Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 John 3:5-6, “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers, as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” ESV

“Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever work you do for the brothers, and are doing this though they are strangers; and they bore witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” LSB

When I grew up in Northwest Iowa, our local newspaper would print who went to whose house for dinner (which we call lunch) over the weekend and was primarily done on Sundays after church. Family gatherings became news for the community as everyone knew everyone else. My hometown had about 10,000 people in its population. People would drop in to visit one another, and bars, cookies, or just Ritz or Club crackers were always served along with coffee or tea for adults and orange pop (soda for us Californians) or similar drinks for children. Hospitality was a common practice of living back then, and one needed to be on good behavior in case your doorbell rang, and you had company unexpectedly that could hear (during warm seasons) through the front screen door of the house conversations going on.

John gave words of affirmation in acknowledging his friend Gaius for his hospitality to traveling gospel preachers. Also, for his faithfulness in the love he showed others, and steadfastness in maintaining his integrity for walking in the truth (verse 3). What a compliment to receive. Gaius must have been an example of thinking more of other’s needs than just his own. I see him as having nurturing qualities in his personality. He would be the one that would ask, “How did your day go today? How can I help you? Would you like one of these cookies?” I see him as being the expert in knowing the right questions to ask of others to understand them better. He wanted to bless others and used his spiritual gifts faithfully to serve others.

What words of truth from God’s Word do you need to faithfully walk in today and hear? This week mine are: “My God knows my name.” Isaiah 43:1, and Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.” Then Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all his ways.” And Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I have needed these faithful words of truth from God’s Word to protect my thoughts and walk in these truths.

Be faithful in the spiritual gifts and talents God has given you to serve others. Showing hospitality is one way to serve the body of Christ. Hebrews 6:10 states, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” Sometimes, someone just needs to receive a warm smile and be asked, How are you doing? What can I pray for you about? Behind their forced smile could be a hurt that they need someone to ask about and listen to. Ask the Holy Spirit who you could minister to when in a gathering. Ask Him who feels lonely so that you can help cheer up a hurting soul. Don’t miss out on how God can use you to show hospitality. It won’t make today’s media outlets, like I had in my hometown newspaper, but God will bless your efforts to serve others in a manner worthy of God. That faithful thing you do God will bless.

Listen to Michael W. Smith – King of Glory ft. CeCe Winans, lyric video.

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)

1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

What don’t you have that would make you completely happy and satisfied? Does anything come to mind? How often have you wanted “more of,” be it money, friends, a more prominent place to live in, or recognition of achievements, to be content? These are all temporary. I have to remind myself that when Christ calls us home, none of this will matter any longer. I remember when my dad was alive, and he and my mother were moving out of their house into a retirement facility, and he had boxes and boxes of awards he had been given for teaching, community awards, etc. He looked at all of them, and they suddenly were no longer meaningful to him as he didn’t have any wall space in their new residence to hang them on for display. Also, no one else would want them because they were not theirs. He had worked hard all his teaching career, was usually the president of various organizations, and earned rightful recognition for his leadership roles. Now, these were no longer important possessions and the significance of each one no longer held current value to him. Just the memory of each one did.

I always wondered why Rachel took her father Laban’s household idols and hid them in her camel’s saddle in Genesis 31:34. Why were they important to her? In my research one source said: “Because these idols were often decorated with precious gem stones, and in an emergency, those could be sold. Other scholars discuss a legal reason for Rachel’s actions. Some ancient records seem to say that the household gods were sometimes symbols of property rights and family status.” Theplainword.com. In other words, maybe Rachel thought she had a backup plan for Jacob’s God. Her upbringing in her family worshiped idols. When he met Jacob, her father Laban became a man of two religions. His household gods didn’t question his motives, actions, or conduct, whereas Jehovah Yahweh, God did. He never fully acknowledged believing and worshipping Jacob’s God. Rachel, it appears, continued to hold to superstitions and pagan spiritual practices by her father’s family. This shows how influential parents are that can extend into their children’s adulthood. How did your parents influence you in living for the one and only true God that is genuine?

As I have been studying 1 John these past few weeks, it keeps coming back to me to keep my eyes and thoughts focused on Jesus rather than other people or things. What we think about Jesus will influence our life. 1 John 5:20 summarizes by stating: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true – even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” Believer, you have the unfair advantage. Abide in Him and walk in the same manner that Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). Reflect on these verses that have the word need in them:

• “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19.
• “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:16.

Your faith in Jesus Christ is your shield of protection, and you will then know the Spirit of truth, which will keep you safe from the spirit of error. Give God your needs. Ask Him to supply. He has heard them (Psalm 69:33). Then you can say, as David said, “The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT. No idol can give you that.

Listen to Natalie Grant – In Christ Alone (Official Music Video).

1 John 5:18-20, “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. We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

In the battles of life, it is essential to stand firm and know who you are in Christ and who your enemies are. As a Christian, you know doubt will be in the minority, but you are on the winning side in the end because, as John states in 1 John 2:27a, “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you.” Then he says, “But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him.” NIV. You have the Holy Spirit within you to keep you from going astray. The Holy Spirit gives you discernment and will remind you of the truth you need to be reminded of, from God’s Word, in all that God has taught you. I need to stop and pause more often throughout my day and ask, “God, what do you want me to do in this situation?” because He is right there with me. As Proverbs 3:4-5 tells us not to lean on our own understanding. To ask Him and He will direct me in the right decision of action.

John says, “We know” twice in these two verses in 1 John 5. “In other words, he is saying “we know this beyond a shadow of a doubt! . . .And the first thing we know is that no one who is born of God lives in sin (as their habitual, unremitting practice.)” David Smith. That is pretty black and white.

You are being protected today by the great I AM. John states God protects you, “and the evil one does not touch him.” “What Greek scholars say about this word touch: The word is “stronger than toucheth; rather graspeth, layeth hold of” Smith, in Expositor’s. “It means to lay hold of or to grasp rather than a mere superficial touch.” Robertson. “Because the believer belongs to God, Satan must operate within God’s sovereignty and cannot function beyond what God allows.” John MacArthur. Think about that for a few minutes next time you are discouraged. What a contrast you possess. As a child of God, you have the unfair advantage. As you engage your spiritual armor, you prepare for the upcoming battle(s) that may occur. The Holy Spirit is guarding you, protecting you, even interceding for you, so you will be free to be who and what you are in Jesus.

So, when God looks at you now, He doesn’t see your imperfections. Satan keeps us looking at others and our mistakes, as he is an accuser. Instead, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our righteousness in Christ.

Someday, and that day is coming sooner than yesterday, Jesus will come back to make things right when He rules, reigns, and judges the world. It is pointless to pin our hope on anyone or anything else to straighten out injustices and wickedness that we see all around us. We know that we are held firm by God. That is what we do know, and it is a fact. Start your day with God and end your day with Him. Continue to walk by faith and not by sight. Stay faithful, seek Him with all your heart, soul, and mind (Jeremiah 29:13), rest in the promises of God, and make them the truth you walk in today. You have the ultimate protection security system, and it is supernatural!

Listen to Casting Crowns – Nobody (Music Video) with Matthew West.

1 John 5:14-15, “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.”

When you pray, do you believe with anticipation God will answer your prayer request? Do you have that confidence, or do you struggle? Ask God specifically for what your needs are. Pray bold prayers. He has heard you. When you pray, pray with faith, patience, and obedience (Ps. 66:16, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”) and in submission to Romans 8:28, knowing that God is faithful. 1 John 4:22 tells us, “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” We also have the promise in Proverbs 10:24b, “But the desire of the righteous will be granted.”

As a Christian, we have confidence in God’s Word and character. Here are several verses to hold onto regarding praying with confidence, knowing that God hears you, so you have the right to anticipate receiving what is best for you. Use these verses as your prayer in the mornings:

• 1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
• Hebrews 13:6, “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
• Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through Christ which strengthens me.”
• Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you.”
• Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”
• Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

God’s Word will fill you with wisdom. It will give you discernment. Pray what you desire in alignment with God’s will. Understand what God’s will is through His Word. Pray for your light to shine by your integrity, and live it out in what you believe spiritually, which is a louder testimony than you will ever know. Proverbs 28:18 states, “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.”

Never underestimate the power of your prayers. Visualize letting go of your anxious thoughts and concerns as you prepare to have an intimate conversation with God. Feel the tension in your body relax. Thank Him for His abundant mercy, grace, faithfulness, compassion, and never giving up on you. Ask Him to tell you what He wants you to know and do about the situation weighing you down. Take a few minutes to listen. Then, think about abiding in Christ and in His love. Ask God to strengthen your faith. Dwell on the word “abundantly.”

The Amplified Bible states 1 John 5:14-15 this way, “This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.” So, pray with boldness. Pray with confidence that God has heard your prayers and will work abundantly in fulfilling His purpose in your life. May others take note that you have been with Jesus. Make that your prayer and then go about your day with confidence in being in God’s presence. You may struggle but remember you are not alone. Do not be dismayed because a door will open, and you will have new strength and increased faith. God has heard your prayers.

Listen to Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Voice of Truth (Lyric Video) 2 months ago.

1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Are you practicing being in the presence of Jesus as you go about your daily tasks? If I would do that more often, I know I would have less anxiety. I have a card on a chair in my office that says, Reserved. God’s Chair. That helps me visually remember God is with me, and I am in His presence.

In 1 John, John reminds his readers of three basics of the Christian life: true doctrine, obedient living, and earnest devotion to the one who lives within you – Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who is “the Spirit of truth” and is greater than the “spirit of error. 1 John 4:6. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of eternal life. This eternal life is “in his Son” and is not found outside of Jesus. Verse 10a states, “Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.”

John 10:10 warns us, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Then John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The need for Christ and only Christ is the message we need to cling to and quote back to ourselves when facing doubts, anxieties, and lies filling our thoughts. It all starts in the mind in having affirmations from Scripture in defusing attacks against us. There is power in Jesus’s name. Psalm 139:2 declares, “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”

How can you handle living your calling at work, as an employe, spouse, parent, or even in retirement? So, you encounter a problem. Cast it over to God. Tell Him now it is His problem. Ask Him how He wants you to handle it. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s instruction as 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” That about covers it. Ask God, what do you want to teach me in this? What do I need to be corrected about in my thinking? Train me, through Your words, in righteousness. Nourish my soul. Heal me from loneliness and feelings of rejection.

You either do or don’t have eternal life. Remember that. You can fulfill God’s purpose for you. Embrace the presence of Jesus Christ. The fact is, if you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you have eternal life. Those that haven’t don’t. That is the bottom line. John 3:36 states, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” Remember that today. That is everyone’s greatest choice in life. As a born-again Christian, you have the unfair advantage.

Listen to Christian Paul – Yes I Am (Official Music Video).

1 John 5:4, “For everyone that 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?”

Do you feel like you have been carrying a heavy load that is starting to drag you down? Maybe it is work expectations, a health situation, surmounting bills, or problems and disappointments you can see coming with a child. Yet John says it so simply, “For everyone that has been born of God overcomes the world.” So often, our faith, my faith is small, like that visual picture of a mustard seed. But that is a start. Ephesians 6:16 instructs us, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” The key to unlocking needed victory is abiding faith and trust, with steadfastness and endurance in believing in Jesus Christ. That is what will make the way to overcoming pressures and temptations and give victory from your abiding faith in the Son of God. When I don’t have patience, that is when I don’t have faith.

What you do in life doesn’t really matter. However, we are required to use our God-given gifts and talents to serve the Lord in what we do in life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 declares we are to do everything for the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 says to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What might this look like for me today? What might it look like for you today in a practical sense?

• Showing love and kindness to someone you don’t really like.
• Treating someone who let you down and didn’t meet your expectations with love despite their actions.
• Choosing to forgive someone as Christ has forgiven you.
• Not seeking vengeance. Ask Him to help you do the next right thing.

1 John 4:4 declares, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Remember who you are in Christ rather than merely what you do.

Make 1 Corinthians 15:57 your prayer, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Need help singing praise to God for what He has done for you? Read the Psalms, such as Psalm 8, 40, 145, 146, and 148, out loud. It will give you examples of how to praise God. Praise Him for His compassion, deliverance, abundant goodness, fulfilling desires, loves the righteous, and “frustrates the ways of the wicked” (Ps. 146:9). You can be an overcomer.

What do you need to overcome today? Jesus promised in Revelation 3:21, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Jesus’s life-changing presence is with you now. Take up and hold onto your shield of faith. It will protect you from the doubts and attacks of Satan. Raise it and stand firm as an overcomer in your faith as it grows deeper and stronger daily. Pray bold prayers. Do this in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in understanding all He has done for you (John 13:12). Now, what do you need to overcome today?

Listen to Casting Crowns, Mac Powell – Until the Whole World Hears (Lyric Video).

1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

What fears do you have? “If people are afraid, it is because of something in the past that haunts them, or something in the present that upsets them, or something in the future that they feel threatens them. Or it may be a combination of all three. A believer in Jesus Christ does not have to fear the past, present, or future, for he has experienced the love of God, and this love is being perfected in him day by day.” The Wiersbe Bible Commentary. Warren W. Wiersbe. Rest in God’s love for you. Call on Him. You are in His presence.

David frequently felt all alone, but God delivered him each time as he committed his fears to Him. David had many battles, triumphs, and tragedies. But he was a man after God’s own heart. His son, Absalom, plotted against him and tried to kill him to gain David’s throne. Yet God prevailed as David was brought good news, that God had delivered up the men that had tried to kill David. Then, the bad news was communicated. David’s son, Absolum, who had led the rebellion against David, was killed, and David’s throne was restored. 2 Samuel 18:33 states, “The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept.” David was heartbroken. God had stopped his son’s evil intent by taking his life. In Psalm 3, 35, 40, and 59, David asks God to protect and deliver him from his enemies. Psalm 35:1-4 states, “Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. Aim your spear at everyone who hunts me down, but promise to save me. Let all who want to kill me be disgraced.” Contemporary English Version. God answered that prayer of David’s. Any parent can understand David’s heartache and love he had for his son Absolum, despite him not deserving it.

Romans 8:15 declares, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba Father!” You can be bold in His love and perfected in that love. The Amplified Bible says 1 John 4:18 this way, “There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” You are being perfected in God’s love. Ask Him to give you an understanding of what He desires you to do. God has given you a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (1 Timothy 1:17). Those fears you have. They are not from Him. Ask God to saturate you with the truth from His Word as you read it, memorize it, and pray through scripture promises. It will renew, permeate, and transform your mind. If you are a visual learner, as I am, journaling helps you to remember what the Holy Spirit is teaching you, guiding you, directing you, and helping you to go deeper into your study of Scripture. Penetrate your thoughts with truth from God’s Word and let it permeate, saturate, and cast out fears.

“Regardless of what the doctor may say, what the IRS may declare, or who wins the election – when you are sure of God’s love for you, you don’t have fear.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, 1 John 4:18, page 1630. Isn’t that timely? Permeate and saturate yourself in God’s love as you ask Him to fight your enemies, shield you, and rest in His abundant love as being His child (Romans 8:16).

Listen to I Speak Jesus – Charity Gayle (Lyrics) video.

1 John 3:21-24, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God, and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”

What would be God’s agenda for your day today? Think about that for a few minutes. As we set out to pray over our day, we need to ask ourselves if we are praying for the things that are on God’s heart for our family, friends, and work. If we are in close fellowship with God and living as His child in honoring Him in obedience, He will lead us to ask for the things that are on His heart as we take up His agenda with our requests. Be aware intercession has been going on for you. Our prayers need to be more than a checklist, as He is our executive planner by the Holy Spirit whom He has given to us.

Do we (I) pray with the Holy Spirit’s leading and His heart instead of (my) our predetermined ideas? That takes some thought to ponder. “Perhaps the fundamental difference between our prayer lists and the prayer concerns we find in the Bible is that we pray about personal problems, while most of the biblical prayers focus on Christ’s purposes. Worship-based prayers set the foundation for something other than “me” prayers, because they start with a “Thee” focus. This changes the nature of how we pray.” Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson, page 87. Take a few minutes to think about what the Holy Spirit is leading you to pray about or for? Ask Him.

What activities, projects, communication, and daily interactions do you need to be more Spirit-led? The Holy Spirit is your ultimate executive planner who directs, personally advises, counsels, and brings God’s Word of truth to renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:2) as you read and meditate upon it, thus enabling you to apply God’s Word to your needs.

“When our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts. He knows all things. He knows we are made of dust, that we make promises we can’t keep, and that we are bound to fall and fail. Yet He also knows that we are His and that He has a glorious plan for our lives. The One who knows us best loves us most.” Jon Courson, Application Commentary, New Testament, Heart Attacks, 1 John 3:20, page 1628. Ask God what is on His agenda for your day today as you look to Him as your executive planner who knows the past, the present, and the future. Stay faithful. Believe in the Lord and love His people. Watch God move in your direction.

Listen to Come Jesus Come with string quartet Lyric Video. Stephen McWhirter.