How do I Spend my Time?

617.  "How do I Spend my Time?  
September 28, 2012
1 John 3-Part 6     (verses 17-20)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
  1 John 3:18 KJV
Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
NLT


LET IT GLOW

It's time to evaluate how I spend my time. It is needful every now and then. Will you join me?
Do I spend enough of it with my husband like he would like me to?
Am I playing with my granddaughter enough, giving her one-on-one time that would make her happy?
 Do I stop and listen long enough to a family member or a friend so they know how important they are to me?
Or is the television or computer taking away my time?
Is my time well spent?
Are my opportunities passing me by, to do good and show love to others?
How often do I use the word wait, or put off an act of love or kindness?
Are projects or things more important to me than people?
Who do I need to start spending more time with?
What do I need to cut back on so it is possible?
What sacrifices do I need to make? Time is passing me by so quickly.

The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now. (Rick Warren)
 
What is the most precious gift I can give someone? Time is because I am giving a portion of my life that I will never get back.
How can I measure the importance of things? It is by how much time I am willing to invest in them. The more time I give to something, the more I reveal its importance and value to me. If I want to know a person's priorities, just look at how they use their time.
Am I proving that relationships are important by investing time in them? Relationships take time and effort. How is the best way to spell love? T-I-M-E
Does my family want my eyes, ears, time, attention, presence, focus-my time, instead ot things money can buy? Nothing can take its place.
It's when we make a sacrifice, giving of time, that I show I value someone.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
Love means giving up-yielding my preferences, comfort, goals, security, money, energy, or time for the benefit of someone else.
[Refererence: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren]

Galatians 5:6b says: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

How am I expressing my faith? Is it through showing love to others, giving of my time to them?

LET IT GROW

How does John say that I am to show the love of Jesus to others?
I am to:

• give up my life for my brothers and sisters in the faith. (verse 16)
• show compassion when I see them in need of food, clothing, shelter, sick, poor, unable to provide for their own needs and those of their family (verse 17)
• show and tell of our love. (verse 18)
• let my actions show that I belong to Jesus, the Truth. (verse 19)

Here are some good things Clarke's Bible Commentary has to say:

Here's the test of love:If we don't divide our bread with the hungry, we certainly wouldn't lay down our life for him.

Whatever love we may pretend to mankind, if we aren't charitable and benevolent, we give the lie to our profession.

If we shut up our bowels against the poor, we shut Christ out of our hearts.

Hardheartedness and God's love never meet together, much less can they be associated.
 

Faith gives Christ to me; love flowing from faith gives me to my neighbor. (Jameison, Fausset, Brown )

God calls us to lay down our lives piece by piece, little by little in small, but important ways every day. (Guzik)

Am I willingly and cheerfully helping others? Or do I pick and choose who I show love to, or share with?

Jesus gave all He had for us. Should we do no less?


LET IT GO

Don't just be a hearer of the Word, be a doer also.

Express love by giving my time to others.

Show and tell of Jesus' love today.

Give, give, give.

Accepting My Assignment

616.  "Accepting My Assignment"
September 27, 2012
1 John 3-Part 5            (verses 13-16)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  1 John 3:16 KJV

LET IT GLOW

I remember a time in elementary school when I had to spend hours working out long division problems. Though I didn't like it at the time, I accepted those assignments. They were good practice for me. It reinforced what I had learned, forcing me to apply the knowledge. It took hours to do only a few problems. I had to follow each step correctly and use my knowledge of multiplication and division facts.
It sounds like we have an assignment here in chapter 3. Let's look closer at it.

Perceive (ginosko in Greek)  means to know. (Strong's Dictionary of The Greek Testament) 

What does John say that I know, as a believer? I know the love of God.
How do I know the love of God? Because He laid down His life for me. Jesus died in my place so my sins would be paid for and I would not have to do it. I still can't get over it-a perfect man/a perfect God would love me so much that He would do this for me!!

John uses the supreme example of sacrificial love here to show what love is ulltimately. The word for (hyper in Greek) shows the vicarious nature of the atonement; Christ died in our place, and suffered the punishment for us. this is made the basis for the obligation of Christian love.  (Liberty Bible Commentary)

How often do I thank Jesus for what He did for me? What gifts-salvation, mercy, grace!

LET IT GROW

What do we know?

• We have passed from death unto life. (verse 14) Before my new birth (spiritually), I was in spiritual darkness and spiritually dead. Becoming a Christian is a resurrection from death to life.
• We love the brethren (verse 14). This is a result of the love of Christ being in us.
• We perceive the love of God because He laid down His life for us. (verse 16) Not only do I know with my mind, but with my spirit and soul also. 
• He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (verse 14b) Someone who is characterized by hate has never experienced the new birth. (MacArthur)
• He that hates his brother is a murderer. (verse 15) Hate is a seed that leads to murder. The attitude is equal to the act.
• No murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (verse 15) They are children of the devil and not children of God, because God's children have His love in their heart. God's children have eternal life promised them. (John 3:16)
• We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (verse 16b) Since my Savior laid down His life for me, I should be willing to do the same for my brethren. That is love.

What's my assignment in this life?

Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, says:

I was created to serve God.
I was saved to serve God.
I was called to serve God.
I am commanded to serve God.
Service is not optional.
Ephesians 2:10 says: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve Him? God will evaluate me on how well I served others at the end of my life on earth. How will I react to what He reveals to me? Will I be happy, sad, embarrassed, regretful, content?

I, for one, have room for imporvement.

LET IT GO

Show God's love is in me by serving others.

Love the brethren.

People Who Rub me the Wrong Way

615.  "People Who Rub me the Wrong Way"                    September 26, 2012
1 John 3-Part 4   (verses 11-12)
For this is the message that ye have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 
1 John 3:11

LET IT GLOW

There are some people that rub me the wrong way, get my dander up. Their words are like sandpaper, rough and coarse. They are always saying and doing things that hurt my feelings. You probably have some in your life, too. That is when I have to surrender to Jesus and let Him love them through me. Believe you me, I can't do it on my own. I realize there are some Cain's in this world, so I better watch out for them. They will try to kill my witness-provoke me to anger, to say things unbecoming a Christian, to sin in my heart. Am I able (Abel) to please God through it? Oh my, our verse says I am to love them. Not just tolerating, but love? Don't leave me now friends.

What have we heard from the beginning? (1 John 2:7,24)
What was the message we heard of Him, Jesus? (1 John 1:5)

John used this same expression in our key verse as he did in other verses above. He repeats the theme of what they heard "from the beginning" to emphasize that the false teachers were preventing that which God, through the apostles proclaimed-love one another.

What has been the central theme of Christianity? Love.
This is an important part of the Word of God. John expressed in his Gospel (John13:34-35) that love for one another should be an identifying characteristic of Christians.

The Gospel message of Him who loved us, announced by His servants, is, that we love the brethren; not here all mankind, but those who are our brethren in Christ, children in the same family of God, of whom we have been born anew. (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Bible Commentary)

We should love the Lord Jesus, value His love, and therefore love all our brethren in Christ. This love is the special fruit of our faith, and a certain sign of our being born again.  (Matthew Henry)

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

If I don't love believers in the church, does it make me a hypocrite that is sinning?
If I don't love believers not in the church, does it mean I am sinning?

Jesus told us to love our neighbor found in Matthew 22. 
He said, Love one another as I have loved you, found in John 13:34.

I have some homework on this one, sisters.

LET IT GROW

Verses 12-13 state in the New Living Translation: We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sister, if the world hates you.

What are the two things John is telling me? First, to not be like Cain and envy, be jealous, hate, not kill a believer's witness. Who was Cain?

The story is found in Genesis 4. Adam and Eve, after they fell into sin, had two sons, Cain and Abel, not twins. Abel gave an offering to God, which pleased God-the fat portions of the firstborn of his flock (sheep). (See Lev. 3:16) God requires a blood sacrifice for sin. Cain brought the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord, which did not please God. The Lord had a talk with Cain, but he did repent. Instead, Cain's sin of jealousy grew into hate, so he killed his brother Abel.

Cain's offering was not acceptable because he was sinful. Jealousy was behind his hate and murder, as in the case of the religious leaders who had Christ executed.  (MacArthur)

The seed of God was in Abel, so the seed of the wicked one induced Cain to destroy his brother, because the seed of God-the Divine nature, was found in him.  (Clarke)

Later, Adam and Eve had another son, Seth, through which Jesus, our Savior came. God provided another child after Abel was killed.

Cain's offering was offered with an evil and hypocritical mind, without faith in the sacrifice of Christ, unacceptable to God. (Gill)

It's the attitude of the heart that God looks at.
Is my attitude in my heart  one of faith, obedience?
Do I give offerings to the Lord that please  Him?
Am I surprised when the world hates me? Usually.

LET IT GO

Forgive others and replace hard feelings and jealousy with love.

Love believers.

Do what is righteous in God's eyes.

I Belong to a Big Family

614.  "I Belong to a Big Family"                                
September 25, 2012
1 John 3-Part 3  (verses 7-10)
Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 1 John 3:7 NLT

Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 1 John 3:9 NLT

So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.  1 John 3:10 NLT

LET IT GLOW

This past weekend, my dad's family had a reunion. What a huge family my grandparents have. They had six children which lived,18 grandchildren, and at least 34 great-great grandchildren (there are some adopted, so I don't know how many). After that, I loose count. I am happy to belong to such a big family. I belong to another big family, the family of God. Let's see what John has to say to his family.
 
What is John saying to his readers, and us?

• Do not let anyone deceive you. According to Thayer's Lexicon, deceive means to lead away from the truth, to lead into error. To prevent deception from occurring, John repeatedly emphasized the basics of Christianity, the need for obedience, the need for love, and the need fro a proper view of Christ. (MacArthur)
• Do what is right and show that you are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. In other words, practice righteousness, which means to live up rightly;
• Those born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. We are to behave like Jesus, manifesting the power of His life in us (Gal. 2:20) When we are born again, God makes us new creatures with new natures.
• We can tell who are children of God and belong to Him if they live righteously and love other believers. 

Are these characteristics describing me? Do I exhibit this new nature as the habitual character of righteousness produced by the Holy Spirit?
Love is not merely an optional duty for someone claiming to be a Christian, but proof positive that a person truly has been born again (John 15:12). (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

Verse 8 in NLT says, But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

Again, John is describing the false teachers:

• They sin, which means "who habitually practice sin."
• They belong to the devil, which is a term meaning "accuser" or "slanderer." Not only does Satan oppose God and His plan, but he is the originator and instigator of sin and rebellion against God and His law. He has been sinning from the beginning. All the unsaved are under the diabolic influence of Satan.
• The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to destroy the works of the devil.A day will come when Satan's activity will cease in the universe and he will be sent to hell forever (Rev. 20:10).
• A variety of the devil's activities include: sin, rebellion, temptation, ruling the world, persecution and accusation of saints, instigation of false teachers, and exercising the power of death.
• They do not live righteously.
• They display a distinct lack of love for true believers.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]
Only two kinds of children exist in the world: children of God and children of Satan. No one can belong to both families simultaneously. We belong to one family and exibit that character.

Do I show proof of my new birth, righteousness and loving believers?

LET IT GO

Don't be deceived by false teachers; stay in God's word, the Truth.

Practice righteousness, not sin.

Love other believers.

Be aware of the influence of the devil and don't yield to it.

Exhibit behavior as a member of the family of God.

Breaking Habits

613.  "Breaking Habits"                  September 24, 2012
1 John 3-Part 2 (verses 4-6)
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  1 John 3:6

LET IT GLOW

When I was a child, I had a habit of chewing my fingernails. It was a hard one to break. Habits can be hard to break, especially when one is trying so hard to break them.

Maybe it is time for me to do a self-evaluation and ask myself, "Do I have any sinful habits?" Are there things in my life that are displeasing to God? I should ask Him to show me. I am just a sinner saved by grace. I don't want to sin, but I do. It is a part of our nature. I am thankful for God's grace that keeps forgiving us.

Sinneth not does not mean that once a person is saved he never sins again! It means that once a person is saved he no longer lives in sin; his life is no longer characterized by sin. Everyone who is truly born of God lives righteously. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

In the devotional book Experiencing God Day by Day, Henry and Richard Blackaby have this to say about sin:

Sin is choosing a standard other than God's law on which to base your life. It is a dangerous thing to live your life without a spiritual "plumb line," or standard, by which you determine right from wrong. God's word is that plumb line. Spiritual laws, like physical laws, are meant to protect you, not restrict you. God's absolute moral and spiritual laws that we are free to ignore, but we do so at our own peril.

LET IT GROW

Verse 4 says, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Commits sin-The verb commits in the Greek conveys the idea of making sin a habitual practice. Although genuine Christians have a sin disposition, and do commit and need to confess sin, that is not the unbroken pattern of their lives. A genuinely born-again believer has a built-in check or guard against habitual sinning due to a new nature (Rom. 6:12).  (MacArthur)

All disobedience is contrary to love, therefore, sin is a transgression of the Law, whether the act refers immediately to God or to our neighbor.  (Clarke)

Lawlessness conveys more than transgressing God's Law. It conveys the ultimate sense of rebellion, living as if there was no law or ignoring what laws exist. If no check against habitual sin exists in someone who professes to be a Christian, John's pronouncement is absolutely clear-salvation never took place. To sin is contrary to Christ's work of breaking the dominion of sin in the believer's life (Rom. 6:1-15). (MacArthur)

Barnes' Notes on the Bible says:

• All sin is a violation of the law of God. (verse 4)
• The very object of the coming of Christ was to deliver people from sin. (verse 5)
• Those who are true Christians don't habitually sin. (verse 6) 

The Bible makes two things clear about sin. First, living a lifestyle of sin indicates that you are not walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, regardless of what you say about your spiritual condition. You cannot regularly spend time studying and meditationg on God's Word, praying and walking in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and persist in sin.
Second, if you do not hate sin the way God does, then you do not truly know Him.
All this does not mean that you will never sin, but it does mean that you refuse to make sin a lifestyle and and you immediately seek forgiveness when you sin (1 John 1:10). (Experiencing God Day By Day)

Am I abiding in Christ or am I falling into sinful habits or not grieving over my sin?
These are some hard things to swallow, but true.
What is in the middle of this 3-letter word SIN?  "I" is in the middle of sin.

LET IT GO

Abide in Jesus, under grace, not in sin.

Ask the Lord to show me if I have any habitual sins in my life.

Let go of sinful ways. Come to Jesus for  cleansing and a changed heart.

Hope-So Becomes Know-So

612.  "Hope-So Becomes Know-So"
September 21, 2012
1 John 3-Part 1    (verses 1-3)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  1 John 3:1 KJV

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
NIV 1 John 3:1

LET IT GLOW

Manner means kind, style, according to Webster's Dictionary.
Thayer's Lexicon says manner means of what sort or quality. 

The word bestowed is joined with nouns denoting an act or an effect; and the act or effect of him who gives, in such a sense that what he is said he is conceived of as effecting, or as becoming its author. (Thayer's Lexicon)

Webster's Dictionary defines bestow as give, confer as a gift; deposit, consign.

So, can I bring this verse on down to a personal level and say this verse with a personal touch- Look at what kind of love gift Linda's  heavenly Father has given to Linda! So much love, that she can be called His daughter, God's child. 

Dear friend, you can read it again putting your name in place of mine. Do you need His love today?

I look around and see so many gifts of love that God has lavished me with. How can I but praise Him! One particular gift is that of His Son Jesus, to be my proitiation for my sin. He gave salvation to me as a free gift so I would not have to pay for my sins. What manner of love!!!

Looking at verse 2, we have this hope in Christ that when He appears, we shall be made like Him. In the moment, in the blink of an eye, we shall be changed from this decaying, aging body into a heavenly body. I don't know what it will look like, but I am sure looking forward to it.

LET IT GROW

Verse 3 says, And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say:
The hope (elpis in Greek ), is not a "hope-so" chance for the Christian, but a "know-so" of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is because of this "sure expectation" that we "purify" our lives.

Purieth means to cleanse, make clean, morally.
Pure means pure freom every fault, immaculate (referring to God).

What is my hope as a Christian? My hope is in Christ's Second Coming. He will deliever me from this sinful world.

Living in the reality of Christ's return makes a difference in a Christian's behavior. since Christians someday will be like Him, a desire should grow within the Christian to become like Him now. It calls for a purifying of sin, in which we play a part. (MacArthur)

How do I purify myself? I can't. The only thing I can do is confess my sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive me, to cleanse me from my sins as 1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus can and will do it. His Word is true. After all, He is pure, which means Jesus has no sin in Him.

Daily I must confess. Daily I need to be purified. When thinking about heaven, my hope-so became know-so.

LET IT GO

No pride, just be purified.

Keep the hope.

Remember, God loves you and God loves me.

Robes

611.  "Robes"                          September 20, 2012
1 John 2-Part 6  (verse 28-29)
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 
1 John 2:29  KJV

If you know he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 John 2:29 NIV

Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God's children.  1 John 2:29 New Living Translation

LET IT GLOW

I have an old, thick, light blue robe that I wear only in the wintertime after I have showered. It keeps me covered and warm while I iron my clothes that I am going to wear for the day. I have another robe that I wear, spiritually speaking. It is one that Christ has provided for me-His Robe of Righteousness. You see, I can't purchase a righteous robe on my own because my righteousness is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) It is a free gift to me, but it cost Christ His very life to provide it.
  

Christ is righteous, which means He is the justifier or who pronounces righteous, but the substantial meaning is holy, that quality by virtue of which he hates and punishes sin. 
Righteousness refers to do righteousness, to live uprightly.  (Thayer's Lexicon)

I have no righteousness on my own, but it is the robe of righteousness of Christ that clothes me so I can be right with God. It is blood stained, I believe, because He shed his blood for me, a sinner.
Friend, are you clothed in this robe?

According to John Gill, Christ is:

• as righteous as God in His nature and in His works;
• as a man in His obedience;
• as a Mediator, in faithfully discharging the work He undertook;
• the author of an everlasting righteousness;
• imputed by God;
• revealed in the Gospel;
• received by faith.

A life of righteousness shows that we have the life of Christ and proof that we have been born again.
(People's New Testament)

John is not talking about a person who performs one or two righteous acts, but about a person whose conduct can be characterized as righteousness. Of such a person it may be said that he is born (gennao), or rather "has been truly born of God.  (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Is there enough proof that I am a Christian to convict me of such? How about you?

LET IT GROW

In verse 28, John tells us to:

• remain in fellowship with Christ;
• be full of courage;
• do not shrink back from him in shame;
• do what is right since I am God's child.

Am I looking for Jesus' Second Coming with joyous confidence?

LET IT GO

What do I need to let go of so I can live uprightly?

Thank You, Jesus, for Your Robe of Righteousness provided for me as a gift.

Have courage, don't shrink back, do what's right, stay in fellowship with my Savior.

Antichrists

610.  "Antichrists"        September 19, 2012
1 John 2-Part 5   (verses 18-27)
I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.  1 John 2:26 NIV

LET IT GLOW

According to The MacArthur Bible Commentary:

Two characteristics mark genuine Christians in contrast to the anitchrists.

1. The Holy Spirit guards them from error (Acts 10:38, 2 Cor. 1:21). Christ as the Holy One imparts
     the Holy Spirit as their illuminating guardian from deception.
2. The Holy Spirit guides the believer into knowing "all things" (John 14:26, 16:13). True Christians
     have a built-in lie detector and persevere in the truth.

Am I studying and learning the truth so I can detect the false teachings?

LET IT GROW


Antichrist, in Thayer's Lexicon, opposes God, is the adversary of the Messiah. The name was formed perhaps by John, the only writer in the N.T. who uses it (5 times); he employs it of the corrupt power and influences hostile to Christian interests, especially that which is at work in false teachers who have come from the bosom of the church and are engaged in disseminating error. The Antichrist (my emphasis) will be an individual man, instigated by the devil to try to palm himself off as God. Being plural-antichrists, refers to the false teachers.

Characteristics of these antichrists, false teachers:
1. depart from the faithful, from Christian fellowship (verses 22-23);
2. deny the Father and the Son, the Christian faith;
3. deceive the faithful, the Christian faithful (verses 26-27).

Am I watching out for the false teacher? Do I warn others of false teachings?

LET IT GO

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

Learn the Truth so I can detect the false teachings.

Resisting Cute Little Pink Things

609.  "Resisting Cute Little Pink Things"          
September 18, 2012
1 John 2-Part 4      (Verses 15-17)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. and the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  1 John 2:15-17 KJV


LET IT GLOW

I have been painting my office/playroom in pink (trim only). Now let me tell you, I am enjoying changing my decor from green to pink. Therefore, when I am in a store, pink things draw my attention. I can't afford to change everything in the room to be changed to pink, so I am making a mental list of what I can afford, a little at a time. I had to " nip it in the bud" as Barney Fife said, before it got out of hand. Rather before my money left my hand. So I realize my present temptations are pink things. What can I do to resist buying every cute little pink thing I see? I need help, John.


So far in our study of 1 John, we have talked about walking in the Light, sin, with the Advocate, and under commandment. Already we learned that we are to love our brethren, Christian brothers and sisters. Today, we are continuing to discuss walking in love.

He that does the will of God abideth forever. I want to abide forever, don't you? What does it mean?

Abideth refers to love towards God. (Thayer's Lexicon)

But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever, says New Living Translation of verse 17b.

If I am interested enough in finding out what the will of God for my life is, then I surely love God and want to please Him with my life.

God's will is permanent and unchangeable. Those who follow God's will abide as His people forever. While God offers eternal life to His children, the present age is doomed. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

How much wiser to invest our lives into that which cannot be lost: doing the will of God.
We are in contact with three eternal things:
1. the Holy Spirit of God
2. the people around us
3. eternal words-the Bible.
Time, attention, expense put into those things pays eternal rewards.  (David Guzik)

Where am I spending my time, money, and attention? Am I loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind?

LET IT GROW

If I love the world (worldly affairs), more than God, more than doing His will, then:

• the love of the Father is not in me;
• lust of the flesh prevails in me;
• lust of the eyes conquers me;
• I am prideful.

When Satan tempted Eve, found in Genesis 3, KJV, it was in these three ways:
1. Lust of the flesh-the forbidden fruit was good for food;
2. Lust of the eyes-it was plesant to look at;
3. boastful pride of life-knowing good and evil, she would be as gods/make her wise.

I don't know which one of the temptations or perhaps all of them cinched it, but verse 6 says she took the fruit and ate it.

Let's consider Satan's temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. Keep in mind, He had been fasting for 40 days. It's found in Luke 4.
1. Lust of the flesh-tempted to turn the stone into bread;
2. Lust of the eyes-Satan would give Jesus the world if only He would worship Satan;
3. Pride of life-throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, angels would protect Jesus.
If you will notice, after all three temptations, Jesus refutted Satan using Scriptures.

This tells me, friends, the way for us to get ride of the Devil-use Scripture. James 4:7 says, Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Am I resisting  the forbidden fruit, sweets, drinks, overindulgance?
Am I careful what my eyes see and want-magazines, movies, tv, revealing clothing, gagets, home, cars, status?
Am I humble or prideful-material things, power, decisions, positions, impressing others with my outward appearances?
Am I persuaded to spend my time, attention, and money on the things of this world instead of the things of God?

Where is my weakest resistance?

Why are the three sinful? They aren't of God. Instead of being flesh satisfied, be spirit satisfied; instead of outward beauty, develop an inner beauty; replace pride with humility. (Guzik)

The things in the world, its profits, pleasures, and honors are strong allurements. (Clarke)

It is impossible to love the world to coexist with love to God, as it is impossible for light and darkness to coexist.  (Vincent's Word Studiles)

Since I am a sojourner, pilgrim, or stranger here, this is not my dwelling place, rest. Heaven is.

Don't pamper the appetite, please the eye, nor pormote pride in living. (Barnes' Notes)

Wow! Do I have homework today!

LET IT GO

Drop those fleshly items that want to take me down a sinful road.

Close my eyes to the gagets that tempt me to get in financial bondage.

Fall on my face in repentance of pride.

Turn to Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit for strength to resist those temptations to sin.

Make sure I don't put a stumbling block in my brothers and sisters' way.

Growing Up

608.  "Growing Up"            September 17, 2012
1 John 2-Part 3     (Verses 12-14)
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 1 John 2:13 KJV


LET IT GLOW

When I was a child, Dad was my hero, provider, and protecter. Even as an adult, Dad is my hero still. Having gone through some of life's experiences, I am better able to understand why he did things the way he did. I wish I could tell him how much I love him. I don't think I ever did. Our family did not say those words when I was growing up.

In verses 12-14, John is writing about the three stages of spiritual growth in God's family:

1. Little Children have only the basic awareness of God and need to grow. Their sins are forgiven;
    they know the Father; they ssink roots deep in His love and care; they are proud of being His child.

    Little children, in verse 12, is teknia in the Greek, which has more of an emphasis on a child's
    relationship of dependence on a parent.
    Little children, in verse 13, is paidia in the Greek, which has more of an  emphasis on a child's
    immaturity and need for instruction.

2. Young men have not yet the mature experience of knowing God in the Word and through life, but
    know sound doctrine. They are strong against sin and error because they have His Word in them.
    They overcome the wiles of the devil, who makes havoc of children. (Eph. 4:14) Spiritually young
    men know victory. They are on the front line of God's work among His people; are engaged in
    battle with the wicked one; overcome spiritual foes that seek to destroy their spiritual life.

3. Fathers are the most mature, having a deep knowledge of the eternal God. The pinnacle of spiritual
    maturity is to know God in His fullness (Phil 3:10). They have experiential knowledge of Jesus
    Christ.
[Reference: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Guzik's Bible Commentary]

Can I identify which stage I am in concerning my spiritual maturity? Do I continue to grow in faith and love?

LET IT GROW

Here are some questions to ponder, dear friends:
-Have I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins?
-Have I trusted Jesus as my Savior?
-Do I overcome the temptations before me?
-Do I overcome the evil one?
-Am I strong in faith in Jesus, trusting Him throughout the day?
-Is my life in God's hands and not mine? Am I serving Him always?

LET IT GO

Grow spiritually by remaining in God's Word, praying, experiencing His grace and mercy.

Thank God for His unconditional and unfailing love.

Share with others how God has been faithful to me.

High Heels

607.  "High Heels"               September 14, 2012
1 John 2-Part 2      (verses 9-11)
Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.   1 John 2:10 NLT

LET IT GLOW

I have stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk, stepping upon the sidewalk, going down stairs. You name it and I have stumbled from it. Actually, I have only fallen a few times. I don't think I was wearing heels at the time, though. Anyway, I decided, no more high heels for me. In fact, it has been several years now since I have worn them. So it's flat shoes for me and no more, well few stumbling. Oh, I miss those pretty, white heels with a bow and of course my bright red heels. Then there are the green ones, brown ones, black ones, along with the navy blue ones. Girlfriends, it is not worth taking a chance of falling flat on my face and breaking a bone or my pride. So I threw them all out. No more stumbling-block for me, hopefully. come to think of it, do I cause others to sumble, even stumble into sin? That is one of the things John mentions today.

What is the fulfillment of the law?
Love is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus told us in Matthew 22:34-40 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, then to love our neighbor as ourself. In John 13:34 and John 15:12 and 17, Jesus gave us a new commandment-love one another as I have loved you, which is a sacrificial love.

In Romans 13:8 Paul tells us Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

James 2:8 states If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do will.

The person whose life is characterized by love and light is a true believer.  (Falwell)

True enlightenment is to love. God's light is the light of love, so to walk in light is to walk in love.  (MacArthur)

God's Word Translation says in verse 10: Those who love other believers live in light. Nothing will destroy the faith of those who live in the light.

The second part of our key verse says there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 

Stumbling means to put a stumbling-block in one's way, to do that by which another is led to sin. (The Greek word John uses is skandalon, for which we get our English word scandal.)

Love prevents him from giving offense to his neighbor and receiving any. (Clarke)
What lies in his way he shuns and avoids occassion of stumbling and falling. (Gill)
Romans 13:9, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Psalm 119:165

Am I loving all believers as Jesus does? How careful am I to not cause another to stumble into sin?

LET IT GROW

Let's look at verses 9 and 11, where John talks about the one who hates his Christian brother or sister:

• they are still living in darkness;
• they are still walking in darkness;
• they don't know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.

Am I helping the believers who have a problem with another to live and walk in the Light instead of darkness? do I take time to show them the way to go? the way to forgive and love?

LET IT GO

Love others period.

Don't hate, but love.

Watch what I wear, say, and do so I don't cause a brother or sister to stumble into sin.

Help those who are walking in dark sin to find the Light, Jesus.

Show others how to live pleasing God.

I Need a Defense Attorney

606.  "I Need a Defense Attorney"         September 13, 2012
1 John 2-Part 1    (Verses 1-8)
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6

LET IT GLOW

I have only served on a jury once. The young man was in a car with two others, where a gun and illegal drugs were hid under the seat. The big deal about this is that the guy was on parole, and was not supposed to be in possess of a gun and drugs. In the court proceedings, there was a prosecutor who accused the young man of violating his parole and breaking the law. Of course, he had a lawyer to defend him before the judge and jury.

I realize that every day I break God's laws. I am guilty of sin, breaking fellowship with the Father. Satan is acting as prosecutor, accusing me before the Judge, God my Father, bringing up my sins, laws I broke. The good news is that I have a defense attorney, Jesus, who intercedes for me.
Because Jesus took my place in paying for my sins, I don't have to pay for them. There is no fine or payment due. It is marked paid in full. I am set free, no longer guilty. I am thankful for God's mercy.

So the good news is,, when I sin, I have Jesus as my:

• advocate, which refers to one who pleads anther's cause with one, an intercessor; so of Christ, inl His exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins: (a type of defense attorney);
• propitiation for my sins, which means appeasing (satisfy).

Jesus met the requirements for sin that the Father established, which is a perfect blood sacrifice. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, willingly laid down His life for us so we would not have to pay for our sins. Isn't that something to shout about?

LET IT GROW

Whether I am walking in Light, Jesus, or if I am walking in sin, I can walk with the Advocate and walk under the Commandment. (My feet are tired already from all that walking.)

According to Liberty Bible Commentary, verse 3 is saying, "In this way we know that we really know Him," or, "By this we may be sure that we know Him."  "Everyone who trully knows christ keeps His commandment; a certain person does not keep HIs commandments-conclusion? he is a liar!"

Falwell explains that keeping His commandments is living according to His moral standards, means not only that we have ture knowledge of HIm but also that Love of God is perfected in him. He is a true Christian.

What is John telling me to do?
*Keep God's commandments, His Word. I must read it daily so I can know what it says.
*Let God's love be perfected in me. Show the  love of God, even to the the unlovely.
*When I say that I abide in Jesus, prove it. If I am going to talk the talk, then I must walk the walk,
   like Jesus did. If I am going to talk of Christianity, then I must live it, even to the extinct of
   forgiving others.

LET IT GO

Strive to keep God's Word.

Confess my sins to my Advocate, Jesus.

Let God's love be seen in my life and show love to others.

Talk Christian, walk Christian.

                      

Walking in Sin

605.  " Walking in Sin"            September 12, 2012
1 John 1-Part 3  (Verses 8-10)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  1 John 1:8-10

LET IT GLOW

I make mistakes. I am not perfect. I am only human. Yes, Linda is a sinner. In fact, I am a sinner in need of a Savior's forgiveness all day long. If I am not sinning in an action, then I am sinning in my thoughts. If I am not sinning in my thoughts, then I am sinning with my words. Are you with me friends? At least I am not alone in this.
Paul, in Romans 3:10, quotes Psalm 14:1-3, There is none that doeth good, no, not one. (verse 3)

The good part is that if I confess my sins, God will forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness because He is faithful and just. So then, though I walk in sin some days, several days, most of the day, I don't have to. All I have to do is confess my sins and ask God to forgive me. Now why don't I do that all day long, several days? Why do I wait until the end of the day to confess my sins? I start out my morning with prayer, so why not pray without ceasing as 1 Thessalonians says? Why? Why? Am I walking in sin?

I think the key word is only two letters long-if. Forgiveness is waiting and available anytime I need it.

Confess means to admit or declare one's self guilt of what one is accused of. (Thayer's Lexicon)

Confess is a verb in present tense; it means we should keep on confessing our sin, instead of a one-for-all confession of sin at our conversion. We will be forgiven because Jesus paid the penalty of our sin. (Guzik)

I agree with God that I have disobeyed His Word, done wrong, need forgiveness. The only thing I have to do is confess. I don't have to work it off, do so many good deeds to replace the sinful ones.

God will keep His promise-He will forgive me. He will cleanse me from all unrighteousness. There aren't any degrees of sin, as we humans like to think. I should not compare myself with another, making me the good ole gal. There will always be people who are farther along in their Christian growth than I am and those not as far along. so I should not compare myself. Jesus is to be my standard for my life.
Is Jesus my standard for my life? Am I surrendering to Him?

LET IT GROW

John Gill said, "These words are not addressed to the Gentile sinners, but a generation which had grown up in the church. It emphasizes the Christian's constant need of a pardoning Savior."

On the other hand, if I do not confess my sins, saying I have no sin, then:

• I deceive myself (verse 8)
• the truth is not in me (verse 8)
• I make God a liar (verse 10)
• God's Word is not in me (verse 10).

Since God has said that all people are sinners, to deny that fact is to blaspheme God with slander that defames His name.  (MacArthur)

If a sinner never admits to being a sinner, salvation cannot result. (Matt. 19:16-22)

God makes known His forgiving love to the one who confesses his sins. (Gill)

As I said at the beginning, Linda is a sinner. Will we all admit it today? Am I walking in sin? Is my lifestyle that of an unbeliever or a believer? Am I living Christ-like?

LET IT GO

Let go of my pride and confess my sins.

Ask His forgiveness throughout the day.

Walk in the Light, not in sin.

Walking in the Light

604.  "Walking in the Light"                September 11, 2012
1 John 1-Part 2
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7


LET IT GLOW

*Please remember those who lost loved one on Sept. 11, 2001 during the World Trade Disaster.

When there is darkness outside, I like to walk in the light. Therefore, before I get out of the car at home, I have my little flashlight that is on my key chain, in my hand and ready to use. Since I have seen several critters in my yard, I like to take precaution. There has been a 'possum, armadillo, skunks, and snakes. I sure don't want to walk up on one of those guys unexpectantly. No telling what they would do to me. My hands are usually full, so I don't think I could run very fast for a get away. Now you know why I like to walk in the light. (Our porch light only works half of the time, anyway.)
John talks about us walking in the light, and that God is light. Let's dig a little deeper. Have a seat and make yourself comfortable, friend.

Verse 5 says God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

According to Thayer's Lexicon, this word light used in this verse, refers to the extremely delicate, subtile, pure, brilliant quality of light that has led to the use of its Greek word as an appellation (title) of God as by nature incorporeal spotless, holy.

In verse 5, darkness, (skotia in Greek), is a metaphor used of ignorance of divine things, and its associated wichedness, and the resultant misery.

"Here are two great symbols suggesting moral purity and evil; John says  literally that there is not even one bit of darkness in God," states Falwell.

God is light-the source of wisdom, knowledge, holiness, and happiness; He has no darkness at all-no ignorancae, no imperfection, no sinfulness, no misery.  (Clarke)

God illuminates others. (Gill)

What light is to the natural eye, God is to the spiritual eye.  (Wesley)

So this is saying to me that God is holy, pure, spotlessly morally pure and has not one ounce of sin or evil in Him. thank You Father that You are approachable through the blood and robe of righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said that He is the light of the world, in John 8:12.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Paul describes believers as the children of light and day, not night nor darkness.

Do I honor Him as being holy, righteousness, pure, worthy of parise, the only God to be worshipped?

LET IT GROW

If we say we have fellowship with God, then:

• if we walk (live) in darkness (practicing known and willful sin), we lie, and do not the truth;
• if we walk in the light, we have fellowship one with another-we who walk in the light have fellowship (eternal life) with God;
• the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin-His attoining death cleanses us from all sin, makes the darkness into light. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

A genuine Christian walks habitually in the light(turth and holiness), not in darkness (falsehood and sin). Their walk also results in cleansing from sin as the Lord continuallu forgives His own.  (MacArthur)

It all boils down to this-Am I walking in light or darkness? I want to have fellowship with God, don't you?

LET IT GO

Keep confessing my sins and ask for cleansing of my soul with Jesus' blood.

Watch my thoughts, words, and actions, that they be pure.

Praise the God of light, who has no sin.

Parise be to  the Perfect Lamb of God.

Walk in the light and maintain fellowship with God.

Remembering the families of those who died on 9-11.

Joy in Letters

603.  "Joy in Letters"                  September 10, 2012
1 John-Introduction
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.  1 John 1:4

LET IT GLOW

I have kept letters and cards that are special to me over the years. I kept letters that my soon-to-be husband had written to me. I was in Louisiana visiting my sister, who had had twins. Mom and I stayed two weeks helping her manage a three year old and newborns. It was only two months before our wedding, so those letters were very cherished and brough joy at that time of my life. I read them every now and then. They bring a smile to my lips and joy to my heart.

Joy means gladness, according to Thayer's Lexicon; is an emotion of sudden pleasure, keen dilight, according to Webster's Dictionary.

John wrote this first letter so his readers, fellow Christians, would have joy. This was the main goal for the epistle- to create joy in the readers.
The proclamation of the reality of the gospel (verses 1-2) produces a fellowship in eternal life (verse 3), and in turn fellowship in eternal life produces joy (verse 4). ( MacArthur)

Do I have joy?

Introduction to 1 John

Who wrote these three small letters?
The apostle of John wrote them. What do we know about John?

• John was a disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ.
• John and James, hils older brother (Acts 12:2), were known as "the sons of Zebedee" (Matt. 10:2-4).
• Jesus named John and James "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17).
• John was one of the three most intimate associates of Jesus, along with Peter and James (Matt. 17:1).
• John was an eyewitness to and participate in Jesus' earthly ministry.
• John wrote the The Gospel According to John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.

When did John write these three letters?
It is likely that John wrote these three Epistles in the latter partr of the first century, when he was older, advanced in age. He was living in Ephesus at this time. It was around A.D.90-95 that we think John wrote these letters. John served as in evalism, overseeing many of the churches in Asia Minor.

To whom were the letters written?
No specific group is mentioned-church, location, or individual. Therefore, they are classified as  "general epistles."

Background:
False teachers, false doctrines, and philosophical trends were infecting the church and perverting apostolic teaching. Gnosticism was one which challenged faith in Jesus, as well as His Diety.

John wrote from a pastor's heart, concerned for his people. The three themes John wrote about were happiness, holiness, and assurance. These required belief in Jesus, which produces obedience and lofe for god and fellow believers. so sound faith, obedience, and love are woven in the first letter.

[Reference: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Liberty Bible Commentary gives an outline of 1 John as:
Fellowship with God (1:5-2:8)
  Walking in the Light
  Walking in Sin
  Walking with the Advocate
  Walking under Commandment

Fellowship with Light and Darkness (2:9-28)
  Walking in Love
  Walking with apostates

Fellowship and Love (2:29-4:21)
  Identification of Believers
  Living with the Believers
  Warning to the Believers
  Love and the Believers

Fellowship and Assurance (5:1-17)
  Assurance of Victory
  Assurance of Eternal Life
  Assurance of Answered Prayer

Did you notice the contrasts?

LET IT GROW

Looking into the Scriptures, did you notice John did not write an intorduction, greeting, nor a concluding salutation? He is writing with an intimate tone and content, getting down to business right away. John is giving a personal testimony.

John is talking about Jesus, the One whom the apostles had:

• heard
• seen
• looked upon
• touched (handled) the Word of Life

Why is John declaring this?
It is so his readers could have fellowship with us (apostles), fellowship with the Father (God), and fellowship with the Son (Jesus Christ).

Fellowship, koinonia in Greek, refers to Christians as being partakers in common of the same mind as God and Christ, and blessings arising therefrom. (Thayer's Lexicon)

My church has developed a few traditions since we have been here. We have a cook-out and sit around in chairs, watching some play volleyball Sunday night before Memorial Day and Labor Day. We have other fellowships at Thanksgiving and Valentines Day. Our ladies have started having  a monthly fellowship.

Do I fellowship with others in the Word, with God in prayer, and Jesus in gratitude? Thank you for joining me today. You have given me joy.

LET IT GO

Develop a joyful attitude.

Contribute joy at our fellowships.

Joyfully read the Word of God, then apply it joyfully in my life.

Misplacing Things

602.  "Misplacing Things"       September 7, 2012
Summary of 2 Peter
Neverless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  2 Peter 3:13


LET IT GLOW

It seems that I am always loosing or misplacing things. When I can't find it, in asperation, I  ask Jesus to help me. After all, He knows everything and sees all. I'm so glad He does. I wonder if He chuckles at me. I pray,  "It's me again, Lord. I can't find such and such. Please help me."
What am I looking for? I know, that is not correct English.  For what am I looking? Is it the Second Return of Jesus? Is it our being raptured out of this hateful, sinful world? Am I looking for the turn in the road, my life's journey continuing in heaven?


What has God given to us believers in Jesus Christ?

• precious faith in Jesus (1:1)
• all things that pertain unto life and godliness (1:3)
• exceeding great and precious promises (1:4)
• the ability to be partakers in the divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world through lust (1:4)
• eyewitnesses of Jesus' majesty (1:16)
• a Light that shines in a dark place (1:19)
• The Day Star in our hearts (1:19)
• prophecy of Scripture, which is of no private interpretation (1:20)
• His Word written by holy men of God, moved by the Holy Ghost (1:21)
• deliverance out of temptations that is available (2:9)
• description of  false teachers so we can recognize them
• His patience in sending Jesus the second time so others will have salvation (3:9)
• a promise of a new heaven and a new earth (3:13)

Those are the ones I found in this little letter. Which promise do you treasure today?

LET IT GROW

What are we to be or have?

• diligence
• faith
• virtue (moral excellence)
• knowledge
• temperance (patience)\
• godliness
• brotherly kindness
• charity (love)
• not barren and unfruitful
• make our calling and election sure
• not blind nor near sighted, remember we're purged from our old sins
• not to follow cunningly devised fables
• witnesses of Jesus majesty
• heed the prophecy in God's Word
• beware of false teachers/prophets denying the Lord Jesus as Savior
• living in holiness and godliness
• looking for a new heaven and a new earth
• grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus

Now, the question is, "Am I doing these?"

LET IT GO

Don't get too attached to the things in this world. Stay focused on Jesus and His heaven.

Keep Him as my Day Star and the Light of my life.

Thank Him for all His provisions and plans.

Be alert to false teachers and false doctrines.

Continue to grow in faith and obedience in Jesus.

Share His love today.

Give Jesus first place in my life.

Hold Your Horses

601.  "Hold Your Horses"               September 6, 2012
2 Peter 3-Part 4
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation...  2Peter 3:15a 

LET IT GLOW

Hold your horses. I often heard that phrase when I was growing up. It meant someone was saying to be patient, wait. We had a horse named Topsy when I was a preschooler. That horse had a mind of her own. If we were riding her on the dirt road and a truck came by, my brother or sister had to pull back on the reins so the horse wouldn't run off in her own direction. She was spooked easily, so we would calmly talk to her, reassuring her everything was all right. If she did run in fear, chances were we riders would fall off because she'd take us through the brush along side the road or jump a ditch or fence.
Patience, waiting-it's a hard thing to have or do. At least for me it is. Most of the time, instead of holding my horses, I need to hold my tongue. How about you?

In verse 15, Peter is refering to the fact that just because Jesus has not returned to earth to rule yet doesn't mean He we should get discouraged, loose faith, and forget about it. Peter does not want his readers to follow the false teachers in believing that it is not going to happen. After all, the long God delays it, the more people can be saved. He has a plan and is working His plan. In Romans 2:4b, Paul says the goodness of God leads to repentance.

Longsuffering means patience, forbearance. I am very glad that God is patient in waiting for Christ's Second Coming. I have some loved ones that are not saved yet.

LET IT GROW

What else does Peter tell us?

• He refers to Paul and his writings to these believers. Paul wrote with the wisdom that God gave him.
• Paul wrote warning them of false teachers.
• Paul's letters were distorted by the ignorant and unstable false teachers.
• Be on guard, less they be persuaded and be led astray from Jesus.
• Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be glory.

Am I in the Word of God so I recognize false teaching? Is my faith and doctrine grounded so I will stand fast in the Truth? Do I help others in their Christian maturity?

LET IT GO

Hold my horses. Keep looking for Jesus' return.

Don't let others discouragement cause me to disbelieve.

Keep growing in faith, grace, and knowledge of Jesus.

Pink Changes

600.  " Pink Changes"                   September 5, 2012
2 Peter 3-Part 3
Since everything willl be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? 
2 Peter 3:11a

LET IT GLOW

It is hard to believe that this is my 600th post and I am not to the end of The Book yet. May 18, 2010 was the posting of the first lesson.  Thank you friends for walking along this country road of faith with me. It has been quite a journey going through the New Testament. We have been walking and talking with Jesus. Originally, I wanted to do this to leave a legacy to my children and grandchildren, using examples from my childhood that applied to the scripture.  Along the way, the Lord has challenged me to look deeper into His Word. Truly, God has been feeding me more from His table than I ever imagined. It is my prayer that you, too, will receive what you need in your life. Please feel free to leave comments. Pull up a chair and we will  get started.

In verse 11, Peter is talking not about the dissolution of things per se, but about the judgment and destruction of ungodly "people" particularly these ungodly people described in chapter two. He speaks about the coming of Christ as a day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men (verse 7).

So where is the encouragment? This world is not our permanent home. We are going to another world-heaven. This one will soon pass away, be destroyed by fire, along with everything upon it. I like new things, don't you? I fact, I am in the process of painting my office/play room pink (only the trim, since hubby uses the computer, too). I am changing my desk assessories to pink, looking for pink curtains, and storage tubs for granddaughter's toys. I consider it a drastic change. The other day I found a mouse pad and note paper with "Walk by faith" and a pink heel on it. I liked it and thought it went along with my blog title. When a friend blogger painted her typewriter pink, I got my confirmation. Change can be hard, such as changing jobs, moving to another city, emptying nest, but then change can be fun, too.

Are you ready for "the change" of our  residence? Can I let go of my "things" for a better change?


LET IT GROW

Peter tells us what kind of people we believers ought to be:

• Live holy and godly lives;
• Look forward to the Day of God;
• Look forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness;
• Make every effort to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him.

Am I making an effort to be pure in my life and at peace with God?


LET IT GO

Cut the strings that attach me to the world, then cling to Jesus.

Look beyond today.

Keep in mind that all of this stuff will one day burn up and I won't need it anymore.

Strive to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God.

Never Enough Time

599.  "Never Enough Time"                  September 4, 2012
2 Peter 3-Part 2
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  2 Peter 3:8  KJV


LET IT GLOW

There never seems to be enough time to get everything done. I used to think that when I was teaching school. Preparation for the new year was very demanding. I was so exhausted that first week of school because I had worked hard the week before getting the room and lesson plans ready, and attending meetings. Hurry, hurry! I could not be tardy nor off schedule. All things had to be in place for the open house, including me.
Peter mentions time. what do we know about God and time?

Warren Wiersbe, in his book Be Alert, says this concerning God and time:

• God is eternal; He has neither beginning nor ending. Man is immortal; he has a beginning but not an ending. Eternity is not just extended time; it is existence above and apart from time. Psalm 90:4 states For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
• God is never in a hurry, but He is never late. He isn't late, since the universe is only a few days old. He isn't limited by time the way we are, nor does He measure it according to man's standards.
• God can accomplish in one day what it would take others a millennium to accomplish. He waits to work, but once He begins to work, He gets things done.
• He has never been tardy or off schedule. The delay of Jesus' return is not that He is unable to act or unwilling. It's because He is patient.and gives lost sinners the opportunity  to be saved. Verse 15 says And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation.
• He has a plan for this world and He is working His plan. Although He wants all to be saved, He knows they will not be. God shows mercy to all (Rom. 11:32).

Am I sharing the good news and seeking to win others to Christ?


LET IT GROW

According to verse 10, the Day of the Lord will come:

• as a thief in the night, unexpectantly and suddenly;
• as the heavens(Physical universe) pass away with a great noise, meansing sizzle;
• and the elements will melt with fervent heat; discintegration of the atoms like in an atomic explosion;
• the earth and everything (works) will be burned up; the whole physical and natural earth in its form;

Man's great works will also be burned up! all the thinlgs that man boasts about-his great cities, his great buildings, his invenyions, his achievement-will be destroyed in a moment of time. 

The bulldozer of God's wrath will level the site in preparation for the new city. (MacArthur)

In what am I placing my faith, my time, my energy, my money? If it is in things on this earth, they will burn up and pass away. If it is in Jesus, it will be eternal and last forever. How about you, friend?

LET IT GO

Turn over everything I have to the ownership of Jesus.

Use my money, time, and energy to serve, honor, and worship Jesus.

Warn my family, neighbors, and friends of the final outcome.

Keep my hope in Jesus and look for HIs return.

Be ready for that time.

Refresh my Memory

598.  "Refresh my Memory"            September 3, 2012
2 Peter 3-Part 1
This is my second letter to you, dear freiends, and both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory.  2 Peter 3:1  NLT

LET IT GLOW

I needed to refresh my memory. Yesterday, my husband and I went to our fortieth year high school reunion. (We were in the same graduating class.) It is hard to believe that 40 years has passed since we graduated. It was wonderful to see old friends and classmates. One thing I noticed at this reunion that was different from the others was that there was not so much talk about our good ole school days, but we were catching up on what we had all been doing, We talked about our families, jobs, parents, etc. But as we talked, we watched  videos of other reunions and tried to remember what years they took place. Finally, as the dozen people refreshed our memories, we were able to figure it all out.
I suggested we not wait ten years to have the next one, but meet again in five. We are getting older and loosing our classmates and our memory.

What was Peter writing to his readers about in chapter 3? He was:

• trying to  refresh their memory,
• stimulate their wholesome thinking,
• cause them to remember what the prophets said long ago,
• job their memory of what their Lord and Savior had commanded,
• remind them that scoffers will come in the last day,
• realize that the Lord is not really being slow about His promise to return.

Sometimes I need to be reminded of things. Sometimes I need help in remembering things. Sometimes I need  to refresh my memory. How about you?

LET IT GROW

In verse 3, Peter reminds us that scoffers will come. Scoffers are mockers, ridiculers.
What are they mocking and doing?

• the truth(verse 3),
• asking what happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again (verse 4),
• deliberately forgetting that God made the heavens by the word of His command, bringing the land out of the water (verse 5),
• forgetting that God used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood (verse 6),
• by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire, kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed (verse 7),

Do I allow scoffers to lesson my faith in Jesus' return? To discourage me? Or am I standing on His promises? Are they truth to me?

LET IT GO

Refresh my memory every day in the Word of God.

Keep looking for Jesus' return and be ever ready.

Remind others that He is coming again. Help them get ready.