Tag: not evil
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!
Prepare to Meet Your God!
Scripture reading for September 14th: Amos 3-5
If you knew that you would die today and face God, how would you spend your last hours? Do you have issues that you need to settle? Are you prepared at this moment to deal with God concerning your life, conduct, stewardship, and state of your soul? As we read the words of Amos today, let these thoughts examine your heart.
Having a close relationship with God is a blessing, but also brings great responsibility. God had chosen to dwell with Israel above all families of the earth. (Amos 3:2-3) They knew Him, His laws, and His ways better than any other peoples of the earth. There was a covenant agreement that was made at Mt. Sinai through Moses that bound them together. They had agreed to walk together! Because of this, God had a responsibility to punish Israel for her sins. He also promised to warn His people about the coming punishment by raising up prophets who would speak clearly for Him. (Amos 3:7)
Amos began to speak to God’s people as God spoke to him. Amos warned the people of coming judgment by war. (Amos 3:11-12) They would be overrun by the enemy. Their altars at Bethel would be destroyed and their mansions demolished. The women of Israel were also singled out because of their oppression of the poor and needy. They loved to drink alcohol and live a luxurious lifestyle, but neglected God’s law. The people went through religious motions, but their hearts were far from God. (Amos 4:1-5)
God had tried often to get their attention. He withheld rain from the land and brought famine. He struck gardens with blight and mildew and sent plagues among them. Some he overthrew like Sodom and Gomorrah, and snatched them from the fire! Yet the people failed to get the message and return to Him! (Amos 4:7-11)
“”Therefore this is what I will do to you Israel, and because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth–the Lord God Almighty is His name! “ (Amos 4:12) Take time today and examine your life. Has God been trying to get your attention? Are you harboring sins and living in luxury and complacency? Repent while you can!