He Speaks to Me

I John 5:18-21 18 We (I) know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he (I) who has been born of God keeps himself (myself) , and the wicked one (Satan) does not touch him. 19 We (I) know that we (I am) are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we (I) know that the Son of God has come and has given us (me) an understanding, that we (I) may know Him who is true; and we (I am) are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children (me) , keep yourselves (myself) from idols. Amen. Once again, we are reminded that we are God's children. God protects us and keeps us from harm, but we are still vulnerable to sin. Verse 21 reaffirms this. It states, "keep yourself," not 'try to keep yourself.' It's sort of like telling your kids to be careful as they are heading out the door. It's just one last warning of where the danger lies. Today I pray you have ...

I John 5:14-17 (NKJV) 14 Now this is the confidence that we (I) have in Him, that if we (I) ask anything according to His will, He hears us (me) . 15 And if we (I) know that He hears us (me) , whatever we (I) ask, we (I) know that we (I) have the petitions that we (I) have asked of Him. 16 If anyone sees his (my) brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he (I) will ask, and He will give him (my friend) life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he (you) should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. Prayer is an awesome tool. It helps us to see His will, and gives us the opportunity to converse and commune with God. One thing it isn't, a magic spell for us to conjure anything we want. In this passage, it specifically states, "ask anything according to His will." That doesn't mean you'll get anything and everything you ask for,...

I John 5:6-13 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 9 If we (I) receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He (Me) who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself (me) ; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us (me) eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He (me) who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you...

I John 5:1-5 Whoever (me) believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we (I) know that we (I) love the children of God, when we (I) love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we (I) keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our (my) faith. 5 Who is he (I) who overcomes the world, but he (I) who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This passage has such a simple message. If you have faith in Jesus, who is God's son, you will overcome the world. The world, which is Satan, can't defeat you, or take you from God's hands. Sure, the world at times can be depressing, devastating, miserable, and intolerable, but you must remember, this is not your final destination. It's just a stop on your journey to eternity. I pr...

I John 4:20-21 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we (me) have from Him: that he (me) who loves God must love his (my) brother also. Chapter 4 ends with a commandment from God: if you love God, you "must love" your brother. That doesn't mean only your blood relations, rather all mankind. We must have compassion, and empathy for everyone. I pray today you will set your heart straight with God and your fellow man.

I John 4:17-19 17 Love has been perfected among us (in me) in this: that we (I) may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we (am I) in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We (I) love Him because He first loved us (me) . As I've worked my way through I John, I've found the major theme to be love. It appears 21 times in the book of I John, five in this passage. That doesn't include varients of the word. Makes me think John was trying to convey a message here--God is love. That is a very simple and basic Bible truth that many of us either take for granted or forget. Most of us have heard this from childhood, so why don't we believe it? Why do we question God's motives? All because of sin. It's our nature to ask why. If Eve hadn't questioned what she believed, she would never have tasted that one piece of...

I John 4:12-16 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we (I) love one another, God abides in us (me) , and His love has been perfected in us (me) . 13 By this we (I) know that we (I) abide in Him, and He in us (me) , because He has given us (me) of His Spirit. 14 And we (I) have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever (that's me) confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him (me) , and he (I) in God. 16 And we (I) have known and believed the love that God has for us (me) . God is love, and he (me) who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (me) . This passage explains how God's love flows through us and onto others. It proves His love is unconatainable. When you're filled with God's love, you can't help but to let others see it. You want to do for others, you want to help the down trodden, you want others to see God in you. That's how God's power is. I think of the childre...

I John 4:7-11 7 Beloved (me) , let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us (me) , that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we (I) might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we (I) loved God, but that He loved us (me) and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our (my) sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us (me) , we (I) also ought to love one another. This passge caused me to run to dictionary.com. The word, propitiation , puzzled me. I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but I wanted to be completely sure. Propitiation took me to propitiate and on to conciliate. When I boiled it all down, propitiation in this context means appease . Christ died for us in order to appease God for our sins, or wrongdoing. This was the only payement God would receive in lieu of our own death. Tod...

I John 4:1-6 Beloved (me) , do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you (I) know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you (I) have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You (I am) are of God, little children (me and you) , and have overcome them, because He who is in you (me) is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They (false prophets) are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We (I am) are of God. He (that's me and you) who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we (I) know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. It's amazing how God points things out as you read...

I John 3:24 24 Now he (me) who keeps His (God) commandments abides (lives with) in Him, and He in him (me) . And by this we (I) know that He abides in us (me) , by the Spirit whom He has given us (me) . This simple little scripture gives evidence of the Holy Spirit. God lives in His children via the Holy Spirit. It also tells us that we must want Him to live in us. In order to keep God's commandments, we must want to. Living in the world and going with the flow is easy, but living for God isn't. It's a choice that we make. I pray you make the choice to abide in Him.

I John 3 :16-23 16 By this we (I) know love, because He laid down His life for us (me) . And we (I) also ought to lay down our (my) lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever (that's me) has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children (me) , let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we (me) know that we (me) are of the truth, and shall assure our (my) hearts before Him. 20 For if our (my) heart condemns us (me) , God is greater than our (my) heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our (my) heart does not condemn us (me) , we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we (I) ask we (I) receive from Him, because we (I) keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we (I) should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as ...

I John 3:10-15 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we (Rhonda) should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you (me) . 14 We (I) know that we (I) have passed from death to life, because we (I) love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. The verse that stand out to me the most is 15. I can't take my eyes from it. In fact, I sat here arguing with God because I really didn't want to address this topic, but I feel I must. He is leading me to do so. I've al...

I John 3:4-9 4 Whoever commits sin (that's all of us) also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He (God) was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever (that's me) abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children (Rhonda) , let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God (Jesus Christ) was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever (me) has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him (I) ; and he (I) cannot sin, because he (I) has been born of God. At first these verses appear a contridictory. How can you sin, but not sin? The answer is grace. This is the eample that comes to my mind. Say your child breaks a lamp, confesses and apologizes. That doesn't suddenly cau...

I John 3:1-3 B ehold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us (me) , that we (I) should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us (me) , because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we (I) shall be, but we (I) know that when He is revealed, we (I) shall be like Him, for we (I) shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Everyday that I've pondered the words of I John, I have been amazed. Every passage I've personalized has reinforced my salvation. Over and over, I see how much He loves me. Little, nothing me who struggles day by day to get by. I've started to see how Satan is able to belittle me and the hope I have in Christ. Everyday Scripture is what reassures me, and bolsters my confidence that even though I am imperfect, God sees me worthy to spend eternity with Him. That is an humbling, but wonderful thought. I am...

I John 2:28-29 28 And now, little children (me and you who are Christians) , abide in Him, that when He appears, we (all Christians) may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you (I) know that He is righteous, you (I) know that everyone who practices righteousness (true Christians) is born of Him. I love these verses. They are filled with so much hope and encouragement. At least, if you abide in Him you do. I'm sure when I stand before Him in that day, I will feel unworthy, but my heart swells as I think of the hope I have. That hope rests on the shoulders of my savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am filled with God's peace and joy. I pray you are filled with that same hope, peace and joy. God bless and have a great day.

24 Therefore let that abide in you (me) which you (I) heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you (me) , you (I) also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us (not just me, but everyone) --eternal life. 26 These things I have written to you (me) concerning those who try to deceive you (me) . 27 But the anointing (Holy Spirit) which you (I) have received from Him abides in you (me) , and you (I) do not need that anyone teach you (me) ; but as the same anointing teaches you (me) concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you (me ), you (I) will abide in Him. I John 2:24-27 is a great message of encouragement. To me, it confirms my salvation. I know some of you may disagree, but I believe once saved--always saved. these verses reinforce that for me. Because I have been 'anointed.' The Spirit abides in me and I abide in Him. Life can...

Do you know anyone who is a good person? We all know law abiding, highly moralistic people whose standards are uncompromising and they seek justice for everyone. But, of these, how many can you say for certain are Christians? These are the ones who hold God's standards above human standards, actively participate in a relationship with Him, and they rest in His mercy instead of counting on earthly justice. Odds are, there is a big discrepancy between the amount of good people you know, and the ones you are certain are Christians. Before I go any farther, I must say that a person's spiritual condition is between them and God. I would never tell a person they are not saved, but only point out they are not acting like a Christian. By all means, I do not hold the keys to heaven. The above thoughts are what popped into my mind this morning as I read I John 2:18-23 . John is addressing the false prophets. 18 Little children (this includes me and you) , it is the last hour; and as y...

Everything is temporary. That sums up the verses in I John 2:15-17 . As a Christian this verse gives me the hope of eternal life, but this morning, God revealed more meaning in this passage. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone (me) loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he (me) who does the will of God abides forever. Everything in life is fleeting, including temptation. I thought of my kids as I read this. They see something on television and immediately say, "I want that." My automatic response is, "No," because I know that the next set of commercials will bring something else that is better. The insatiable cycle of wants never ends and is always a heavier burden than needs. But kids aren't the only ones who face t...

I John 2:12-14 (NKJV) 12 I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. When I first read I John 2:12-14 , the Scriptures appeared a bit cryptic. While they explained why John was writing the letter, it seemed unnecessary for the repetitive nature. So, I went to other translations for more insight. I found only more of the same. Finally, I asked myself, "God, what are you trying to say to me?" All of a sudden, a light bulb went on inside my head. This passage is for encouragement. It not only expl...

Vacations are great times. Everyone is excited. The hotel has fluffy, feather beds and pillows, a coffee maker and microwave is within reach, even the rowdy kids next aren't bothering you. Relaxation is wrapped tightly around you forcing daily worries from your mind as you settle into bed for the night. Several hours later, you awaken to choking smoke. The sirens in the hallway are blaring as your nose and eyes tingle. Panic sets in and your heart races. You fall to your knees and begin a frantic search for the door. The roaring fire in the next room makes the cries in the hallway seem like distant moans. You crawl towards the voices, but slam into a wall. You change direction and encounter what you believe to be the dresser. Heading another way, you smack into a chair. At this point, you wonder if you'll ever get out, and wish you had noted the escape route on your way up. I know this is a tough illustration. It was difficult for me to write. This is what came to mind when I r...