Our Hope: Eternal Life

God has promised us eternal life if we abide in His Son and the Father.  In 1 John 2:23  we are told whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either;  he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.  That's straightforward:  there are no other sons, just Jesus, the Son and  no special rules to follow to have eternal life.  Romans 10:9 states that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  God provided a very simple way for us to know Him -- so simple, a child can understand.  In fact, we need to come to God, believing with the heart of a child.  Jesus said in Matthew 18:3,   “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

~~~A Child's Heart~~~

       
1 John 2:25 promises us eternal life based on the truth of the above verses.  What a blessing!  What a joy!  If we die before Jesus returns, we are assured that we will live eternally with God.  This seems incomprehensible, because we have only known living in our earthly bodies.  However, we are told in 1 John 3:2,  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.    Someday, we will know.

Finally, in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12  we are told,  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  It is clear, even though we want to completely understand; we will not, until we stand face to face with Jesus.  At times, we have an in-depth vision of God and His Truth, more than we have ever had before;  but then, we are left with understanding our comprehension is still limited, and that God is more than any person can totally comprehend, even though He has revealed Himself to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Father God, as I study Your Word, my horizons are stretched, sometimes gently and sometimes with a jolt.  As I understand what You have done for me by sending Your Son to be the payment for my sins, as well as knowing that as I acknowledge the Son, You also abide in me, I am filled with awe and thanksgiving.  Thank you for my hope, which is Your promise -- Eternal Life.  I look forward to the times, I shall know for I will see You face to face.  In Jesus Precious Name I pray, Amen.

Today, the majority of the focus scripture is taken from 1 John 2: 22 - 1 John 3:1-3 (NKJV).

²² Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? 
  He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son
²³ Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either;
 he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
²⁴ Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning.
  If what you heard from the beginning abides in you,
  you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
²⁵ And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
²⁶ These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.
²⁷ But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you,
 and you do not need that anyone teach you;
  but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things,
  and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
²⁸ And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears,
  we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
²⁹ If you know that He is righteous, you know that 
  everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,
  that we should be called children of God!  
 Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
 ² Beloved, now we are children of God; 
   and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, 
   but we know that when He is revealed, 
   we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
 ³ And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®.

 Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King-James-Version-NKJV-Bible/

Perfect Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26: 3  NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,

 and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
 for correction,

 for instruction in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be complete...

(Taken from 1 Timothy 3:16-17  NKJV)

"Prayer"  courtesy of graur razvan ionut

    FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As I read this verse this morning, I felt that perfect peace flood my soul -- not just my soul, but even my body:  it was as if a warm blanket covered all of me.  Perfect peace is something, that I believe, every human soul longs for.  We desire our minds to be clear of anxiety and our souls to be comforted.  It  is difficult to know exactly where this spirit that belongs to each of us resides: some say in the heart, some think in the brain.  But it doesn't matter, not really, because if one is honest with oneself, we know, that we know, our spirit is something beyond cells in a body.  Science 
knows that a stressed, pained spirit affects the body.  This stress can even develop into serious health problems.

Therefore, it seems logical to suppose, that the opposite is true.  If one feels peaceful, it is going to be healing, whether physically or mentally or both.  However, I know from my own experience, it does take some effort on my part:  like clicking on Bible Gateway or opening my Bible and reading it,  being blessed by a dear friend that has sent a card with scripture and reading it, or going to Facebook where a precious friend has posted just the scripture I need to hear today.  I am not saying God will not put His arms around you or speak to you in your heart:  I have felt or heard God speak to my heart when I was not reading the Bible.  I just know, as I grow stronger physically and mentally, I have to step out a little more.  I call these steps baby steps.  I need to reach out to God for my own well-being and out of obedience to Him.  I need to pray and meditate.  This is righteous; this is good; this is healthy.   

Dear Father in Heaven, I did not know this was going to be a devotion on baby steps to peace.  However, I am thankful You have given me people and books that have taught me baby steps to help me to get to where I need to go.  Sometimes, I feel like it is taking too long; and then, You have the scripture I need to hear for today, right there for the taking.  Bless my readers, dear Lord.  May they be strengthened in their walk with You and fill their hearts with the perfect peace only You can give.  I love You, Lord.  In Jesus Holy Name I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 26:2-4

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

King James Version (KJV)  

by Public Domain

I Want That!!

http://www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Today, I had a lovely time reading and browsing articles of interest on the internet.  At the same time, I was watching a home decorating channel on the television,  where I saw an unusually themed house and property that totally caught my imagination.  My response was, "I want one!"  However, as the day progressed, I began to think, "When is the point one crosses from like to lust?

In 1 John 2: 15 we are told not to love the things in the world, but the truth is that most people do.  I don't  think I have met anyone that does not love things, but I think I have figured out the difference between like and lust.  When a person covets a thing to the point  he or she would do anything to have it, that is lust.  It is acceptable to like something that is lovely or fun, but if this exceeds our allegiance to God, we have a problem.  

There is absolutely nothing in this world more important than what God has to offer.  1 John 2: 17 says the world is passing away, and the lust of it;  but he who does the will of God abides forever.  I choose abiding forever.  How about you?

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

New King James Version  (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Joy Explained

John speaks of Jesus from the position of the closest of friends.  In fact, John was there from the beginning of Jesus' ministry and His baptism.  He ate with him, talked with him, witnessed Jesus' miracles and His teaching.  He stayed by Jesus' side as He was crucified on the cross and he ate with Jesus after He was resurrected (John 21).  He was known as the disciple Jesus loved.  If one was looking for a reliable witness to whom Jesus is, I believe that would be John.

John refers to Jesus as the Word of life, and indeed, Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of life.  He speaks of Him as having been with the Father, God.  John lets us know that eternal life was proved to him without any doubt.  Could you have witnessed the life, the death, and the resurrected Christ and not shared that truth?  John makes clear that his fellowship is with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Throughout this passage, he speaks in the plural using the pronouns we and us.  He is most likely referring  to the other disciples and believers who were intimately acquainted with Jesus, as well as Mary the mother of Jesus, who was given into John's care by Jesus Himself.  

Finally, in verse 3, I see in my mind's eye a continuous stream of believers in Christ reaching out to share the fellowship they have with one another because of their fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.  This is Life, whatever our circumstance, an abundant eternal life filled with hope.  I myself have had joy in the worst of circumstances:  my son lying in a hospital for 3 1/2 months,dying;  my mother's and father's death;  my own chronic illness, and other difficult life circumstances. I have experienced abundant joy even in those hard times,  and I have shared that joy with other believers also enduring difficult times.  This joy of which I speak transcends life's experiences:  it covers us.  It  is there waiting for us -- carrying us through, even when we cannot feel it.  Let the joy of Jesus Christ fill you with His love and hope that lasts for all eternity.  I echo John, "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full."

Prayer:   Father in Heaven, I pray that all who read this may experience the fullness of joy that can only be found in You.  May they see the truth of who Jesus Christ is, and I pray for them to connect with other  believers to share this fellowship of love and hope.  In Jesus Precious Name I ask these things.  Amen.

1 John 1: 1 - 4

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— ² the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

(A note for those who have problems reading and comprehending lengthy blogs:  I sometimes experience brain fog, which affects people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  This devotion is a little longer than some I write.  Therefore, I suggest you read it through, and come back later to look at smaller portions of the piece.  It is wise to break it up into smaller portions, to savor and ask God for understanding of each section you read.  Even though, it IS important to read scripture in context, meditation sometimes requires us to consider smaller portions, and ask God how this applies to our lives.  I pray you will enjoy comfort and peace, the peace of our Father God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.)

Joy

Focus on this: God wants our joy to be full. We protest, "But I am in pain, I don’t have a job, I have family problems, I don’t even like myself."  We wonder why God is letting us go through the problems we have; or we feel guilty, because we never feel good enough.   

Quiet your heart.    

Listen.

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1John 1:4  NKJV)

As I read this verse, my heart quiets and my head quits trying to figure out why things aren’t whatever “vision of perfect” I think my life should be. I rest.

Prayer: Father-God thank you for the peace that floods my soul when I stay in Your word. Thank you that You want us to have JOY. Bless the readers of this devotion. May they know the assurance that You care about them and love them. May they have JOY. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen.

Our next devotion is going to touch on the things that have been written to us in 1 John 1-3.

Calming My Heart

Today started quietly.  My heart and mind were calm:  all felt well with my soul.  Then, things began to happen:  I couldn't find a notebook that was important to me, so stopped and I did slow breathing exercises.  I decided to practice piano and get my mind off that illusive notebook, which I knew would turn up when I wasn't looking for it.  I did some housework, feeling pleased with the results;  moreover, I drank a healthy smoothie and the notebook did turn up.  Sounds great doesn't it?  

No Worry Here

However, as I sat down to rest and catch my second wind, I began to disintegrate into a frustrated, frazzled mess.  I felt impatient with myself and what I was doing on the computer.  Puzzled at my disintegration into chaos, I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and I grunted my frustration with a loud, "Arghhh."   Then, God's Holy Spirit spoke within me, "Read your Bible."  So this time, I listened, and I obeyed.  Peace, peace -- I knew I needed peace within, and I received it.  How?  I read God's word and rested in Him:  His precious word is so very true:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
www.lockman.org

Knowing That We Are In Him

 It has been too long since I have written here, but I am back.  Praise God:
He has gotten me through serious surgery and a move.  In fact, I'm still unpacking and putting away.

The scripture today is 1 John 2:  4-6 with the emphasis on verse 5.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ( KJV, 2:5).  What struck me about verse 5 is it does not say we will be just like Jesus.  That may sound heretical to some people, but I don't mean it to be.  It is telling us that when we keep God's word, His love is perfected in us;  even though, as human beings saved by grace, we fail to live our lives free of sin.  I have found my inability to live a sin-free life frustrating;   but v. 5 gives me hope, that when I keep His word, His love will grow in me, and I will do better.

 I would like to back up a bit to verse 4 which says the person who claims to know Jesus, but does not keep his commandments is a liar.  I don't think a liar or a pretender feels the frustration of having failed to live up to God's standards.  A backslider may feel chagrin at falling short, but this is only right since he or she has not been abiding in Him. Knowing God's word and keeping God's word is bread and butter to the Christian.  If we do not do these things, we are starving our spirits, which throws us into a quandary of doubt.  The Christian who  saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  (KJV,1John 2:6).  This person will experience the peace and joy of the Lord.  However, it is not time to give up when we fail;  for, verse 5 does not say we will immediately be just like Jesus.  It says whoso keepeth his word -- His love is perfected in that person.  And it is by this know we that we are in him.  Being perfected is a process:  this is a process I want to continue in Christ Jesus my Lord;  and I hope you do to.


Prayer:  Dear Father, I pray you will help us to understand Your word more deeply and apply it to our lives.  Thank you for loving us, even in our weakness and afflictions.  You, oh God, are all that we need.  You are glorious.  In Jesus Christ's Name, I pray.  Amen.

All Scripture taken from the King James Version
Public Domain