The Devotional

Papa “J” says

Ever take a trip to the dump? In some places of the world it is home! We sort of look the other way, huh! Well, there is the Book of Life, it is the only alternative. Revelation 20:15

Passion, I really like words. I do not know enough about the English language to fill a thimble but I like looking at and thinking about “words” even little one letter words like “I”. But today the word that grips my heart is “Passion” and as I stroll into it on one side of the hallway I see the portraits of those with tears who suffer for righteousness. This is where the wall of the word is clothed in the beauty of men and women who have fought the good fight of faith. Where the Mercy and Grace of God has covered them in the Blood of Christ. The thought to stay on this side of the hallway is strong, yet there is the opposite wall that calls for my attention. I see the familiar faces of my loved ones and friends, I see their passion and suffering. There is more than a tint of darkness in these pictures. Their sufferings are dripping with unfulfilled dreams and empty desire. There is much, much more in the hallway of this word. The Cross in the middle that extends to each wall is Blood stained, the Tomb a little further down the hall is Empty! And there is a Morning Star that gives light, Perfect Light, Pure Light to all words. Whats in your Passion? Are you thirsty for words? Revelation 22:16-17

3 John 13-14 History does not reveal the exact date of the writing of these epistles of John, but one thing for sure. John was very old and throughout scripture we see men and women who are well advanced in years who serve God, who have strength and endurance and who are not afraid to keep moving forward. This should encourage all of us to keep moving day by day. This is what in means to have eternity in our heart and not just on our lips.

The elder as he identifies himself in verse 1 in very bold letters highlights his position of leadership. Unable to be with Gaius and others whom he loves in truth, he knows that the pen and the ink he uses will serve the purpose of communication, but John holds back a few things he could write about. If you are a communicator, you know this and have done the same for the very same reasons.

Yet there are times when you know in your heart that some folks that read your words will never see you in any other way than by pen and ink. As he signs off he offers them Peace. Notice in 3 John 14 that the word is capitalized. It is this Peace of God that surpasses our understanding of things and brings to light the infinite Wisdom of God our Savior. Ephesians 1:15-23