REALLY SAVED? REALLY SAVED!

(3Jn 1:11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your lifestyle of godly words & actions reflect Christ (3Jn 1:11). #SavedForSure #ReallySaved! #SecureInChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If I am honest, I have to ask, “If I sin, am I truly saved; have I truly trusted Christ as my savior?“ This verse, taken in context with other writings of John, answers that question. The “doing” here is in a verb form that means the HABITUAL act of “doing“ what is good. This is as opposed to HABITUAL sin that is evil and bad (note 1Jn 3:4-7, 16-21).

So, even if I am feeling guilty about a sin, God‘s grace is greater. He has conquered my guilt and shame. He has forgiven ALL my sin. Is that license to sin? Paul says, “Not only no, but heck no!” (Rom 6:1,2) Lord, may I be reminded by my lifestyle of grace and godly “doing” that I belong to Christ.

Polar Opposites

(3Jn 1:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of ego-driven church leaders (3Jn 1:9-11).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John makes reference to another letter, which is lost to us in antiquity. A man named Diotrephes, an outspoken leader in the church, was not willing to accept whatever John wrote. [Perhaps he trashed the letter]. He was the polar opposite of Gaius.

Diotrephes was self-serving and ego-driven. He spread lies about John. He refused to welcome “traveling teachers”. Any who did so, he stopped them or put them out of the church. OMG! John condemns this behavior. It’s sad that such people exist in the church.

Lord, may I be discerning of ego-driven “church” people; may I check my own ego.

Partners In Ministry (Pt2)

(3Jn 1:5-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek ways to encourage those in ministry (3Jn 1:5-8). #PartnersInMinistry #TravelingMinistry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Reading the account of Gaius and his extraordinary ministry to some itinerant teachers/ministers, got me to thinking: what are ways that I can (and have) support such men and women of God?* It takes a team!

First and foremost is to always be discerning of the message they bring. Next is Prayer – always a vital link in ministry.

Provide a meal and shelter in your home as able. Show interest, get to know these ministers and their ministry.

Support gospel ministries financially as you are able and lead by God. Counsel them when they have a need. Write notes of encouragement. Labor with them as able in their field of ministry.

What a blessing to partner in the work of the gospel. Lord, may I always look for opportunities to encourage those in ministry.

________

* Here’s a few scriptures encouraging partnership in ministries: 2Cor 9:6 7ff; Gal 6:2; Eph 6:8; 1Th 5:11–13; Heb 10:24; 13:17,18.

Partners In Ministry (Pt1)

(3Jn 1:5-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Joyfully & faithfully support full-time Gospel ministries (3Jn 1:5-8). #PartnersInMinistry #TravelingMinistry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The focus shifts from Gaius to various “traveling teachers“ (NLT) (“brothers“-ESV) or sisters in Christ. These were brethren (men and/or women) who had surrendered to some form of the gospel ministry. They were willing to go wherever God would lead them. They were not in it for the money, but for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.

John says that we, the church, do well to support such committed ministers of the Gospel of Christ. In doing this, we become partners with them in spreading the Gospel of truth in Christ. Lord, may I be always willing to support those who genuinely serve for the sake of Christ.

Giving Honor

(3Jn 1:3,4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor & support those in Christ who are serving him (3Jn 1:3,4). #ShowHonor #HonorThoseServingChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John recognizes Gaius for his exceptional walk of faith, living according to the truth. Traveling ministers (“teachers” – NLT) had borne a witness to the exceptional ministry of Gaius to them. Gaius welcomed all those walking in the truth, even though strangers to him (v5).

John is exceedingly joyful to know that those “children of his“, those led to faith in Christ by him, are living out the gospel daily. Lord, may it be said of me that I did my best to honor those who work serving Christ.

Fitness of Soul

(3Jn 1:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Nurture your soul and so prosper in faith and life (3Jn 1:1-3). #SoulFitLifeFit #FaithFitLifeFit

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John writes this short epistle to his beloved friend Gaius. He is commended for living his life according to the truth. John wishes Gaius to be well and to prosper. But not at the expense of his soul.

The soul is placed in the primary position; that as the soul (immaterial part of man) prospers, so may the man (NLT gets it right). This is not about material prosperity. It’s about abounding in fruitfulness; maturing in a walk of faith. It is not a case for “prosperity gospel.”

Lord, may my walk in the truth of God yield a most prosperous walk of life, according to your will and way.

“DEEP WATER FRIENDS”*

(2Jn 1:12,13)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek ways to encourage “deep water, friends“ (2Jn 1:12,13). #DeepWaterFriends #EcourageOneAnother

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a gracious complementary closing to a very friendly letter. Of course, there is the admonition to be cautious of false teachers that were wandering about. But this epistle is as encouraging as it is anything else.

John also sends a greeting from the children (nieces/nephews) of our “elect lady’s” sister. Some consider this to be a greeting from another church and its members. I take it in the more personal way, considering the letter as a whole. [It’s encouraging either way]

Notes and letters to friends in the faith are powerful medicine. Lord, I want all my “deep water friends“ to know how deeply I appreciate them.

_________

* “Deep water friends” is a term I learned from my daughter-in-law. In a recent conversation we were talking about close friendships that go deep in shared experiences; those who hang with you in the hard times. Thanks Staci.

Dismiss Deniers & Deceivers

(2Jn 1:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be always alert to and faithful to the truth (2Jn 1:9-11). #KnowTheTruth #BeFaithfulToTheTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

False teachers, professed deniers and deceivers, those who do not teach the truth about Christ, have no relationship with Christ. But those who remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, they know the father and the son.

Dismiss those deniers and deceivers. Don’t even invite them into your meetings or encourage them in any way. To do so is to establish them further and to take part in their evil work. Any such purveyor of false teaching is a danger to the body of Christ.

Lord, may I always be alert to truth and faithful to the truth.

Not Blue/Not Red – Righteous!

Dear Heavenly Father, heading into this current election cycle, I call upon you to point our nation in the direction of justice and righteousness. May there be a repudiation of all that is unjust and unrighteous wherever it may lurk.

I bow praying in this election cycle. It is not a Blue prayer, a Red prayer or anything in between. I am simply claiming the prayer of Amos 5:24, “May justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

God desires more than lip service. He desires more than anything, lives that reflect His character.

Knowing & Doing

(2Jn 1:8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of beliefs; be diligent to act on those beliefs (2Jn 1:8). #KnowYourFaith #ActOnYourFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John is calling for careful self-examination and diligence to the truths of Scripture. Self-examination refers to the honest assessment and appraisal of what one believes and how it is applied to life. To ignore this is to lose what one has learned.

Diligence applies not only to one’s words, but to one’s deeds. That is, to work out in godly actions what God has worked into one’s life. All of this will assure the certainty of the believer’s rewards (note 1Co 3:12-14).

These things enable the believer to avoid falling into error and heresy. Lord, may I honestly assess what I am hearing and believing and boldly carry out the commands of Scripture.

“Shields Up!”

(2Jn 1:7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Know God’s truth; live it out daily (2Jn 1:7). #KnowGod’sTruth #LiveTheTruth #DeflectDeception

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“I say this because…“ points back to verses 4 & 5. Walking in the truth of Scripture and carrying out God‘s commands (out of our love for Christ) is a safeguard against error or heresy in our faith.

[There are plenty of imposters who corrupt God‘s word: 1Ti 4:1 calls them “deceptive spirits”; 1Jn 2:18,19 calls them “antichrist”]

The implication is that Christians who are in tune with the truth of God‘s word and carry out God‘s commands are far less likely to drift from the faith. Father, may I be steeped in your truth and out of love, obey your commands daily.

Love Out Loud

(2Jn 1:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Show Christ’s love towards others (2Jn 1:5,6). #LoveOutLoud #ServingOthers #DeedsMoreThanWords #PutOthersFirst

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John returns to a recurring theme in his writings. Believers should be the best at expressing love towards others (Jhn 3:16; 13:34; 1Jn 2:7; 3:18). We could use a lot of that in these days of political unrest and violence. Believers ought to “Love Out Loud,” shining this love light on prejudice, discrimination, and harsh judgment.

Love will listen, accept others (not the sin but the people). Believers ought to give and serve sacrificially. The “chosen lady“ in verses one through four give us a picture of that. [In fact, that’s how I remember my sweet bride of 53 years] I aspire to that. Lord, may your kind of agapé (Gk) love shine out loud in me.

__________

Check this post out:

No One Excluded

Living, Loving, Serving

(2Jn 1:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live to please God and serve others (2Jn 1:1-4). #Legacy #PleasingGod #ServingOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It’s hard to move on from John’s introduction without a summary of the godly virtues that describe the “chosen lady“ (Kyria). What distinguishes this woman ought to inspire me to live my best life for Christ.

1) She had her house in order.

2) She was gracious and hospitable.

3) She was committed to the faith.

4) She gave her family a legacy of faith and service.

5) She was loved and admired by all who knew her.

That’s the kind of man I wish to be. Lord, may my life be pleasing to you and a witness to others of your love and grace.

Living to Leave a Legacy

(2Jn 1:4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you live to leave a living testimony, (2Jn 1:4). #Legacy #LiveToLeaveALegacy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John makes one further note of the fidelity of this “distinguished lady.“ He mentioned his joy at having met some of her children. They are likely now adults. John says they are living their lives according to the truths of God and following the commands of the Father.

Are these her biological children or spiritual children? likely they are her own children. Either way, this beautiful matriarch of the faith has invested her life in the next generation. She has left the mark of Christ on those coming behind her.

Lord, may I be so fortunate and intentional as to leave such a legacy.

Grace, Mercy & Peace

(2Jn 1:3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Express the grace, mercy, and peace of Christ to others (2Jn 1:3). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three attributes are mentioned that should be distinctly Christian: “grace, mercy, and peace.“ These are characteristics of God our Father and his Son, Jesus. These characteristics were seen in the “chosen lady“ (Kyria) and her children.

These attributes should be seen in all those who follow Christ. It begs the question, “Does my life express God‘s grace (acceptance), mercy (compassion) and peace (contentment)? Lord, may my influence in life be full of the grace, mercy and peace of God.