I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15 ESV

            John is very purposeful in his writing. We see this both in his gospel and in his letters. It is usually found at the end of the book. Here in this letter, his purpose is found in chapter 5:13 “that you may know you have eternal life.” The preceding chapter underscores this purpose.

          In John’s gospel, his purpose is this: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV)

          John communicated this focus by spending the majority of his gospel on the last week of Christ’s ministry. His gospel is so that people will believe. His letter is so that believers will have security of their faith and hold on to that faith in all that they confront in life.

            The assurance of salvation is based on love. But this is not sentimental love. It is love based on action. Love that is demonstrated through obedience to Christ and love toward other believers.

          These two key points provide evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can see a consistent theme that runs through this letter. There are words of caution and instruction.

          The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:3 begins with the admonition to “be on guard.” John shows what we are to be on guard against.

          Consider the following: John begins by pointing to those who rationalize their standing before the Lord. In chapter one, he focuses on walking in the light of God’s truth. This is contrasted with what people often say. Such things as, “I have not sinned…or “I have not sin…” (v. 8,10) We either deceive ourselves or make God a liar. In contrast, if we confess our sin, we have forgiveness. (v10)

          In chapter two, the focus is on love in action. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” (v.4-5) Regarding love towards others, he states, “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” (v.9)

          Next, he warns about love for the world, “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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (v. 15-16)

          John warns about deception of those who are against Christ and His truth, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.No one who denies the Son has the Father…” (22-23) Believers should not only be aware of “the” anti-Christ, but the spirit of anti-Christ-ism. Those who claim they know God without accepting Jesus as the Christ.

          As John moves into chapter 3 his focus is on the importance of consistency in our life and lifestyle, No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. (v.6-7) It is one thing to sin and ask for forgiveness; it is another to continue to live in sin and to excuse it.

          John again states the importance of loving those in the faith, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. ¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (v.14-15)

          John’s challenge is this,  ^“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (v.16) He goes on to say that our the reassurance of right standing before the Lord is when our hearts condemn us. This is to enable us to make corrections and align our actions and attitudes with those pleasing to Christ.

          In chapter four, John warns against false prophets, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (v.1) The plumb line is what a person says about Christ. If they confess that He came in the flesh and is who He said He is will test their veracity.

          John again focuses on love for God and love for others. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (v. 10-11)

          Because God loves us unconditionally, we are obligated to love one another. We are to love those whom God loves. This reminds me of Jesus parable of the unforgiving servant. In this parable, the master forgives an unimaginable debt when a servant begs him for time. Yet that servant goes out and tries to collect from a fellow servant who owes him a very small amount. John reminds us, “we love because He first loved us.”(v. 19)

          As John closes his letter in chapter 5, he gives assurance of our victory over the world: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (4-5)

          John’s letter has great truths that deserve careful reading and our attention. Be sure to focus on consistent themes. See how John provides believers with assurance of their relationship with Christ and what to watch out for in their lives of faith.

          The resounding words that put forth plainly those who believe and those who don’t are these, “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (v.11-12) Relationship with Jesus gives us protection, victory over the world, and confidence before the Lord in prayer. Live in that assurance of faith today.

Bible Verse for Today:  Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.  Philemon 1:8-10

          Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters. It is written to an individual (Philemon), a friend. It is personal. It is about reconciliation and restoration. It is about a servant (Onesimus) running from one master and meeting The Master. It is about one who felt unloved but discovered God’s love and the love of the Apostle Paul.

          Onesimus was a servant to Philemon, a friend of Paul’s. He flees his master and encounters Paul in Rome, where he becomes a follower of Christ. Paul’s influence on him was great, and he became a faithful follower of Christ. Paul even sent Onesimus to the church in Colossae with another disciple of his to report on Paul’s well-being. (Colossians 4:8) Paul refers to Onesimus as a “faithful and beloved brother.”

          However, Paul knows that Onesimus needs to return to Philemon. Not as just a servant but as a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul does not make his appeal from his authority as an apostle and leader, but from an appeal to friendship and love.

          Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus was once useless but is now useful to him and the gospel. Paul closes by affirming his confidence in Philemon to do even more than what he is asking.

          We don’t know all the details in this situation, but the message is clear enough to learn the important lessons. Lessons of friendship, faithfulness, consistency of character and redemption and restoration.

          We learn that appeals based on love, not obligation, are more motivating. Paul challenges Philemon to love Onesimus and to forgive and receive him just as he has demonstrated love towards other believers.

          We observe the wonder of redemption and restoration. Onesimus becomes a believer because of Paul’s influence. Not just that, but a fellow worker with Paul. The gospel is about redemption. When people make a commitment to Christ, they are changed. Their lives take on a new meaning.

          We also observe Paul’s actions as he does what he knows is right. Paul could have allowed Onesimus to remain as a companion to him and other Christ followers. I could even see Onesimus pleading for that privilege.

          So, Paul doesn’t just send Onesimus back to Philemon; he sends him with a personal letter to vouch for the change that has taken place in Onesimus. This also speaks to the work of the gospel. A personal relationship with Christ allows us to become useful to the Lord and to others.

          This letter provides some insight into the life and ministry of Apostle Paul, and it challenges us in the lessons that are contained in it. We too can embrace Paul’s prayer for Philemon, “I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6 ESV

Bible Verse for Today “…..And you still didn’t return to me, declares the Lord.” Amos 4:6 GW “Prepare to meet your God.” Amos 4:12 GW

          What does it take for the Lord to get your attention? This is the question that the prophet confronts Israel with. However, it is stated in the first person. God is addressing His people through the prophet in a very personal way. This is not a prophet telling the people; this is the Lord confronting His people.

          Amos 4:6-11 contains statements about all the ways the Lord was trying to get the attention of His people and to bring them back to Him. His desire was for them to forsake their idols and to serve Him alone.

          Famine: no rain on the crops. One field had rain, but theirs did not. They had no water. The crops they did have were infested with mildew and eaten by locusts. The Lord sent plagues. Their young men were killed in battle. Some cities were destroyed just as Sodom and Gomorrah had been. After each of these, we find the statement, “and still you did not return to me.”

          God’s people, then, like some people now, fail to allow life’s events to turn them to the Lord. Perhaps for the first time, perhaps returning to the Lord. The Lord speaks in many ways, but one of those is through natural events. In Israel’s situation, these natural events were the consequences of their rejecting the Lord and following Him with full-hearted devotion.

          As I thought about this, I was reminded of what we see in the Book of Revelation. As the events of the tribulation take place, we find on more than one occasion verses like these,

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, ²¹ nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20,21 ESV)

I recall in years gone by when rural areas were in a drought, community members would often gather to pray for rain. When our founding fathers were deadlocked in establishing a new nation, Benjamin Franklin stood and called them to prayer. I remember when I lay in a hospital bed, totally paralyzed by West Nile Virus, I prayed, “Lord, now that you have my attention…”

Often, life events cause people to turn away from the Lord. However, many events in life should compel us to turn to the Lord and find the security and life that are complete only in a personal relationship with Him and in complete submission to His Lordship.

As difficult as it is to realize, we have a choice to come to the Lord or be confronted by the Lord. The Lord is patient and long-suffering, but there is a day when all will stand before Him. The writer of Hebrews caution was, “do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness.” (Heb. 3:8 NIV) The Lord’s call to His people as they prepared to enter the promised land was, “Choose life.” “Choose blessing.” (Deu. 30:19)

What does it take for the Lord to get your attention? Be quick to always turn to Him and trust in Him.

Hilkiah, the high priest, said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” 2 Kings 22:8 GW

          King Josiah became king when he was eight years old. He was the son of Amon, who ruled for only two years. He was the son of Manasseh, who ruled for 55 years as an idolatrous and evil king.

          The prophet of the Lord condemns Manasseh as the most evil of all the evil kings of Judah and Israel, and even more vile than the nations that occupied the land before Israel. It must have been during the long reign of Manasseh, when the Temple lay in ruins, that the law was lost.

          Without the guidance of the law of Moses, the people of God fell into deep idolatry that became the reference point until the Babylonians took Jerusalem captive.

The Lord spoke these words through His prophet, “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, ¹² therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster^[b] that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.” 2 Kings 21:11,12 GW

          When the law was found, it was read to Josiah, and he realized that the nation was under God’s judgment. As a leader, Josiah took action. He had the law read to all the people and then made this commitment,

And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant. 2 Kings 23:3 GW

          Even though the Lord had pronounced the doom of Jerusalem, it did not deter Josiah from riding the land of Judah and Israel of idolatry. He even destroyed the calf idols of Israel according to the words of the prophet from hundreds of years earlier.

          The importance of God’s word, God’s Law in the Old Testament, was to be the plumb line to give God’s people purpose and guidance for their lives. Joshua was commanded to follow the law of the Lord if he wanted to be successful. The Psalms are filled with verses that speak of the value of the Law. Psalms 119, the longest of the Psalms, extols the importance of God’s laws, His instructions, and protection. It is the vision of God, the restraining force, that keeps God’s people from “running rampant” and perishing.

          When God’s people followed the law, they were successful. When it was disobeyed, they sinned and were defeated.

          God’s Word today for those who want to follow Christ is a must. It guides our path. It trains, rebukes and corrects. When we disregard and fail to follow God’s Word, we sin. We fail to understand God’s true nature. We become prey to the world around us.

          I believe it was D.L. Moody who said of the Bible, “This book will keep me from sin and sin will keep me from this book.” What place does God’s Word have in your life? Do you need to discover it or rediscover it? Do you read it? Do you obey it? It is our all-sufficient rule for faith and doctrine. That means what we believe and how we behave. Don’t allow anything to rob you of your commitment to God’s Word.

Never worship in the way that it’s being done here today, where everyone does whatever he considers right. Deu. 12:8 GW

In those days, Israel didn’t have a king. Everyone did whatever he considered right. Judges 21:25 GW

               During my morning Bible reading in Deuteronomy, I noticed this verse. Moses is giving instructions, reminders, and warnings to the generation that will enter the Promised Land. God’s people will serve as His agents of judgment on these nations that have been living idolatrous and vile lives.

               This promise to Abraham provided insight into the Lord’s patience and His holding nations and peoples accountable for their sins and actions.

Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” Gen. 15:13-16

               The Lord God is not just the God of a nation or people. He is the God of the universe and world, even if He is not recognized as such. We see this when Jonah went to Ninevah and the entire capital city of this nation repented and stayed God’s judgement at that time. Even though they were Israel’s enemies.

               Moses’ basic commands from the Lord to God’s people were, “don’t live like the nations that you will conquer and replace.” Yet we see that God’s people did not follow the Lord wholeheartedly in future generations. They were warned against idolatry, but they became idol worshipers. They were warned about the sinful behavior of the nations, but they followed that sinful behavior. In the end, the Lord expelled them from the land, just as the Lord had said He would.

               Yet in the Lord’s discipline of His people, He allowed them to return from their captivity in Babylon. This shows that the Lord is faithful to hold people accountable yet provides for restoration.

               We see the ultimate path of restoration in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Cor. 5:21

               John the apostle, like Moses of old, provides a warning to us today. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15,6 NKJV

               When we live or desire that which is of the world and act and follow the world’s priorities and practices, we are like the Children of Israel who refused to follow God’s instructions on how to live a prosperous and fulfilling life.

               This is an ongoing challenge. Yet when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we find that God is ready to forgive and restore. When we ignore those promptings, we will continue to spiral down into a miserable existence.

He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. ⁷ And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field… Leviticus 14:6,7 (ESV)

I have to admit that I don’t draw too much inspiration from the Book of Leviticus. It shows the Lord’s precision in determining the conduct of sacrifices and what is acceptable to eat. God’s people were reminded that they were not determining what was and was not acceptable to God – God was!

I remember the man who told me how he had lived a good, honest life and done his best, and if that was not good enough for God, it was “too bad.” That is man determining what God should accept instead of us submitting to what God says.

Leprosy was a dreaded disease in both the Old and New Testaments. The condition gave the image of death. Paul the Apostle wrote, “You were dead in your transgressions and sins…” (Eph. 2:1) So each of us has a case of “spiritual leprosy.”

In Leviticus 14 are the instructions on how a leper who has recovered from his disease can be redeemed and enter again into the congregation of God’s people. What is striking is the ritual of these two birds.

One is killed over fresh water. The other bird, along with cedar, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped in the blood of the sacrificed bird. That bird that has been covered in the blood of the sacrifice is let go and flies away.

What a significant image of what Christ accomplished on the cross when you look at this process. A sacrifice in which blood and water serve as the two cleansing agents. Then there is a bird covered in the blood of the sacrifice, set free to fly away into the country.

The one who conquers the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the One who came by water and blood.He did not come by water only, but by water and blood…” (1 John 5:5,6)

When I picture the bird flying out of sight, I think of Psalms 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed your transgressions from you.”

I am also reminded of the words of hymns from the past. Ones that say things like,  “Keep me safe from day to day under the blood…”  “The blood of Jesus is washes white as snow.” “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” “Are you washed in the blood, the soul cleansing blood of the lamb?” “Redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the lamb!” While it may seem morbid in natural eyes, spiritually we see the lifeblood of Jesus shed for us is what gives us spiritual life.

John 5:39, we see the word of Jesus to the rule-keeping, Torah-focused Pharisees and read, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Do you think He was referring to Leviticus? I believe he could have. Especially since Jesus was willing to touch the leper. He told those He had healed to go show themselves to the priest and offer the required sacrifices.

Here is the rest of Ephesians 2 that I referenced at the beginning:…ButGod, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  (Eph. 2:4-6)

In scripture, we see these pictures from death to life. From lost to being found. In prison and set free. Outcasts, but brought near by the blood of Christ.

Just when you don’t believe a Book of the Bible has any application or inspiration, sometimes the Holy Spirit surprises you.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

          This verse from Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi has been a promise Christians have declared down through the ages. It is one that I often include when I autograph one of my testimony books.

          But the last time I was reading this book, during the third time I had read it in 2025, I finally connected the verse with the context. This verse is a response to the sacrificial final support the Church in Philippi had provided to Paul during his missionary travels.

          He begins in verse 10: “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.” How did they show their concern? By providing financial support to Paul. This is when no one else was doing so.

          He shows this in these verses:  “…it was good of you to share in my troubles….in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.”

          The Philippians were responsive even when Paul did not expect them to be. They gave and gave again when no one else did. The Philippians did not know this until Paul wrote this letter. This was not giving under compulsion. They did not think, “Well, no one else is supporting Paul, so I guess we should.”

          We see this in 2 Corinthians 9, where Paul says giving should not be done reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Cheerful giving is giving freely and gladly. It is viewed as a privilege. It is sowing into the lives of others and meeting needs so that the Lord will be praised.

          Read Paul’s words carefully, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”(v. 17) Who was giving the Philippians account a credit? A credit is an addition; the Philippians were not the ones receiving, but the ones giving. Look back at Paul’s reference to giving as an issue of “giving and receiving.” When we give, we don’t lose, we gain. What we give financially, we receive in heaven’s bank account. We receive the reward of the gospel. The gifts that were sent to Paul were more than enough to meet his need.

          I am thankful for a God who is more than enough! He has more than enough grace to cover your sin. He has more than enough love to call the lost to Himself. He has more than enough power to bring healing. He has more than enough riches to meet every need.

          That is Paul’s reassurance to the Philippians financial support, “And my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

          That’s the promise to the generous. Paul is telling the Church at Philippi, you have supplied my needs out of your limited riches, and now my God will supply all your needs out of His unlimited riches through Christ. That’s the theme of scripture.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

“…whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Cor. 9:6 (NIV)

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”        2 Cor. 9:10 (NIV)

          We don’t give to get. We give to receive. We receive from the Lord out of His storehouse of blessings. Obedience is what matters. God is glorified. The lost are saved, and heaven becomes more crowded. The gospel continues to go throughout the world. We may track the outflow, but God will take care of the inflow into our lives. That is what Paul wanted the Philippians to know and us too.

Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Psalms 44:22 ESV

          Psalms 44 is one that certainly gets your attention and causes many questions to be asked. How can there be victory after victory in our lives and then find ourselves in a struggle, where it seems that God has abandoned us with cause?

          That is where David is at in this Psalm. The Psalm begins with a focus on God’s faithfulness in past generations:

O God, we have heard with our ears,
    our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
    in the days of old:  Psalms 44:1-3

          David also declares the Lord’s presence and intervention in the present:

But you have saved us from our foes
    and have put to shame those who hate us. Psalms 44:7

          Now there is a drastic and unexpected and unreasonable change. The God who was faithful to God’s people in the past and showed Himself powerful and fighting for His people in the present, seem to have abandon them.

But you have rejected us and disgraced us
    and have not gone out with our armies.
You have made us turn back from the foe,
    and those who hate us have gotten spoil.
You have made us like sheep for slaughter
    and have scattered us among the nations. Psalms 44:9-11

          The dire situation that God’s people find themselves in, is not due to sin and rebellion or a failure to keep God’s covenants.

All this has come upon us,
    though we have not forgotten you,
    and we have not been false to your covenant.
Our heart has not turned back,
    nor have our steps departed from your way; Psalms 44:17, 18

          God’s people believe they have not changed, but God suddenly has. This is not like the sin of Achan after the defeat of Jericho, where there was sin in the camp. Why has God all of a sudden not come through with His part of the bargain?

          But the Psalm ends with David crying out to the Lord and seeking deliverance once again.

Rise up; come to our help!
    Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! Psalms 44:26

As I consider this Psalm, several thoughts come to mind. Why doesn’t the Lord always provide victory and never let us suffer hardship or defeat? Job faced a challenge when, as a righteous man, he suffered greatly. His response to his wife is telling.

Job said to her, “You’re talking like a foolish woman. Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” In all this, Job didn’t sin with his lips. Job 2:10 CEB

Perhaps David, like many of us today, believed that if we do our part, the Lord is committed to doing His part? It is easy to take the Lord’s provision for granted. Is there a reason for times of distress and testing? What can we learn when we are on the “losing side” for a season?

          I don’t know all that this Psalm has in mind, but we do see that David does not allow the present circumstances of his life to change his trust in the Lord, and he asks the Lord to change the circumstances that God’s people are facing.

          My takeaway from this Psalm is that we are reminded that times of difficulty will come. We are to remain faithful. We are to be reminded that God’s grace and favor are not to be taken for granted or to be confused with our spiritual commitment. We are called to remain faithful in times of victory and times of testing. We can pour out our hearts to the Lord and seek Him always. The challenge is not to always find out the “why” but to maintain our trust and faith.