3 John 1:11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
I think this scripture is very straight forward. We all have a choice. We can imitate good or evil. But today I want to take this a step further. My focus is not on what actions we decide to take, but rather on which values or causes we choose to support and identify with. As Christians, I hope that we would never choose to do evil to another. However, should we remain passive and do nothing when wrongdoing occurs, or even worse, celebrate the results of that evil.
When you study bullies there are three categories. First the bully and their allies, second the victims, and third the bystanders. The third group is the largest and therefore holds the most power. When this group chooses to not become involved, they are then passively siding with the bully. This is not what Jesus called Christians to do. On the contrary, Jesus taught that we are to be the defenders of the marginalized. When we witness injustice, hate, or fear, our Master urges us to speak up for those in need. And any that stand for the oppressed are glorifying our Lord Jesus the Christ by those actions.
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
I think this scripture is very straight forward. We all have a choice. We can imitate good or evil. But today I want to take this a step further. My focus is not on what actions we decide to take, but rather on which values or causes we choose to support and identify with. As Christians, I hope that we would never choose to do evil to another. However, should we remain passive and do nothing when wrongdoing occurs, or even worse, celebrate the results of that evil.
When you study bullies there are three categories. First the bully and their allies, second the victims, and third the bystanders. The third group is the largest and therefore holds the most power. When this group chooses to not become involved, they are then passively siding with the bully. This is not what Jesus called Christians to do. On the contrary, Jesus taught that we are to be the defenders of the marginalized. When we witness injustice, hate, or fear, our Master urges us to speak up for those in need. And any that stand for the oppressed are glorifying our Lord Jesus the Christ by those actions.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Recognizing God’s Daily Blessings
Far too often, we find ourselves focusing on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. Modern society tends to dwell on our shortcomings and failures, overshadowing the moments of success and gratitude. This pattern of thinking can be used as a distraction, steering our attention away from the blessings that fill our lives each day.
In light of this, it is important to pause and follow the wisdom found in the old hymn: “Count your Blessings.” Every day, God provides for our needs—an act rooted in pure, unfathomable love. By taking time to reflect on the blessings we receive, and by naming them, we become more aware of the depth of God's love for each of us. This practice not only brings gratitude to the forefront but also reminds us of the constant care and provision that God offers daily.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Recognizing God’s Daily Blessings
Far too often, we find ourselves focusing on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. Modern society tends to dwell on our shortcomings and failures, overshadowing the moments of success and gratitude. This pattern of thinking can be used as a distraction, steering our attention away from the blessings that fill our lives each day.
In light of this, it is important to pause and follow the wisdom found in the old hymn: “Count your Blessings.” Every day, God provides for our needs—an act rooted in pure, unfathomable love. By taking time to reflect on the blessings we receive, and by naming them, we become more aware of the depth of God's love for each of us. This practice not only brings gratitude to the forefront but also reminds us of the constant care and provision that God offers daily.
Mattthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Serving God Above All
It is crucial for every Christian to remember a fundamental truth: we cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of whom we are truly called to serve. In our modern society, countless influences compete to become the primary focus of our lives. The relentless pursuit of wealth, the desire for power, and, for many, even the daily challenge to meet basic needs, all vie for our attention. Any one of these pursuits can easily take center stage, distracting us from our highest calling—to serve God first and foremost.
Ultimately, our lives will not be measured by worldly standards but by the love for which God created us. When we live according to the world’s expectations, true peace and fulfillment remain elusive, as we are always striving for the next goal or achievement. In contrast, when we devote ourselves to serving God alone, we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in scripture. By making God our only true master, we open ourselves to a life of serenity and purpose.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Serving God Above All
It is crucial for every Christian to remember a fundamental truth: we cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of whom we are truly called to serve. In our modern society, countless influences compete to become the primary focus of our lives. The relentless pursuit of wealth, the desire for power, and, for many, even the daily challenge to meet basic needs, all vie for our attention. Any one of these pursuits can easily take center stage, distracting us from our highest calling—to serve God first and foremost.
Ultimately, our lives will not be measured by worldly standards but by the love for which God created us. When we live according to the world’s expectations, true peace and fulfillment remain elusive, as we are always striving for the next goal or achievement. In contrast, when we devote ourselves to serving God alone, we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in scripture. By making God our only true master, we open ourselves to a life of serenity and purpose.
2 Timothy 4:3 – 5
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
In our modern world, it has become increasingly common to approach scripture with the intent to confirm our own perspectives. Rather than allowing God’s Word to shape our worldview, we sometimes search the Bible for passages and seek out spiritual leaders who affirm what we already believe. When faced with scriptures that challenge us, we may be tempted to avoid or ignore those texts. This tendency is not new—it has been present throughout history. We find ourselves trying to fit God into the limitations of our own understanding, instead of striving to see the world as God intends. In doing this, we risk replacing our devotion to the Creator with a focus on worldly distractions and priorities.
To remain faithful and avoid these pitfalls, we must use the two greatest commandments as our guide: first, to love God, and second, to love our neighbor. Everything we are taught and everything we believe should be measured against these core principles.
Additionally, we are called to practice what John Wesley described as Christian (Holy) Conferencing. This involves engaging in meaningful and constructive dialogue—not only with those who share our views, but also with those who hold different perspectives. By actively listening and considering all viewpoints, we create space for the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding together.
Finally, it is important to recognize that even as we serve the same God and are led by the same Spirit, there will be times when we do not agree. In these moments, we are called to continue loving one another through our differences. By doing so, we fulfill God’s command to love, showing respect and compassion for each other even in the midst of disagreement.
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
In our modern world, it has become increasingly common to approach scripture with the intent to confirm our own perspectives. Rather than allowing God’s Word to shape our worldview, we sometimes search the Bible for passages and seek out spiritual leaders who affirm what we already believe. When faced with scriptures that challenge us, we may be tempted to avoid or ignore those texts. This tendency is not new—it has been present throughout history. We find ourselves trying to fit God into the limitations of our own understanding, instead of striving to see the world as God intends. In doing this, we risk replacing our devotion to the Creator with a focus on worldly distractions and priorities.
To remain faithful and avoid these pitfalls, we must use the two greatest commandments as our guide: first, to love God, and second, to love our neighbor. Everything we are taught and everything we believe should be measured against these core principles.
Additionally, we are called to practice what John Wesley described as Christian (Holy) Conferencing. This involves engaging in meaningful and constructive dialogue—not only with those who share our views, but also with those who hold different perspectives. By actively listening and considering all viewpoints, we create space for the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding together.
Finally, it is important to recognize that even as we serve the same God and are led by the same Spirit, there will be times when we do not agree. In these moments, we are called to continue loving one another through our differences. By doing so, we fulfill God’s command to love, showing respect and compassion for each other even in the midst of disagreement.
Perseverance and Faith in the Christian Journey
Proverbs 24:16
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Philippians 1:6
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Today, two distinct scriptures were chosen to illustrate a crucial truth about the Christian life. It is important to understand that choosing to follow Christ and placing God at the center of our lives does not eliminate struggle. In fact, it often marks the beginning of new challenges. Like any pursuit, there will be moments of success and times of failure. What matters most is our commitment to keep moving forward, regardless of the difficulties we encounter.
Proverbs teaches us the value of persistence, emphasizing that the righteous will rise again even after falling. This reminds us of the importance of never giving up. In Philippians, we are encouraged to place our faith in God, trusting in His grace and love. Through this faith, we are able to grow into the disciples God has called us to be, learning from our mistakes and celebrating our achievements. Ultimately, the grace and love of God are enough to overcome every weakness and shortcoming we face.
Proverbs 24:16
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Philippians 1:6
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Today, two distinct scriptures were chosen to illustrate a crucial truth about the Christian life. It is important to understand that choosing to follow Christ and placing God at the center of our lives does not eliminate struggle. In fact, it often marks the beginning of new challenges. Like any pursuit, there will be moments of success and times of failure. What matters most is our commitment to keep moving forward, regardless of the difficulties we encounter.
Proverbs teaches us the value of persistence, emphasizing that the righteous will rise again even after falling. This reminds us of the importance of never giving up. In Philippians, we are encouraged to place our faith in God, trusting in His grace and love. Through this faith, we are able to grow into the disciples God has called us to be, learning from our mistakes and celebrating our achievements. Ultimately, the grace and love of God are enough to overcome every weakness and shortcoming we face.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
The evil present in our world encourages us to embrace greed and selfishness. Society often promotes the belief that we must prioritize our own needs above all else, leaving little room to genuinely care for others. This mindset suggests that the struggles and needs of others are theirs alone to manage, and that our main concern should be our own advancement. In such an environment, true joy is elusive, as life becomes an endless pursuit of personal goals and achievements. The constant glorification of our own accomplishments, even when it comes at the expense of others, only reinforces this cycle of self-importance.
Jesus taught a radically different message, which Paul continued to spread. The good news was not about self-promotion, but about becoming servants first. Jesus exemplified this through His life, and ultimately, through His death on the cross. We are called to embrace humility, putting the needs of others before our own. It is in this act of valuing others above ourselves that we truly live into our purpose and reflect what we were created to be.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
The evil present in our world encourages us to embrace greed and selfishness. Society often promotes the belief that we must prioritize our own needs above all else, leaving little room to genuinely care for others. This mindset suggests that the struggles and needs of others are theirs alone to manage, and that our main concern should be our own advancement. In such an environment, true joy is elusive, as life becomes an endless pursuit of personal goals and achievements. The constant glorification of our own accomplishments, even when it comes at the expense of others, only reinforces this cycle of self-importance.
Jesus taught a radically different message, which Paul continued to spread. The good news was not about self-promotion, but about becoming servants first. Jesus exemplified this through His life, and ultimately, through His death on the cross. We are called to embrace humility, putting the needs of others before our own. It is in this act of valuing others above ourselves that we truly live into our purpose and reflect what we were created to be.
James 4:6 (NIV)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
Grace: A Gift Received in Humility
The central message for us is clear: God’s grace is a free gift. It is not something we earn, nor is it something we could ever be worthy of through our own actions. Instead, grace is given to us out of God’s unconditional love. To fully embrace and experience this gift, we are called to approach God with humility. Rather than taking pride in what we have accomplished or earned, we are encouraged to be thankful for what God has generously provided. It is from this place of humility and gratitude that we discover true peace, recognizing and resting in the depth of God’s love for us.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
Grace: A Gift Received in Humility
The central message for us is clear: God’s grace is a free gift. It is not something we earn, nor is it something we could ever be worthy of through our own actions. Instead, grace is given to us out of God’s unconditional love. To fully embrace and experience this gift, we are called to approach God with humility. Rather than taking pride in what we have accomplished or earned, we are encouraged to be thankful for what God has generously provided. It is from this place of humility and gratitude that we discover true peace, recognizing and resting in the depth of God’s love for us.
The Unconditional Love of God
𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟖 – 𝟗 (𝐍𝐈𝐕)
𝟖 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝— 𝟗 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭.
God’s love for us is immeasurable. He loves us so deeply that He is willing to forgive all our sins, and this forgiveness is given without conditions. This concept is difficult for us to comprehend because, as human beings, we tend to view relationships and actions in a transactional way. We are accustomed to the idea that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction—a principle derived from physics that influences how we approach life. As a result, we often search for ways to earn our salvation, believing it must be deserved or achieved through our own efforts. However, it is crucial to understand that God operates differently. His love is truly unconditional, not based on anything we can do to earn it.
The death of Jesus Christ is the most profound demonstration of God’s love for us. To help us grasp the magnitude of this love, God chose to use the relationship between a parent and child—the closest form of love known to humanity. By sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us, God allowed us to witness love in its purest form, so that we might better understand how deeply He cares for us. This example serves as a call for us to extend the same type of love to others. We are invited to love unconditionally, showing grace and empathy to everyone, we encounter, just as God has shown to us.
𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟖 – 𝟗 (𝐍𝐈𝐕)
𝟖 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝— 𝟗 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭.
God’s love for us is immeasurable. He loves us so deeply that He is willing to forgive all our sins, and this forgiveness is given without conditions. This concept is difficult for us to comprehend because, as human beings, we tend to view relationships and actions in a transactional way. We are accustomed to the idea that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction—a principle derived from physics that influences how we approach life. As a result, we often search for ways to earn our salvation, believing it must be deserved or achieved through our own efforts. However, it is crucial to understand that God operates differently. His love is truly unconditional, not based on anything we can do to earn it.
The death of Jesus Christ is the most profound demonstration of God’s love for us. To help us grasp the magnitude of this love, God chose to use the relationship between a parent and child—the closest form of love known to humanity. By sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us, God allowed us to witness love in its purest form, so that we might better understand how deeply He cares for us. This example serves as a call for us to extend the same type of love to others. We are invited to love unconditionally, showing grace and empathy to everyone, we encounter, just as God has shown to us.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
How many of us today feel anxious? Anxiety seems to be a constant state in modern life. We worry about everything because we believe it is our responsibility to ensure things are done correctly. When things do not go as planned, we often feel as though we have failed.
The reality is that we do not have true control over most things. For those who have faith in God and believe in Jesus, we recognize that God is in control. We are invited to surrender our worries to God, trusting in His guidance and accepting His answers—whether they are yes, no, or not yet. It is important to receive God’s responses to our prayers with gratitude, relying on His wisdom instead of our own understanding. In doing so, we discover the peace that God promises us through Jesus Christ.
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
How many of us today feel anxious? Anxiety seems to be a constant state in modern life. We worry about everything because we believe it is our responsibility to ensure things are done correctly. When things do not go as planned, we often feel as though we have failed.
The reality is that we do not have true control over most things. For those who have faith in God and believe in Jesus, we recognize that God is in control. We are invited to surrender our worries to God, trusting in His guidance and accepting His answers—whether they are yes, no, or not yet. It is important to receive God’s responses to our prayers with gratitude, relying on His wisdom instead of our own understanding. In doing so, we discover the peace that God promises us through Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
As I spend more time reading the book of Proverbs, I find myself appreciating its straightforward wisdom. The teachings are clear and accessible, offering guidance that is easy to understand. This leads to an important question: Where do we place our trust, and in what do we put our faith? Often, we encounter problems that seem unsolvable, situations that lack clear answers, and moments when we are uncertain about which path to take. The challenge arises when we attempt to navigate these difficulties relying solely on our own wisdom and understanding. Our tendency to depend on ourselves can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed, unable to find solutions or direction.
Instead, what we should be doing is seeking guidance from the source of all wisdom—God. By inviting God’s spirit to lead us, we find that trusting and having faith in God makes a significant difference. Reflecting on our lives, we can see moments when things worked out the way they needed to, even when we were uncertain. In those times, it was God who was guiding us along the path we were meant to follow. Trust in God truly means believing that God’s spirit will lead us to where we need to be. Looking back, there are many instances when I felt lost, but now I recognize how God was leading me throughout my life. This is true for everyone, if we take the time to acknowledge it. With each experience of recognizing God’s guidance, it becomes easier to trust Him in the future. This process is a learned skill, one that requires a lifetime of practice to fully acquire.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
As I spend more time reading the book of Proverbs, I find myself appreciating its straightforward wisdom. The teachings are clear and accessible, offering guidance that is easy to understand. This leads to an important question: Where do we place our trust, and in what do we put our faith? Often, we encounter problems that seem unsolvable, situations that lack clear answers, and moments when we are uncertain about which path to take. The challenge arises when we attempt to navigate these difficulties relying solely on our own wisdom and understanding. Our tendency to depend on ourselves can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed, unable to find solutions or direction.
Instead, what we should be doing is seeking guidance from the source of all wisdom—God. By inviting God’s spirit to lead us, we find that trusting and having faith in God makes a significant difference. Reflecting on our lives, we can see moments when things worked out the way they needed to, even when we were uncertain. In those times, it was God who was guiding us along the path we were meant to follow. Trust in God truly means believing that God’s spirit will lead us to where we need to be. Looking back, there are many instances when I felt lost, but now I recognize how God was leading me throughout my life. This is true for everyone, if we take the time to acknowledge it. With each experience of recognizing God’s guidance, it becomes easier to trust Him in the future. This process is a learned skill, one that requires a lifetime of practice to fully acquire.
