THE TRUE BELIEVER

*"THE TRUE BELIEVER"*

*_"Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did."_* 1 John 2:6

His license plate proudly proclaimed “SAY NO.” But when the “outspoken” advocate for living a drug free life was stopped for speeding, the police officers discovered that he was transporting drugs in his automobile.
While we may shake our heads in disbelief at that man’s hypocrisy, he is not that different from many Christians. The Apostle John wrote, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.” We might say that this is an “If/Then” statement. John wants us to have no doubt about one important fact: “If we say that we live in God, then others will be able to see Christ in what we do and hear His love in what we say.” Rather troubling words, aren’t they?
In only a few words John states two ways that will assure us that we belong to Christ: Do what Christ says and live as Christ wants us to live. A few verses later in his little letter John clearly describes what he means: “Believe in the name of His Son and love one another.”
True “lived-out” Christian faith results in “loving behavior.” For this reason John reminds us that what we say and the way we act are proof that we are living in God and belong to Christ. If we are obedient to the teachings of Scripture and show God’s love as Jesus did, then we know without a doubt that we “live in God.”

Prayer: Father, we truly love You and want to “live in You” as You would have us to live. Make our faith strong, our love deep and our lives worthy of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today's ODB

In John Bunyan’s classic allegory of the Christian life, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian arrives at the foot of a steep ascent called the Hill Difficulty, “at the bottom of which was a spring . . . Christian now went to the spring and drank to refresh himself, and then began to go up the hill.”

Perhaps the difficult mountain you face is a rebellious child or a serious medical diagnosis. The challenge seems more than you can endure. Before you face your next major task, visit the spring of refreshment that is God Himself.

Come to Him with all your weakness, weariness, helplessness, fear, and doubt. Then drink deeply of His power, strength, and wisdom. God knows all your circumstances and will supply a store of comfort, of spiritual strengthening and consolation. He will lift up your head and give you strength to go on.

Prayer:

Father, at this moment I turn to You for strength in my weakness, energy for my weariness, and faith in my doubt.