Tuesday – February 21st – 2 John 1:1 ------
1:1) This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
MOST PEOPLE DON’T MIND OBSTACLES, AS LONG AS THEY DON’T GET IN THEIR WAY.*
Hi-dee-ho Tuesday (extra points if you can name where that greeting is used). Today’s inspirational thought brings a smile to my face. Yes, if we are honest with ourselves, we would all have to check the box next to this to admit that this has crossed our minds before. It seems only natural to prayer for, hope for, or even wish for a life filled with little if any challenges. Some brands of twenty-first century Christianity champion the idea that if you are a faithful believer then your life will be all peaches and cream. However even a casual reading of both scripture and church history will more than revel that to follow Jesus means a life of challenges and struggles. No PR firm in the world would allow you to truthfully advertise the many potential pitfalls if/when you become a Christian. Maybe that is why an obstacle-less version of Christianity is much more appeal than the truth of the Gospels. Not nearly as exciting but more appealing. When we have God in our corner, we have already won the victory over any struggles or challenges in our life.
In the opening words of 2 John the author introduces himself as “the elder” which is similar to the introductions of Paul’s letters. The “elder” can easily refer to either an elder person or to a church leader. Here it best emphasizes the authority of the author, additionally it also suggests a strong bond of affection between him and his readers. The “elect lady” could refer to a person, but more likely it is a figurative description of the church to whom this letter is addressed. Following that line of thinking, “Her Children” would then be the individual church members. Regardless of where this church is located, and/or it’s past history with John, there exists a deep sense of connection, care, and concern for those who are part of the congregation. When we have this mutual bond between believers than God can use us to transform the world with the gospel of Jesus.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Wednesday – February 22nd – 2 John 1:2-3
*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 690). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
1:1) This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth—as does everyone else who knows the truth—
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
MOST PEOPLE DON’T MIND OBSTACLES, AS LONG AS THEY DON’T GET IN THEIR WAY.*
Hi-dee-ho Tuesday (extra points if you can name where that greeting is used). Today’s inspirational thought brings a smile to my face. Yes, if we are honest with ourselves, we would all have to check the box next to this to admit that this has crossed our minds before. It seems only natural to prayer for, hope for, or even wish for a life filled with little if any challenges. Some brands of twenty-first century Christianity champion the idea that if you are a faithful believer then your life will be all peaches and cream. However even a casual reading of both scripture and church history will more than revel that to follow Jesus means a life of challenges and struggles. No PR firm in the world would allow you to truthfully advertise the many potential pitfalls if/when you become a Christian. Maybe that is why an obstacle-less version of Christianity is much more appeal than the truth of the Gospels. Not nearly as exciting but more appealing. When we have God in our corner, we have already won the victory over any struggles or challenges in our life.
In the opening words of 2 John the author introduces himself as “the elder” which is similar to the introductions of Paul’s letters. The “elder” can easily refer to either an elder person or to a church leader. Here it best emphasizes the authority of the author, additionally it also suggests a strong bond of affection between him and his readers. The “elect lady” could refer to a person, but more likely it is a figurative description of the church to whom this letter is addressed. Following that line of thinking, “Her Children” would then be the individual church members. Regardless of where this church is located, and/or it’s past history with John, there exists a deep sense of connection, care, and concern for those who are part of the congregation. When we have this mutual bond between believers than God can use us to transform the world with the gospel of Jesus.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Wednesday – February 22nd – 2 John 1:2-3
*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 690). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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