He Speaks to Me

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 7 I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing. 9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. We depend too much on self. We believe we're the only one who can do a certain job and then we refuse to ask for help....

Ecclesiastes 4: 1-6 Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and the victims are helpless. 2 So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. 3 And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world. 4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind. 5 Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve. 6 They feel it is better to be lazy and barely survive than to work hard, especially when in the long run everything is so futile. Boy, things are still the same. Even in Solomon's time the people were trying to get rich quick, and expend as litt effort as possible. Just goes to show that nothing ever changes. We always seem to want what we can't have. The brass ring is always just our...

Eccelisates 2:12-15 12 So I decided to compare wisdom and folly, and anyone else would come to the same conclusions I did. 13 Wisdom is of more value than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise person sees, while the fool is blind. Yet I saw that wise and foolish people share the same fate. 15 Both of them die. Just as the fool will die, so will I. So of what value is all my wisdom? Then I said to myself, "This is all so meaningless!" 16 For the wise person and the fool both die, and in the days to come, both will be forgotten. Getting this look inside Solomon's mind is so refreshing. Even with all the despair, I feel great affirmation. The problems and concerns I have in this world, are the same feelings the wisest man felt. One things that stands out to me, the observation that wisdom is worth it. Although the wise and foolish "share the same fate." It's better to be wise. Therefore, it's better to have knowledge than ...

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 I said to myself, "Come now, let's give pleasure a try. Let's look for the `good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 "It is silly to be laughing all the time," I said. "What good does it do to seek only pleasure?" 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hoped to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. 4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned great herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of sil...

Ecclesiastes 1:12-19 12 I, the Teacher, was king of Israel, and I lived in Jerusalem. 13 I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done in the world. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. 14 Everything under the sun is meaningless, like chasing the wind. 15 What is wrong cannot be righted. What is missing cannot be recovered. 16 I said to myself, "Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them." 17 So I worked hard to distinguish wisdom from foolishness. But now I realize that even this was like chasing the wind. 18 For the greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. I so know how Solomon feels. There are so many times that I feel like I'm doing nothing more than 'chasing the wind.' I run in circles to find myself back where I started with nothing to show fo...

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (NLT) These are the words of the Teacher, King David's son, who ruled in Jerusalem. Everything Is Meaningless 2 "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher (or modern man) , "utterly meaningless!" 3 What do people get for all their hard work? 4 Generations come and go, but nothing really changes. 5 The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. 6 The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. 7 The rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows again to the sea. 8 Everything is so weary and tiresome! No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. 9 History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. 10 What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn't already exist long ago? 11 We don't remember what happene...

3 John 9-14 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes , who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved (me) , do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He (me) who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. Even the early church had it's problems. Today, we still those who insist on running things according to their will, not God's. I l...

3 John 5-8 5 Beloved (Gaius) , you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne 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, 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we (I) may become fellow workers for the truth. This passage tells the good works of Gaius . I'm sure he was a modest man and thought his work wasn't that important, and he was only doing what was necessary. One thing we must remember here is that all work in God's kingdom is important. If it weren't for Gaius's work, those going out to tell others wouldn't have been equipped. John goes further to say that we should all be Gaiuses . We should all do our job in God's kingdom, whether it be witnessing, or mopping floors. Today I pray you will see what your job in God's kingdom is, a...

3 John 1-3 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. What an awesome affirmation for Gaius. I wonder if he was feeling a bit discouraged or questioning his ability. Maybe Gaius wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. In any event, this letter from John clarified Gaius's calling--he was doing God's will. Every now and then, all of God's servants question their calling. Satan worms his way in and points out all our flaws, errors in judgement, and mistakes. Our Heavenly Father refuses to give Satan this power, and He gives us earthly affirmations of His direction in our lives. It's not that His servants are looking for pats on the back, but it helps to know that God i...

2 John 12-13 12 Having many things to write to you (that also means me) , I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our (mine to) joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen. I get excited when I read these verses. I think how the church must felt when they received this encouraging letter, and to read at the end that John wanted to visit. He wanted to rejoice and worship with them. I like to think the church began to prepare for his arrival as soon as the words were read. Arrangements put into place for his lodging and food. The sweet ladies that made sure everything was clean and in order. The prayers that went up for his safe journey and quick feet for a hasty arrival. How the members would glance down the roads to see if today was the day of his arrival. This is the way we are to wait for Christ. We are to be prepared, excited, longing, and always watching for the exact moment. Just as John's...

2 John 7-11 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist . 8 Look to yourselves (myself) , that we (I) do not lose those things we (I) worked for, but that we (I) may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He (me) who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you (me) and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your (my) house nor greet him; 11 for he (me) who greets him shares in his evil deeds. As I ponder these verses, my mind recalls many men who have started movements based on their twisted and warped personal belief they themselves are Christ Incarnate. Unfortunately, many of these movements grown into modern day religions. John's words are clear and unmistakable. We are not to even socialize with these nay sayers . We are to prote...

2 John 4-6 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children (the church body) walking in truth, as we (I) received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady (the church) , not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we (I) have had from the beginning: that we (I) love one another. 6 This is love, that we (I) walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you (I) have heard from the beginning, you (I) should walk in it. Here John is pointing out that some of the church body is living a true Christian life, but not all. He pleads with them to love each other and reminds them this is the way God intended a church to be. God wants the church to love each other so they may be able to show love to those outside the church. I pray today you will be able to mend fences so that others will see Christ in you.

To my dedicated readers: please forgive my recent absence. Battles with Satan have been wearing me down. I can say that I have missed this time in God's Word. Thank you for your prayers and patience. 2 John 1-3 The Elder, To the elect lady (church) and her children (church body) , whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those (other Christians) who have known the truth (Christ) , 2 because of the truth which abides in us (me) and will be with us (me) forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you (me) from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. When first reading this passage, it may appear to modern man that a special lady and her children have been elevated to a special status and is being blessed. This is not so. The 'elect lady' John is referring to is the church. 'The Elder' is the leader of the church, while 'the elect lady' is the church itself and 'her children' are t...

I John 5:18-21 18 We (I) know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he (I) who has been born of God keeps himself (myself) , and the wicked one (Satan) does not touch him. 19 We (I) know that we (I am) are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we (I) know that the Son of God has come and has given us (me) an understanding, that we (I) may know Him who is true; and we (I am) are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children (me) , keep yourselves (myself) from idols. Amen. Once again, we are reminded that we are God's children. God protects us and keeps us from harm, but we are still vulnerable to sin. Verse 21 reaffirms this. It states, "keep yourself," not 'try to keep yourself.' It's sort of like telling your kids to be careful as they are heading out the door. It's just one last warning of where the danger lies. Today I pray you have ...

I John 5:14-17 (NKJV) 14 Now this is the confidence that we (I) have in Him, that if we (I) ask anything according to His will, He hears us (me) . 15 And if we (I) know that He hears us (me) , whatever we (I) ask, we (I) know that we (I) have the petitions that we (I) have asked of Him. 16 If anyone sees his (my) brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he (I) will ask, and He will give him (my friend) life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he (you) should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. Prayer is an awesome tool. It helps us to see His will, and gives us the opportunity to converse and commune with God. One thing it isn't, a magic spell for us to conjure anything we want. In this passage, it specifically states, "ask anything according to His will." That doesn't mean you'll get anything and everything you ask for,...

I John 5:6-13 6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 9 If we (I) receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He (Me) who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself (me) ; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us (me) eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He (me) who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you...

I John 5:1-5 Whoever (me) believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we (I) know that we (I) love the children of God, when we (I) love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we (I) keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our (my) faith. 5 Who is he (I) who overcomes the world, but he (I) who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This passage has such a simple message. If you have faith in Jesus, who is God's son, you will overcome the world. The world, which is Satan, can't defeat you, or take you from God's hands. Sure, the world at times can be depressing, devastating, miserable, and intolerable, but you must remember, this is not your final destination. It's just a stop on your journey to eternity. I pr...

I John 4:20-21 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we (me) have from Him: that he (me) who loves God must love his (my) brother also. Chapter 4 ends with a commandment from God: if you love God, you "must love" your brother. That doesn't mean only your blood relations, rather all mankind. We must have compassion, and empathy for everyone. I pray today you will set your heart straight with God and your fellow man.

I John 4:17-19 17 Love has been perfected among us (in me) in this: that we (I) may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we (am I) in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We (I) love Him because He first loved us (me) . As I've worked my way through I John, I've found the major theme to be love. It appears 21 times in the book of I John, five in this passage. That doesn't include varients of the word. Makes me think John was trying to convey a message here--God is love. That is a very simple and basic Bible truth that many of us either take for granted or forget. Most of us have heard this from childhood, so why don't we believe it? Why do we question God's motives? All because of sin. It's our nature to ask why. If Eve hadn't questioned what she believed, she would never have tasted that one piece of...

I John 4:12-16 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we (I) love one another, God abides in us (me) , and His love has been perfected in us (me) . 13 By this we (I) know that we (I) abide in Him, and He in us (me) , because He has given us (me) of His Spirit. 14 And we (I) have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever (that's me) confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him (me) , and he (I) in God. 16 And we (I) have known and believed the love that God has for us (me) . God is love, and he (me) who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (me) . This passage explains how God's love flows through us and onto others. It proves His love is unconatainable. When you're filled with God's love, you can't help but to let others see it. You want to do for others, you want to help the down trodden, you want others to see God in you. That's how God's power is. I think of the childre...