2 John 4, “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.”
Who has been your model of integrity? Who comes to mind in having a daily habit of living in obedience to the truth of God’s commandments? Has it been a parent, a grandparent, a teacher? Or perhaps a friend or acquaintance who has endured unfair accusations but remained steadfast and faithful to the Lord despite their difficult circumstances? I asked a dear friend of mine who has recently been under unfair and misrepresentation of truth against them what verse(s) she holds onto. She shared with me that Psalm 118:24 is the one she says every day, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I had to force my thoughts to do that this week as it did not come naturally. Yet speaking words of gratitude and praise to the Lord redirected my thoughts to receiving the peace and joy only He can provide. I was reminded that God has compassion. He is rich in compassion for His children.
What verse or portions of Scripture have been the rock you held onto when going through difficult times? You know those times when you need your shield of faith strengthened from the truth of God’s Word, “a stronghold in times of trouble (PS. 9:9). Psalm 119:92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” – I vividly remember that verse at a certain hard and pivotal time, as my prayer became, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life as I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.”
John was nearly one hundred years old when he wrote this letter. The great thing about ministry is there is no age of retirement. God’s purpose for us does not stop at a certain age. John’s purpose in writing 2 John was to teach the importance of consistently following and obeying Christ in truth and love and warned against false religious teachers. Still needed in our times.
Have a particular challenge right now? Walk in truth. Be reassured of Hebrews 7:26, “Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” I often remind myself of God’s promise in Hebrews 11:6, which states, “He is a rewarder of those who seek him.” I have that verse written on a plaque at my kitchen sink and read it often. God is our ready defense. In his book “Praying Through The Names Of God, on page 92, Tony Evans said, “Jehovah Maginnenu – the LORD our defense. Forgive me for forgetting so easily that you truly are my defense and forgive me for seeking to justify and vindicate myself rather than allowing you to do so.” Integrity speaks louder than words. Walk in the truths of God.
Listen to Charity Gayle – Seed of Faith (Live)