1 John 4:19 "We love him, because he first loved us."
Could it be any more simple? Could it be any more beautiful? He loves us! His love for us predates our very existence, yet it was always there. A fierce, unrelenting love, that will never stop.
As Paul says, in us, in our flesh, there is no good thing. Love is the greatest thing. Therefore, we know that it did not come from within ourselves. God's love is so big, so powerful, that it creates more love. That is the kind of love with which we are called to love our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, our spouses, our enemies. But most importantly, God.
Take today to just dwell on God's eternal love.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Perfect Love, No Fear
1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
A Christian, dwelling in Christ's love, will not have fear. Crippling fear is the root of many sins. Murmuring, grumbling, complaining, often lying, and the list goes on. Fear is saying that God does not have control of my life or whatever situation I am in.
Perfect love, love that is complete and whole, rids me of fear. Fear cannot survive in an environment where God's love invades. Truly dwelling in God's love, His kindness, His thoughtfulness, His care for me, leaves no room for fear, for a lack of trust in Him. Because I know how much He loves me, I have no reason for fear.
Is there fear in my life? In what area of my life am I failing to truly dwell in God's love for me? Can I allow His love to wash over every area of my life?
A Christian, dwelling in Christ's love, will not have fear. Crippling fear is the root of many sins. Murmuring, grumbling, complaining, often lying, and the list goes on. Fear is saying that God does not have control of my life or whatever situation I am in.
Perfect love, love that is complete and whole, rids me of fear. Fear cannot survive in an environment where God's love invades. Truly dwelling in God's love, His kindness, His thoughtfulness, His care for me, leaves no room for fear, for a lack of trust in Him. Because I know how much He loves me, I have no reason for fear.
Is there fear in my life? In what area of my life am I failing to truly dwell in God's love for me? Can I allow His love to wash over every area of my life?
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
God Dwelleth In Us
1 John 4:12 "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
There is a reason behind the order in which the thoughts in the Bible are laid out. It isn't done haphazardly, or without purpose. So why is the first sentence followed by the second sentence of this verse?
No one has seen God. Yet He dwells in those who love. Therefore, the love that we demonstrate is the nearest thing to God some people on this earth will ever see. This makes sense, considering the fact that God is love. True, godly love is the purest expression of God this earth can know at this time until He returns.
We must be careful to realize that because we love, does not mean that God is in us. There are many heathen who do not know God at all who are able to demonstrate a kind of love. Rather, it is because God is in us that we are able to demonstrate love. We love, because He first loved us.
Can people look at my life and see a reflection of Who God is through my love for those around me?
There is a reason behind the order in which the thoughts in the Bible are laid out. It isn't done haphazardly, or without purpose. So why is the first sentence followed by the second sentence of this verse?
No one has seen God. Yet He dwells in those who love. Therefore, the love that we demonstrate is the nearest thing to God some people on this earth will ever see. This makes sense, considering the fact that God is love. True, godly love is the purest expression of God this earth can know at this time until He returns.
We must be careful to realize that because we love, does not mean that God is in us. There are many heathen who do not know God at all who are able to demonstrate a kind of love. Rather, it is because God is in us that we are able to demonstrate love. We love, because He first loved us.
Can people look at my life and see a reflection of Who God is through my love for those around me?
Friday, July 21, 2017
Love One Another
1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
Christianity is not complicated, however neither is it easy. Love. Such a simple word, yet so incredible deep. Love as a feeling can be difficult at times. However, love as an action can sometimes feel impossible. The only way we can demonstrate it to others is if we have experienced His love ourselves.
The word for love in this passage is the social or moral love for our fellow man. It relates back to the love Jesus showed when washing the disciples feet. A selfless, other-centered love. A feeling that isn't taking into consideration how I feel, but how others feel, and how my actions can benefit them.
It's so simple, yet far from easy. Carefully observe your actions today. With this definition in mind, are they truly loving?
Christianity is not complicated, however neither is it easy. Love. Such a simple word, yet so incredible deep. Love as a feeling can be difficult at times. However, love as an action can sometimes feel impossible. The only way we can demonstrate it to others is if we have experienced His love ourselves.
The word for love in this passage is the social or moral love for our fellow man. It relates back to the love Jesus showed when washing the disciples feet. A selfless, other-centered love. A feeling that isn't taking into consideration how I feel, but how others feel, and how my actions can benefit them.
It's so simple, yet far from easy. Carefully observe your actions today. With this definition in mind, are they truly loving?
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Little Children
1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I love how John refers to the people reading his letter as little children prior to informing them that they have overcome, or gotten the victory. There are few times you actually see little children doing much in the way of productive fighting, and ever fewer times do you actually see them achieve a victory over a true foe. And that is exactly the point John is making here.
Little children do not win victories in battle against real enemies. John is driving home the fact that these Christian's accomplishment came from one Source, and one Source alone. The One living within them, is greater than the one living in the world. He was the reason for their victory. Nothing else. And certainly nothing that they, as little children, could have done.
Jesus told His disciples long ago that "...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) This still remains true. And unless we get the proper perspective, neither will we overcome if we believe we have the power to do so outside of He that is in us.
Do I view myself as a little child? Am I bold in the fight because of Who is in me?
I love how John refers to the people reading his letter as little children prior to informing them that they have overcome, or gotten the victory. There are few times you actually see little children doing much in the way of productive fighting, and ever fewer times do you actually see them achieve a victory over a true foe. And that is exactly the point John is making here.
Little children do not win victories in battle against real enemies. John is driving home the fact that these Christian's accomplishment came from one Source, and one Source alone. The One living within them, is greater than the one living in the world. He was the reason for their victory. Nothing else. And certainly nothing that they, as little children, could have done.
Jesus told His disciples long ago that "...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) This still remains true. And unless we get the proper perspective, neither will we overcome if we believe we have the power to do so outside of He that is in us.
Do I view myself as a little child? Am I bold in the fight because of Who is in me?
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
He Abideth In Us
1 John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
Of all the miracles of salvation, one of the most marvelous has to be the fact that the Holy Spirit of God has come to abide in us. To abide means to be continually present. Emmanuel, God truly is with us.
Part of John's point here is that if the Spirit of God truly is in us, we cannot be the same as we were before. There should be a line of demarcation, our life before the Holy Spirit of God lived in us and our life after. These two should not, cannot look the same.
Think of the impact God's presence has throughout the Bible. The smoke filling the temple, a glimpse of His back making Moses' face shine so he had to wear a veil. Exodus 33:20 "...Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." God's presence is the essence of power.
Where is my line of demarcation? Is there a clear difference between my life prior to the Holy Spirit's indwelling and my life after?
Of all the miracles of salvation, one of the most marvelous has to be the fact that the Holy Spirit of God has come to abide in us. To abide means to be continually present. Emmanuel, God truly is with us.
Part of John's point here is that if the Spirit of God truly is in us, we cannot be the same as we were before. There should be a line of demarcation, our life before the Holy Spirit of God lived in us and our life after. These two should not, cannot look the same.
Think of the impact God's presence has throughout the Bible. The smoke filling the temple, a glimpse of His back making Moses' face shine so he had to wear a veil. Exodus 33:20 "...Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." God's presence is the essence of power.
Where is my line of demarcation? Is there a clear difference between my life prior to the Holy Spirit's indwelling and my life after?
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
In Deed and In Truth
1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
When it comes to doing good, words cost us nothing. Giving someone a word of encouragement does not cost us a thing. After a kind word, we are not lacking anything. Indeed, we most likely have profited from the exchange for now we ourselves feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness knowing we have benefited someone else.
We know that John is not telling us to never speak in an edifying manner to our fellow man. Rather he is telling us to never let our love stop with words. But let those words spur us on to tangible action.
Love in a tangible form will, no doubt, cost a bit more of ourselves or our resources. This should not scare us off, but rather inspire us. For we know that all we have comes from the Source of all that is good. He has promised to provide for our needs, just as He does for the birds and the lilies.
With all of this in mind, how freely do I give? Does my love stop with kind words? Or do I let God's generosity move me on to loving in deed?
When it comes to doing good, words cost us nothing. Giving someone a word of encouragement does not cost us a thing. After a kind word, we are not lacking anything. Indeed, we most likely have profited from the exchange for now we ourselves feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness knowing we have benefited someone else.
We know that John is not telling us to never speak in an edifying manner to our fellow man. Rather he is telling us to never let our love stop with words. But let those words spur us on to tangible action.
Love in a tangible form will, no doubt, cost a bit more of ourselves or our resources. This should not scare us off, but rather inspire us. For we know that all we have comes from the Source of all that is good. He has promised to provide for our needs, just as He does for the birds and the lilies.
With all of this in mind, how freely do I give? Does my love stop with kind words? Or do I let God's generosity move me on to loving in deed?
Monday, July 17, 2017
Doth Not
1 John 3:9 "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
Doth not commit sin. That is a hard sentence to take in. And sadly, it is a demonstration of how much we miss by not being able to read God's Word in its original language. Greek words have so much nuance that is literally lost in translation. That is why studying, not just reading, God's Word is so vital. Nowhere is this more prominently demonstrated than in the book of 1 John.
The key word here is actually "doth". A careful look reveals this tiny word's depth of meaning. Vine's dictionary lays it out this way, "to do, make," is used of spending a time or tarrying, in a place..." The word carries the connotation of continuation. With this in mind, we could read the verse thus, "Whosoever is born of God, having His new nature within, does not continue, or tarry in violation of God's law."
God is omniscient. He knows all. Therefore, He knows our lack of perfection better than we do. Even with His new nature in us, we will still sin at times. Yet it will be our occasional disaster, not our happy habit. One commentator compared the Christian to a compass - the needle may at times be bumped from true north, yet its constant drive and pull is back to where it belongs.
Do I feel God's new nature pulling me back to righteousness after each occasional disaster? Or is sin a happy habit for me?
Doth not commit sin. That is a hard sentence to take in. And sadly, it is a demonstration of how much we miss by not being able to read God's Word in its original language. Greek words have so much nuance that is literally lost in translation. That is why studying, not just reading, God's Word is so vital. Nowhere is this more prominently demonstrated than in the book of 1 John.
The key word here is actually "doth". A careful look reveals this tiny word's depth of meaning. Vine's dictionary lays it out this way, "to do, make," is used of spending a time or tarrying, in a place..." The word carries the connotation of continuation. With this in mind, we could read the verse thus, "Whosoever is born of God, having His new nature within, does not continue, or tarry in violation of God's law."
God is omniscient. He knows all. Therefore, He knows our lack of perfection better than we do. Even with His new nature in us, we will still sin at times. Yet it will be our occasional disaster, not our happy habit. One commentator compared the Christian to a compass - the needle may at times be bumped from true north, yet its constant drive and pull is back to where it belongs.
Do I feel God's new nature pulling me back to righteousness after each occasional disaster? Or is sin a happy habit for me?
Sunday, July 16, 2017
The Works of the Devil
1 John 3:8 "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
Why did Jesus come to the earth? The first answer that may come to mind is from I Timothy 1:15, Jesus came to save sinners. However, to answer this question, we must realize that there were many concurrent reasons for Christ's coming and the Father's plan.
We know Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17-18), He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), to serve (Mark 10:45), to give His life (Matthew 20:28), to give us abundant life (John 10:10), and there are many other reasons. However, in 1 John 3:8 we see a reason that we may not usually think about - He came to destroy the works of the devil.
What are the works of the devil? There are many, however included in that list is deception, physical affliction, temptation to sin, bondage, betrayal, torment, etc.
We know that Jesus is our example, His life on earth is our model to serve and please the Father. Therefore, the works of the devil should be our target as well, to combat his works with works of righteousness.
What might this look like in my life today?
Why did Jesus come to the earth? The first answer that may come to mind is from I Timothy 1:15, Jesus came to save sinners. However, to answer this question, we must realize that there were many concurrent reasons for Christ's coming and the Father's plan.
We know Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17-18), He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), to serve (Mark 10:45), to give His life (Matthew 20:28), to give us abundant life (John 10:10), and there are many other reasons. However, in 1 John 3:8 we see a reason that we may not usually think about - He came to destroy the works of the devil.
What are the works of the devil? There are many, however included in that list is deception, physical affliction, temptation to sin, bondage, betrayal, torment, etc.
We know that Jesus is our example, His life on earth is our model to serve and please the Father. Therefore, the works of the devil should be our target as well, to combat his works with works of righteousness.
What might this look like in my life today?
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Sinneth Not
1 John 3:6 "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
This is a verse that has been hard to digest for many believers. In order to understand this, we must approach it with the understanding that Truth cannot contradict Truth and still remain true. Therefore we must use the whole counsel of God's Word, interpreting Scripture with Scripture.
We know that we have a sin nature, that our flesh wars against our spirit, that God waits for us to confess and repent so that He can forgive. So then, how can John say we won't sin? One of the best metaphors to understand this is walking a road next to a black river. On our stay on this earth, the black, foul river of sin will always be there, and at times we will stumble and fall into its filthy water. Yet a Christian will not stay in the water. That is not their way of life. We were designed to run a race, and though we may at times fall into sin, it will not become out regular location.
A Christian will still sin because we are not perfect! Anyone who says he has no sin is lying, as the Bible tells us (1 John 1:8). Yet it is no longer who we are. We will not continue in it. Because we know its folly, but our greater motivation - we know His glory.
This is a verse that has been hard to digest for many believers. In order to understand this, we must approach it with the understanding that Truth cannot contradict Truth and still remain true. Therefore we must use the whole counsel of God's Word, interpreting Scripture with Scripture.
We know that we have a sin nature, that our flesh wars against our spirit, that God waits for us to confess and repent so that He can forgive. So then, how can John say we won't sin? One of the best metaphors to understand this is walking a road next to a black river. On our stay on this earth, the black, foul river of sin will always be there, and at times we will stumble and fall into its filthy water. Yet a Christian will not stay in the water. That is not their way of life. We were designed to run a race, and though we may at times fall into sin, it will not become out regular location.
A Christian will still sin because we are not perfect! Anyone who says he has no sin is lying, as the Bible tells us (1 John 1:8). Yet it is no longer who we are. We will not continue in it. Because we know its folly, but our greater motivation - we know His glory.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Purifieth Himself
1 John 3:3 "And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."
He is pure: "exciting reverence, venerable, sacred. Pure from every fault, immaculate."
Purifieth himself: "to make clean, morally."
Having hope in God is not a stagnant thing. It creates action. First of all, you cannot hope in something you do not know. Knowing God is why we have hope in Him. However, as we get to know Him, we begin to see ourselves for who we truly are. You cannot put a pure, clean white cloth next to a dirty rag and not see the difference. As we get close to God's purity, we begin to see our own impurity.
This must result in action. Making ourselves clean begins with God's saving work in our lives. However it does not stop there. The process of sanctification continues throughout our lives. It involves getting rid of the unclean things in our lives and replacing them with clean things.
Am I purifying myself today? What does that look like?
He is pure: "exciting reverence, venerable, sacred. Pure from every fault, immaculate."
Purifieth himself: "to make clean, morally."
Having hope in God is not a stagnant thing. It creates action. First of all, you cannot hope in something you do not know. Knowing God is why we have hope in Him. However, as we get to know Him, we begin to see ourselves for who we truly are. You cannot put a pure, clean white cloth next to a dirty rag and not see the difference. As we get close to God's purity, we begin to see our own impurity.
This must result in action. Making ourselves clean begins with God's saving work in our lives. However it does not stop there. The process of sanctification continues throughout our lives. It involves getting rid of the unclean things in our lives and replacing them with clean things.
Am I purifying myself today? What does that look like?
Sunday, July 9, 2017
The Sons of God
1 John 3:1 "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."
Often when speaking of our new relationship with God after salvation, we use the term 'adoption', as well we should. We were strangers, enemies of God, before He saved us and adopted us into His family. However, a son or daughter that is adopted does not necessarily share characteristics with the new Father.
This verse tell us that we are His sons (and daughters) now, and that we are so drastically different that the world does not recognize us. And the reason for that is because the world did not recognize Him. Something has changed in us, and mere adoption does not answer the 'what'.
The Bible says we've been born again. God has most certainly adopted us into His family, however a change took place, a new birth has given us a new life. And that new life is 180 degrees different from our old life. So different, the world cannot recognize us. And the something that has changed is that we now share characteristics (though imperfectly) with our new Heavenly Father.
Does the world recognize me as I'm walking in the newness of Christ's life in me?
Often when speaking of our new relationship with God after salvation, we use the term 'adoption', as well we should. We were strangers, enemies of God, before He saved us and adopted us into His family. However, a son or daughter that is adopted does not necessarily share characteristics with the new Father.
This verse tell us that we are His sons (and daughters) now, and that we are so drastically different that the world does not recognize us. And the reason for that is because the world did not recognize Him. Something has changed in us, and mere adoption does not answer the 'what'.
The Bible says we've been born again. God has most certainly adopted us into His family, however a change took place, a new birth has given us a new life. And that new life is 180 degrees different from our old life. So different, the world cannot recognize us. And the something that has changed is that we now share characteristics (though imperfectly) with our new Heavenly Father.
Does the world recognize me as I'm walking in the newness of Christ's life in me?
Monday, July 3, 2017
Blinded By Darkness
1 John 2:11 "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."
The sensation of being completely unable to see due to darkness is a very disconcerting feeling. It creates a palpable fear due to the fact that you have no idea what you are about to run into, or step off of.
God is love. God is also light. Therefore love is light. Hate is the opposite of love. Therefore hate is the opposite of light. Therefore hate is darkness. There is no place for it in a Christian's life. Light has nothing to do with darkness, the two cannot coexist in the same space.
Is there any hate blinding my eyes today? It can be easy for a "small" amount to creep into you life, and by justifying it over and over, it can be easy to overlook it. This is not God's plan for your life. Be in the light, as He is in the light.
The sensation of being completely unable to see due to darkness is a very disconcerting feeling. It creates a palpable fear due to the fact that you have no idea what you are about to run into, or step off of.
God is love. God is also light. Therefore love is light. Hate is the opposite of love. Therefore hate is the opposite of light. Therefore hate is darkness. There is no place for it in a Christian's life. Light has nothing to do with darkness, the two cannot coexist in the same space.
Is there any hate blinding my eyes today? It can be easy for a "small" amount to creep into you life, and by justifying it over and over, it can be easy to overlook it. This is not God's plan for your life. Be in the light, as He is in the light.
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