Tag: face to face!
Imitate what is good!
Scripture reading for November 27th: 3rd John
It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Our lives as Christians are always examples to those close to us and in our sphere of influence. We are teaching others by our example what following God looks like. If you were to be prosecuted for following Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
“To my dear friend, Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell me of your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.” (3 John 2-3) John wrote to an elder and personal friend to encourage him. John had been encouraged and filled with joy to hear a good report of hospitality shown to preachers of the gospel by this elder. He was setting a good example and was commended.
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, would have nothing to do with us. So, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” (3 John 8-11) In contrast to Gaius, Diotrephes was a bad example. He was not showing hospitality and was tearing down the brotherhood and church unity through gossip. He was an abusive church leader who needed to be exposed and corrected! Bad examples often spread their evil! Imitate what is good!
Walking in Truth!
Scripture reading for December 20th: 2nd John
What a journey through God’s word we have enjoyed! Only three more letters and we will finish this year’s trip and prepare for another! Our goal has been to find Jesus speaking to us in each book and letter of God’s word. I am amazed at how each time I sit down to read and write, the Holy Spirit opens up some aspect of the passage for me. Here are a few Scriptures that speak to me from this short letter. May they minister to your heart today.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” 2nd John 3 John’s emphasis begins with God’s amazing grace, mercy and peace. These are with us because of God’s love and truth! Revelation of God’s goodness comes through His Word!
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 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. 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. “ 2nd John 4-6
‘Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2nd John 7) As in John’s day, our world is full of deception. We must walk in love and truth!
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” (2nd John 12) Personal interaction is God’s desire with each of His children!
Jesus desired His people walk in love. Love is from God and God is love! He commands His people to walk in love towards each other. It is not just a suggestion. We are also to walk in truth as well. This also is a direct command of the Father. When we walk in truth and love, we bring joy to our parents and spiritual leaders. May you bless those around you with God’s amazing love!
Sunday Rest and Reflection:2nd John
Dear Friends,
Wow, only one more day of rest in this year! Where has it gone? What a journey through God’s word we have enjoyed! Only three more letters and we will finish this year’s trip and prepare for another! Our goal has been to find Jesus speaking to us in each book and letter of God’s word. I am amazed at how each time I sit down to read and write, the Holy Spirit opens up some aspect of the passage for me.
Because of a small slip-up on my part, we end up needing to read the last five Sunday’s of the year so that we can finish. Earlier, we were able to read six days and rest one. This week we have the short letter of 2nd John as our reading. Here are a few Scriptures that speak to me from this short letter. May they minister to your heart as you rest this day.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” 2nd John 3
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 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. 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. “ 2nd John 4-6
‘Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” 2nd John 7
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2nd John 12
Have a great day of rest–talk to the Lord face to face and be filled with His joy and peace! In His Love, Pastor John