He Speaks to Me

3 John 1-3 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. What an awesome affirmation for Gaius. I wonder if he was feeling a bit discouraged or questioning his ability. Maybe Gaius wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. In any event, this letter from John clarified Gaius's calling--he was doing God's will. Every now and then, all of God's servants question their calling. Satan worms his way in and points out all our flaws, errors in judgement, and mistakes. Our Heavenly Father refuses to give Satan this power, and He gives us earthly affirmations of His direction in our lives. It's not that His servants are looking for pats on the back, but it helps to know that God i...

2 John 12-13 12 Having many things to write to you (that also means me) , 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 (mine to) joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen. I get excited when I read these verses. I think how the church must felt when they received this encouraging letter, and to read at the end that John wanted to visit. He wanted to rejoice and worship with them. I like to think the church began to prepare for his arrival as soon as the words were read. Arrangements put into place for his lodging and food. The sweet ladies that made sure everything was clean and in order. The prayers that went up for his safe journey and quick feet for a hasty arrival. How the members would glance down the roads to see if today was the day of his arrival. This is the way we are to wait for Christ. We are to be prepared, excited, longing, and always watching for the exact moment. Just as John's...

2 John 7-11 7 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 . 8 Look to yourselves (myself) , that we (I) do not lose those things we (I) worked for, but that we (I) may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He (me) who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you (me) and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your (my) house nor greet him; 11 for he (me) who greets him shares in his evil deeds. As I ponder these verses, my mind recalls many men who have started movements based on their twisted and warped personal belief they themselves are Christ Incarnate. Unfortunately, many of these movements grown into modern day religions. John's words are clear and unmistakable. We are not to even socialize with these nay sayers . We are to prote...

2 John 4-6 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children (the church body) walking in truth, as we (I) received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady (the church) , not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we (I) have had from the beginning: that we (I) love one another. 6 This is love, that we (I) walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you (I) have heard from the beginning, you (I) should walk in it. Here John is pointing out that some of the church body is living a true Christian life, but not all. He pleads with them to love each other and reminds them this is the way God intended a church to be. God wants the church to love each other so they may be able to show love to those outside the church. I pray today you will be able to mend fences so that others will see Christ in you.

To my dedicated readers: please forgive my recent absence. Battles with Satan have been wearing me down. I can say that I have missed this time in God's Word. Thank you for your prayers and patience. 2 John 1-3 The Elder, To the elect lady (church) and her children (church body) , whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those (other Christians) who have known the truth (Christ) , 2 because of the truth which abides in us (me) and will be with us (me) forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you (me) from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. When first reading this passage, it may appear to modern man that a special lady and her children have been elevated to a special status and is being blessed. This is not so. The 'elect lady' John is referring to is the church. 'The Elder' is the leader of the church, while 'the elect lady' is the church itself and 'her children' are t...

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,...