Latest Thoughts of the Day

2 John 13

10/18/2021

The churches of your chosen sister send their greetings

Obviously enigmatic. One is expected to finish this letter saying, “What did he mean by that?” One thinks about the pressure on believers at the time that may have been what caused the statement. Were authorities breathing down their necks? Did they have to hide? But believers would be much encouraged to remember the family relationship closer than any earthly one that we have with one another in Christ. It is refreshing to remember that our relationship exists because we are chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the earth. We like to remember that other believers are feeling friendly and warm toward us and wish us well and are praying for our survival and success. Churches, with their special make-up of different individuals are themselves chosen of God. Together, in our many groups, we worship Jesus.

1 John 2:4

10/17/2021

The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

If a person does not connect knowing Christ with obeying Him, he does not know Christ at all. To come to Him is to take His yoke. Sincerity is not even the issue. A sincerely believed lie is still a lie. Knowing Christ is a reality that affects the life in a fundamental way. The Law is written on the heart. The desire to please God is planted. It is the effect of the truth being in you, of being vitally joined to the Vine that is Christ. If you do not have that, you are lying when you say you do. Lord, we thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit that has opened our spiritual eyes. Thank You for Jesus.

2 Peter 1:14

10/16/2021

...because I know that I will soon put it aside, a our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Peter had been specifically warned by Jesus that when he was old he would be put to death unceremoniously and unexpectedly. Peter is old, and remembering Jesus’ words, he is especially concerned to remind the church of truths that will make them strong. A sense of one’s mortality tends to give a seriousness and thoughtfulness to life, and does tend to make us earnest to accomplish what we can. What can we make sure of beore we die? Would we cement a lasting legacy to those we leave behind? Can we make it more certain that those we leave behind will remember the Lord and seek to walk with Him? Help us, Lord to do what we can to help those we leave to think of Jesus.

1 Peter 1:14

10/15/2021

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

So much that we pursued before we were saved was really evil at heart. It was utterly selfish, oblivious to the needs of other people, not directed in any way to please the Lord. And this way of thinking had become habit, forming the actual foundation of our choices. This won’t change without our changing it. God has given us a new heart, He has written His law within us, he has made us desire to direct everything to His glory in our lives. But we must do it. We must make the changes. We must determine to be different. Help us, Lord. You are the God who is working in us to will and to do of Your good pleasure. Help us form habits that keep us near Jesus.

James 1:14

10/12/2021

...but each one is tempted when,by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.

We are dragged away from the path we should be on, gotten alone on a by-path, and shown how much we need or want some wicked thing. We see the wicked thing in isolation, as the only thing worth pursuing at the moment. When the temptation passes, we sheepishly look for the way back to the path we were on. Lord, help us this day to be on guard when we begin to feel ourselves led astray. Help us look to friends who ae where they should be with God. Help us to see the ugly selfishness of the frame of mind that has come upon us. Help us deny ourselves and take up our cross afresh. Selfishness will never bring us joy. Our Joy is in drawing near to Jesus.

Hebrews 1:14

10/11/2021

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

No human being has ever been given authority to direct the activity of any angelic being. They do not serve us as any kind of hired hands. God directs their service to accomplish His purposes for His people, as they struggle through the challenges of life from the time they are saved to the time they enter into glory. He who has promised to continue His work in us will do so through ministers He has appointed to that end. We rarely catch glimpses of angels, and when we do we are not sure. Looking back from Eternity, we will very likely be amazed at how many things in our lives came about because of angel instrumentality. Thank You, Lord, for revealing this much about Your use of angels in our walk with Jesus.