Jude

Jude wrote to identify troublemakers in the church. They were negative and self-serving. They were proud. They always came around to boasting in themselves, lacking humility. A catalogue of their destructive behavior is listed in this short letter.

We can be fruit inspectors, but God will deal with them.

2 John; 3 John

This subject has my attention because I had a tough night last night. I am struggling with a painful, swollen ankle. I seem to have a lot of joint issues lately.

John specifically prayed that Gaius would enjoy good health. This highlights prayer as an essential component in good health. I admit, it’s so easy to run to medical treatment or solutions when we are in pain. Medicine and treatment are fine, but prayer needs to be our FIRST OPTION.

Hitherto have you asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you shall receive that your joy (and good health) may be full.” [Jn. 16:24]

1 John 3-5

When we are in Christ, we are safe. Christ Jesus is our Great Shepherd and he protects us from the evil one.

The devil roams to and fro in the earth, seeking to devour people, but he can’t get us. We are safe in the arms of God.

1 John 1,2

John said if we walk in the Light, we have fellowship with one another. The Light of Christ supersedes race, culture, political affiliation, and what college football team you root for. If race is in the driver’s seat, it’s time to renew our commitment to Biblical standards of fellowship. When we stand before the Lord, the Blood of Jesus is the only criteria for membership in God’s eternal family.

1 Peter 5; 2 Peter 1-

Peter addresses the end times, describing events and challenges to come. He cites God’s omnipotence over all, yet challenges believers to keep their lives under control, always pressing toward a spotless and blameless existence.

Spots need to be removed through confession and repentance. Blame must be erased through a lifestyle of vigilant integrity.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [Heb. 12:2]

1 Peter 3,4

Peter encourages wives who are married to unbelieving husbands to live in “purity and reverence,” and thereby win them over to Christ. He further clarifies that true beauty is inward, a gentle and quiet spirit, rather than outward adornment such as elaborate hairstyles, gold jewelry, or fine clothes.

In fact, outward adornment tends to attract based upon superficial qualities, whereas inner beauty’s attraction is based upon enduring and substantive qualities.

It’s also said, “If the barn needs painting, paint it.” LOL

1 Peter 1,2

Peter encourages Christians to consider Christ Jesus and how he suffered unjustly when they encounter persecution or unfair treatment. He clarified that God, Who sees all, will have the final word on each man’s treatment. He likewise encouraged patiently waiting for God to vindicate and justify when receiving unfair treatment.

A Christian’s approach to social injustice should look different than that of unregenerate souls who try to right wrongs with violence and caustic civil unrest.

God’ grace gives each man the power to do what is right, things that please the Lord.

James 3-5

James had this message to those who were suffering … wait patiently for the Lord to come and make things right.

The racial and political struggles our nation is experiencing right now seem to be void of workable solutions. God has the answers. He sees all and wants each person to come to Him and let Him straighten out their life. The posture of a Christian should be to conduct themselves according to the simple and clear teachings of Jesus … and wait for Him to come.

Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple … But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. ³ He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, ⁴ and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years. [Mal. 3]

James 1,2

The book of James is FILLED with practical Christian advice for everyday living.

One such example is how James encourages an open display of works, deeds, and actions that expose the faith in a Christian’s heart. He says, “Faith without works is dead (faith). Just as the body of a deceased individual no longer has the ability to do anything, so our Christian lives need a living body to act-out the faith in God that is within.

We can ask ourselves, “How can I show my faith through my deeds?” In effect, we should be on a daily mission to put legs on our faith and make a statement to the world.

This should be a daily “do.”

Hebrews 13

The writer makes an interesting statement at the conclusion of the letter to the Hebrews. He says, “May (God) work in us what is pleasing to Him.”

God will continue to work in us as we move along in life. No Christian is exempt from God’s dealings and workings. Our redeeming factor is if we truly want to grow in Him and ask Him to remove from us things in our lives that don’t please Him.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: thy mercy, O Lord, endures for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. [Ps. 138:8]