Bible Study: December 21, 2007
Hello My Friend/Guest,
"O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave." (Psalm 88:1-3 KJV)
It is Friday December 21, 2007 and today we are beginning our studies the book of I John. Please read, I John 1 -- 3 In Today's Reading we will learn about fellowship with God; the reality of and remedy for sin; the danger of antichrists; the children of God and righteousness and loving one another.
The book of I John was written by John to the Christians who were falling into Satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. His purpose for this letter was to explain the standards of true fellowship in Jesus Christ. We also learn that true fellowship with God and fellow believers is based on the standards of God's Word and maintained by the principle of confession of sin. "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, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. " (I John 1:1-4)
Our Heavenly Father has provided us with the incomparable Role Model of all history, Jesus Christ. Let us commit ourselves to following His example, even as John wrote, "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."(I John 1:5-10).
There are some who say they have a relationship with Christ but still walk in darkness. God directed John to write that they lie. The darkness of the natural mind is always more concerned about one's self, one's well-being, and one's successes. But, the spiritually minded who walk in the light, as He is in the light, are first and foremost concerned that Christ be exalted in their thoughts, conduct, and conversation with others. A characteristic of darkness is a desire to be noticed. Such people receive a feeling of supremacy by drawing attention to themselves and seeking to dominate conversations.
With others, darkness appears in the form of impatience, a sensitive spirit that is easily offended, a disposition to resent and retaliate when contradicted, or in impulses to criticize. A jealous disposition, a secret spirit of envy, or a tendency to speak of the faults and failings of others rather than of their virtues are also characteristics of darkness. Some walk in darkness with a spirit of discouragement and self-pity and a determination to convey that spirit to everyone who will listen.
Let us be like King David who prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Lord Jesus, often the daily grind is not appealing as I awaken each morning to the tasks before me. Sometimes the routine seems endless and at times pointless. I find myself lacking fulfillment in this aspect of my life and yet it requires the majority of my time and focus. Jesus, please help me to find the hidden strength that only comes from seeking You to deal with the negative attitudes that tempt me daily. Help me also to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day's task. Above all, help me to keep my eyes on spiritual truths as I meditate upon Your Word and apply its meaning to my life each new day. It is in this faithful practice of placing You at the center of my focus that I can rise above the difficulties that come my way. May You restore to me, this day, the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus' Name, I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend,
God Bless,
Christina
