1 John 1 - 6.12.24

Scripture

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John  1:9, NIV)

Observation

The epistle of 1 John is written by Apostle John, in which he addresses believers of the early church. We are God’s children, and we need to walk in the light as Jesus walked. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another. We do not hold grudges towards anyone. Most importantly, everytime we sin in thought, word or deed, we need to listen to the gentle, convincing voice of the Holy Spirit and confess our sins immediately. When we repent of our sins and confess them, the blood of Jesus Christ washes us, and He purifes us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7,9).

Application

Once we accept the Lord and put our trust in Him, we become a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17). It is important for us to walk as He walked. People who go back to their sins after being are likened to a dog who goes back to his vomit (2 Peter 2:22). We are called to be holy, just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15,16). Anytime we sin and grieve the Holy Spirit of God, we need to confess our sins, and allow the blood of Jesus to wash over us and cleanse us. We need to keep our conscience tender. When the still small voice of the Holy Spirit convicts us, we need to immediately repent. Let us not rationalize our sin, however big or small, and find excuses to continue in the sin that grieves our God. 

Prayer

Dear Father, Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for washing me with the blood of Jesus and forgiving my sins. Thank you for making me your child. Please make me sensitive to the voice of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have rationalized my sin and did not submit to your gentle convicting voice. Remind me of any unconfessed sin in my life, so that I can confess and be purified by you. May my life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you (Romans 12:1). In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

2 Peter 3 - 6.11.24

SCRIPTURE:  2 Peter 3:17 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever!  Amen

OBSERVATION:  Peter knew it was important to write this second letter, warning the Christians about the false teachers, as he strongly encouraged them to grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus. 

Peter reminded Christians that in the last days false teachers would become prevalent.  They will do and say anything for money, distort the truth, reject the things of God, and be proud and boastful as they do whatever they feel like doing.  Sound familiar?  We are living in the last days. Those descriptions fit perfectly with the world we are living in today, which is filled with many false teachers who claim to have the truth. 

APPLICATION:  Since the Word of God is truth, we all need to take heed to the warnings in it.  Peter’s letters give guidance for danger, and hope for growing Christians. No matter how mature we become in our walk with the Lord, this sinful world will always challenge our faith. That’s why it’s vitally important that we take heed to the red flag warnings regarding the dangers up ahead if we follow the pattern of this sinful world.

PRAYER:  Thank You Lord for the warnings that protect us from danger as we follow You.  I pray we will respond by holding fast to Your Word as we grow in our faith, and that You will help us to discern the truth from lies. Thank You for helping us to keep a careful watch against falling into false doctrine as we grow in the grace and knowledge of You, and for giving us the wisdom, strength, and courage to take a stand for truth in all circumstances.

- Robin Orefice

Proverbs 9 - 6.10.24

Scripture

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Observation

In this proverb of King Solomon, he compares and contrasts wisdom and foolishness. He even gives them both human characteristics. King Solomon urges for people to seek true wisdom. For when you attain wisdom, you will truly benefit, and you will be able to add years to your life (verses 11-12). But if you answer “Folly’s Calling”, it will only lead you down the path of destruction (verse 18).

Application

Fearing the Lord means having a deep reverence/respect for Him and His ways.

There are some people out there who think of God as some big “party pooper”. They think that God creates all these rules and regulations for us to follow because He doesn’t want us to have any fun and He doesn’t want us to experience life at it’s fullest. Can I tell you that is the furthest thing from the truth and a lie that the enemy feeds us to rebel against God.

Let me explain it to you through the eyes of a father. As a father I set rules and boundaries for my kids to keep them away from trouble. As a father, who has lived a lot longer than they have, I know through experience of life’s pitfalls and traps that could cause my kids problems. It’s not because I don’t want my kids to enjoy life and have fun that I set these rules and boundaries. It’s quite the opposite! I want them to have a good life. I want them to live long and prosper. I want them to fulfill everything that God has called them to be. But they’re going to have to trust me.

In the same way, when we begin to trust God, (our Heavenly Father), and follow His ways over our own, we will be the ones who benefit in life. God will provide our every need and more. He will protect us and never leave us. He will uplift and strengthen us. He will grant us the wisdom we seek to accomplish whatever task is at hand. But most of all, He gives us life…eternal life, as we put our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus.

So don’t think of God as a God who sets all these rules and boundaries as if it’s like a cage, keeping us away from truly experiencing life. Think of them as a wall or a defense barrier around us, protecting us from the evil in this world, that is trying to ruin us and bring us down. Lets take it from one of the wisest men who ever lived in King Solomon. Let’s choose to live a life having a deep reverence for God and let’s follow His ways. Let’s choose to live wisely today. 😊

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I can walk out today living wisely, by first and foremost following Your ways. May I be able to enjoy all the benefits that King Solomon spoke of by choosing wisdom over folly. May I pass on this wisdom that You have blessed me with to my kids so this wisdom can be carried on from generations to come. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

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-Moses Gaddi