19 December: Running Ahead vs Falling Behind

Today’s chapter warns about following the Creator God, and not attempting to lead Him…

READ 2 JOHN  Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

I’ve experienced many events in life that are confusing, and some more than others. Depending on the circumstances it can be frustrating, if not angering, that something simple can turn out to be so hard. Being pragmatic causes me to want to take matters into my own hands. With brains in my head and a free choice, why can’t I run ahead rather than falling in behind an invisible “higher authority”?

How far out of your way are you willing to go to follow?
How far out of your way are you willing to go to follow “the Star”?

The same question seemed to cross the minds of people in the 1st Century AD. By the time John wrote his second letter, instead of following the Creator God, they seemed to want to lead Him – packaging Him up into what was desirable, according to the customs of the day. But rather than running ahead [v9], taking matters into our own hands and using tolerance, free choice and love as our guide, we need to instead fall behind the one we’re following – our Maker who made us to be like HIM.

Read More? … CLICK to follow “19 December – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to follow your Creator’s lead? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[a]

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

   1.   Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

All praise goes to You, Father God, because to us a child was born, to us a son was given. Your government is on his shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! [Isaiah 9:6]

   2.   Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”

  • The World: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam[b]
  • Your Country: Police Forces and Security Guards
  • Yourself: Sensitivity to Sin
  • Your concerns for today
You, Father God, make me lie down in green pastures, You lead me beside quiet waters, and You refresh my soul. [Psalm 23:2-3a]

   3.   Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

I don’t want to be someone who despises Your discipline, Lord. I don’t want to resent Your correction because You discipline those You love, as a father disciplines the son he delights in. [Proverbs 3:11-12]

   4.   Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”

Jesus said: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life. That person will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. [John 5:24]

When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! “For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” [Ephesians 6:18]

[a] Matthew 6:5-15

[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/viet/owtext.html

[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31

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