God Shows No Partiality (Gal. 2:4-6)

But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
(Galatians 2:4-6, NASB)

As I meditated on these words and prayed for the Spirit’s words for you, I realized I could focus on one of several ideas: false brethren bringing us into bondage; not yielding to those speaking lies; or making certain the gospel remains in us.

But what really caught my eye and touched my heart were the words, “God shows no partiality.”

Stop a moment and read over those words again. “God shows no partiality.” None.

We tend to revere those who are smarter or richer or more talented than we are. Somehow they seem to be better or greater. Even in the Christian community, we look at those such as Billy Graham or Beth Moore or Charles Spurgeon—or Paul, and think they’re more spiritual than we are or are closer to God.

God doesn’t see us that way. He doesn’t look at how famous we are or how much money we’ve donated to worthy causes. He doesn’t care if our name has been on the cover of countless books or if we’ve had our own radio or television show.

He cares about our hearts. He cares about our motives. Just as Jesus commended the widow for giving all she had (Mark 12:40-44) or the tax-gatherer for his sincere prayer (Luke 18:9-14), God esteems us when we sincerely seek His will. When we give sacrificially—and quietly. When we use the gifts He’s given us to serve Him and others.

Our society—especially in the United States—looks at status, at bank accounts, at notoriety. However, God looks at hearts, at service, at dedication to Him.

It’s comforting to know that God loves me as much as He does anyone else. And He loves you just as much!

Waiting on the Lord (Gal. 2:1-3)

Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
(Galatians 2:1-3, NASB)

We’ve talked about this before: God always answers prayers, but He answers differently, according to His will. Often, the hardest answer to receive from God is “wait.”

Sometimes God just wants us to patiently await His work. Paul waited 14 years to continue his God-given journey. He was an itinerant missionary and knew God had designed a particular path for him to take. And he was patient, knowing God would reveal His will in His timing.

Have you prayed for something for a long time, yet you feel God hasn’t answered? Chances are, He’s asking you to wait and trust Him.

I’ve been praying over 17 years for my husband’s salvation. I believe God is softening his heart, but so far, the answer has been, “Wait, My daughter.” It’s hard sometimes, but I know without doubt that God is faithful. I know with quiet certainty that He loves Russ so much more than I ever could. I know I can patiently and trustingly wait for the moment when the answer is finally, “Yes!”

We are invited to come to God and pray to Him, knowing He will listen. (See Jeremiah 29:12-13.) But we have to be ready to receive whatever His answer is. Even if He asks us to wait. For 14 years … or 17 years … or even longer.

All Glory to God (Gal. 1:18-24)

Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." And they were glorifying God because of me.
(Galatians 1:18-24, NASB)

God changes lives. He defeats addictions. He calms anger. He repairs relationships. He takes rebellious, sinful hearts and makes them white as snow.

And He sometimes takes the most defiant against Him or the most ambivalent towards Him or the weakest and makes them His spokespeople.

Moses feared he wouldn’t be able to speak to Pharaoh. Paul actively sought to destroy those who followed Christ, thereby destroying a new religious movement. Corrie Ten Boom was in her sixties, frail from interment in a Nazi death camp.

Yet each of these became a powerhouse in proclaiming God’s truth.

On a quite lesser scale, I was a rebellious, fist-in-the-face-of-God teenager and young adult. I didn’t want to have anything to do with faith. Then I recommitted my life to the Lord, and all I wanted to do was know Him better and serve where He wanted me.

I never expected He’d use me to speak or write. I felt unworthy to do either. Yet, God, in His mercy and grace, chose to give me the privilege of telling His stories.

You may think your choices have somehow made you inadequate to be used by God in a significant way. But that’s one of the great things about our God. He’ll use the most broken vessel to do His will.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been. If you surrender your life to Him, willing to do whatever He asks, He will use you. You may be a Moses or a Paul. Or you may be the only Jesus your neighbors, friends, and coworkers see. In either case, others will be pointed to Christ through you.

And God will receive all the glory.

Called Through Grace (Gal. 1:15-17)

But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.
(Galatians 1:15-17, NASB)

It still amazes me that God “set me apart” and “called me through His grace.” That’s how much He loves me.

And He continues to use me—oftentimes, in spite of me.

Tonight, I’m so very blessed to be opening in a stage adaptation of Little Women. The cast is amazing, and the story so heart-warming. And it shares how blessed we are as children of God. Why God has allowed me to be a part of such a ministry, I’m not sure. But I’m grateful for His love and grace.

And He’ll shower you with the same love and grace. Because you, too, are “called through His grace.”

God Uses Us ... In Spite of Us (Gal. 1:13-14)

For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.
(Galatians 1:13-14, NASB)

Have you ever thought you’re not “good” enough to be used by God? Maybe you’ve done things that shame you when you think of them. Or you deliberately turned away from God in rebellion. Or you’ve made choices that hurt you or others.

How can God use me? you think.

Guess what? None of us is perfect. All of us have our flaws and failings. And yet God chooses to use every one of us in His plan.

Paul persecuted those who chose to follow Christ. And he did it zealously, hoping to wipe this new faith off the map.

Yet God transformed him and used him mightily.

I made choices that led me on a twenty-year journey away from my faith. I very consciously chose to follow my own path and shook my fist in the face of my loving Father.

Yet God welcomed me back with open arms and gave me the blessing of serving Him through speaking and worship arts.

We do not—none of us—deserve God’s grace and mercy, and yet He offers them freely. And no matter where we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done, He will use us as He builds His kingdom.

How amazing!

Know the Bible (Gal.1:11-12)

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 1:11-12, NASB)

As I wrote on Tuesday, there is one gospel and one alone. The Bible is God’s revelation to us through the pens of men, and it is that gospel we who follow Christ believe.

Some of the so-called gospels being preached today aren’t found anywhere in the Bible—or are found only in part. The “name it and claim it” gospel, for example, is partially biblical. The Bible certainly includes verses such as Mark 11:24 (“whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”) or Matthew 7:7, 8 (“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”). These seem to support the idea that “I ask, and I get.”

However, if Mark 11:24 is read in context, we learn so much about how we’re to pray, how we’re to ask. First, we need to, as the New King James Version states, “Have faith in God.” If we have faith in God, we will desire to do His will, and if we desire to do His will, then indeed, we will be able to ask for anything. And He will do it—within His will. The second thing that stands out is that we can’t pray for God’s will if we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. (Partial excerpt from my book, The Best Laid Plans.)

Jesus Himself prayed within God’s will (see Matthew 26:39).

We must be very careful when we listen to men. And we must also know the Bible well. Then and only then can we be assured that the gospel we follow is God’s revealed word.

Striving to Please (Gal. 1:10)

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
(Galatians 1:10, NASB)

Such conviction in a single verse … and with such a simple question: Whom am I “striving to please”?

If I’m a true Christ-follower, the obvious answer is “God.” But when I look into the deepest part of my heart, is that the real answer?

Do I worry about how others will see me more than how God sees me?

Do I stress about how I’ll be seen as a speaker or a singer or an actor? Do I do these things for the accolades of man?

Or do I joyfully and gratefully do what God’s called me to do no matter what others might think?

Of course, I want to serve my God with excellence, but if I’m really, truly serving an “audience of One,” it won’t matter if I mess up. It won’t matter if I blow a line or my voice cracks. If my heart is focused on God, He’ll be pleased. And if man ridicules me or persecutes me or laughs at me? It won’t matter.

Because my God will be smiling, pleased with my heart.

Beware of Contrary Gospels (Gal. 1:6-9)

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
(Galatians 1:6-9, NASB)

The gospel is this: Jesus Christ—God the Son—came to earth and put on flesh. He preached about God the Father’s love, grace, and mercy. He took the sin of all mankind on Himself when He offered His own life as a sacrifice. Then He conquered death itself when He rose from the grave. He lives today, and salvation comes through the acceptance of His sacrifice and the commitment of our lives to the will of the Father.

So many so-called Christian churches are preaching a different gospel. If you’re good enough (whatever that means), you’ll make it to heaven. If you just believe that God exists (or some “higher power”), you’re going to be okay. If you make it to the occasional church service, you can check off your list that you did your “Christian duty.”

Paul made his feelings about those who are “preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received.” They aren’t just wrong; they’re “accursed.”

This is serious, folks. And I believe one of the reasons he was so adamant about this, is that those who preach a contrary gospel aren’t just wrong for themselves. No, they’re guilty of dragging others away from God’s truth.

It’s heartbreaking to see the gospel—a beautiful story of God’s grace and redemption—so distorted. It’s even more heartbreaking to think of souls that have been lost by contrary gospels.

What can we do? We can share God’s plan of salvation—the true story—with as many people as God brings across our paths. We can lovingly guide those who’ve heard those contrary gospels.

We can make certain we always speak truth.

God's Wisdom Through Paul's Pen (Gal. 1:1-5)

Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
(Galatians 1:1-5, NASB)

Oh, I do love Paul’s epistles, and I’m excited to begin this journey through his letter to the Christ-followers in Galatia.

And just five verses into the book, we’re already encouraged.

First, Paul reminds his reader that Jesus Christ lives. We indeed serve a risen Savior, who walks with us every day.

Second, God gives us grace and peace. These are ours just because God loves us.

Third, our salvation through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior protects us from the evil one. We live in very dark times, and this world is rapidly de-evolving into something rather ugly. But we have a rescuer. We’re not in this alone.

Finally, God does have a plan for each of us. And His will through us will give all glory to Him.

Whew. So much in just five short verses. I pray you’ll continue this journey with me as we learn more of God’s wisdom through Paul’s pen.

God Answers When We Call (Ps. 20:9)

Save, O LORD;
May the King answer us in the day we call.
(Psalm 20:9, NASB)

I know I’ve written about this before, but I have to write again … the Lord of the universe, the Sovereign Creator, the Alpha and Omega listens to us! And He answers us when we call out to Him!

Even though we so often fail Him, even though we let our focus drift from Him, He still lovingly hears our cries. He hears our prayers for intercession or healing or provision. And He always—always—answers.

A couple of days ago, I wrote how God answers prayers—yes, no, and wait. There’s never a time when He ignores us. There’s never a moment when He says, “I don’t think I’ll listen to [insert your name] today.”

It’s another mystery to think that God hears millions of voices simultaneously, but He does. And your voice is just as precious to Him as any other crying out to Him.

Call out to Him today, this very moment. Tell Him what’s on your heart. Lay it all at the foot of His throne. Know—beyond doubt—that He’s listening. Know—beyond doubt—that He’ll answer your call.

In What Are You Boasting? (Ps. 20:7-8)

Some boast in chariots and some in horses,
But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.
They have bowed down and fallen,
But we have risen and stood upright.
(Psalm 20:7-8, NASB)

So many people believe that everything they’ve done—everything they will do—is of their own power. And everything they have is because of their work, their smarts, their abilities. And so they boast.

“I have the best house, car, career, marriage, children,” they say.

“Look what I have done,” they exclaim.

“How wonderful am I that I’ve done all this, that I have all this,” they preen.

And then, the stock market drops, and they lose half their investments. Or the housing market dips, and they’re suddenly upside down. Or their children go off to make their own lives, and they never hear from them.

What then? In what can they boast?

There is only one thing worth boasting in. One thing that will never fail, that will never desert, that will never forsake.

God and He alone is worth boasting about. His grace. His mercy. His righteousness. His justice. His guidance.

His love.

In what are you boasting? In what have you put your faith?

Join the psalmist and always “boast in the name of the LORD, our God.”

God Answers Our Prayers! (Ps. 20:6)

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
(Psalm 20:6, NASB)

Oh, how I love the confidence we can have knowing that our Lord hears our prayers! And He always answers.

You’ve probably heard this before, but God always answers our prayers with either a “yes,” a “no,” or a “wait.” And if we pray within His will, we can be certain that His answer is perfect for us.

After I recommitted my life to Christ over 17 years ago, I prayed for months for a baby. And it seemed—to me, at least—God was saying “wait.” Well, that’s what my heart wanted to believe. It was only when I changed my prayer to “Lord, please give me a child or give me peace” that God answered with a decided “yes.” He gave me peace about remaining childless.

Since then, I’ve prayed for many things: healing, provision, my husband’s salvation.

Sometimes, God has answered “yes.” Right now, my husband and I are experiencing blessed provision, in spite of our now being a one-income family.

Sometimes, God has answered “no.” I’ve written before that I suffer from several chronic health issues. It’s become clear to me over the years that God chooses not to heal me. But there’s also a “yes” because I daily experience the “saving strength of His right hand.”

And sometimes, God has answered “wait.” This is the answer I truly, deep-in-my-heart believe about my husband’s salvation. I believe he’s seeking truth, and I believe he’ll one day come to know the joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Yes, God indeed “answers from His holy heaven.” And what a wonderful assurance it is to know how very true that is.

Sing for Joy (Ps. 20:5)

We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
(Psalm 20:5, NASB)

One of my favorite ways to praise and worship my Lord is through song. Sometimes the words of a favorite praise chorus or hymn say so much more than my own words ever could. And I love when songwriters put the scriptures to music. Old standards such as “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and newer songs like “Unchanging” by Chris Tomlin. Both take that wonderful verse from Lamentations ([His compassions] are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 3:23) and put it to music.

Someday, all of God’s children will raise their voices as one to praise and worship our God—face-to-face. We will joyfully sing of His victory over the enemy and sin. We will lift our hands or fall to our knees in utter awe of His greatness.

Can you imagine it? Millions and millions of love-filled voices. And I believe that each of us will have heaven-touched vocal chords. This certainly isn’t found anywhere in scripture, but I like the idea that even those who were only able to “make a joyful shout” (Ps. 66:1) on earth will be endowed with perfect pitch and crystal clear tone. And why not? After all, we know there will be no pain in heaven (Rev. 21:4)!

So while we linger, let’s continue to praise and worship in song, knowing that this is just the rehearsal for a mighty choir!

Our Heart's Desire (Ps. 20:3-4)

May He remember all your meal offerings
And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah.
May He grant you your heart's desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
(Psalm 20:3-4, NASB)

The Bible references this idea of God’s giving us our “heart’s desire” many times. And this can be taken either too lightly—God is the cosmic gumball machine where I can get anything I want—or without complete understanding. I took the following excerpt from my book, The Best Laid Plans. It seems quite appropriate today.

Many people point to certain verses they claim state that God will answer every prayer exactly the way they desire. They recite verses like Mark 11:24 where Jesus says, “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” They memorize Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7, 8 and state, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Yes, people read and memorize and recite these words, and then, when they don’t get the answer they wanted, they claim that God isn’t who He says He is. This is very dangerous territory. Yes, these verses and others do speak to asking and receiving, but it is so important, even crucial, that every prayer be uttered with the words, “Your will be done, Lord.”

An Answer in the Day of Trouble (Ps. 20:1-2)

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!
May He send you help from the sanctuary
And support you from Zion!
(Psalm 20:1-2, NASB)

“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows my sorrow.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”

The words from this old spiritual seem contradictory. Nobody knew the writer’s trouble and sorrow, but he could still sing “glory hallelujah.”

Why? How?

Perhaps he was familiar with psalms such as the 20th. Perhaps he knew his God would answer in the “day of trouble” and would hold him “securely on high.”

I’m so grateful to know that my God hears my prayers and cries for help in the days of trouble. When I’m in pain, He holds my hand … and sometimes He carries me. When my last ounce of energy is depleted, He gives me supernatural strength. And when I grieve, He wipes my tears.

The old spiritual may be right. Maybe nobody does know your trouble, your sorrow. Nobody on earth, that is.

But I kind of like the alternate lyrics:

“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”

Made for Relationships (3 John 1:13-14)

I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
(3 John 1:13-14, NKJV)

We are created for relationship. God put something deep in our hearts that needs to connect with others. And as I wrote in earlier devotional, it’s not enough to merely connect via all the technology available to us.

I had the great privilege to speak to a wonderful group of women this weekend. And in the just over 48 hours we were together, we built relationships. We laughed. We cried. We worshipped. We hugged.

It was beautiful!

There’s something that satisfies the heart when we meet face-to-face with those we care about. In our mobile society, sometimes that’s hard, I know. All of my family live far from my Southern California home, so phone calls and texting are the only way I can regularly connect with them. But there’s nothing—nothing—like those times when I can look into my mom’s eyes or bear-hug my sister or my nieces and nephews.

Make time for your friends and family. Schedule a coffee date with a dear friend. Plan a family reunion. Do something to connect—face-to-face.

Testimonies ... Our Stories (3 John 1:11-12)

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
(3 John 1:9-10, NKJV)

I’m often inspired by the stories of other people of faith.

When I’m struggling with pain, I read testimonies of people like Joni Earekson Tada. When I’m fearful, I remember how Queen Esther faithfully and courageously entered into the king’s presence, risking her very life. When I’m impatient, I recall my grandfather’s amazing ability to remain calm during times of crises.

I so admire people who live what they believe. They imitate Christ and strive to do good. And I’m challenged to the same.

Are you feeling a shakiness in your faith? Read the stories of God’s people from the Old or New Testament. Are you questioning God’s plan? Find words of wisdom from whose who’ve walked before you.

And remember: Someone maybe watching you, and your testimony may encourage and inspire her. Live as Christ would. Walk the path the Father has designed just for you. And then be ready to tell your story.

A Weekend Away

To my faithful readers,

I'm speaking at a retreat this weekend, and there is no internet for my computer. Soooo...I won't be posting Saturday, and Sunday's devotional will be posted later in the day.

I pray you have a blessed Saturday!

Sauni

Recieving Other Believers (3 John 1:9-10)

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
(3 John 1:9-10, NKJV)

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a child of God is that we’re part of a family. Wherever you go, when you meet another Christian, you have an immediate connection. In fact, my husband observed once, if we one day move out of Southern California, I would immediately find a new support group with a new family.

And so reading about this ancient man who was part of the early church hurts my heart. He wanted “preeminence”—the top dog. He refused to receive fellow believers and spoke maliciously. Not only did he not receive believers himself, but he also forbade others to do so—going so far as forcing those who did to leave the church.

How very sad.

We’re supposed to be a family, supporting each other. Praying for each other. Loving each other. When someone new enters our church, what will they experience? Will they be warmly welcomed? Will they feel an immediate connection? Will they feel like they’ve come home?

Or will they sit alone as everyone huddles together in cliques? Will they feel out of place? Will they not feel received?

Think about it. And this next Sunday? Keep your eyes open for a new face, and warmly welcome a new brother or sister.

Fellow Workers in Truth (3 John 1:5-8)

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
(3 John 1:5-8, NKJV)

Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was that we love our neighbors as ourselves. Providing hospitality to fellow Christians is one way we can show love to others. We should both “receive” and “send out” our brothers and sisters (whether they’re part of our local congregation or “strangers”) with generous support.

This could mean financial support of missionaries. Or providing a place to stay for a traveling praise team. Or bringing dinner to a convalescing church member.

It also means praying for others. Diligently. Persistently. Consistently. And as I write these words, I’m convicted yet again. I try to pray for my “fellow workers” regularly, but I’m not as consistent with this intervention as I should be. I’m not “faithfully” doing what I ought.

I need to be—you need to be—ready to provide whatever I can to support my brothers and sisters. I need to be open to whatever God asks of me.

And doing so, I’m fulfilling that second greatest commandment. I’m being faithful. I’m showing God’s love. I’m a “fellow worker for the truth.”

Walk in Truth (3 John 1:1-4)

The Elder, to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
(3 John 1:1-4, NKJV)

We’ve journeyed through John’s first two epistles. Now we’ll study God’s wisdom that flowed out of John’s pen in his third and final letter.

A couple of things stand out to me in these verses.

First, John prayed that his recipient “may prosper in all things and be in health …” We hear a lot these days about a prosperity gospel that says God wants all His children to prosper (i.e., be rich). Since we’re not all rich, does that mean we aren’t children of God? I don’t think so. John adds a caveat: he prays that they prosper “just as your soul prospers.”

And how does our soul prosper? By meditating on God’s word. By communing with Him in prayer and solitude. By glorifying Him. By surrendering everything to Him.

God may indeed bless us with financial wealth, but He would rather see our souls “prosperous” than our having huge bank accounts.

Second, John gave a most beautiful commendation of the faith of his recipient: “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.” His heart burst with godly pride as he saw his spiritual children share truth, so much that others “testified” of their faith.

And so I’m convicted. Would others “testify” of my faith? Would my spiritual “parents” be filled with joy as they heard of how I served God and others?

I pray so. And I want to make certain those who led and mentored me in my faith would be delighted in how I live for God. How I walk in truth.

God Blesses Us (Ps. 67:6-7)

The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.
God blesses us,
That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.
(Psalm 67:6-7, NASB)

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmingly blessed. I’m in a wonderful season right now, and I am grateful. No, things aren’t perfect. Physically, I’m experiencing quite a bit of pain. But in every other way, I just feel amazingly blessed. God has been answering prayers in very specific ways, and it’s been so uplifting to my heart and soul to see Him work—sometimes in very unexpected ways.

But even if I didn’t feel showered with blessings, I never forget how blessed I am just by being His child. I live in a country where I can worship freely. Even though I’m not working and we’ve had to cut back on our spending, Russ and I are still able to pay our bills. I have friends and family who pray for me and support me with their love.

God does bless us. He blesses us with His presence. He blesses us with the beauty of His creation. He blesses us by meeting our daily needs.

And why? Because He loves us. Because He wants to show the world how following Him brings joy and peace and contentment.

I think I’m going to try something, starting today. When someone asks me how I am, I’m going to say, “I’m blessed.” Because even when I may not be “fine” or “well,” I’m always blessed.

Worldwide Worship (Ps. 67:3-5)

Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For You will judge the peoples with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
(Psalm 67:3-5 NASB)

Can you imagine a worldwide worship service, with everyone praising and glorifying God? Think of the most inspiring, heart-touching worship experience you’ve ever had and multiply it a thousand-fold.

Can you imagine?

Yesterday, my brothers and sisters at Chino Valley Community Church enjoyed a wonderful time of praise and worship, including one of my all-time favorites, “The Revelation Song.” You know the one: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Holy, Holy is He …”

Songs like that never fail to instill a sense of awe and wonder.

And one day, the whole world will praise Him. Can you imagine?

That’s exactly what we’ll enjoy. Paul wrote that, one day, “every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10, NKJV).

I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait. Seriously. Cannot wait. I long for the day when I stand beside millions and millions of Christ-followers and lift my voice alongside theirs in praise and worship, giving all glory to the one true God.

One day. May it be soon!

Our Gracious God (Ps. 67:1-2)

God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us—Selah.
That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
(Psalm 67:1-2, NASB)

I just love the idea of grace—unmerited favor. Our loving, sovereign Father loves us so very much that He had a plan for our salvation based on grace. There’s nothing we can do to work for or strive for salvation. It’s only through the gracious gift of the Son’s death for all our sins that we’re in communion with the Father.

What a truly amazingly gracious God!

God continues to be gracious to His children. He blesses us as He meets our daily needs. (Not wants, mind you. Needs.) Sometimes His grace showers us with overwhelming blessing—the birth of a child, a perfect job. Sometimes He may send a splash of grace—the sun sending streams of light through the clouds or a phone call from a friend at just the right time.

And what are we to do in return? Serve Him, certainly. Show our gratitude through prayer and worship. But even more, we are to make certain His “way may be known on the earth.” It is our privilege to share the truth of God’s grace. We cannot hoard this truth and keep it to ourselves. And why would we want to? Living under God’s grace, feeling His hand of blessing. We should want nothing more than to help others to find this amazing grace.

Jesus said we cannot hide our light under a basket (Matt. 5:14-15). We are the light of Christ as God’s grace flows through us. May we shine for the world to see.

Face-to-Face (2 John 1:12-13)

Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
(2 John 1:12-13, NKJV)

We live in a world that allows for intimate relationships without ever meeting face-to-face. Through social networks, pen pal sites, online dating, and more, you can meet someone and establish a real friendship, never having met in person.

I guess there are “pros” to this. Shut-ins or disabled people have an opportunity to interact with others. Others learn of other cultures through correspondence with people from foreign lands.

But there are also many “cons.” The main one, for me, is online relationships are, at best, two dimensional. Yes, you can share secrets. You can laugh with each other. And with applications like Skype, you can even see one another.

You can’t, however, touch. I’m a “toucher.” I love to squeeze a hand or rub a shoulder. And there’s nothing quite so wonderful as a big, ol’ bear hug. And even though you might be able to see someone online, actually looking deeply into someone’s eyes is very different.

I think that’s why both John and Paul often wrote in their letters how they longed to see—in person—their letters’ recipients.

If cyberspace is your only way to maintain a relationship, then by all means, use whatever resources you can. But nothing really takes the place of being able to sit side-by-side, heart-to-heart. As often as you can.

Foundational Doctrine (1 John 1:9-11)

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
(2 John 1:9-11 NKJV)

Seemingly countless denominations and sects abound in our world, each claiming to be “Christian.” It’s sometimes difficult to determine who’s following truth. In my opinion, it comes down to a few not-to-be-compromised pieces of doctrine. The following is from my statement of faith.

~ I believe in the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God manifested in three.
~ I believe that God the Father created heavens and earth and all that’s in them; that God the Son—Jesus—died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and rose three days later; and that God the Holy Spirit dwells within each one who accepts the free gift of salvation and eternal life.
~ I believe that salvation comes only through the belief in and acceptance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
~ I believe the Bible is God’s word given to us through the pens of men. It is inerrant in its original text and is God’s truth.
~ I believe that those who choose to follow Jesus will spend eternity with Him in heaven, and those who do not will spend eternal life separated from Him in hell.

Other things—baptism, taking of the Lord’s Supper, appropriate worship music—aren’t critical to faith. But if someone claims to be a Christian and doesn’t adhere to a few pieces of foundational doctrine … well, only God knows the heart.

Don't Be Deceived (2 John 1:7-8)

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
(2 John 1:7-8, NKJV)

John addressed this issue in his first letter, but just as he reiterated how we should love and obey God, he also wanted to make certain his readers understood how critical it was they were aware of the antichrists that infiltrate the world.

And it’s just as critical today. If you were with me in our journey through 1 John, you may remember a key point: Whoever is not for Christ is anti-Christ. And we believers need to be hyper-aware of their presence.

While we may not be able to prevent their existence—or even quiet their voices—we can and must “look to [our]selves” so those who are against our Lord and Savior do not influence us. It’s so sad to hear about so-called Christians who question Jesus’ divinity or His sinlessness. They’ve bought into the lie that Jesus wasn’t really God the Son in the flesh.

That’s what the antichrists would have us believe. But if we can withstand their lies and cling to the truth of God’s word, we will not “lose the things we worked for”—how we’ve served God and others on earth. And one day, we’ll “receive a full reward” as we stand before God’s throne.

Be aware. Be diligent. And know truth. Then you’ll never be deceived.

Demonstrate Your Love for God (2 John 1:4-6)

I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
(2 John 1:4-6, NKJV)

If you’ve read 1 John (or journeyed through that book with me last month), these words may sound very familiar. John had a central theme in both books: truth and love.

God’s word is truth. The gospel is truth. We need to embrace God’s truth and live according to His commandments.

And we’re to love. Love God and love others.

How do we demonstrate love for God? We “walk according to His commandments.”

This idea of showing our love for God by following His commandments is so very important. It was important enough for John to write two letters about it. And it’s important enough for us to read two letters about it.

I’ve written this before: We cannot say we love God and then disregard His commandments. It’s mutually exclusive. When we truly love someone, we want to please him. We want to make him happy. We want to give him the desires of his heart. Right?

And the desire of God’s heart is that we obey Him. That we serve Him. That we follow His commandments.

He is Almighty God, and He deserves nothing less than our complete surrender.

Love Him, yes. And demonstrate that love by following Him and all He commands.

Truth Abiding in Us (2 John 1:1-3)

To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
(2 John 1:1-3, NKJV)

John addresses this short letter to “the elect lady and her children.” I reviewed several commentaries to determine who this “lady” was, and the consensus seems to be … they don’t know. It could have been an actual woman or it could have been a particular church. Or it even could have been the church at Jerusalem.

I suppose it doesn’t matter to whom he addressed it especially since we can glean wisdom for ourselves today. So let’s imagine that John was indeed writing to us as “those who have known the truth.”

The truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth is God’s word. And that truth “abides in us and will be with us forever.” We’re gifted with grace, mercy, and peace of God.

God’s grace provides for our salvation. His mercy showers us with His favor. And His peace envelops us through every circumstance.

Praise our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God.

Sacrifices of Righteousness (Ps. 51:18-19)

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,
With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
(Psalm 51:18-19, NKJV)

Yesterday, we talked about how God was much more pleased with our broken and contrite hearts rather than sacrifices.

Today’s verses seem to contradict that. Not really. Sometimes, we need to meditate on verses remembering the context and the time in which they were written. When David wrote these words, the Christ hadn’t come to earth yet. And the only way to demonstrate contrition was through burnt offerings.

For reasons beyond our understanding, God requires the spilling of blood for atonement. And before the Son came to earth and became our once-for-all sacrifice, that blood was offered on the altar of the tabernacle.

But there’s a key word in these verses. A mere sacrifice wasn’t sufficient. It needed to be a sacrifice of righteousness. Just as we now need to come to God with broken and contrite hearts seeking His forgiveness, God was pleased with only those sacrifices that came from sincere hearts seeking redemption.

And as we saw yesterday, God desires completely surrendered hearts. He did then. And He does now.

A Broken Heart (Ps. 51:14-17)

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
(Psalm 51:14-17, NKJV)

Prior to Jesus Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, God’s people found atonement through sacrifice. Once a year, the high priest would enter the holy of holies and sacrifice a perfect, unblemished lamb.

But even then, it wasn’t the sacrifice itself that pleased God. It was the state of man’s heart. God’s delight wasn’t in the act of burning a lamb. No, it was the broken heart that said, “I know I’ve sinned against you, Holy God. Please forgive me.”

And it’s the same today. God isn’t looking for our “sacrifice.” He doesn’t desire our hard work or service if we’re doing so with a selfish heart or as an act of compulsion. He wants our “broken and contrite heart.” He wants our total surrender.

It really doesn’t matter what we do. It matters why we do it. A story from the New Testament is a good example. Jesus observed how people gave financially to the work of God. Some gave liberally, but clearly with wrong motives. Then one widowed woman gave a couple of cents. She gave from a heart broken for God. She gave because she knew anything she had was God’s anyway.

What’s the state of your heart? Are you serving God because you think it will get you more “points”? Are you giving “sacrificially” but with a proud or even resentful heart? God doesn’t really care about what you’re “burning” on the altar. He only cares that your heart is fully His.

Restore the Joy (Ps. 51:12-13)

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
(Psalm 51:12-13, NKJV)

If you’ve been a Christ-follower a while, you may have fallen into a spiritual rut. You have your quiet time. You go to a Bible study each week. You serve at your church. It’s all good, but you feel a bit … stagnant.

Ever felt that way? I certainly have. It’s not a lack of faith; it’s just, well, like any relationship. You sometimes take that other person for granted, or you let the worries of the world take your focus.

If you haven’t felt like this yet, you likely will in the future. And when you do, verse 12 is a great gem to keep in mind.

You can pray, “Lord God, please ‘restore to me the joy of Your salvation.’ Remind me of the awe I felt when I first met You. Help me to feel the overwhelming wonder of knowing that the God of all creation is my Father.”

He’ll abundantly overflow your heart with His love. And when He does, you’ll want to share your joy with others.

Don’t get stuck in a rut. Don’t take God for granted. Instead, pray for restoration of heart. And then spread the joy.

Never Alone (Ps. 51:11)

Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
(Psalm 51:11, NKJV)

One of the attributes of our God is His omnipresence. He’s everywhere. All at once. This is a mystery to our earthly minds. How can God be with me right this very moment, yet be with millions of others as well? I really have no idea, but what a blessing it is to my heart to know it’s true.

Not only is God always with me, but I know He’ll always be with me. He’ll never leave me. Nor will He ever “cast me away from [His] presence.” When I was saved by grace, I truly became His daughter—His dearly loved daughter.

And just as a loving father delights in his children, my heavenly Father delights in me. He wants to be with me. And what a privilege it is to be able to spend time with Him!

I’m never alone. Jesus promised His disciples that the “Helper,” God the Holy Spirit, would indwell each of God the Father’s children. And the Spirit will never leave us. God the Father will never take the Spirit from us.

I find great comfort in knowing, even when people on earth may desert me, I’m never truly alone. And I’ll never be alone.

A Daily Prayer (Ps. 51:10)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10, NKJV)

As I meditated on today’s scripture, it struck me that I should pray this verse every day.

Create in me a clean heart.

This is a confession of sin. It’s a request for the Lord to thoroughly wash away the junk and reveal the righteousness that is ours through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

I need to pray every day for a renewed cleansing because, every day, I mess up. A prideful thought may enter my mind. An angry outburst at another driver may be uttered. A feeling of discontent may rest on my heart.

So every day, I need to ask God to “create in me a clean heart."

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I looked up “steadfast,” and it’s defined as “firmly fixed in place; not subject to change” and a “firm belief, determination or adherence.” That’s what my faith needs to be: firmly fixed in place. I cannot waver. If I believe what I say I do, I must do so with a strength of conviction that nothing can sway.

This doesn’t mean I don’t question how God works. Or that I sometimes may still doubt. Or that I may not completely understand why things happen the way they do.

But through the questioning, the doubt, the lack of understanding, my faith remains strong. It will not change.

I pray for many things every day. My husband. My family. My friends. God’s will for my life. I usually pray for forgiveness. And now I want to pray for a steadfastness of spirit, for a firmly-fixed belief.

This is a request I know God will answer “yes.”

Blessings for God's Children (Ps. 51:5-9)

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.
(Psalm 51:5-9, NKJV)

The psalmist continues to express sorrow over his sin. But there’s also hope in these verses.

First, look at the little gem in verse six: “in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” When we’re in relationship with God, the Holy Spirit is in us to illuminate the Bible. We learn how to make wise choices when we meditate on and follow His word.

Second, we are sinful creatures. Dirty. Soiled. But with God’s cleansing, we are “whiter than snow” in His eyes. I love that illustration. Have you ever seen a fresh snowfall? I really believe there’s nothing quite so white and bright. And that’s how God sees us!

Finally, in verse eight, the psalmist knows he’ll “hear joy and gladness” and that even through the pain and trials, he’ll “rejoice.” We too can find joy because we’re children of God. Even when we suffer, even when we’re uncertain, we can be joyful. Because joy isn’t an emotion, believe it or not. Joy is a state of mind in which we choose to rejoice no matter the circumstance.

Yes, we sin. Yes, we’re imperfect beings, but as children of God, we know He sees us as His beloved children. You are His son or daughter.

And in God, you are wise. In Him, you are whiter than snow. In Him, you can rejoice at all times.

Are You Blameless? (Ps. 51:1-4)

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.
(Psalm 51:1-4, NKJV)

We’re going to spend the next few days in one of my favorite psalms. This nineteen verse psalm is full. Of conviction. Of affirmation. Of encouragement.

And it starts with conviction.

We are sinful, fleshly creatures. And when we sin, we do so against one Person only. Our Sovereign Lord and Creator. He would well be within His rights to annihilate each and every one of us. But He is merciful. He is loving. And He chooses to forgive us. He choose to “blot out” our sin and to “wash [us] thoroughly” and “cleanse” us from our sin.

It’s only because of His love for us and His mercy that we are “blameless” in His sight. One day He will judge every person who ever lived, and only those of us who are cleansed by His loving mercy and grace will spend eternity with Him.

Will you be “blameless” when you stand before Him? Will you be confident that your sins are indeed blotted out? Cleansed? Washed?

The only way to be sure is to believe in the one way, one truth, and one way to the Father, and that’s His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). And if you don’t know this Jesus, read the book of John. You’ll meet Him and learn how to be in relationship with Him.

And then you too can be certain that God sees you as “blameless.”

Be Well-Armed (1 John 5:16-18)

We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.
(1 John 5:16-18, NASB)

John concludes his first letter by reminding his readers of the daily battle we face: Children of God versus the enemy of this world.

And we can’t prepare for battle if we don’t have the proper garb and weaponry. For a long while, I’d pray the armor of God every morning. I’ve fallen out of that habit, and I feel convicted this morning. I need to start again, and I invite you to join me. In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul described our protective gear: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes shod with peace, and the shield of faith. He ended with our one offensive weapon: the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Every morning, we should pray that the Lord will prepare us for the day. We should pray that He’ll help us guard our thoughts. Our emotions. Our words. And when the enemy attacks, we’ll be able to defend ourselves with the strength of our faith. And we’ll be able to cut down his lies with the very words of God.

How prepared are you for the battle? Are you ready to guard yourself from the wiles and lies of the enemy? Is your armor on today? And are you armed with God’s word?

You’ve been given what you need. Just take what God has given you, and arm yourself. And be prepared.

Pray for Others (1 John 5:16-18)

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death. We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.
(1 John 5:16-18, NASB)

Prayer is a privilege. The very idea of being able to talk with our Creator, to commune with Him, to request of Him … it’s an amazing thought.

We can praise Him, thank Him, intercede for others, ask for needs to be met … and He listens to us.

Another aspect of prayer is praying for our brothers and sisters who are caught in the trap of sin. It’s not our responsibility to save them, but we can pray for them. We can pray that their hearts will be convicted and that they’ll repent of their sin.

Now I want to address verse 18. This seems to contradict many other words of scripture. Paul wrote many times of fighting sin. And yet, John wrote that “no one who is born of God sins.” He went on to say that “the evil one does not touch him.”

Yet Jesus Himself told Peter that Satan had made a request to “sift him like wheat” (Luke 22:31). And of course, God allowed Satan to more than touch Job. So who’s right? Do children of God sin or not? Well, yes. And since we all sin, are we not children of God?

I’m said before. I’m no theologian. I’m just someone who loves God and loves His word. I pray that the Holy Spirit will illuminate God’s word and reveal truth to me. I sometimes “get it” and sometimes I’m still perplexed at the mystery.

But this is what I believe. I believe that we accept the gift of salvation, and when we do, we are cleansed of our sin and we look forward to eternity with God—Father, Son, and Spirit. But while we’re on earth, we still battle our flesh. And there are times the flesh—however briefly—wins. But as we grow in faith, as our relationship with God becomes stronger and more intimate, we recognize our sin more quickly and immediately confess it.

And pain and suffering? Crises and tragedies? Are they from God or from the enemy? I’m not sure in every case. But this I know. God knows everything. He sees things we don’t. He knows what we need in order to be stronger in faith. And if He sometimes allows the enemy to touch us, it’s because He knows it will eventually turn out for our good (Romans 8:28).

No, I don’t know all the answers, and I know I never will this side of heaven. But I trust God. I know what He’s done—and continues to do—in my life. So even when I don’t quite understand, I’ll believe Him. Because He’s God, and I’m not.

Ask Within His Will (1 John 5:14-15)

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
(1 John 5:14-15, NASB)

So many people look to verses like Matthew 7:6-9 and say they’ll get anything they ask for. And then when the answer is “no,” they claim God isn’t who the Bible says He is.

And then there’s the “name it and claim it” gospel. You name what you what, claiming it’ll happen. Again, when the answer is “no,” many turn away from God because they don’t get the answer to prayer they want.

If only they’d read verses like today’s. John is very, very clear that we need to ask “according to His will.” We are not God (I know, that surprises some of you!). We don’t see the whole picture. Only He knows how everything works together.

So when we pray, we need to always—always—ask for His will. And the beauty of it is, we can ask for anything. Absolutely anything. He will hear us in “whatever we ask.” But when we ask in His will, “we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

When we’re walking intimately with our Father and Lord, we begin to seek His plan, His will. And as we do so, our prayers begin to echo His desires for us.

That’s why it’s impossible to be in true relationship with God and live in habitual sin. Because living in sin is not God’s will for us. Instead, we become more and more aware of our sinful behavior. And when we do fall into our sinful habits, we confess much more quickly.

Because we want to be in His will. And we want Him to only do those things in us and through us that are His will.

And when we do ask? We can be confident that whatever He answers is right and good.

Eternal Life (1 John 5:13)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
(1 John 5:13, NASB)

This verse contains one of the main reasons John wrote this book. He wanted to assure his readers who believed in Jesus as Christ that they had eternal life.

Eternal life.

It’s a hard-to-understand concept, but is integral to the Christian faith. Eternity. What does that look like?

Some people believe it’s sitting on clouds playing harps. Others worry about boredom. Still others wonder how eternity is even possible.

We don’t know exactly what heaven will be like. We can’t imagine with our finite, human minds what timelessness is. And the Bible only shares a bit of what it will be like.

We do know we’ll have some kind of home (John 14:2).

We do know there will be no more tears or pain (Rev. 21:4).

We do know we’ll be in the presence—the actual presence—of our God (Rev. 21:3).

We do know we’ll serve God (Rev. 22:3).

But we don’t know everything. I believe the Bible hints at a few other things we’ll experience in eternity. I can’t give you actual passages on these beliefs. They’re ideas I’ve picked up through Bible study and the writings of people of faith whom I greatly admire (i.e., Randy Alcorn, Joni Earekson Tada).

I believe we’ll know our friends and family.

I believe we’ll have jobs to do that fit our giftedness.

I believe we’ll enjoy food—I can’t imagine there won’t be dark chocolate!

And I believe we’ll be so overwhelmed by God’s presence that we’ll sing along with the elders, angels, and other heavenly creatures: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Rev. 4:8).

I, for one, can’t wait!

Calling God a Liar (1 John 5:9-12)

If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
(1 John 5:9-12, NASB)

Earlier in this book, John wrote about those who say they’re God’s children yet don’t follow His commandments. He bluntly said they’re liars.

In these verses, he addresses nonbelievers and again is quite blunt. Those who don’t believe God make Him a liar. Pretty intense, isn’t it?

So many people today say they believe in “god.” But when they’re asked who that god is, they respond with words like, “I believe in a higher power, but I don’t put a name to it.” In other words, they’re smart enough to know there’s something, but they’re not willing to believe in anything particular. Because, in doing so, they might have to follow that god’s tenets and commandments.

Or some, instead of claiming something, they claim everything. They take a bit from Hinduism, a little from Buddhism. They throw in some Islam and Judaism. Oh, and they like the “Jesus is love” idea, so they add a touch of Christianity.

Cafeteria religion.

But the God of the Bible claims to be the one and only true God. And He makes it very, very clear: There is no other god but Him (Ex. 20:3). So if anyone says He’s not, then they’re accusing Him of lying.

You can’t have it both ways. Either believe in the God of truth, or don’t. But know this: If you choose to not believe in Him, you will not have eternal life with the Creator, the Savior, the Lord God Almighty.

You'll spend eternity separated from the one Who loves you enough to die for you. For you.

What's your choice?

Testify (1 John 5:7-8)

For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
(1 John 5:7-8, NASB)

I’ve been asked why I believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Why I believe that the God of the Bible is the one and only true God. If you’re a follower of Christ, you may have been asked the same.

What’s your answer?

Part of why I believe what I believe is I trust the Bible as God’s word. I believe God the Spirit wrote through the pens of men.

But that’s not the only reason. In fact, in some ways, it’s not even the main reason.

I believe what I believe because of how God has changed my life. I could share countless testimonies of dramatic life-changes of others, but when it comes down to it, the only story I can really tell is my own.

And God changed my life.

I see Him work in my life each and every day. He gives me peace in this very peace-less world. He gives me strength when I simple can’t function on my own. He opens unexpected, but perfect doors. He provides—miraculously sometimes—for my needs.

I know this sounds melodramatic, but I honestly believe I wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for God’s work in my life. His very, very real presence.

And as John said, I know the Holy Spirit is in me. I’ve been baptized by water and cleansed by blood. Those three testify to my being God’s daughter.

That’s my testimony.

Overcoming the World (1 John 5:4-6)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. (1 John 5:4-6, NASB)

“It’s a hard-knocked life” … If you ever saw the musical Annie, you’ll recall a bunch of little orphan girls being treated like slaves by the horrible Miss Hannigan. The girls scrub and mop and sweep. No fun. No play. No joy.

Sometimes I feel like I’m living a “hard-knocked” life. The aches and pains and fatigue of each day often make every task, every movement, an effort.

And then I look at this world and all its suffering and tragedies, and “hard-knocked” seems a great understatement. I’ve written this before, but it definitely feels—as the perversion and corruption increase—this world is winding down. And it often feels like the enemy is winning.

But no. Not at all.

We know Jesus will one day return and overcome the world. But John tells us something in this verse that should give us hope for today. We who are born of God already overcome the world with our faith.

Think about it. If we don’t allow the worries of this world to take us down, if we’re able to stand firm in the midst of pain, if we smile through the tears, we’re overcoming the world. And when others watch us overcoming, they may very well ask how we can have joy.

And our answer is so easy. It’s because the “Spirit of truth” is in us. We know this life is temporary and one day—I think it’s sooner than ever—we’ll be in heaven with our Lord and Savior. No pain. No sorrow. No tears.

No “hard-knocked” life.

Freedom. Not Burdens. (1 John 5:2-3)

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
(1 John 5:2-3, NASB)

Throughout this small book, John has been reiterating two key thoughts: loving God means loving others and loving God means keeping His commandments. If we claim to be His children, we will do both.

What I love about verse three, though, is John has added a bit of reassurance: God’s “commandments aren’t burdensome.”

So many people seem to think that following Christ means giving up all the “fun” of life. Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Walk the narrow path.

On paper, it does sound restrictive, and may I even say, boring. But that’s not what being a child of God is all about. It’s seeing God work. It’s experiencing true joy and peace in the midst of pain and tragedy. It’s being God’s hands and feet to those in need. It’s feeling a genuine love for others.

When you truly follow Christ, when you give your life completely to the Father, then following God’s commandments really isn’t “burdensome.” It is, rather, freeing. When I’m able to say with a sincere heart, “Whatever You choose to do, Lord God,” I know my loving God will do His work through me.

I can love and serve Him. I can love and serve others. I can follow His commandments.

And none of it is burdensome.

Random Thoughts ...

Yesterday, I posted my 300th posting. And it made me stop and think of the last few years. I started posting whenever the Spirit moved me. Prayers. Thoughts. Devotionals.

Since February, though, I've been writing a daily devotional based on a particular book of the Bible. I hadn't really thought about it until a week or so ago, but these daily devotionals have become a great part of my own personal Bible study and meditation. When I respond to verses, I do so prayerfully. And the words the Spirit gives me to give you encourage, convict, and affirm me, just as I pray they do you.

Anyway, I wanted to take this 301st posting to thank you for joining me in my journey. And my prayer for you is that you too will grow in your walk with Christ, just as I am.

Daily.

God bless you.

If ... Then ... (1 John 5:1)

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
(1 John 5:1, NASB)

Science was never my favorite subject. English? Absolutely loved. History? Usually pretty interesting. Math? Okay—sometimes. But science? Not so much. But I did find the “if, then” logic of scientific hypothesis intriguing. If one thing is true, then this other thing is equally true.

The Bible contains many hypotheses as well, and John has two great ones in this single verse.

If I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, then I am born of God. If another person also believes the same, then she is born of God as well. Further, if I love the Father, then I will love those born of Him (i.e., other Christ-followers).

The contrary cannot be true, according to John’s hypothesis. I cannot love God, yet hate those born of Him.

Maybe this is a good litmus test on how closely we follow our Lord. If we can genuinely love our brothers and sisters in Christ (and as we’ve talked about before, this doesn’t mean we necessarily love their actions and certainly not their sin), then we are truly God’s children.

Do you pass the test? Or do you have some work to do?

Love God? Then Love Others (1 John 4:20-21)

If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
(1 John 4:20-21, NASB)

It’s nearly impossible to truly love and follow God if you have hate in your heart for someone. For a very long time, I couldn’t find my way to really, sincerely loving God because I held a lot of hate, anger, and unforgiveness for those who had hurt me deeply when I was a child and young teenager. That hate and anger, that inability to forgive, kept me far away from God for a very long time.

When I finally recommitted my life and gave it completely to God, one of the first things I did—after confessing my sin—was to ask for Jesus’ help to forgive those who had hurt me. Once I did, I can honestly say I was able to love them. Really love them. But not on my own. No, it was with a supernatural love from God.

I realized then what I know now: Loving my sisters and brothers—even those who hurt me—isn’t an option. I may not love their actions. I certainly don’t condone their sin. But I can still love them with a Christ-like love. My Savior forgave His executors as He hung, broken and beaten, from the very instrument of His death.

If He could do that, how can I do anything less than love others?

Perfect Love (1 John 4:18-19)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.
(1 John 4:18-19, NASB)

Two wonderful truths are found in today’s verses.

First, we really, truly don’t need to fear anything. Anything. Our Father loves us so much, and Jesus promised to be with us “always, even unto the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). We are never alone. Though we travel through the “valley of the shadow of death,” we needn’t fear because our Shepherd is with us (Ps. 23:4).

Perfect love casts out fear … and our Father perfectly loves us!

Second, love comes from God. Period. Without His loving example, we wouldn’t know what love really is. Think about it. Laying down our lives for our friends. Turning the other cheek. Loving our enemies. Selflessness.

Those are lessons we learn from Jesus’ life on earth.

Forgiveness. Grace. Mercy. Redemption.

We receive these gifts because of the Father’s love for us. Without God’s love in us, we would manifest wrath, jealousy, selfishness … all those “works of the flesh.” (See Gal. 5:19-21.)

If you’re fearful, lay everything—all your worries, all your cares—at Jesus’ feet. Allow Him to cover your fear with His love.

And when you feel less than loving, remember how much you’re loved. And love accordingly.

As He Is, So Also Are We (1 John 4:17)

By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.
(1 John 4:17, NASB)

One day, every person who ever lived will stand before God’s throne.

Some will be rewarded for their earthly service with a “well done, good and faithful servant.” They will be ushered into the home that Jesus has prepared for them. They will spend eternity serving and praising their Creator God.

Others will be condemned because they chose not to follow the one true God. They may say, “But I knew You,” thinking that just believing God exists is enough, and He’ll respond, “But I don’t know you.” They will spend eternity separated from their Creator God.

If we love as Jesus loved, if we have truly accepted Him as Lord and Savior, if we strive to become more and more like Him in this world, then we’ll be in that first group.

It’s more than just believing He exists. Much more. I know I talk about this a lot, but I can’t stress it enough.

If you want to stand one day in front of your Lord and Savior and hear, “Well done,” you must abide in Christ. You must live every day seeking the will of the Father. You must spend time with Him, in prayer and in His word.

Abide. Remain. Saturate.

Every day.

Eyewitness Testimony (1 John 4:11-13)

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
(1 John 4:11-13, NASB)

John actually saw Jesus. He was an eyewitness to Christ’s earthly ministry. He was part of the Master’s inner circle. He saw healings and resurrections and exorcisms. He experienced Jesus’ joy as He held little children and His laughter as He ate with friends.

Then John saw Him arrested and beaten and crucified. He grieved at his Master’s death. Oh, but then he rejoiced when he met the risen Savior!

John’s letters aren’t wishful thinking; they’re truth. Because he knew Jesus. He knew the Savior.

When he writes about confessing that Jesus is the Son of God and that God Himself will abide in us, it’s truth. When he writes about God’s love for us, we can trust his words.

We needn’t wonder or question whether God loves us or if He’s with us. John’s words are inspired by the Spirit, yes, but they’re written by someone who knew Jesus. Really knew Him.

And we can know Him just as intimately. If you’ve confessed that Jesus is God’s Son and have accepted His gift of salvation, you can know Him. Spend time in His word. Spend time in prayer. He’s abiding in you. So abide with Him.

God's Love in Us (1 John 4:11-13)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
(1 John 4:11-13, NASB)

I don’t see God with my eyes; I see Him with my heart. I feel His presence in my very being. I know He’s in me. He’s with me. He abides in me.

What an amazing thought!

And how do I show that He’s in me? I love others. I learn more about the God I serve and share Him with those around me. I serve selflessly.

I won’t kid you. It’s not always easy to love others. Some people I run into just aren’t loveable. But I can still love them as Jesus would. By looking beyond their weaknesses (since I have many of my own) and seeing one of God’s beloved creations.

As we continue to strive to love as Jesus would, God “perfects” His love in us. We find it easier and easier to love others. Even those who hurt us. Or malign us. Or treat us unfairly.

I guess it comes down to this: Our lives on earth are so very short. We have eternity with Jesus to look forward to. So why not just love others during our temporary tenure? Why not just be Jesus to them?

God's Love in Us (1 John 4:9-10)

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
(1 John 4:9-10, NASB)

Love is from God. Without a loving, merciful, gracious Creator, we wouldn’t know what true, selfless love is.

Think about it. God the Father loved us so much, He sent His Son—part of Himself—to wear human flesh. Jesus was a typical boy, I’m sure. He skinned His knee. He bumped His head. He may have been teased.

Then He grew to be a man. He worked as a carpenter. His muscles ached. He was drenched with sweat.

He began His earthly ministry. He walked miles and miles. He sat in the sun and taught. He healed—sometimes receiving gratitude, sometimes not.

Finally, He faced betrayal, arrest, denial, beatings, ridicule. And death in a most excruciatingly painful way.

All for us. All because of the Father’s abundant love for us. And He did this even for those who reject Him.

That’s love. And we who are God’s children can love selflessly as well. We can serve others. We can be gracious even when we’re being persecuted. We can let Christ shine through us. But we can’t love that way on our own. It’s only when we allow God’s love to permeate our very beings that we can love others.

And that’s exactly what God calls us to do.

Love Is of God (1 John 4:7-8)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
(1 John 4:7-8, NASB)

An old saying says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Jesus said that loving our neighbor as ourselves is the second greatest commandment. But do we really obey this commandment? Do we really, truly love others? I know for myself, no matter how I try, there are times when it’s really, really hard to love others. When someone cuts me off. When someone says something rude. When someone disparages those I love. When someone hurts another maliciously.

It is not easy. But we have the Giver of love as our Father. We should love as He loves. As much as we possibly can.

We will fail. It’s that flesh again. We’ll get angry or be rude ourselves. We’ll gossip. We’ll ignore.

But as with any godly attribute, we can strive to love in spite of the weaknesses or attitudes of those around us. We can turn the figurative cheek. We can be gentle and kind.

And who’s to say that our loving behavior might be the catalyst for change in someone else’s life?

Greater Is He! (1 John 4:4-6)

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
(1 John 4:4-6, NASB)

One of my favorite encouragements: “… greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

No matter what this world throws at me, no matter how the enemy tries to tempt me, I can be confident I’ll overcome anything because the Victor is in me!

I am from God. I am His child. I listen to His voice, read His word, know His truth.

And because of the confidence I have in Him, I don’t need to worry or stress about what’s happening in this world that’s rapidly winding down. One day, this world will pass away. It will be no more. And all the ugliness and perversion and corruption will become nothing.

We who are His children will live eternally praising and serving our God. In a perfect new heaven and new earth.

I can’t wait!

For Christ? Or Anti-Christ? (1 John 4:2-3)

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
(1 John 4:2-3, NASB)

When God inspired me to begin a speaking ministry five years ago, I wrote my “statement of faith.” It’s crucial that anyone who asks me to speak understands my theological foundation:

~ I believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
~ I believe that God the Father created heavens and earth and all that’s in them; that God the Son—Jesus—died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and rose three days later; and that God the Holy Spirit dwells within each one who accepts the free gift of salvation and eternal life.
~ I believe that salvation comes only through the belief in and receipt of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
~ I believe that those who choose to follow Jesus will spend eternity with Him in heaven, and those who do not will spend eternal life separated from Him.
~ I believe that God has uniquely gifted each of His children, and that we are to use those gifts to serve and glorify Him, serve each other, and ultimately grow His kingdom.

Having a ministry that shares God’s truth has made it easier to “confess that Jesus Christ has come.” People ask me what I do, and I tell them.

That’s what we’re called to do: confess Jesus as Lord. We can’t say we’re children of the one true God and not do so. To say we follow the God of the Bible, and in the next breath say Jesus isn’t the only way of salvation is, in truth, anti-Christ. We’ve talked about this before: If we’re not 100 percent for Jesus, we’re anti-Him. It just can’t be both ways.

Be for Jesus Christ. Confess Him as Lord. Tell others of the truth of His life, death, and resurrection. Share the good news of salvation boldly and joyfully.

Don’t be anti-Christ.

False Prophets (1 John 4:1)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
(1 John 4:1, NASB)

We’ve talked about false prophets before, but it bears repeating, which is probably why John wrote about it several times.

Not only is our world full of false faiths—too many to list here—but it’s also full of false prophets. “Feel good” gospel. Make up your own version of what you believe. Pull the Bible apart and keep what allows you to live however you choose.

How God’s heart must break when He sees people who say they’re followers of His Son, who call themselves “Christians,” yet live so contrary to His word. They live in habitual sin. They more than love their neighbor, they accept and even celebrate outright sin.

I honestly don’t know how anyone can read and study the Bible, and then live with her boyfriend or maliciously gossip or abuse his wife. I know ours isn’t the first generation to do so. “Sunday Christians” have existed as long as Sunday has.

But it’s just so tragic. So heartbreaking. I know Christians aren’t perfect—I certainly am not. But we should live each moment of each day seeking the help of the Holy Spirit. We should “go and sin no more” when we revert to our fleshly ways. We should trust God’s word as the one and only truth.

Don’t get caught up with the hype. Don’t believe those who tell you Jesus isn’t the only way. Don’t trust anyone who teaches anything contrary to God’s truth.

No, Christians aren’t perfect, but we are being perfected. (See Phil. 1:6.) And to be that “work in progress,” we need to live by the one Guidebook we have.

Have you studied your Bible—just as God inspired—today?

Our Amazing God (1 John 3:23-24)

This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
(1 John 3:23-24, NASB)

John wraps up chapter 3:

~ Believe in the name of Jesus Christ.
~ Love one another.
~ Keep His commandments.
~ Abide in Christ.

We are loved. So very loved. We are forgiven. We are blessed. We are given grace. We are given mercy.

God is our refuge. Our stronghold. Our healer. Our rock. Our provider.

Jesus Christ abides in us. Walks alongside us. Carries us when we’re weary.

The Holy Spirit convicts us. Affirms us. Encourages us.

What a beautiful affirmation. What an amazing God we serve.

Live to Love (1 John 3:17-22)

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
(1 John 3:17-22, NASB)

When I read these verses, I see three very important things:

First, we demonstrate our love for God and others by action. We can say “I love you” as many times as we want, but if we’re neglectful or hurtful or abusive, we do not love. How many victims of domestic abuse are beaten and then are told “I’m sorry. I love you.” The words themselves mean nothing unless they are followed by care and compassion, grace and mercy.

Second, God knows our hearts. He knows everything we think and feel. We can say one thing—and those around us may think they’re hearing truth—but think something completely different. God knows. We can’t hide anything from Him.

Finally, God answers prayers. He will give us what we ask. However, there’s a big IF. We receive from Him IF “we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” If we’re living to please Him, if we’re striving to obey His word and His commandments, if we truly seek His will, He will answer our prayers. According to that will.

How are you showing love to others? What are you keeping in the depths of your heart that is contrary to your words? Are you living and striving to follow God’s commands?

Convicting questions. Your answers will show how you really love God and others.

Helping Others (1 John 3:16)

But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
(1 John 3:17, NASB)

We live in a society of excess, of “more.” I have a perfectly nice house, but now I need a bigger one. I have a serviceable car, but I want a flashier, status-symbol one. I have a closet full of clothes, but I’m not satisfied until I get that trendy name on my jeans.

There’s nothing wrong with having nice things. If God has blessed you with a healthy income, and you can afford to buy without debt, then enjoy His blessings.

The problem is that we often get so caught up with our “stuff,” we forget that one of the reasons God has blessed us financially is so we can have the joy of helping others.

Just recently, I reconnected with a friend who had been hit hard by the economic downturn. The story is hers, but I can say she ended up homeless for a while. It was so eye-opening to me: She is an intelligent, mentally-healthy woman who had just hit bottom. She’s getting back on her feet, and Russ and I had an opportunity to help her with a few things for her new apartment.

We also were able to help my nephew and his wife with their missions trip to the Czech Republic this summer.

It wasn’t necessarily easy. Since I was laid off from my job in February, Russ and I have tightened our financial belt. We don’t go out to eat as much. We don’t buy “toys.” But we know God has still blessed us, and we can still open our hearts to those less fortunate than we.

And it is heart-warming. Literally. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you’re using God’s money and God’s things to help others.

Because, after all, it is all His anyway.

How Well Do You Love (1 John 3:16)

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
(1 John 3:16, NASB)

Whew … John’s next admonition is tough! Yes, Christ loved us so much “He laid down His life for us.” He withstood pain and torture beyond what very few of us will ever experience. He hung on that cross for hours. Hearing the mockers. Straining for shallow breaths. Feeling the heat of the sun on His flayed body. In fact, think of the same chapter and verse in John's gospel. One we memorize as children. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son ..."

All for us. All because He loves us that much. And we who follow Him are grateful—exceedingly grateful.

But what about the next part of this verse? We’ve been talking a lot about loving our brothers and sisters, and many of us really do strive to do so. But laying down our own lives for them? I don’t know.

I hope I’d be willing to sacrifice my own life for my husband or my mom or my siblings. Even my nieces and nephews. But as much as I love my dear friends, would I really be willing to throw myself in front of the proverbial bullet? I don’t know. And what about a total stranger. I really don’t know.

Yet that’s what John says real love is.

All I can do is pray, “Lord God, please make me selfless. Please create in me a love so deep for my brothers and sisters that I’d give my very life to spare theirs. Fill me with an overwhelming love for everyone. Amen.”

Change the World (1 John 3:14-15)

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
(1 John 3:14-15, NASB)

John is quite insistent about loving our brothers and sisters. And it’s true. Loving our brothers and sisters is an outward illustration of our love for God. It’s really the only way for nonbelievers to see God’s love for them.

Imagine what the world would do if each and every true follower of Christ truly loved their neighbors as they do themselves. Imagine if we showed kindness and compassion to those in need. Imagine if we selflessly gave our time, our talents, our treasures to serve others.

The world would have a much different view of Christianity. Instead of calling us hypocrites, they’d call us examples of mercy. Instead of thinking we’re hateful, they’d feel our genuine love. Instead of laughing at us in derision, they’d see our true joy.

It’s not easy, that’s for sure. But if we could live with the attitude that—no matter what—we were going to live the fruit of the Spirit, what a difference it would make. Nonbelievers would be attracted to us rather than repelled. They’d be eager to know more about our God. They’d see Jesus shine through us.

Think of it. Think of what the world would be. If we just loved our brothers and sisters.

Hate from the World (1 John 3:13)

Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.
(1 John 3:13, NASB)

Does the world hate you? Does it see something in you that is abhorrent? Or something that convicts? Or do they see you as just another person?

Sometimes I think we’ve become so like the world in our actions and words that they don’t see anything to hate. Or if they do hate us, it’s because we’ve been like the Pharisees of old as we speak one thing and do something else. For example, do they hear us saying how we love our neighbor, and then watch us wrathfully condemn those we don’t like—or understand—to hell?

Are we, as they say, talking the talk but not walking the walk?

The world shouldn’t hate us because of our soapbox tirades. The world should hate us because we are so kind and loving and gracious and merciful that their hearts are pierced by reluctant admiration for how we love and serve. The world should hate us because we love our enemy just as we love our neighbor.

The world should hate us because we live like Christ, because we turn the other cheek. We forgive. We heap coals of fire rather than words of derision (Rom. 12:20). We acknowledge our weaknesses and know, if not for God’s grace, we too would be lost.

Does the world hate you? And if so, for the right reasons? If it does, then rejoice! For you’re becoming more and more like Christ! And your reward is in heaven. Not in this temporary life.