Jude 1 b "to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called" KJV
"To those who are called, sanctified (beloved) by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:" NKJV
"I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ." NLT
"To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by (or for) Jesus Christ:" NIV
"To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for (or by) Jesus Christ:" ESV
"to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:" ASV
"to those sanctified in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ kept -- called, " YLT
"to the called ones beloved in God [the] Father and preserved in Jesus Christ: "DBY
Lord, for any Christian who has the blues because of how their life is turning out even though they are walking close to You, or to anyone who is in doubt, this is the verse we need to read, believe, and hold on to. I read this in all of the translations I have access to.
You tell me that I am sanctified and called by the Father. I know that this is not because of works of righteousness that I have done, but because of Your mercy and grace. I deserve hell and everlasting torment for the sins I have, and will commit. BUT YOU GAVE Your life as my ransom that day on the cross and paid that debt for me! There are not enough words to thank You for that!
The part of this verse that can be very is different whether I am being kept by the Father for you, or You are keeping me in Your care, Lord Jesus. The one version says I am preserved in You and one says: "God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ." Whatever my understanding, and any way I see it, I can rejoice because You are the OneTriune God, all facets having the same power, character, and attributes. I can trust that I am safe in Your care and am secure in Your salvation! Hallelujah! Thank You, dearest Lord and Friend!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Servant of Jesus Christ?
Jude 1a "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,"
Lord Jesus, upon first glance at this greeting, there is nothing really different than any other greeting for letters written in this time. The form is backward from the one we use today. Theirs start with the signature and some sort of explanation as to who that person is, then the body of the letter followed by a parting prayer or instruction of some kind.
The reason this one is so different is that Jude was Your little brother! You, Jude, and James all had Mary as your mom, but Joseph was their father. You all grew up in the same household. Not many little brothers would ever write that they were the eldest servant. Even in a royal family, the eldest male becomes King after their father, and all of the other siblings are called princes and princesses.
So, James could have started his letter:
But here he says, "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ ". I grew up in a large family of seven children and had an eldest brother. I am not sure I would have ever called myself "servant" to him. To my knowledge he never expected me to either. This small greeting tells me four things:
Lord Jesus, upon first glance at this greeting, there is nothing really different than any other greeting for letters written in this time. The form is backward from the one we use today. Theirs start with the signature and some sort of explanation as to who that person is, then the body of the letter followed by a parting prayer or instruction of some kind.
The reason this one is so different is that Jude was Your little brother! You, Jude, and James all had Mary as your mom, but Joseph was their father. You all grew up in the same household. Not many little brothers would ever write that they were the eldest servant. Even in a royal family, the eldest male becomes King after their father, and all of the other siblings are called princes and princesses.
So, James could have started his letter:
- Jude, brother to Jesus Christ (using his lineage as a boast...but he didn't.
- Prince Jude, fellow prince with Prince James the elder of the church in Jerusalem and brother to King Jesus...but he didn't.
But here he says, "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ ". I grew up in a large family of seven children and had an eldest brother. I am not sure I would have ever called myself "servant" to him. To my knowledge he never expected me to either. This small greeting tells me four things:
- Jude is the earthly brother of You, Jesus and James, who was at that time the elder of the church in Jerusalem.
- Jude has recognized that his elder, perfect, sinless brother really was/is the Messiah.
- Even with these family ties, he was no better or more important than any other believer and had placed himself as a servant under Your authority.
- He had placed his faith and trust in the one true SON, who had risen from the dead and was willing to follow You and Your teaching.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Greet the Friends There By Name
3 John 13-14 "I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name."
Lord, I wonder again what other things John wanted to say to Gaius that he either did not have time, or wanted to take the time to write about. Maybe the content would have been too personal that he did not want others who read the letter to know about.
Lord, there have been many times when I have been in a meeting or service when a letter has been read that has come from a person we all had previously known and they have said, "Tell everyone there I said Hi." John is so much more personal in this little postcard. He wants Gaius to personally speak to each one. We do not know how many folks this might be referring to. This is an admonishment to me to make an effort to personally speak to friends, by name whenever I get the opportunity instead of making that blanket statement.
We all want peace. John is asking for peace to be granted to this man of generous hospitality as he ministers to other saints. Evidently, Gaius knows the folks who are with John wherever he is as well.
Lord, I wonder again what other things John wanted to say to Gaius that he either did not have time, or wanted to take the time to write about. Maybe the content would have been too personal that he did not want others who read the letter to know about.
Lord, there have been many times when I have been in a meeting or service when a letter has been read that has come from a person we all had previously known and they have said, "Tell everyone there I said Hi." John is so much more personal in this little postcard. He wants Gaius to personally speak to each one. We do not know how many folks this might be referring to. This is an admonishment to me to make an effort to personally speak to friends, by name whenever I get the opportunity instead of making that blanket statement.
We all want peace. John is asking for peace to be granted to this man of generous hospitality as he ministers to other saints. Evidently, Gaius knows the folks who are with John wherever he is as well.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Who's That On My Throne?
3 John 12 "Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone--and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true."
Lord, what a contrast this is between Diotrephes and Demetrius! One is prideful, arrogant, hateful liar, and an enemy of and drives people away from You and Your church. The other is well spoken of even by the truth, so must be a humble loving servant who brings people to You.
Lord, I know which one I would like to emulate, and in order to do that, I must die daily to my SELF and let You be preeminent on the throne of my life. I know there have been days when I have arrogantly shoved You off and have hopped up on that throne. Lord, I humbly ask You to forgive me for those times. If I was actually able to SEE You there, I know I would never even try to shove You off or demand that You leave so I could sit there myself. Therein lies my task...I must check moment to moment to see just who is sitting on my throne. In order for You to be there consistantly, I must have Your mind and heart. Then and only then, will I be more like Gaius and Demetrius and most importantly YOU! Help me with my "I-sight", Lord, I beg of You.
Lord, what a contrast this is between Diotrephes and Demetrius! One is prideful, arrogant, hateful liar, and an enemy of and drives people away from You and Your church. The other is well spoken of even by the truth, so must be a humble loving servant who brings people to You.
Lord, I know which one I would like to emulate, and in order to do that, I must die daily to my SELF and let You be preeminent on the throne of my life. I know there have been days when I have arrogantly shoved You off and have hopped up on that throne. Lord, I humbly ask You to forgive me for those times. If I was actually able to SEE You there, I know I would never even try to shove You off or demand that You leave so I could sit there myself. Therein lies my task...I must check moment to moment to see just who is sitting on my throne. In order for You to be there consistantly, I must have Your mind and heart. Then and only then, will I be more like Gaius and Demetrius and most importantly YOU! Help me with my "I-sight", Lord, I beg of You.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Praises
3 John 11 "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God."
Lord, I have to confess that this verse needs none of my commentary. It is what it is and You have made it very plain.
So today I will praise You! I praise You today for Who You are.
You are:
Holy-in You there is no sin at all. Therefore I never have to question Your thoughts, words, motives, or actions.
Righteous- ALL that You do and say is right and we can depend on that.
Pure- In You there is no impurity, no filth, no debauchery.
Just- ALL of your judgements are fair. We, in our human minds because of dark understanding, may not understand them or see them as fair; but when we look at You, we KNOW that they are, even if we don't understand.
Good- Everything You do is good. Again, we may not see the good in what You do or allow, but it does not change the fact that You cannot do anything other than good.
Loving- Lord, You could have never done anything more loving than to offer Yourself, THE SPOTLESS LAMB, for MY filthy rotten sin. You took MY wage of death, took the punishment for ALL of MY sins upon You and paid MY price to redeem me! Now You keep me by Your grace and mercy each day. I can never praise You enough for that even through all of eternity!
Generous and Patient- You allow the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. You give all of creation to all men to enjoy. Your judgements are never rash or a knee-jerk reaction, but You always send warning in hopes that some will repent. You have given me far more than I deserve.
Lord, You are full of majesty, glory, and all honor is do You, my sovereign King!
Lord, I have to confess that this verse needs none of my commentary. It is what it is and You have made it very plain.
So today I will praise You! I praise You today for Who You are.
You are:
Holy-in You there is no sin at all. Therefore I never have to question Your thoughts, words, motives, or actions.
Righteous- ALL that You do and say is right and we can depend on that.
Pure- In You there is no impurity, no filth, no debauchery.
Just- ALL of your judgements are fair. We, in our human minds because of dark understanding, may not understand them or see them as fair; but when we look at You, we KNOW that they are, even if we don't understand.
Good- Everything You do is good. Again, we may not see the good in what You do or allow, but it does not change the fact that You cannot do anything other than good.
Loving- Lord, You could have never done anything more loving than to offer Yourself, THE SPOTLESS LAMB, for MY filthy rotten sin. You took MY wage of death, took the punishment for ALL of MY sins upon You and paid MY price to redeem me! Now You keep me by Your grace and mercy each day. I can never praise You enough for that even through all of eternity!
Generous and Patient- You allow the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. You give all of creation to all men to enjoy. Your judgements are never rash or a knee-jerk reaction, but You always send warning in hopes that some will repent. You have given me far more than I deserve.
Lord, You are full of majesty, glory, and all honor is do You, my sovereign King!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Pride:an Ugly, Nasty, and Deadly Serpent
3 John 9-10" I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. " (ESV)
My sweet and loving Lord and Savior, the pride that resides within us all is such an ugly, nasty, and deadly serpent who is fed by the father serpent, Satan. His joy is to divide and destroy the "church" in any way that he can. I see them both at work here. First in Diotrephes, because his pride is so big that he will not acknowledge, or heed to, the Apostle John or other teachers of the truth that have been sent to the church where he is the leader by his choice; and secondly Satan, in that Diotrephes not only does not welcome these teachers with hospitality, but tells others not to do so either. Then when they do he puts them out of the church. Not only that, but he spreads malicious gossip about the true teachers so those who are unbelieving will not come to the truth, or those new believers and those who are not sure of the truth, will turn against the truth as well.
Lord, please keep me from the sin of pride! I do not ever want to be like Diotrephes or the enemy. I know what I am saying here before You and those who will read this. I know that You will humble me in areas where I need it. Help me to embrace and not chafe at Your correction, as I know it will be coming from YOU however, and by whomever, You choose to deliver it.
My sweet and loving Lord and Savior, the pride that resides within us all is such an ugly, nasty, and deadly serpent who is fed by the father serpent, Satan. His joy is to divide and destroy the "church" in any way that he can. I see them both at work here. First in Diotrephes, because his pride is so big that he will not acknowledge, or heed to, the Apostle John or other teachers of the truth that have been sent to the church where he is the leader by his choice; and secondly Satan, in that Diotrephes not only does not welcome these teachers with hospitality, but tells others not to do so either. Then when they do he puts them out of the church. Not only that, but he spreads malicious gossip about the true teachers so those who are unbelieving will not come to the truth, or those new believers and those who are not sure of the truth, will turn against the truth as well.
Lord, please keep me from the sin of pride! I do not ever want to be like Diotrephes or the enemy. I know what I am saying here before You and those who will read this. I know that You will humble me in areas where I need it. Help me to embrace and not chafe at Your correction, as I know it will be coming from YOU however, and by whomever, You choose to deliver it.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Live Like a Child of God Not a Consumer
Our Pastor Carl Weiser sent this to us this week and it was so good, I wanted to share it.
We've all seen it and probably experienced it. We're at Wal Mart or Target and there is a mom struggling with her child as he/she is crying and basically throwing a temper tantrum. The child wanted a toy or a candy bar and mom said no so the child cries and throws a fit. We wonder what makes a child act like that. The answer, simple, the flesh. The child wants something for themselves and it doesn't matter what mom or dad says. The child is driven by fleshly desires.
Now let's take this to a different level, our level. Paul said in Galatians 5:16 "Here's my instruction; walk in the Spirit and let the Spirit bring order to your life. If you do, you will never give in to your selfish and sinful cravings." (The Voice Bible) Think about your life, how many times do you get upset because you can't have what you want. How many times do you get upset at life or others because you don't get your way.
I challenge you today to walk in the Spirit, to let the Spirit bring order to your lives and allow the Spirit to dictate what you desire. You'll be blessed and so will the people around you, besides, nobody likes a temper tantrum, especially in an adult.
To add to this, I heard someone on the radio the other night say that we live in a consumer culture which is true for sure. We order what we want, and if what we expected is not delivered, we never order from that supplier again, and usually tell others not to place their order there either. She said that we do that with our lives and God. We "put in our order" of what we would like our lives to be and expect God to fulfill it to our specifications. When He doesn't, we rail against Him, get mad at Him, blame Him for the mess up,and some turn their back and malign Him for a time. Some never return to Him at all and drive others who would believe away in the process.
God does not have to answer to us, but we to Him. He is the sovereign, righteous, loving, and good king of our lives, not us. He knows just what we NEED. We do not. What He gives us may not be what we want, or what we "ordered"; but what He delivers is NOT a mess up on His end. It is a mess up in what WE ordered.
Lord, help us all to relinquish our death grip on our lives and allow You to orchestrate the events so we will be changed into the image of our Savior!
We've all seen it and probably experienced it. We're at Wal Mart or Target and there is a mom struggling with her child as he/she is crying and basically throwing a temper tantrum. The child wanted a toy or a candy bar and mom said no so the child cries and throws a fit. We wonder what makes a child act like that. The answer, simple, the flesh. The child wants something for themselves and it doesn't matter what mom or dad says. The child is driven by fleshly desires.
Now let's take this to a different level, our level. Paul said in Galatians 5:16 "Here's my instruction; walk in the Spirit and let the Spirit bring order to your life. If you do, you will never give in to your selfish and sinful cravings." (The Voice Bible) Think about your life, how many times do you get upset because you can't have what you want. How many times do you get upset at life or others because you don't get your way.
I challenge you today to walk in the Spirit, to let the Spirit bring order to your lives and allow the Spirit to dictate what you desire. You'll be blessed and so will the people around you, besides, nobody likes a temper tantrum, especially in an adult.
To add to this, I heard someone on the radio the other night say that we live in a consumer culture which is true for sure. We order what we want, and if what we expected is not delivered, we never order from that supplier again, and usually tell others not to place their order there either. She said that we do that with our lives and God. We "put in our order" of what we would like our lives to be and expect God to fulfill it to our specifications. When He doesn't, we rail against Him, get mad at Him, blame Him for the mess up,and some turn their back and malign Him for a time. Some never return to Him at all and drive others who would believe away in the process.
God does not have to answer to us, but we to Him. He is the sovereign, righteous, loving, and good king of our lives, not us. He knows just what we NEED. We do not. What He gives us may not be what we want, or what we "ordered"; but what He delivers is NOT a mess up on His end. It is a mess up in what WE ordered.
Lord, help us all to relinquish our death grip on our lives and allow You to orchestrate the events so we will be changed into the image of our Savior!
Our Hospitality Pleases God and is Not an Option
3 John 6-8 "They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth."
Lord, if anyone ever speaks of me to somone else, I want them to be able to always tell nothing except for my love for them and You in the truth. We all would do well to send visitors and strangers, who are brothers, on their way in a manner worthy of You. How I treat others reflects how I would treat You, as You live within them.
Itinerate missionaries, pastors, and evangelists need our assistance, and are worthy of our help through prayer, monetary support, and our hospitality when in our area. Yes, hospitality has a cost: dirty laundry, extra meals and dirty dishes, and expence, but what the giver and receiver gain from it is well worth the sacrifice! Lord, help me to live up to my aspirations for Your glory and Yours alone.
These men went our for the sake of the Name, but You do not tell us from where. You tell us that they received no help from the pagans. If they were in the area of the persecuted church, they were among serious idol worshippers or unbelieving Jews who would see them as heretics to their religion and would certainly not help at all. With the state of our society, even here in the USA, we would not really expect pagans to help either. This gives all the more reason why we Christ Followers need to step up.
Lord, team work is what this brotherhood is all about. We are Family under the Father. You have given each and every Family member gifts and expect us to use them for Your glory. Not all have been given the "gift" of hospitality and helps, but You require ALL to give hospitality in whatever way they can. Lord, empower us to help in any way we can.
Lord, if anyone ever speaks of me to somone else, I want them to be able to always tell nothing except for my love for them and You in the truth. We all would do well to send visitors and strangers, who are brothers, on their way in a manner worthy of You. How I treat others reflects how I would treat You, as You live within them.
Itinerate missionaries, pastors, and evangelists need our assistance, and are worthy of our help through prayer, monetary support, and our hospitality when in our area. Yes, hospitality has a cost: dirty laundry, extra meals and dirty dishes, and expence, but what the giver and receiver gain from it is well worth the sacrifice! Lord, help me to live up to my aspirations for Your glory and Yours alone.
These men went our for the sake of the Name, but You do not tell us from where. You tell us that they received no help from the pagans. If they were in the area of the persecuted church, they were among serious idol worshippers or unbelieving Jews who would see them as heretics to their religion and would certainly not help at all. With the state of our society, even here in the USA, we would not really expect pagans to help either. This gives all the more reason why we Christ Followers need to step up.
Lord, team work is what this brotherhood is all about. We are Family under the Father. You have given each and every Family member gifts and expect us to use them for Your glory. Not all have been given the "gift" of hospitality and helps, but You require ALL to give hospitality in whatever way they can. Lord, empower us to help in any way we can.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Are We Faithful in What We are Doing for the Brothers?
3 John 5 "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you."
Lord, I know from reading in the Old Testament that hospitality for fellow Jews was required. Now that the "Church" had been established with Jews, Gentiles, free and slave, Roman or Greek, etc, included; I can see that it might have been hard to extend unconditional hospitality to those of faith whatever their lineage. Our's is no less a command to be hospitable to those in the faith whether we know them or not. Even unbelievers will welcome those they know into their homes. We have a new commandment: to love one another as You have loved us, whether we know the person or not.
Gaius is such a good example You have given me. When traveling missionaries, preachers, evangelists, or just other Christians who need a place to sleep for the night, I need to be ready and WILLING to open my home to them and to treat them with the kindness and love I would give to You.
In the work place or in the neighborhood, the principle still applies...maybe not in offering a place to sleep, but to offer others my services with a grateful heart and the spirit of hospitality.
Thanks, Lord, for this reminder today. May I live up to the example!
Lord, I know from reading in the Old Testament that hospitality for fellow Jews was required. Now that the "Church" had been established with Jews, Gentiles, free and slave, Roman or Greek, etc, included; I can see that it might have been hard to extend unconditional hospitality to those of faith whatever their lineage. Our's is no less a command to be hospitable to those in the faith whether we know them or not. Even unbelievers will welcome those they know into their homes. We have a new commandment: to love one another as You have loved us, whether we know the person or not.
Gaius is such a good example You have given me. When traveling missionaries, preachers, evangelists, or just other Christians who need a place to sleep for the night, I need to be ready and WILLING to open my home to them and to treat them with the kindness and love I would give to You.
In the work place or in the neighborhood, the principle still applies...maybe not in offering a place to sleep, but to offer others my services with a grateful heart and the spirit of hospitality.
Thanks, Lord, for this reminder today. May I live up to the example!
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
3 John 4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Lord, I am so blessed! All of my boys are walking in the truth. We experienced that up close again this weekend when we were with our one son. We watched the movie "Courageous". As I watched, I saw that my son was already doing 90% of the things that the other men were learning to do. On the way home, I stopped at a rest stop and called our youngest to check on his family. Although he has been actively involved and loves his family and teens, he had watched the movie and had sent for the "Resolution" kit. He asked his dad and me to do the ceremony with him when he comes for Easter. Our oldest is showing his courage as a Christian not only to his wife and us, but also to the other men in, and outside of, his church and countless little ones he has taught in Sunday School.
All of our grandchildren who are old enough to know and understand love You, and even the little ones like the three and four year old girls sing your praises. There really is no greater joy than to know that your children are walking in the truth! Thank You, Lord, for this richest of blessings!
Lord, I am so blessed! All of my boys are walking in the truth. We experienced that up close again this weekend when we were with our one son. We watched the movie "Courageous". As I watched, I saw that my son was already doing 90% of the things that the other men were learning to do. On the way home, I stopped at a rest stop and called our youngest to check on his family. Although he has been actively involved and loves his family and teens, he had watched the movie and had sent for the "Resolution" kit. He asked his dad and me to do the ceremony with him when he comes for Easter. Our oldest is showing his courage as a Christian not only to his wife and us, but also to the other men in, and outside of, his church and countless little ones he has taught in Sunday School.
All of our grandchildren who are old enough to know and understand love You, and even the little ones like the three and four year old girls sing your praises. There really is no greater joy than to know that your children are walking in the truth! Thank You, Lord, for this richest of blessings!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
We Give Joy to Others When We Walk In the Truth
3 John 3 "It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth."
Lord, I can well understand John's joy. The beautiful young lady who brought me to You some 30+ years ago last I knew no longer walks in the truth and it breaks my heart! However; when I hear that young ones I brought to You in the past, as leader of a youth group of 4-6th graders, are still walking in the truth and are raising their children in the truth, it fills my heart with joy!
Lord, you have called me to be faithful and have given me so many opportunities to minister to Your children and their parents at school. When I see them continuing in the truth and grow in their faithfulness, it gives me great joy too! I want to live my life so You can say, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Help me, guide me, teach me, admonish me, exhort and encourage me and discipline me when I stray, I pray. Do not let me be a stumbling block to any, but to love all unconditionally.
Lord, I can well understand John's joy. The beautiful young lady who brought me to You some 30+ years ago last I knew no longer walks in the truth and it breaks my heart! However; when I hear that young ones I brought to You in the past, as leader of a youth group of 4-6th graders, are still walking in the truth and are raising their children in the truth, it fills my heart with joy!
Lord, you have called me to be faithful and have given me so many opportunities to minister to Your children and their parents at school. When I see them continuing in the truth and grow in their faithfulness, it gives me great joy too! I want to live my life so You can say, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Help me, guide me, teach me, admonish me, exhort and encourage me and discipline me when I stray, I pray. Do not let me be a stumbling block to any, but to love all unconditionally.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
That in All Things You May Prosper
3 John 2 "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." NKLV
The New Living Translation puts it this way:"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." In the NAS, " Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
In our materialistic culture, some might immediately think that this means monetary prosperity. However; Gaius is obviously doing a good work for You where he is. Lord, I see this as a sweet prayer for a friend. John prays that all he does will prosper, but also that he have the good health needed to complete that work. He prays for his soul to prosper (grow).
Lord, I believe I will start praying these things for our family members of all ages who walk with and serve You, our pastors at church, my co-workers, faculty, staff, and administration at Liberty University, and for our missionaries all over the world. Lord, please grant them all these good things as they seek Your face and do their work for the glory of God.
May You grant these things to my husband and I as we walk this walk of faith. We love You, Lord and seek to do Your will.
The New Living Translation puts it this way:"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." In the NAS, " Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
In our materialistic culture, some might immediately think that this means monetary prosperity. However; Gaius is obviously doing a good work for You where he is. Lord, I see this as a sweet prayer for a friend. John prays that all he does will prosper, but also that he have the good health needed to complete that work. He prays for his soul to prosper (grow).
Lord, I believe I will start praying these things for our family members of all ages who walk with and serve You, our pastors at church, my co-workers, faculty, staff, and administration at Liberty University, and for our missionaries all over the world. Lord, please grant them all these good things as they seek Your face and do their work for the glory of God.
May You grant these things to my husband and I as we walk this walk of faith. We love You, Lord and seek to do Your will.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Whom I Love in the Truth
3 John 1" This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. "
Lord, here it is again: "whom I love in the truth". I am finding more and more in our day that I need to use this terminology when speaking of "Christians" who are truly "Christ Followers". Just this week I learned that there is a movement of TV preachers who say thay they will pray for you if you send in money. The more you send in the more they will pray and the greater effect it will have. Good Night! I don't find that anywhere in Your Word! They call it "Seed Money". Some will promise healing for you if you send in a certain sum. As I read accounts of your ministry and that of the Apostles, I never see any of that. James said that the fervent prayer of a righteous man asails much...prayer with no monetary strings attached!
Obviously, John knew of Gaius' walk with You and it pleased him. May my walk with You please You as well!
Lord, here it is again: "whom I love in the truth". I am finding more and more in our day that I need to use this terminology when speaking of "Christians" who are truly "Christ Followers". Just this week I learned that there is a movement of TV preachers who say thay they will pray for you if you send in money. The more you send in the more they will pray and the greater effect it will have. Good Night! I don't find that anywhere in Your Word! They call it "Seed Money". Some will promise healing for you if you send in a certain sum. As I read accounts of your ministry and that of the Apostles, I never see any of that. James said that the fervent prayer of a righteous man asails much...prayer with no monetary strings attached!
Obviously, John knew of Gaius' walk with You and it pleased him. May my walk with You please You as well!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Greetings From the Kids!
2 John 13 "The children of your chosen sister send their greetings." NIV
Lord, the format with which the men of old wrote their letters, or in this case "post cards", is so different from the way we do now in the West. Ours is backward compared to theirs. Here John gives greetings from "your chosen (elect) sister" . The KJV uses the word elect. As far as I can tell from study, we don't know who that sister is, but it must have been a sweet relationship for John to mention them. I can imagine that it brought joy to the reader.
Lord, every once in a while, I get a call from a very good friend and "sister" from back at our home church in Sodus, NY. It is precious because we pick up right where we left off. We talk mostly about You and what You are doing in our lives and the lives of our children and families. It is a precious time. I picture the recipient of this letter feeling quite the same. It is that way with folks that we love...family. It is going to be so much sweeter in Heaven when we are all together with no fleshly sin nature to disrupt communion among us, all on our faces worshiping You with all of the saints from the past. Oh, that will indeed be glory for me!
A sweet sister and I were talking yesterday afternoon about how we hear folks talk about the first thing they want to do in heaven is ask questions, greet loved ones, tour their new mansion, or talk with the men of old like Paul, Peter, Steven, etc. We came to the same conclusion: we want to see You and just gaze on Your face, look into Your eyes of love and compassion, worship You, learn from You, thank You for all that You are and all You did for us. We figured that would take several hundred if not thousands of years. Oh, there will be the marriage supper of the Lamb and we will have a room in our Father's house and be reunited with loved ones from all the ages...but the paramount joy there will be to worship YOU face to face!
Lord, the format with which the men of old wrote their letters, or in this case "post cards", is so different from the way we do now in the West. Ours is backward compared to theirs. Here John gives greetings from "your chosen (elect) sister" . The KJV uses the word elect. As far as I can tell from study, we don't know who that sister is, but it must have been a sweet relationship for John to mention them. I can imagine that it brought joy to the reader.
Lord, every once in a while, I get a call from a very good friend and "sister" from back at our home church in Sodus, NY. It is precious because we pick up right where we left off. We talk mostly about You and what You are doing in our lives and the lives of our children and families. It is a precious time. I picture the recipient of this letter feeling quite the same. It is that way with folks that we love...family. It is going to be so much sweeter in Heaven when we are all together with no fleshly sin nature to disrupt communion among us, all on our faces worshiping You with all of the saints from the past. Oh, that will indeed be glory for me!
A sweet sister and I were talking yesterday afternoon about how we hear folks talk about the first thing they want to do in heaven is ask questions, greet loved ones, tour their new mansion, or talk with the men of old like Paul, Peter, Steven, etc. We came to the same conclusion: we want to see You and just gaze on Your face, look into Your eyes of love and compassion, worship You, learn from You, thank You for all that You are and all You did for us. We figured that would take several hundred if not thousands of years. Oh, there will be the marriage supper of the Lamb and we will have a room in our Father's house and be reunited with loved ones from all the ages...but the paramount joy there will be to worship YOU face to face!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Our Joy Will Be Complete
2 John 12 "I have much more to say to you, but I don't want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete." NLT
Lord, it is so nice to get an actual letter from a friend in this day of email, texting, scanning, faxing, and phone calls. But it is always sweeter when I can see my friend face to face and actually talk. Where I work we call and email the students, but I absolutely love it when a student comes in to see us or we can go to them. There is a connection that happens then that just cannot happen over the phone or even on paper.
You have caused the men of old to write Your "love letter" to us, and it is sweet. Our time in prayer with each other is sweet as well...but when I get to see You face to face...OH, that will be glory for me! That will make my joy complete!
However; I do wish we knew all that John had on his heart to tell her. I believe I will know that when I get to heaven too. Thank You for what You have shared with me, Lord. You have made my life here in this foriegn land livable and ejoyable for the most part. I love You, Lord. Come quickly to takeYour bride home.
Lord, it is so nice to get an actual letter from a friend in this day of email, texting, scanning, faxing, and phone calls. But it is always sweeter when I can see my friend face to face and actually talk. Where I work we call and email the students, but I absolutely love it when a student comes in to see us or we can go to them. There is a connection that happens then that just cannot happen over the phone or even on paper.
You have caused the men of old to write Your "love letter" to us, and it is sweet. Our time in prayer with each other is sweet as well...but when I get to see You face to face...OH, that will be glory for me! That will make my joy complete!
However; I do wish we knew all that John had on his heart to tell her. I believe I will know that when I get to heaven too. Thank You for what You have shared with me, Lord. You have made my life here in this foriegn land livable and ejoyable for the most part. I love You, Lord. Come quickly to takeYour bride home.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Don't Encourage False Teachers
2 John 10-11 "If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don't invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work."
Lord, I thank You that You showed me this verse years ago. I lived about 15 miles from the Mormon's Hill Camora in Palmyra NY,where Joseph Smith said he was visited by the angel Moroni and they have a huge pagent every summer. So every year we were inundated with young eager missionaries trying to earn ther way to heaven by fulfilling their year as a missionary. We also had very eager Jehovah's Witness missionaries who canvased our area every year. Even before I was a Christ Follower, they made me uncomfortable and at times, I would pretend that I was not home so I did not have to deal with them. I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't want what they were peddling. I didn't know the You didn't want me to have anything to do with them either.
After I was saved, I asked my Pastor about it. He told me to read 2 John. I did and then forever after that, if one came to the door, I would not answer or if they were persistant, I would answer and tell them that I was a Christ Follower and I would pray that they found the real Christ and close the door.
ThankYou Lord for the clarity or Your instruction. You never leave me wondering what to do or how to live.
Lord, I thank You that You showed me this verse years ago. I lived about 15 miles from the Mormon's Hill Camora in Palmyra NY,where Joseph Smith said he was visited by the angel Moroni and they have a huge pagent every summer. So every year we were inundated with young eager missionaries trying to earn ther way to heaven by fulfilling their year as a missionary. We also had very eager Jehovah's Witness missionaries who canvased our area every year. Even before I was a Christ Follower, they made me uncomfortable and at times, I would pretend that I was not home so I did not have to deal with them. I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't want what they were peddling. I didn't know the You didn't want me to have anything to do with them either.
After I was saved, I asked my Pastor about it. He told me to read 2 John. I did and then forever after that, if one came to the door, I would not answer or if they were persistant, I would answer and tell them that I was a Christ Follower and I would pray that they found the real Christ and close the door.
ThankYou Lord for the clarity or Your instruction. You never leave me wondering what to do or how to live.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Remain in Christ's Teaching
2 John 9 "Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son." NLT
Lord, keep me VERY close to Your truth by being in Your Word every day. I remember that where we used to live many "Baptist Christians" fell away to follow the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons because they never spent time in Your Scriptures and could not discern truth from lies. Our enemy is SO subtle and oftimes uses scripture taken out of context to trip us up. Lord, I want to be like the Bareans who didn't even take Paul's word for anything but searched the scriptures to see if what he was saying was true or false.
I love You, Lord, and never want to stray from what You teach me daily. Help me, Lord. Alert me to lies that pose as truth so I may not follow them, but You!
Lord, keep me VERY close to Your truth by being in Your Word every day. I remember that where we used to live many "Baptist Christians" fell away to follow the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons because they never spent time in Your Scriptures and could not discern truth from lies. Our enemy is SO subtle and oftimes uses scripture taken out of context to trip us up. Lord, I want to be like the Bareans who didn't even take Paul's word for anything but searched the scriptures to see if what he was saying was true or false.
I love You, Lord, and never want to stray from what You teach me daily. Help me, Lord. Alert me to lies that pose as truth so I may not follow them, but You!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
So I am A Christian...Really?
2 John 8 "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully."
Lord, sometimes I read a verse in the morning and then it takes a while for You to speak to me. Today was one of those days. I have been thinking alot of late about the state of "Christianity" not only in my own life but also in the lives of the Christians around me. You have impressed on me that there is no way I can straddle the fence. I am either with You or against You. I cannot have one foot in the world and one in Your Word...it just does not work for me or for any Christian. We see so many who are "Social Christians", especially here where it is socially acceptable to go to church. "Christians" are enthralled with the unholy aspect of media that is all around us in movies, TV, music, even phone and texting, let alone the Internet, yet raise their hands and voices in praise on Sunday morning as if they have walked with you all week. It is very sad indeed because they are the most decieved...maybe unto death.
I saw a sign outside a church on my way to work today. It said, "Never offer the Devil a ride. He will want to drive." That struck me as being so very true. Somehow we think we can toy around with his temptation and then be strong enough to resist it without Your intervention. How very foolish we are if we tamper with the enemy.
You have told me that friendship with the world makes me Your enemy. You tell me to come out from among the world and be seperate...a peculiar people. Real fervent Christians certainly look peculiar to the world around them, and if I don't, then I need to take a faith reality check! I heard someone say, "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Lord, I would pray that there would be.
Lord, sometimes I read a verse in the morning and then it takes a while for You to speak to me. Today was one of those days. I have been thinking alot of late about the state of "Christianity" not only in my own life but also in the lives of the Christians around me. You have impressed on me that there is no way I can straddle the fence. I am either with You or against You. I cannot have one foot in the world and one in Your Word...it just does not work for me or for any Christian. We see so many who are "Social Christians", especially here where it is socially acceptable to go to church. "Christians" are enthralled with the unholy aspect of media that is all around us in movies, TV, music, even phone and texting, let alone the Internet, yet raise their hands and voices in praise on Sunday morning as if they have walked with you all week. It is very sad indeed because they are the most decieved...maybe unto death.
I saw a sign outside a church on my way to work today. It said, "Never offer the Devil a ride. He will want to drive." That struck me as being so very true. Somehow we think we can toy around with his temptation and then be strong enough to resist it without Your intervention. How very foolish we are if we tamper with the enemy.
You have told me that friendship with the world makes me Your enemy. You tell me to come out from among the world and be seperate...a peculiar people. Real fervent Christians certainly look peculiar to the world around them, and if I don't, then I need to take a faith reality check! I heard someone say, "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Lord, I would pray that there would be.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Deceivers and Antichrists
2 John 7 "Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist."
Oh Lord, there are more today than when John wrote this. Some do not believe You came in a body, some that You were not, and are not, the God-Man but a good teacher and prophet, some that You became God only from the time of Your baptism until Your death, some that You were not virgin born and the list goes on and on.
Satan does not care what we believe about You as long as we do not believe the truth that You are, and always will be, God; that You were born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, always obeyed Your Father's will, willingly sacrificed Your life as the perfect sacrifice to pay the wages for our sin and rose from the dead on the third day! His lies abound and many are deceived that call themselves Christians. I am coming to the time when I think the term "Christ Follower" is a better term for those who love You and follow hard after You. The term "Christian" doesn't mean much as far as truth is concerned anymore.
Enlighten our world, Lord, with Your truth and expose his lies. Open the eyes and hearts of those who are Christian in name only, to Your truth. Send revival to our nation and to our world, Lord we are in such need.
Oh Lord, there are more today than when John wrote this. Some do not believe You came in a body, some that You were not, and are not, the God-Man but a good teacher and prophet, some that You became God only from the time of Your baptism until Your death, some that You were not virgin born and the list goes on and on.
Satan does not care what we believe about You as long as we do not believe the truth that You are, and always will be, God; that You were born of a virgin by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, always obeyed Your Father's will, willingly sacrificed Your life as the perfect sacrifice to pay the wages for our sin and rose from the dead on the third day! His lies abound and many are deceived that call themselves Christians. I am coming to the time when I think the term "Christ Follower" is a better term for those who love You and follow hard after You. The term "Christian" doesn't mean much as far as truth is concerned anymore.
Enlighten our world, Lord, with Your truth and expose his lies. Open the eyes and hearts of those who are Christian in name only, to Your truth. Send revival to our nation and to our world, Lord we are in such need.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Obey His Command:Walk in Love
2 John 6: "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."
Dearest Lord, all You ask of me is to walk in willing, loving obedience to Your commands. If I walk in real love, I fulfill all of them. So how does love act? How do I live that out every day? I have to go back to Your word for instruction and I find it !
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Lord, help me to walk in love today and every day! You have loved me so much, how could I not love that way too?
Dearest Lord, all You ask of me is to walk in willing, loving obedience to Your commands. If I walk in real love, I fulfill all of them. So how does love act? How do I live that out every day? I have to go back to Your word for instruction and I find it !
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Lord, help me to walk in love today and every day! You have loved me so much, how could I not love that way too?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Dear Lady, Love One Another
1 John 5 "And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another."
Lord, this one command is threaded all through the scriptures, and especially in these letters from John. When You reiterate a theme as many times as I have read in these books, it ts VERY clear that You mean that we follow and willing obey this command. Is John writing this sentence here as a buffer to remind her because of what he has to write in the rest of this "postcard" so that she will recieve it in love and not let bitterness graw between them?
In any case, I know that the command is for me today. You want us to love one another unconditionally, even when it is hard, even when the other person is not acting in a loving way, even when it may cost me. To not love others in this way is sin, plain and simple, and I must confess my sin and repent. Lord, thank You for simplifying my life.
Lord, this one command is threaded all through the scriptures, and especially in these letters from John. When You reiterate a theme as many times as I have read in these books, it ts VERY clear that You mean that we follow and willing obey this command. Is John writing this sentence here as a buffer to remind her because of what he has to write in the rest of this "postcard" so that she will recieve it in love and not let bitterness graw between them?
In any case, I know that the command is for me today. You want us to love one another unconditionally, even when it is hard, even when the other person is not acting in a loving way, even when it may cost me. To not love others in this way is sin, plain and simple, and I must confess my sin and repent. Lord, thank You for simplifying my life.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Walking In the Truth Brings Joy
2 John 4 "It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us."
Dearest Lord, I don't know if John actually brought this lady to faith in You or if he is speaking of a church. I also am not sure if John is saying that not all of this chosen lady's children were walking in the truth, or if he had met some of her children in his travels, or where he was when he wrote this letter. Whatever the case, it gave him great joy to witness their faith in action and to see them walking in the truth.
I know it gives me great joy to see my own children and grandchildren, students and staff at Liberty, and folks from church walking in the truth as well. It must bring You joy too to see willing obedience from Your children as they seek out, and then live by, Your truth. Lord, keep us all ever close to You and give us discernment by Your Spirit to separate truth from falsehood.
Dearest Lord, I don't know if John actually brought this lady to faith in You or if he is speaking of a church. I also am not sure if John is saying that not all of this chosen lady's children were walking in the truth, or if he had met some of her children in his travels, or where he was when he wrote this letter. Whatever the case, it gave him great joy to witness their faith in action and to see them walking in the truth.
I know it gives me great joy to see my own children and grandchildren, students and staff at Liberty, and folks from church walking in the truth as well. It must bring You joy too to see willing obedience from Your children as they seek out, and then live by, Your truth. Lord, keep us all ever close to You and give us discernment by Your Spirit to separate truth from falsehood.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Grace, Mercy and Peace from God
2 John 3 " Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love. "
Lord, this is all I would ever need, but You give me SO much more! How can I ever thank You and praise You enough! There are not enough words!
Glory, glory Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
Lord, this is all I would ever need, but You give me SO much more! How can I ever thank You and praise You enough! There are not enough words!
Glory, glory Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Chosen in the Truth
2 John 1-2 " This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth— because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever." (NLT)
Lord, You already know my thoughts before I think them, so You know that when I read this today, I felt like You, through John, were speaking directly to me; not because of anything I have done, but because of Your saving grace that saved not only me, but my husband and children, their wives, and now their children. Thank You, Lord, for choosing us. I know You paid the sin price for the WHOLE world and you didn't just die for the few that would come to salvation, and my heart breaks for those who would reject Your truth. It is a blessing none the less, that You love me and my family in the truth and because of the truth.
Lord, I want to thank You for creating this world with seasons and for placing us in such a beautiful area to live in. We have had a very mild winter here in Virginia, and You sent Spring in late January! You caused crocus to bloom then, and in February: daffodils, forcythia, purple plum, and star magnolias! Spring song birds sing Your praises all day and then when they rest for the night, the peepers pick up their praise songs. The gentle rain has caused the grass to green, has cleansed the air giving it that "spring" smell, and has watered the ground. The tulips are pushing up out of the ground and the freezing temperatures are far less frequent. Everything is coming back to life! What a wonder! You are the marvelous creator! I praise you!
Lord, You already know my thoughts before I think them, so You know that when I read this today, I felt like You, through John, were speaking directly to me; not because of anything I have done, but because of Your saving grace that saved not only me, but my husband and children, their wives, and now their children. Thank You, Lord, for choosing us. I know You paid the sin price for the WHOLE world and you didn't just die for the few that would come to salvation, and my heart breaks for those who would reject Your truth. It is a blessing none the less, that You love me and my family in the truth and because of the truth.
Lord, I want to thank You for creating this world with seasons and for placing us in such a beautiful area to live in. We have had a very mild winter here in Virginia, and You sent Spring in late January! You caused crocus to bloom then, and in February: daffodils, forcythia, purple plum, and star magnolias! Spring song birds sing Your praises all day and then when they rest for the night, the peepers pick up their praise songs. The gentle rain has caused the grass to green, has cleansed the air giving it that "spring" smell, and has watered the ground. The tulips are pushing up out of the ground and the freezing temperatures are far less frequent. Everything is coming back to life! What a wonder! You are the marvelous creator! I praise you!
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