Archive for July, 2009

2 John 12 – 13: You’ve Got Mail

Friday, July 31st, 2009

II John 12-13 “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk to you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your chosen sister send their greetings.”
I love to get mail, don’t you? [...]

2 John 7 – 11: Keep Away

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

II John 7-11 “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and [...]

2 John 5 – 6: Unbelievable Love

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

II John 5-6 “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk [...]

2 John 4:Watch Your Step

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

II John 4 “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in truth, just as the Father commanded us.”
Have you ever attended a Christian camp or retreat? Those events are often mountain-top experiences, with everyone in attendance determined to live their lives for God. At least, while they are there. [...]

2 John 3: The Pursuit of Happy-ness

Monday, July 27th, 2009

II John 3 “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.”
My daughter loves getting presents that are wrapped in real wrapping paper. Though gift bags are nice, she likes the feel of the paper tearing in her hands. She [...]

2 John 1 – 2: Timeless Love Letter

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

II John 1-2 “The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth – and not I only, but also all who know the truth – because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever.”
Oooh. This introduction brings a bit of a lift to my [...]

1 John 5:21: The Real Thing

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

I John 5:21 “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
When I was a teenager, I begged my parents for a Gucci purse. A real one. Some of my friends had them, and I wanted one. I remember shopping with my mom, and spying what looked to me like a wonderful imitation, at a much lower price! [...]

1 John 5:20: Super-Radar Vision

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

I John 5:20 “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true – even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
One of my favorite movies is [...]

1 John 5:19: Under Whose Control?

Monday, July 20th, 2009

I John 5:19 “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
My family lives near an army base. I have, on occasion, visited that army base. While there, I’ve seen soldiers salute their ranking officers, and I’ve seen them scamper to do the [...]

1 John 5:18: Under God’s Umbrella

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

I John 5:18 “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”
Boy. At first glance, this verse could really make me doubt my status as God’s child. I know I mess up. Often. But John [...]