Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. v17

God is just...and His justice is perfect.

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. Psalm 9:8

 

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

 

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." Matthew 16:27

 

As such, we should live our time on earth with reverent fear.  We are not citizens of earth so we should respect the host - our God the Father.  And we should respect our God the Father because our bodies are not our own...we live for the glory of God.  We have a God who is perfect in all ways, is all powerful, and all knowing.  He is Lord of Lords and He reigns over all.  He demands our love and is worthy of it.  He knows everything about us yet chose to adopt us, and suffer and die for us.  

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, no doubt You are a great God worthy of my praise, worship, love, and obedience.  Thank You for being my God.  You have done everything for me yet I know I am undeserving.  I am selfish, lazy, and I worry.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. v6-7

It's no doubt difficult to suffer any kind of trial, yet Peter encourages us to think of how our suffering serves both us and Christ.  We are refined through suffering and we share in the suffering of Christ with whom we will share eternity.  We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus while we live in our earthly bodies and bring others to Him by demonstrating how we are "set apart" or holy.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” v15

 

The call for us to be set apart is elsewhere in scripture - see here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are Holy and You lived a perfect live, then You suffered and died for me...of course You did not deserve such punishment yet You willingly laid down Your life for me...thank You Jesus!  What an amazing gift.  I am undeserving of such a gift.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 1

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. v22-23

Jude wants us to stand firm in our faith in the face of those who corrupt the church.  As we do this, we must be careful not to judge or be harsh.  Instead we are to be merciful.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.  Matthew 7:1-5

Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a merciful God, full of love, patience, compassion, kindness, etc. for me even though often I am not for others.  Thank You Jesus for such love but please forgive me for my sin and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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 people so that we may work together for the truth.

3 John 1

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 people so that we may work together for the truth. v7-8

There are many who go out in the mission field to spread the Good News of Jesus.  We are to support these people, financially, emotionally, through prayer, etc.  

Paul writes to the church in Corinth about how we should "excel in this grace of giving":


And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love, mercy, compassion and patience for me...and You bless me in many more ways than this!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessing - I worry too much.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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.

2 John 1

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. v6

Love means action - not just words.  In all relationships, including marriage, and even with those whom you know "loosely".  Just because we may not share the same close bond with others as you may a spouse, a family member, or even a close friend, that does not mean we should not love - with action.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:22-24 

I am compelled to be in action to demonstrate that I love others as God loves me.  Help me be who the man You intend me to be.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I have seen You in others as they have serve myself and Lisa.  Thank You Jesus!  I know You love me and You want me to love others as You love me.  Yet I often do not.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome this sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

1 John 5

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. v18

God does not want us to sin yet He knows that we do and that we will...that is why He sent is one and only Son (John 3:16-18). God saves us from being slave to sin and also protects us from sin through His Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and through the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and You save me from the sting of sin and death and You help protect from my own sin...thank You Jesus!  I know You love me. I am not worth such love because I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 John 5

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. v14-15

I have previously posted on these verses here.  A corollary to this post is that we cannot expect to have what is not God's will.  While we have free will, it is God's will we should be seeking.   If we don't have what we want we should examine both what we DO have and our wants.  

 May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You know what is best for me.  You have corrected me, trained me, and You are full of compassion and mercy for me even when I fail to please You - which I know is often.  Thank You Jesus but please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of her chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

1 John 5

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. v4-5

Many will claim that following all of the commands of Jesus is burdensome but au contraire...our relationship with Jesus is freedom.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Peter also helps us understand that everyone has a master:

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” 2 Peter 2:19

...And we have a master that provides true freedom - freedom from the sting of sin and death.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are freedom indeed!  And You are victory over sin and death...and You are with me always.  This I know...Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth the love and blessings You provide.  I worry, am selfish, etc.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. v10

John helps us better understand love.  First, he defines love as from and of God...for us.  Next, we love God; then, it is a love for others as manifestation of our love for God.  A key verse becomes:

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. v12

Love does not stop for or with us...it FLOWS through us to others and others come to Him.  I believe this is how love becomes complete - it is by design to glorify God.  It is not a worldly thing..."because God is love" (1 John 4:8).

My Prayer: Lord, You are a an awesome God!  You are the Creator and Ruler over all things and You created love and You ARE love.  And You love me!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love...I am often selfish, and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

1 John 4

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. v6

There are false prophets among us, there is the world and if we stray from God our own actions deviate from the desires of God.  We make decisions - big and small - every day - and the influences around us are critical.  We must make God first and He must surround us in our daily lives.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;  

in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and I know that no one comes to the Father but through You.  Thank You for the many, many ways You bless me.  Yet I often pursue idols - please forgive me!!  I love You and I desperately need You and desire You to reign in my life.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 3

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. v23

From Matthew 22, Jesus gives us the greatest commandments.  Here John repeats Jesus' commands.  What is striking to me this morning is the extent to which we love others is tied to our love of Jesus.


The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. v24

This sentiment is also expressed in the subsequent chapter:

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:20-21

 

We must love God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are...You are love and Your love abounds to heights and breadths that cannot be measured.  You have so much patience, compassion, mercy, etc. for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry...too much. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

There are many people in need in our community and in the world and John challenges us to meet people where they are - to help.  Not just in prayer or words but in action - to give. 

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Psalm 112:5

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42

 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 

 

One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25

 

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17

 

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern                  Proverbs 29:7

 

My Prayer:  Lord, You are a great God full of love, generosity, compassion, patience, etc. for me.   Thank You Jesus!  However, I am not deserving of such blessings because I am often not this way to others. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

1 John 3

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. v15

If we love God with all of our heart, soul and mind there is no room for hate because we effectively remain near to Him and become more like Him and Jesus loves all of His children, even those who sin (because we all sin - Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8).  

We must love one another.

Matthew 22:37-40
John 13
1 John 4:7-12

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God, the King of Kings and the Name Above All Names.  You were before all, in all, through all, created all, and hold all things together.  Without You I can do no good things.  You protect me, You bless me, encourage me, love me, have compassion and mercy on me...thank You Jesus.  I know my words are insufficient for all that You are but I am hopeful that my words and my life are a living sacrifice for You.  Please forgive me for my harsh words towards others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

1 John 3

Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. v13

God wants us to be different...to be set apart.  Others should see Jesus in us and be drawn to Him.  If are to be different, to be set apart, then it should not come as a surprise if the world rejects us.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

Others should see the Light in us:

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed, the Way, the Truth, and the Life...and I have no path to the Father but through You.  I DO desire You.  And I want to please and glorify You and bring others to You.  I want to be a Light just as You are a Light.  You bless me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out for me and for adopting me as Your son.  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I worry..and am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! v1

We have been blessed indeed.  We have a Father that knows everything about us, including our sin, yet He chose to live as we do, suffering and dying in our place.  We are blessed indeed!

Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. Deuteronomy 9:6

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

We should be content with what we have and because we have such a God!

 

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

My Prayer: Indeed - You are Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior!  King of Kings and Lord of Lords...all knowing and all powerful.  You DO know everything about me...yet You chose me as Your son...and gave me blessings that are overwhelming.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such showers of love.  I am selfish, lazy, worrisome, etc.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 2

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. v28

We must be ready - because we never know when God will call us Home or when Jesus will return.  We must live with the end in mind and be prepared.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44

 

 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. Revelation 22:12

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God!  You have blessed me withe life, family, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the Church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and so much more.  My cup overflows...Thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out for me...I am undeserving.  I am weak, I speak and think harsh words of others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

1 John 2

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. v15

The world is full of amazing creations: creation itself, material things, people, etc.  The admonition is that we are not to idolize anything.  We can enjoy the world but not idolize...this is a critical distinction.  Avoid anything that takes the place of God.

John continues:

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. v16-17

John echoes what God provides the Israelites from the Ten Commandments:

You shall have no other gods before me.

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. Exodus 20:3-4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and compassion.  I use my words inappropriately.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

1 John 2

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. v9

Hate implies anger and other emotions that harden our heart.  Any hardening of our hearts prevents us from loving God and loving others - the two most important commandments in the Bible.

As I posted Saturday, we are to live as Jesus did so that others can see Jesus in us and we can draw others to Him.  Bottom line, we exist to glorify Him and for His purpose.

They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. Isaiah 60:21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are love - everything You are and all that You do is out of love...perfect love, perfect justice...yet You chose me, knowing everything about me, then suffered and died for me so that I can find freedom from the sting of sin and death and eternity in Heaven with You.  What a great God You are!  I am not worth such love....I am lazy, selfish, and I worry.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 2

This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. v5-6

Challenging words indeed from John - John wants us to live in the light and for us to live in the light and in Him (Jesus), we must live as Jesus did.  A very high standard indeed.  A great place to start is with Jesus' two most important commandments:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God and You lived a sinless perfect life then willingly laid down Your life for me so that I would be freed from the sting of sin and death and so that I would have eternal life in Heaven with You.  How awesome are You!  Thank You Jesus for doing all that You have done and for doing all that You do.  I know my worship is but filthy rags I offer it with the hope that You will accept my life as a living sacrifice.  Please.  Forgive me for not being all that You desire for me.  I am selfish and I desire my comfort far too often.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. v3

Yesterday, I posted about God wants us to "snatch" others from the fire...to bring others into God's Kingdom.  This morning, this message is reinforced by John who encourages us to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others as well.  

We should feel compelled to tell others about Jesus.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, indeed I am witness to Your miracles in my life, in the lives of others around me, and in the world.  You are all powerful, all knowing and full of love, compassion and mercy for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and compassion. I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 1

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. v22-23

Jude warns us how people claiming to be believers weaken our church by openly sinning against God - despite their claim to be believers.  We see this today in the church and so Jude's warning is just as relevant today as it was when it was written.  Yet our role is not to be judge but instead to encourage others to repent and believe - to be saved.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

My Prayer: Lord, You indeed are a great God, full of mercy and compassion for me.  You loved me while I was still sinning and You chose me...adopted me as Your son, going to the cross for me.  What love!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am weak and disobedient.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

Malachi 4

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. v2

Malachi delivers a message of both victory and defeat, for He describes the coming the Lord at the end of times (Revelation).  For those of us who believe in Jesus and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, this is a victory...a final victory over sin and death.  Yet Christ provides victory for us daily and has given us a great task to bring others to Him (Matthew 28). 

 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love, compassion, and patience for all of Your children.  You loved us and saved us while we were still sinners. Amazing.  Thank You Jesus for such mercies and compassion!  I am not worthy such love and blessings.  I am impatient, and I worry, among my many sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I the Lord do not change.

Malachi 3

I the Lord do not change. v6

God is perfect in all ways, He loves, and He always keeps His promises.  When we see change (some good, some bad) all around us, we should be comforted by knowing that we have a God who is the First and the Last, will always love us and is faithful.  This cannot be said of people. Nor can this be said of things. 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17-19

 
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Our faith and trust should rest in the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed my firm foundation and I know that You will never change and I can rest on You.  Thank You Jesus!  What a great God You are!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14

Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. v3

In "this world", as believers we are surrounded by sinful influences, and at times it can be overwhelming.  In chapter 14, Zechariah prophesizes about challenging times indeed. Yet, we don't need to worry because God will fight for us and He will give us victory...in this life or in Heaven.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.  I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Psalm 45:4-8

 

But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked. Psalm 129:4

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God indeed.  You protect me from my Satan and give me victory over sin and death - what a great God You are!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such a God.  I continue to sin...worry, impatience, envy, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.