Love Letters from God

Week 34

Even though the Bible was written by men, it was inspired by God and the writers wrote under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when we read the Bible, we are reading God’s words to us. That is pretty amazing to think about. The God of the universe made a way to communicate with us in a medium that we would understand and he really wanted us to know about him. He has revealed himself to us through this inspired writing and in the book of 1 John he speaks about this writing.

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (1 John 2:12)

Who are these dear children? Believers in Christ, those who have faith in the finished work of the cross. He made sure that this information was spelled out for us in the pages of the Bible. All through the Bible he spoke of what he was going to do to rescue us. His word is full of prophecies and promises about the coming of Messiah. 

“I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.”  (1 John 2:13a) 

Who are the fathers? Those believers who are mature in their faith. Those who have been living their lives as “little Christs.” Those who have a relationship with Christ and are true disciples following in his footsteps. His word continues to speak to believers who want to know him better. 

My own experience in this area is that no matter what I know about God the Father, there is always more to know. He is mysterious and his ways are so immense that we will never know all there is to know about him. Each time I read scripture, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more about God and every day I see more of his character and creativity. His word is living and changing to meet me where I am. 

“I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:13b)

Who are the young men? Those who have been engaged in spiritual warfare and have overcome the enemy because they have searched the scripture and been instructed how to fight the battle. There are numerous passages helping believers stand our ground in the battle that Satan is waging against us.

God has not left us here to struggle without help. He knows that Satan prowls around the earth searching for someone to devour and he has given us the means to overcome him. I am reminded of one scripture in particular. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 reminds us that “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” God has given us instruction for fighting the battle in his word.

“I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father.”

 (1 John 2:13c)

God has given true believers knowledge of him and his ways. Those who believe in Christ are aware that he is God incarnate. When we know about Jesus, he reveals God to us. Jesus told us that if we had seen him we had seen the Father. 

“I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning.” (1 John 2:14a)

The knowledge that mature believers have in the Lord is such that it is passed on to their children and grandchildren and in some cases it came from past generations. That knowing has been part of the lives of many believers since their own childhood but it is more than just from their beginning that he is referring. When we know him and understand him we see him from the beginning of time. God was always there, his love for us is eternal.

“I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:14b)

Once again God is revealing himself to new believers and his word is what will make believers strong in their faith. The word of God is meant to be ingested and become part of believers. As we study the word of God our faith becomes stronger and we are able to overcome the evil one by the word of our testimony. 

Satan has to flee when we speak the word of God into situations, therefore, if we know the word, if it is within us and part of our makeup, we can speak that word into situations and Satan will have to go. God’s word is our strength.

God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Psalm 119:105. It illuminates our steps through life. Wherever we go, if we will ask God, he will order our steps. He has given us his word as an instruction manual. No matter what our questions, no matter what we need to know, the answer is in God’s word. 

This may sound silly to the world, but we can ask God for help in every situation of our lives. There are days when I am not even sure what clothes to wear. I have stood in the middle of the closet looking at my clothes and asked the Lord to give me direction. It sounds dumb, but God really wants to be a part of my every day life. His word tells me that. And his word tells me that I can ask anything in his name and he will answer me. I am believing him and all the promises he has given me. That is what he wants.

The next time you have a question about anything, ask God for the answer. You may not get an audible response, but he will hear and respond. You may have to look in your concordance under a topic pertaining to your question. You may have to ask your pastor, but God will give you direction and he will illuminate your path. Trust in his written word.

Father God, We just want to thank you for the amazing way that you have provided answers to our questions about you and the universe. We know that you are all knowing, all sufficient and ever present. We praise you and thank you for being so magnificent and holy. Continue to draw us into a deeper relationship with you. We need you and your divine guidance in every area of our lives. Bless you Lord. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen