SCRIPTURE

Studied: 1 John 1 

OBSERVATION

1 John 1:1-4 ~ [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers]. What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].

APPLICATION

I wonder what writings our children and grandchildren will marvel over, from our time on earth? This is truly amazing in reading the faith of John and the boldness in which he shared about the relationship he had with Jesus Christ. Yes, I know that our children will still have the same Word of God to study and be blessed from, and I know that there is no alternative to the Word of God, but if we have a testimony to share at church or with our co-workers, I believe that it would be great to write that down so that our family can one day read through that and be encouraged, and receive strength from it. I believe that current information about ways that God is moving in His people today and using us to accomplish His will, goes a whole lot further in helping our loved ones realize that God didn’t die after He spoke to the writers of the Bible, but that He goes on working in the lives of folk that they know also. In fact, they’ll be tempted to place their faith in God realizing that just as He worked in dad’s life, I bet that He will work in mine also. While I believe that sharing my thoughts about Scripture in my devotionals with friends on the internet, I also believe that this serves as a book for my family to read about how active God has been in my life, and how relevant He is still in our lives today. In the latter part of this passage John says that he wrote these things knowing that it would help others to surrender to Jesus (so that they would be included in the kingdom) and therefore he (John) would be filled with more joy. I continually pray that as God blesses me in my devotion time, and I share it through this medium, that He would use this so that He might be glorified by the decisions of others reading this. Feel free to copy this (SOAP) format for your quiet time in the Word. Whether you share it with others is entirely up to you, but I believe that writing/typing your thoughts will help you to express your understanding and feelings before God. God spoke to people like John, and I truly believe that He still speaks to us today through His divine Word. Meditate on it daily and let God speak to you!

PRAYER

Thank You for Your Word Lord Jesus. Thank you for the relevance of it, for the truths contained in it and for the direction given to each of us that read it. May You be glorified by each of us that are blessed from reading it. May we be bold in our witness to others. May we freely share with others when we feel You have been active in our lives, so that they may be encouraged to keep reading Your Word, praying to You, sharing their faith and depending on You daily in their personal lives. I know that You are very much alive and active in my life. Please help me to encourage someone else today so that they may also know that You are available to all that have accepted You and have a personal relationship with You.