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.