Today’s Scripture: 3 John 1:11, KJV- “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
Life is complicated and the lines of good and evil can be gray. I may be getting too personal here but since day one of my writings I have done my best to be real to share my story. I will warn you that this is a long journal entry for me personally which may not be for public consumption. You will not hurt my feelings if you stop reading now. I have found, for me, it is important to record dates and times when God is specific as He is with me today on October 1, 2024.
We are tempted every day to seek an easier path. For those of us who have seen God, we can only follow Him and do what He says and what is confirmed in His Word as to what is good. When we are at the crossroads of good and evil what will we choose?
The night before I began Affirmations of God on January 8, 2008, I thought about beginning my old practice of “positive affirmations.” In my quiet time the next morning I heard the words “Tom, every affirmation you will ever need is found in my word.” I have been on this path now for sixteen years. During this time I have witnessed the love of God and the power of His Word. Yet, this is a labor of love and doing what my spirit tells me is good.
Many times I have wondered why I keep rising early to continue this practice before going to “work.” I am thankful to God and for the encouragement of those who have supported me and followed me on social media and emails. Recently I gave up my earthly vocation in “retirement” without the true means to retire in hopes of living out God’s calling for me and doing His work.
However, I struggle to know how I am to provide for my family This past Sunday our teacher in men’s bible study quoted 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NIV) This stings. Am I worse than an unbeliever, financially? I respect the millions of people who are able to work their vocation while doing good and honoring God. This is also my desire, but it has become harder and harder for me to stop one work to do the other.
I am praying to God for direction. I felt as though God had released me from my vocational work as it was demanding so much that could not see doing both. Just yesterday I was having a discussion with a “coach” I had hired to help me with my vocational work. He offered me some valid alternatives where I can “repackage” myself and speak to people by softening my God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit message. I could create a talk that would be more palatable to the masses and keep them from “running out of the room.”
My ego and flesh could see speaking about spiritual intuition on the workplace. However, the universe will never be my God. I am serving the Creator of the Universe, the God of Israel, The Father of Jesus Christ. Now I find myself, once again, the morning after, while doing the same routine that has allowed me to see God and I believe God is very clear even when I am unclear.
God knows all. Several weeks ago God planted the thought in me to read the bible backwards. This morning I “happened” to be in 3 John. 3 John 1:11 hit me hard and met me where my heart is: it states, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (NIV) I am not saying anyone trying to help me is evil, but I am saying that God has planted in my soul what is good for His plans for me.
For sixteen years I have written about how I have learned to hear and see God because I have. I am still choosing God today. I will continue to do what God shows me is good. I still believe that everything we will ever need is found in the Word of God. I do not need to read other sources or seek the advice of non-believers. I mentioned to the coach yesterday that I was reminded of Mark 8:38 which warns us, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” ( NIV) Continuing to read these verses, Jesus asked us in Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (NIV) and Mark 8:35 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”(NIV) Then continuing backwards, , Mark 8:34 is clear, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (NIV)You and I are in this crowd of witnesses.
I am willing to deny myself and lose my life. I just do not want to make my household suffer. Years ago I recall saying that I do not mind eating peanut butter and jelly every day, but I do not want my children to be forced to only eat peanut butter and jelly.
As 3 John 1:7 implores us, I am still traveling for the Lord and accepting nothing from people who are not believers. (NLT) I am holding onto the promise of 3 John 1:6 that states, “witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well.” (NKJV) I am trusting God for what it means that “you will do well.” What that looks like I cannot see but having seen God, I know He will provide.
As 3 John 1:5 encourages us, “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” (NIV) How can I do any other thing as I have already experienced the joy of 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (NIV) I can have no greater joy and no greater riches than those of my God.
Do you think it is a “coincidence” that I am reading 3 John 1:3 this morning? “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.” (NIV) How can I not continue to walk with God since I have experienced His great joy. I may not have earthly riches but great joy I do have.
As happens many days, I am shaking my head in disbelief right now as I rarely remember the scripture addresses of what God has blessed me with. Strangely enough, what I read next surprised me. On March 13,2013 I wrote a blog, that for many years was my most read affirmation. The affirmation for that day was “My soul prospers.” This morning I found myself back at 3 John 1:2. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (NKJV)
My soul does prosper with God, how can I seek the pennies of walking with anyone else. I must continue to share the love and prosperity of my soul that I have found in the truth. Will you share the love and prosperity of God you have found?
Today’s Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for Your love and Your truth. Thank You for Your Word that guides us in what is good. Your perfect love and perfect timing are undeniable. In faith and love I am choosing to follow after what is good. Thank You God for Your peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In the name of Jesus we do pray. Amen.
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