Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 10
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”  And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter.  And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.--vs.9-11

Scrolls represent God's Word. The angel had a message for John. A message tasting sweet on the tongue but feeling bitter in the stomach. I wonder how many prophets felt this way about the words God put on their hearts to share with the people. I wonder how many preachers standing in the pulpit with tough words would rather remain nauseous than speak the difficult message.

Speaking tough words, delivering a hard message doesn't sit well with us. Neither does hearing one. We would rather put a fresh coat of paint over rotten wood than deal with what's causing the rot. I am learning feasting on God's Word can be as sweet as honey and other times it leaves me a bit sick at my stomach.

Those are the times I pay close attention to what God is revealing to me... in me. I ask Him to show me the root of my queasiness.

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!--Psalm 139:23

I would rather be a bit uncomfortable for a moment as He reveals my grievous ways. For my discomfort leads to His everlasting way.

Lord Jesus, I pray You would teach me to feast on Your Word,

to eat it and let it nourish my life, be the foundation on which I live.

I pray the possibility of uneasiness for a time would not keep me

from Your truth. Lead me in the everlasting Way.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 9:12-21
(Click on the link to read God's Word.)

It took ten plagues to change Pharoah's mind. It took the death of every single firstborn child to get him to release the Israelites. We have now seen God open six seals and with this seal comes three plagues. Not your run of the mill plagues either. These plagues killed one third of the world's population.

You would think those watching this happen around them would change their ways. You would think they would be looking for the answers that might offer salvation. But no. They continued on with their worship of idols and sexual immorality refusing to see or hear or change.

We are not much different at times. Consider those things you too refuse to change. May God open your eyes and ears to His way.

Father God, may I never miss Your discipline.

Prepare my heart to receive the grace of Your correction.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 9:1-11
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

The children at our church are learning about Moses and we just finished discussing the plagues. One of the plagues God sent was locusts. In Exodus 10 you find the creatures devouring everything growing in the fields and fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained in the entire land of Egypt.

With the blowing of the fifth trumpet the locusts return. Only this time they don't devour crops and plants in the land... they torment people.

I see similarity in both. The plague in Egypt had a purpose. It was sent to convince Pharoah to release the slaves. It was meant for the freeing of God's people.

The strange things John is seeing and writing in this vision have purpose too.They are meant to prepare the world for the returning of the true King. And when the King comes in final victory, we will know complete freedom.

So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.--John 8:36

Lord, this plague torments unbelievers, those who do not have Your seal.

There are many in the world today without Your seal of the Holy Spirit

and they often find themselves in torment. Use me to offer grace,

compassion, mercy, and comfort to those who don't know the Prince of Peace.

Bless me faith to use my freedom to serve the lost in love.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 8
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

I arrive near the end of this reading weary. I've combed the section more than once for some nugget of hope to offer. I'm looking hard at the page to recognize Jesus somewhere in the midst of the mayhem. And then the last verse,

 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”--vs. 13

We are not finished yet. Tomorrow's reading will bring three more trumpet blasts signaling something terrible for those who dwell on earth.

It gives me the same feeling when I read the newspaper or watch the evening news. So I don't. Most days you'll find me happily oblivious to what's going on in the headlines. I just avoid it all together.

I've done the same with these passages for a long time and if you want to know the truth... I could skip all this terrible too, but I'm not. Though I don't really understand it all, I'm pushing forward and holding on to the truth of Jesus. If this is God's plan, then it will be for my good... for your good... for the good of the entire world... What God allows, He uses.

 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.--Romans 8:28

Father God, as darkness of all kinds seems to be taking over the world

keep me mindful of Your promise through Jesus:

"I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Amen. 

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 7
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
 ‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Those having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb are a countless multitude from every tribe, nation, and language. Those who have died with Christ in the baptismal waters of salvation are now standing before His throne clothed in white. Never again will they hunger or thirst. No tears will fall from their eyes.

They stand in His presence serving Him day and night in His holy temple. This is you... and me... Words cannot describe how beautiful the day will be.

Lord Jesus, bless me with the perseverance and faith

to endure the tribulations of life with grace and godliness.

Fill me with the hope of the glory to come and the zeal to serve You

with every moment I have in this world so I won't waste

my days on the things of this earth which pass away.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 6:10-17
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

The opening of the sixth seal brings some scary stuff. Earthquakes, darkness, stars falling from the sky... mountains, islands, and even the sky are all blown by a gale turning everything as we know it upside down. It leaves people hiding in caves, no matter their wealth or power, they call out for their own death.

“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne,--vs 16

If I'm honest I wonder, will anyone be safe? Is there protection for those who believe? It says everyone... does it mean me too? I don't have the entire answer, but here's what I do see. The people hid themselves. In fact, they would rather die than see Jesus face to face. Fear does that... sends us hiding in caves of our own making so we don't have to face the Savior.

Elisha was found hiding in a cave once. After a great victory he ran in fear to a cave.

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”  And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.--1 Kings 19: 9-12

Elisha thought he was alone, the only one left. Wind, earthquake, and fire passed in front of the cave, yet God was not in them. Elisha heard God in the small whisper, in the quiet after the storm. Have you been hiding somewhere lately? Shaking in your shoes from the strong gales of life? Hiding is not the answer. Standing and listening for His voice at the mouth of the cave is.

And maybe on the final days this is exactly what Believers will do too. They'll watch the created world change and as the wind dies down they'll move to the mouth of those caves and listen. Maybe like Elisha they'll hear Jesus calling and go out to meet Him face to face. Oh what a glorious day it will be!

Lord, I choose to practice trusting You, Your love, Your promise,

Your presence. With each small storm of life I will cast my anxieties on You

by prayer and with thanksgiving. May I know the peace You promise now,

so I may experience it no matter the storm. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Link: Revelation 6:1-9
(Read the Scripture by clicking on the link.)

The world we live in looks a lot like John's description. Lack of peace, violence, famine, and death run rampant. We hear of children's lives taken by wild beasts at theme parks and Believers choosing death over denying their faith. This is the world we live in and at times I think its getting worse. Feelings of hopelessness can creep in from all sides.

Take a look at the first part of this reading once more.

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder,“Come!”  And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.--vs. 1-2

The very first words give us reason for hope. Do you see who opened what seems horrible? Jesus, the Lamb, is the one who opens the seals. And it gives me hope and assurance to know if He allows it, opens it, He plans to use it. He'll use it for our good and the good of others.

Once I drove home from a funeral, tears sliding down my cheeks and cried out in the quiet of my car, "WHAT A WASTE!" God answered me in the moment with something I'll never forget. Nothing in my world is wasted. I hold this truth close, in the face of terrible in this world. Nothing... not. one. single. thing. is wasted in God's creation.

Many look at this book we are reading as the key to knowing what's coming. When Christ will return. I don't know when the time will be, according to Scripture no one does. But I do know this... with every passing day we are one day closer. May He find us faithful upon His return. Trusting God knows what He's doing even when we don't understand. May He discover us full of hope in the Lamb, the One who takes away the sin of the world!

Lord, You alone have the power and authority over the last days,

bless me with the faith to face these days with hope in You.

Remind me You are the Prince of Peace no matter the circumstances.

Fill me with eager expectation for Your coming.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Verses: Revelation 5
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. --Hebrews 10:1-4

Old Testament law required sacrifices for sin, but it wasn't permanent. Sacrifice upon sacrifice, year after year was made for the atonement of sin. This is how God's people remained in relationship with Him.

God knew a final sacrifice must be made. His plan to provide the sacrifice of His Son was always in motion, and the law of the Old Testament points directly to it. Jesus, the Lamb of God, would be the final payment.

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. --Hebrews 10:11-14

Jesus did what no other sacrifice could do. He perfected those who are being sanctified. He perfected me and you, once and for all.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!

Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Yourself for me.

May I glorify You everyday with my life.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 4
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

I won't pretend to know the meaning of this chapter. Creatures with eyes front and behind, an ox, eagle, lion, twenty four thrones holding twenty four elders. Thunder, trumpets, seven torches not to mention the seven spirits of God. I'm not sure what all this means. There are those who know more. Thousands of pages written on the meaning of it all. You could spend a life time studying this chapter, striving to figure it out.

When I read it, one impression comes to mind. We serve a gigantic, powerful, incredible God and He deserves to be praised. This is not a chapter full of thanksgiving for the things God has done, for the blessings He bestows. No, this is a reading full of fierce praise for the One whose very nature commands it.

Day and night the creatures never cease praising God.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

Revelation 4:8

And when the twenty-four elders hear it, they fall before Him declaring His glory, casting their crowns before the throne. Friends, this is praise. All in heaven understand their place in the presence of our Savior. The questions is, do we? How long has it been since you praised God for who He is... mighty, powerful, the Most High? Let's take our place and praise God along with the elders. Let's cast our crowns before His throne and cry out:

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

Revelation 4:11

Amen. 

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 3:14-22

This message to Laodecia makes me shutter a bit. God's Word is clear. He would rather you be hot or cold. Not lukewarm. No, lukewarm is spewed out of His mouth... the word in Greek means vomit. Ughh! What a horrible picture and it has often left me wondering why? Why lukewarm... why not the cold?

You might get an even clearer picture if you can remember the last time you drank something lukewarm. What was your reaction to lukewarm coffee or room temperature water on a hot day? Lukewarm is not just about taste. Believers can develop a lukewarm attitude when it comes to our faith journeys. We can go about the activities without engaging our heart in the matter.

If I know one thing at all... I know I do not want to be lukewarm! What about you? Do you find yourself lukewarm? Have you developed a nonchalant attitude when it comes to the things of God? Recognizing this is half the battle. Begin today to do what it takes to become more than lukewarm.

 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,  which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.-2 Timothy 1: 6-12

Lord, reveal any lukewarm attitudes in my heart when it comes to faith.

Fan afresh the flame of the Spirit in my life. I want to burn hot for You

and not the things of the world.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 3:1-13
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

Both the message to the church in Sardis and Philadelphia begin with the same four words.

"I know your works"-vs. 1 and 8

The message to the church of Sardis goes on to say, "You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead." These words reveal the heart of their work. The believers at Sardis were working, and from the outside it looked good... even holy. But the message calls their work incomplete. I've been there myself at times. Doing good for the sake of looking good. Going to church, saying the right words, and looking the part may convince others we are doing good work, but it doesn't convince God. God sees into the heart of the matter.

Philadelphia receives a different message. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. A church patiently enduring difficulties, obeying His word. It doesn't seem like they had a reputation at all. Maybe even unaccepted in the place they served so faithfully.  Believers with little power, and yet they keep on keeping on. They have kept the word and continue to claim the name of Jesus. God sees the heart of this as well.

Imagine God sending you a message in this moment. Imagine Him saying these four words...I know your works. What would He say next? What truly motivates the work you do? is it love for God? or the good reputation? What does God see when it comes to your heart?

Lord, I can't deny there are times I serve because it looks good... because it is what I'm supposed to do. Forgive me when I want to look alive for others. Show me the condition of my heart. Revive it...make it alive. May my only motivation be love for you. In Jesus name... amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 2:12-29
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Two churches with similar issues. Some in the church of Pergamum following the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. The church of Thyatira allowing the teachings of Jezebel. God had a message for both, "Do not hold to the teachings of sexual immorality or idolatry." The consequences were dire: tribulation, war, even death. Here's what catches my attention:

I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 2:16 (emphasis added)

Just this week we studied the importance of God's Word in our Bible study. The two Scriptures we read give insight into what this sword is.

...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God...

Ephesians 6:17

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,

and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews4:12

God's Word is a sharp sword dividing truth from deception. When we seek God in His Word through the leading of the Spirit it becomes living and active, helping us discern the intentions of our hearts. It is the only weapon of offense we have in our armor. So let's continue to pick up our sword daily. Asking God to reveal Himself and His way, to show us where we've fallen into deception ourselves.

Lord Jesus, forgive us for the places we've fallen to error.

Keep us in Your Word. Reveal the intentions of our hearts.

Judge us now while we still have time to repent.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 2:1-11
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

The beginning of John's vision is a message to the seven churches. In them we too can find truth as it applies to our own church and lives. To the church of Ephesus he writes:

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first,

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent,

and do the works you did at first.

Revelation 2:4-5

Do you remember when Jesus captured your heart? a time you were busting at the seams with joy? What did your faith look like then?

There are times we can get so caught up in the work of our Christianity we forget why we do what we do. Take time today to remember the love you first shared with Jesus. Ask God to refresh your soul with a new excitement about who Jesus is and what He did for you.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation...

Psalm 51:12 ESV

Father God, fill me afresh with the joy of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Bless me with a renewed understanding of what You have done for me,

and how much You love me. Fill my heart with love for You. 

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Imagine John in this moment... stuck on an island because of his testimony of Jesus. I'm amazed by a man exiled to an island who continues to practice the "Lord's day." Though there is some argument about what day of the week the "Lord's day" actually was, most agree the Lord's day was a weekly celebration of  the Resurrection. Here he is on an island with no other fellow Believers and continues to worship and observe the Sabbath.

It leads me to ask the question to you... to myself. If you had no building to go to, no Believers to join with, would you still worship weekly? What would it look like? How would you lead and participate in worship?

Worship is not a spectator sport. When we prepare our hearts throughout the week to participate in worship, God is faithful to reveal Himself in the music and His Word. So let's get ready for worship. Let's prepare our hearts this week through prayer and seeking Him in His Word. Let's join together Sunday and be amazed by the things He reveals.

Lord Jesus, teach me to worship.

Prepare my heart to bless You with worship even when I'm alone.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 1:1-8
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture.)

I can't believe we are really here. The final book of the New Testament. Honestly, I've been dreading this portion of writing. This book has always been a scary mystery to me. A book I've avoided most of my life because I just can't wrap my mind around it. Maybe it is for you too. So, let's just keep going and commit to walk along side each other as we complete these final steps in our journey. Won't you pray for us in the writing and we will pray for you too!

The very title of the book catches my attention: Revelation. I've always thought of it as plural, but it's not. One revelation to John. Webster's defines revelation as "an act of revealing or communicating divine truth, something that is revealed by God to humans."

The first eight verses reveal to us the truth about Jesus. God's only Son coming to save us by shedding His blood for our sin. Jesus... the first born of the dead. His resurrection brings freedom to those who believe. Because of Him we have become His kingdom, priests serving a mighty God.

The final verse "I am the Alpha and Omega... who is, and who was, and who is to come." This one is not too hard to wrap our minds around. He is the beginning and the end. He is God, was God, and will always be God.

How has God revealed this to you lately? How has He shown you He is God yesterday, today, and forever?

Lord Jesus, bless me with a fresh revelation of who You are.

Beyond the Gospels: Jude

Today's Scripture: Jude 17-25
(Click on the link or open your Bible to read today's passage.)

They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers,

following their own ungodly passions." It is these who cause divisions,

worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

Jude 18-19

The prophesy of the apostles still stands today. All around the world division takes root, followers of Christ are mocked, and ungodly passion drives many to do ungodly things. Sometimes it feels like the whole wide world is devoid of the Spirit.

The author of Jude gives us a plan... encouraging words to help us persevere.

...build yourself up in your most holy faith. Take time to worship, steep yourself in His Word, talk about the wonders of God with others.

...pray, pray, pray.

...keep yourself in love with God. Give thanks for the blessings of each day.

...show mercy to others. 

When we practice these things, God is faithful to reveal the world is not devoid of the Spirit. No, I would say it is the exact opposite. He is alive and working in all things for our good... for the good of others... for the good of the entire world!

Lord Jesus, remove the spirit of scoffing from me.

Reveal where I cause division and follow ungodly passions.

Purify my heart, Lord, as only You can.

Fill me with a desire to build up my holy faith, to pray,

to love You more each day, and show the same mercy to others

as You have so graciously shown me.

Beyond the Gospels: Jude

Today's Reading: Jude 1-16
(We'll spend two days on this powerful little book. You might want to grab your Bible and a highlighter as we read this book.)

The last verse of our reading today caught my attention.

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

Webster's describes grumble as "to complain quietly about something." Have you considered how often you complain? grumble? It is so easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking and words. Grumbling, complaining is a habit Believers should avoid. Jude's words describe it as ungodly.

What about malcontent? A malcontent is a person who is always or often angry or upset about something. I've been there. It took the words of a special friend to reveal this side of me. I took a good, long look at myself and realized she was right. I was easily angered about situations and circumstances in my life, and I often shared it with others. 

Grumbling, complaining, being upset all the time does not build up His Kingdom in us or in others. Consider you words today... the times you get angry. Are you a grumbler? malcontent? Ask God to transform your complaining into praise... you anger into joy.

Oh Lord, reveal and remove my sinful desires!

Open my own ears to my grumbling and self-righteous anger.

Bring my desires in line with Yours. Teach me to be a Kingdom builder.

Beyond the Gospels: 3 John

Today's Verses: 3 John 5-15
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.

3 John 11

We are called to imitate good... do good. Let's wander through a few of God's words on doing good.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 (emphasis added)

We were created in Christ to do good.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (emphasis added)

The good we do shines like a light pointing others to the One who is good.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2: 14-17 (emphasis added)

Faith apart from good work is no faith at all... it's dead in fact. 

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up. 
Galatians 6:9

All this good can wear us out apart from God. We must learn to lean on Him as we imitate His goodness in our lives. Don't give up! Keep doing His good work! For in His time and His way, we will reap the good we sow in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Father God, in the world today it's sometimes hard to distinguish
what's good and what's evil. What's right and what's wrong.
I do know You alone are Right and Good. Teach me to follow You,
Your way, according to Your Word. I want to do the good You
created me for and never be an example of evil.

Beyond the Gospels: 3 John

Today's Scripture: (No link needed today. Read the verses below.)

This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.  Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.  I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

3 John 1:1-4 NLT 

The church staff often goes to lunch together and as we were gathering one Monday there stood Patrick, Cassie, and me (Stacy). Di walks out of her office and says, "Look at you guys... my kids. Serving God in this way. It makes me proud." We smiled and walked on but these words in 3 John are a lot like hers. What greater joy is there than seeing someone you've mentored, loved, and encouraged become faithful followers of Jesus? How happy it makes us when someone we've prayed for continues to serve God and live out their calling!

Take a moment today and consider those who've mentored you along your faith journey. Give thanks for them. Now think of those you have encouraged and loved in the faith. Praise God for using you in their lives!

Lord, may I know the greater joy of knowing my children,

both biological and spiritual, are walking with You

and following the Truth.

Beyond the Gospels: 2 John

Today's Reading: 2 John
(Click on the link to read the verses.)

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

2 John 6

A few months ago I had this discussion with a loved one. One who says they love, says they respect, says they listen to wisdom. I believe their heart is in the right place. I believe they believe this, but the actions don't match the words. Without actions words mean nothing... they're just words. You've heard it said, "Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk." If actions do not align with words, there is no truth in it. 

John's message is similar. Obedience is the action of love. When we love God, we will make obedience a priority in our life. It doesn't mean we'll get it right every time. It means we want to get it right, our hearts yearn to obey the One we love.

I'm sure most of us would answer "Yes!" if I asked, "Do you love God?" What would the answer be if asked, "Does your obedience reflect your love for Him?" Something to ponder as we go about our day. 

Lord, I want to love You. Teach me to walk in Your way.
Obedient and faithful to Your Word.

Beyond the Gospels: 1 John

Today's Reading: 1 John 5:13-21
(Click on the link to read today's Scripture. You might notice a different version. This month the links will be from the New Living Translation.)

Dear children, keep away from anything that might

take God's place in your hearts.

1 John 5:21

If I wrote these words to you, I would say, 

Dear children, friend, spouse, hairdresser...

Dear sister, brother, grandparent, businessman...

Dear officer, widow, mom, or dad...

Keep away, don't go near, run from, turn away anything

... your phone, television, romance novel

... your career, money, possessions

... your games, hobbies, music

... your hurt, resentment, bitterness

if it has some chance, some possibility of taking God's place in your hearts. Throw. It. Out! Let it go! Don't give it another thought!

Why? because these things don't happen over night and if you give an inch it will take a mile. And nobody wants to give up miles or years to something that has no power to transform... no power to heal... no power to redeem. God seeks to rule and reign in our hearts. Is there something in His place? some reigning power sucking your time, energy, joy? Today is the day to put God back on the throne of your heart.

Father God, show me what's taking Your place in my life.

Bless me with the humility to come into agreement with You.

Bless me with the faith to let it go and throw it out!