter the pain, the difficulty, or the trial, I must never lose sight of the joy that is set before me as well.

 

Father,

Thank You for blessing my life with this great joy. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus just as He kept His eyes fixed on the joy before Him.

In His name,

Amen

 



Final Instructions

2 Pet. 3:11

Since all these tings are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,

 

Since this earth will be gone, and the new heavens and new earth will exist, a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells, what sort of person should I be? Where should my focus be? If it is fixed in any way on this earth, then I am in error. I am a stranger and alien on this earth, my home is in heaven so that is where my focus must be. If this is my perspective, then I need to be concerned about holiness and godliness. I need to be concerned about being ready for His return. I need to be waiting expectantly for Jesus to come and call me home. Therefore in light of all these facts, I need to be found diligent without spot or blemish and at peace. This is not anything that I do in my own strength, but what grace can do through me. I need to be aware of false doctrine which is always rampant. And instead I need to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Amen! In this short passage there are quite a few commands that need to dominate my life: godliness, holiness, diligence, peace, and growth. All of these are through His grace and for His glory. But what do I do? I must surrender to His will, make the right choices, and alter my priorities. I must live my life for Him and for His glory.

 

Father,

Help me make these final instructions the priorities of my life. Grow me in Your grace so that all I do will be for His glory.

In His name,

Amen

Divine Patience

2 Pet. 3:9

The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

 

It's so ironic that the very reason the scoffers say the Lord will never come is the very reason that they are still alive. There are many people who say that the promise of His coming is foolishness. It has never happened yet and will probably never happen. Yet, these foolish people are overlooking what happened in the time of the flood.  By the very word of God the earth was created out of water and that very same water was the element of destruction for the earth. By this very same word the earth is even now stored up for a fiery judgment and destruction of the ungodly. Man needs to remember that God's timing is not human timing. One day with the Lord is like a thousand years. He is not slow to fulfill His promise, but it is His divine patience leaving the door open for more to be saved. He wants all to come to repentance.

 

Father,

Thank you for Your great patience and desire for all to be saved. Send Your Holy Spirit to draw hearts to You.

In His name,

Amen

A Fire Burning

Jer. 36: 24

Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments.

 

Micaiah heard the words that were read aloud, the words that Jeremiah transcribed, the words that were from the Lord. He immediately went to the king's house, to the area where the officials were sitting to tell them of the words, who had written the words and who had read the words. The officials knew that they must hear these words so they sent for Baruch to read them again. After this, Baruch was instructed to get Jeremiah and then both of them go into hiding. Certainly, it was a message of judgment, yet hope, if they would turn from their evil ways and receive God's forgiveness.

 

So the officials went to the court of the king and reported the words to him. Jehudi was told to get the scroll so he could read it to the king. Now the story becomes tragic...It was about the 9th month and the king was in his winter house (the warmest area in the house). As Jehudi read 3-4 columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire. Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. How horrible is that! Such utter disregard for the Lord's words and such haughty behavior! The warnings of these words had done nothing to their hearts. Even when some of his advisors urged him not to burn the scroll, he refused to listen. He was bent on pursuing evil even more.

 

But Jeremiah was not deterred. God had him write more to Jehoiakim, king of Judah. The word of the Lord verbally acknowledged his horrible act of burning the words. Therefore thus says the Lord..."He [the king]shall have none to sit on the throne of David and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day and the frost by night. And I will punish him and his offspring and his servants for their iniquity. I will bring upon them and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem and upon the people of Judah all the disaster that I have pronounced against them. And they would not hear." Heavy! And did this come true? Yes! Sin left unchecked brings a heavy and fearful judgment!

 

As I think about the king burning the words of the Lord, it makes me think of the attitudes of people today. They make not be making an actual bonfire, but in their hearts so many have utter disregard for the words and for God. They are possessed to go their own way and do their own thing thinking that they are in control of their lives. Just like Jehoiakim, his burning of the words did not stop what they prophesied. Similarly, saying there is no God or that the Bible is foolishness will not alter the fact that there is a God and His words are true. How foolish is man's pride!

 

Father,

Thank You for Your powerful words. I treasure them. Take me down Your path so that I may never have hardness of heart toward them.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Rescue the Godly

2 Pet. 2:9-10

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

 

What a wonderful promise! God has His hand on all the trials of the godly, and at the same time keeps the unrighteous under punishment. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way, that is humanly speaking. It seems as if the trials go on too long [Saeed], but that is my flesh speaking. I can only see the here and now while God sees the big picture. So what He asks of me, and all who trust in Him, is trust. Can I trust Him even in this? Even in the midst of a trial that seems unending? Even in the midst of a trial where it seems the ungodly are prospering? The answer has to be Yes. I don't need to understand. I only need to trust!

 

Peter then recalls events and people from the Old Testament who endured great trials and were rescued by God. Noah and his family were rescued while the rest of the world perished. Lot and his family were rescued when Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed thus providing an example to all those godless who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. Yes, God is mighty, strong, and eternally wise. He knows all because He set all in motion, including my life. My only course of action is trust. He knows how to rescue the godly from trials!

 

Father,

Thank You for this reassurance. Continue to grow me in godliness so that even as I trust You now, I may continue to trust You more and more.

In Jesus name,

Amen

In All This

Job 2:10

But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

 

Job has already lost his children and his possessions, but Satan wasn't through with him yet. When the sons of God came before the Father, so did Satan. After conversing with God, he eventually asked God to allow him to touch the bone and flesh of Job. Satan believed that if he could do this, he could get Job to curse God and die. So Satan followed through on his plan covering Job's body with loathsome sores. It was so bad that Job took a piece of pottery and scraped himself as he sat in the ashes.

 

As Job sat there, he was visited by his wife [his helpmeet and comforter, not!] who was particularly nasty on this day saying, Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die. Whoops! Satan's plan misfired. The words he wanted to hear so badly came out of Mrs. Job! Job responded to his wife saying, You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

 

What a wonderful response! Even in this, Job loved God! Even in this, Job honored his God! Even in this Job trusted his God! And so must I! Whatever comes down my road, I must trust my sovereign God who established all my days before I was even in existence, days that are for my good, and days that will conform me to the image of his Son. All believers need to remember being a Christian doesn't mean 100% good days. It means God will be with you for whatever life brings Your way. He is there for strength and comfort. What a great God!

 

Father,

Keep me focused on You when breathing is hard and pain is unending. Continue to grow me in the image of Your Son.

In Jesus name,

Amen



All Things That Pertain to Life and Godliness

2 Pet. 1:3

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...

 

What a great promise! And how great that all of God's promises find their Yes in Him.  Yes, he has given me all that I need for life and godliness. But how do I access this great promise? Through the knowledge of Him who called me to His own glory and excellence. How do I gain this knowledge of God? Through His word, the living word, the Logos. In His word, He has granted me His precious and very great promises, so that through them I may become a partaker of the divine nature. Through these promises, I am transformed from corruption and mortality to godliness and immortality! Wow! But this transforming is not a magic act. It is not presto chango. It comes from making every effort on my part combined with His sufficient grace.

 

To what is my effort directed? I must make every effort to supplement faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with steadfastness, steadfastness with godliness, godliness with brother affection, and brotherly affection with love. This is my growing process with each one growing out of the previous one. Since faith is a gift of God's grace, it is my starting place. To it I add each one using my effort and His grace! For if these qualities are mine and are increasing, they keep me from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the path to being effective and fruitful! It is not a mystery!

 

Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. This path is no joke! If I am lacking, I cannot excuse myself. I need to examine my salvation. What Peter is saying is that this is the way all Christians progress. There is no extended infancy. Therefore brothers [or sisters] be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you shall never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a warning! Be sure. What do I see in my life? Am I growing through this progression? If I am growing, then I need not fear. It is a witness to my soul that heaven awaits me and the eternal kingdom is my home. I have been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of the Beloved Son. So wonderful!

 

Father,

Grow me in Your time and strength. Reveal to me where I am falling short so that I might confess and repent. I want to please You as I wait for Jesus to come and take me to the eternal kingdom.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

The Mighty Hand of God

1 Pet. 5: 6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you,

 

It seems only logical to humble myself when I think of the mighty hand of God. Really, how could I think any other way when I view humanity (and myself) and then view God?  Strangely enough,  man thinks that he knows best (as do I so very often) and can run his life better than the Creator of the universe, the one who formed his days before there were any of them. It is purely foolishness! My only response to God must be to fall on my face in humility before Him acknowledging His greatness.

 

Peter repeats this same subject again where he tells us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Here he addresses our horizontal relationships. Even though we might feel we are superior in some way to other people, it is of no consequence. I still must clothe myself with humility. It is to be my garment, the very thing that people see first. One of my identifying marks. Why? (Now his instruction goes vertical.) Because God opposes the proud but gives the humble grace. I know that I can't live without grace. It is the means of my salvation and my sanctification. So I must be humble if I want His grace! I can not imagine intentionally going against God's commands. If He wants me humble, that is what I must do. Certainly there will be times when I am not, and through the Holy Spirit, I will see those times of  sin. I know that His Spirit will lead me to confession and grant me repentance if I am listening and seeking His will. And there is the crux of he problem! Many times I am not listening especially when I am in the throes of pride. No wonder Peter had to repeat his teaching! Certainly, this is a lesson that bears repeating and one that should be a matter of constant prayer.

 

Father,
Reveal to me when pride has taken over and has blocked my ears and eyes to Your Spirit's leading. In that moment of willful flesh, send Your Spirit to open my ears and eyes to the truth about myself so that I might obey You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Gifts and Service

1 Pet. 4:10-11

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace; whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves; as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him be belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

 

Peter seems to be giving a list of things that believers should do in light of the fact that the end of all things is at hand. To begin with believers should be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers. First,what does it mean that the end of all things is at hand? Christ's descent to earth, His life, death, and resurrection have happened as well as the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost. These major events are all in place and signal believers to wait for His return. They should be serious in prayer for the needs of the body and for opportunities to share the gospel. They should be recognizable as Christians wherever they are so that they might glorify God.

 

Then Peter says, above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sin. Apparently, waiting for the next great event [Christ's return] is wearing thin. Believers are growing weary of waiting and weary of each other. So Peter gives them guidelines to live by while they wait. Loving one another must be first and foremost in their lives! If love guides all that they do, then no one or no event will be an irritation. Next he says, show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Get involved in each other's lives. Go the extra mile without grumbling. Don't do it out of duress but be hospitable out of love.

 

As each one has a gift, each one must use that gift for service. It is in these activities that believers become good stewards of God's grace. Grace is the means of gift giving and gift sharing. The gifts were given to edify the body. Am I edifying the body in what I do and say? When speaking, make each word reflect His words. No more gossip! The believers life must be drastically changed. Why? So that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. In order to do this all that believers do and say must be in the strength that God supplies, through His grace! No more self-motivated acts! When self is in control, love vanishes as do all the grace-controlled areas of their lives. Waiting for His return is not a time of mindless waiting, but it is a time of serving and living through His grace and strength.

 

Father,

Teach me how to use each moment for You. Make love the guide for my actions, attitudes, and behaviors as I wait for Your return.

In His name,

Amen

 

 



For the Will of God

I Pet. 4:2

So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions, but for the will of God.

 

 

Since Christ suffered in the flesh as a man with all the weaknesses of man, I must arm myself with His same way of thinking. Arm myself, what does that mean? I must not let suffering take me unawares. If I allow that to happen, then suffering would have the potential to unnerve me, to make me doubt my faith in God, but if I arm myself, that is I keep suffering through His grace and strength in the forefront of my mind at all times, I will be prepared for it. It will never catch me unawares, but instead will bond my soul to Jesus who suffered for me.

 

I must now commit to live not for human passions but for the will of God. This means a drastically different mind set and world view. If you then have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. My setting and seeking must focus my life on the will of God. It is only in His will that I will be pleasing to Him.

 

Living for Him can be that surprise [something to catch their attention] to those around me who don't know Jesus. Such living has the potential to open a door of conversation, but at the same time, it can open a door of maligning and mistreatment. Either way, it must be my course of action at all instances in my life. His grace and strength will take me where my flesh will many times be fearful and afraid, but even in the face of this fear, He will transform my feeble strength to His glorious strength. For His power is perfected in my weakness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

Father,

In Your strength and power work in me to share the gospel to those You bring in my path. I confess the fear that controls me so often.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Gentleness and Respect

1 Pet. 3:15

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you: yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

 

How important are gentleness and respect! My attitude must reflect Christ no matter who I am talking to, no matter if I am being verbally or physically attacked, no matter if my flesh cries out for anger and disrespect. When I do this in His strength and grace, then I am honoring Christ the Lord as holy. He must be first and foremost in my life. He must shape all my actions, emotions, body language, attitudes, and conversations. I think this is my problem. When I forget who I am living for, then at that moment, my flesh asserts itself and takes control. Instead, I have to live in the reality that Christ and the Spirit of God are living in me. And if I suffer, so what? It is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong. What kind of a reflection on Christ is suffering for doing wrong [even in the eyes of the world]? None whatsoever! But when I do right, and suffer, this brings honor to Christ. Then I am following in the steps of Christ who suffered for me.

 

How do I become gentle and respectful? First, I know that these qualities are the fruit of the Spirit and is grown in my life by the indwelling Spirit. But how? The more that I am in the word, the more it transforms me from the inside out. Secondly, I know that God did not give me a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. Not only that but He lavishes grace upon me day after day. I have so many gifts from the Father. Perhaps the problem is in me. I don't stop to use the gifts and to keep constant communion with Him; instead I often plow ahead. I know that the promises of God are Yes in Him, but are they yes in me? Do I really believe them?

 

Father,

I confess there must be some hidden unbelief in me, something fleshly that strives to take control.. Cleanse my soul. Give me the faith to claim Your promises and live for You. Open my eyes to see the condition of my soul and the opportunities You have for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Gentle and Quiet

I Pet. 3:4

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

 

No rants for the godly woman! Actually, just the reverse. How is a gentle and quiet spirit even possible when the unsaved husband is making unreasonable demands, when he blames everything that is wrong in the home on his wife, and when he doesn't see the horrible effects of a divided home? Such pain in the heart of this woman... But God says that the husband may be won without a word on the part of the wife. He can be won by her conduct. How important is the gentle and quiet spirit!

 

But how is this even possible? I think that they only way this gentle and quiet spirit is possible in a home where both partners are believers and in the home where they are not is by implicit and constant trust in the plan and purpose of a  sovereign God. Whatever the home situation is, God planned it! He has a purpose in it. Can a woman trust in that fact? Can she lean on God in the midst of yelling and badgering? Can she keep her soul in a peaceful place when a war wages around her? It must be possible or God wouldn't have said it. Certainly, it is a testament to the amazing and abounding grace of God. Certainly, in those moments when the flesh most wants to react in kind, the godly woman must be praying, keeping the link open between herself and God. She must be channeling all the grace that she can into her inner man. What a spiritual battle is this!

 

Father,

How hard it is not to fight back, not to justify ourselves, not to want to give them what they deserve, but I know that this is not Your way. Grow me in this gentle and quiet spirit. Help me to rest in You no matter what each day may bring. Give grace and strength to those believing wives who deal with a battle in their homes each day. Help us to cling to You constantly so we are constantly ready for a spiritual battle.

In the Name of the Son,

Amen