Friends and Followers of Jesus,
I understand that Peter wrote you last week.
I’ve got some things to say to you also.
You have an Advocate who pleads your case before the Father.
He is Jesus Christ, the One who is truly righteous.
He Himself is the Sacrifice that atones for your sins.
Those who obey God’s Word truly show how completely they love Him.
God’s Word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you.
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.
These are not from the Father, but are of this world.
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.
But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever!
The last hour is here.
So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning.
For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true.
So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
All who do what is right are God’s children.
See how very much God loves you, for He calls you His children, and that is what you are!
He has not yet shown you what you will be like when Christ appears.
But you do know that you will be like Him, for you will see Him as He really is!
Amazing…
Blessings from the one “whom Jesus loved,”
John
(Taken from 1 John 2)
BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you...Yes, Amen
And I like what John said in Revelation 1:9,10-KJV:
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
"I WAS IN THE SPIRIT (capitalization added)on the Lord's day,..."
How wondrous, Sharon, that we are conformed to our Lord's image, transformed by the renewing of our minds, with the mind of Christ, - with souls that follow hard after Him.
Hallelujah! Praise His awesome name.
How wonderful to read these words from John this morning...to see Him as He really is...what a day that will be!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteAs part of my daily devotion, I have been reading the letters of John this week. I cannot put into words how his words offer me encouragement, joy and comfort.
What can I say when I read, "See how very much God loves you, for He calls you His children, and that is what you are!" -- My joy overflows.
I love these journeys you take me on Sharon.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
as always, Sharon, beautifully written! I love how you incorporate scripture like this!! John's letters are always so good, he emphasized loving God and loving one amother so much in them; something we need to do more of, I do believe!
ReplyDeletebetty
This is beautiful, and if the husband were home, I would have him read it. He is as much a "fan" of John as I am of Peter.
ReplyDeleteI love this part particularly:
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you.
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possession."
It's the desire of my heart to be able to put a big old check mark in the "accomplished" column next to this one. God has been so gracious to take so much of my world love from me. He's still working on me... to make me what I want to be...
Sandra - Yes, it's really kinda special that John viewed himself as our "fellow brother!" His words, spoken through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reach out to us all these many years later - and they breathe life and courage into us. And what a tremendous blessing - made in God's image, we are being conformed to Christ, by the power of the transforming work of the Spirit! What a miracle!
ReplyDeleteKaren - Can you even IMAGINE what it will be like to see Him face to face??? Oh, the prospect of that carries me through each day. The one thing I think about over and over, is just seeing His SMILE - that thought gives me goosebumps and tears at the same time!
MTJ - Thank you so much for your comment. How wonderful that you have been reading the letters of John. There is just SO MUCH to learn and ponder and apply. I agree with you - to be called the children of God is a blessing FAR beyond what we deserve, FAR above anything we could earn! My cup overflows, too!
Betty - I'm so glad you like these posts. The Word of God is so expertly written that it's rather easy just to present it on its own! And John truly did express the concept of LOVE throughout his writings. I love the humility he had to call himself the "disciple that Jesus loved." Like there was NOTHING more important to define oneself than to be loved by the Savior - and actually, there isn't!
Debbie - I've always sorta identified with John, too. Not sure why exactly. I've had some very interesting conversations with my sons lately about what the world offers. They are struggling with this economy - but are also being transformed in their thinking about what their goals are. They are realizing more and more that what the world "offers" and what it defines as "success" has NOTHING to do with Jesus. I am not happy with their struggles, but thrilled that God is working in their lives. My check mark says, "Accomplishing..."
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. I was so happy to share the words of John that truly blessed me this week.
Let us never forget that the last hour is here...and we must remain faithful!
GOD BLESS!
I agree with the other gals - beautifully written. And yes , we need to stay awake and be awake - ready for the Lord. sandie
ReplyDeleteSandie - Thanks, friend. Yes, we need to keep aware. It's necessary to be vigilant. But what a tremendous HOPE we have - for the Lord is INDEED coming back! That is especially meaningful to me at this time of year. Jesus came into this world, my world, as a baby - and He's coming back as KING!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!