Highlights In Today's Reading:
It's a family affair! We fellowship with the Father and the Son and if we get in trouble see 1:9. Recognize the holiness of God, and Jesus as the Sacrifice. The children of God are warned not to love the world, but to beware of the Antichrist and to remain faithful (Ch. 2). WARNINGS (I John 2:15-17). God's love distinguishes the children of God (Ch. 3:14, see 3:23-24).
Some will be ashamed when standing before the Lord Jesus at His coming because they have neglected His Word for such long intervals and allowed scant time to be exposed to it — the only means through which the anointing teacheth you of all things.
The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him
Steadfast discipline in daily Bible reading is essential if we are to be approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).
To be ashamed is one of life's most dreaded experiences! Shame is quite different from embarrassment.The latter term implies that we did or said the wrong thing and therefore in ignorance, we blundered. Shame, however, is a painful emotion caused by failure to do what we could have done.
His instructions are clear but if we fail to accept the will of God and choose to be disobedient, we will be called to account and stand convicted by our own conscience and we will be ashamed.
There are some who say they have a relationship with Christ but who still walk in darkness (1:6). God directed John to write that they lie (deceive themselves). The darkness of the natural mind holds resentment because of an offense, but, He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (3:14).
A jealous disposition, a secret spirit of envy, or a tendency to speak of the faults of others and ignoring their virtues are also characteristics of darkness and death (Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14). Others walk in darkness with a spirit of self-pity and convey that spirit to everyone who will listen.
Let us be like King David who prayed with a sincere desire: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
Thought for Today:
It has been said that if we had nothing good to say about someone, don't say anything at all. It's not Scripture but it is good advice. The Bible does teach forbearing one another in love (Eph. 4:2).
Cross References:
For I John 1:8: See Eccl. 7:20. I John 3:12: See Gen. 4:8.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash — Co-Founder of Bible Pathway International • Government Officials: Rep. Henry Brown, Jr. (SC), Gov. Sonny Perdue (GA), Rep. Ike Skelton (MO), and Rep. Tom Tancredo (CO) • Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa • Major languages: Somali and Arabic • Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed • 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Ps. 147:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33