Month: February 2023

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 2 John 1:8 A couple summers ago, I found myself in need of losing a few pounds. So, I devised an accountability plan, complete with a daily weigh-in chart that I placed on the fridge. I…
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It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 2 John 1:4 It’s in my nature to desire joy, satisfaction, and happiness. My life problem though, has been that I usually settle for instant gratification (immediate pleasure) over delayed gratification (authentic joy).…
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Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21 When I began abusing opioids, it was something I did because I received immediate gratification each time I used. Simply, I liked the way it made me feel and I continually wanted more. As I repeatedly engaged in drug use though, it rewired my brain, becoming…
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We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 I often avoid writing on politics or divisive issues. I’ll occasionally venture into current events, but for the most part, I try to avoid polarizing subjects. My cause is Christ and it’s my…
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We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 I’ll occasionally meet those who’ve been sober for several years, only to relapse. This worries me a little. I’ve been…
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If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life . . . 1 John 5:16 Over the weekend, my wife and I went to visit my parents who still live in the same small town in which I grew up. We went to…
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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 5:14-15 In my addiction, I asked…
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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. 1 John 5:13 Occasionally, I’ll be approached by an acquaintance who’s taking an expensive multivitamin, who wants me to know the benefits of taking this vitamin. He (or she) is…
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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? 1 John 5:4-5 I’m sure I’ve previously mentioned that my father is a pastor…
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For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. 1 John 5:3 When I met my wife, it was love at first sight. Or at least it was what I understood love to be. Perhaps a better way to put it is, I loved how she made me feel. Love was an…
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