Jude - Key

v16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

I noticed the first part of the verse, that says, These are murmurers, complainers. I looked up those words, and they also seem to have something to do with holding a grudge and not being content.

Sometimes it seems easier to focus on our difficulties and disappointments than on the good things the Lord has done for us. When we're tempted to grumble and become bitter, we should trust in the Lord and be thankful to Him.

Application

Philippians 2:14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Instead of complaining about my difficult class, I'll thank the Lord for helping me to do so well in college, overall.

Jude - Outline

v1

our calling in the Lord: to sanctification

v2

our blessing in the Lord

v3

earnestly contend for the faith

v4-7

remember examples of judgment for the ungodly

v8-10

they speak evil of dignitaries

v11-13

what the ungodly are like

v14-19

mockers in the last time

v20-25

but we are called to holiness

Genesis 26 - Key

v24

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

The Lord will reward those who diligently seek Him. The Lord hasn't appeared to me or spoken with a voice that He will bless me, but there's a special blessing for believing Him without seeing Him.

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.

Abram didn't have any children when God promised to make his descendants like the stars, but he believed God, and was convinced that God was worth pursuing as his reward (Genesis 15). Even when it isn't as apparent to us that seeking the Lord is rewarding, we should pursue Him in faith, and He won't disappoint us.

Application

Sometimes life just seems too hard, like the best we can do doesn't do any good, and it's hopeless to keep trying. In that case, I'll pursue the Lord in faith by not giving up.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Revelation 3 - Key

v11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

I see this as an encouragement to have endurance and perseverance in the areas where I already know what the Lord wants me to be doing.

Application

I won't start trying to do something new from this, but I'll keep working on being faithful to my past applications.

Genesis 26 - Outline

v1-5

Isaac stayed in Gerar for a while, and the Lord spoke to him

v6-11

Isaac said Rebekah was his sister, but Abimelech found him out

v12-17

the Lord blessed Isaac with many possessions

v18-22

Isaac's and Gerar's herdsmen kept arguing about who owned the wells

v23-25

Isaac communicated with the Lord at Beersheba

v26-31

Abimelech and Isaac swore to a contract of peace

v32-33

Isaac's servants found water in the well at Beersheba

v34-35

Esau married Hittites, and that grieved his parents

Revelation 3 - Outline

v1-6

strengthen the things which remain

v7-13

he that openeth, and no man shutteth

v14-18

the lukewarm Church

v19

be zealous therefore, and repent

20-22

I stand at the door, and knock

if you can be made free

1 Corinthians 7

v23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

We should give service to other people out of care for them, but we shouldn't be enslaved to people, if we can help it. We're supposed to be servants of the Lord.

Let's not get ourselves into the kind of obligations or debts that would get in the way of us serving the Lord the way He wants us to. He's redeemed us, and we're supposed to be free to serve Him.

3 John - Key

v8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

When faithful brethren who have a good report want to meet with us, we should welcome them. And we should do what we can to help them materially, like having them over and sharing a meal or something.

Application

v5

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Considering this passage, I think of several specific believers that it applies to in my life. I'll work on being faithfully in reaching out to them, or whatever I do with them.

3 John - Outline

v1-2

the elder cared about Gaius, and really wanted him to be doing well physically, like he was spiritually

v3-4

joy to hear that they walked in the truth

v5-6

we should help and take care of other believers

v7-8

we should help people who are giving things up for the name of the Lord

v9-10

slandering people and dividing the Church is from evil people who want the best position for themselves

v11-12

there are people who have a good reputation, and we should receive them

v13-14

speaking face to face can be better than writing many things with pen and ink

Genesis 25 - Key

v21,24

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb.

When we ask the Lord for something, we should be ready for Him to give us even more than we think.

Application

Sometimes, when I preach the gospel, I get so used to people refusing to hear it, that when they do give me the chance to continue, I don't always know what to say.

When I preach the gospel and pray for people to be open to receive it, I'll work on being ready to continue if they are open to receive it. And, I’ll work on even being ready to invite the person to receive the Lord right then and there.

Genesis 25 - Outline

v1-6

Abraham had more sons, but he sent them away and gave everything he had to Isaac

v7-11

Abraham died, and Isaac and Ishmael buried him

v12-18

the generations of Ishmael

v19-26

Isaac entreated the Lord because Rebekah was barren, and the Lord gave them Jacob and Esau, who were twins

v27-34

Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for red stew with lentils

Revelation 2:12-29 - Key

v25

But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.

The faithful people in Thyatira already had good things like works, charity, service, faith, and patience (See v19). So the Lord was encouraging them to keep holding on tightly to the good things that they already had. That's what we should do, too.

Application

I'm going to keep working hard on an activity that I already know the Lord wants me to be involved in, preaching the gospel at my college.

Revelation 2:12-29 - Outline

v12-17

to those with the martyr, be aware of the sword of the Lord

v12

the Lord's identity to Pergamos

v13

commendation

v14-15

a few things against thee

v16

warning to repent

v17

promise of rewards for overcoming

v18-29

to the worker, hold fast

v18

the Lord's identity to Thyatira

v19

commendation

v20-21

a few things against thee

v22-23

warning to repent

v24-25

hold fast what you have

v26-29

promise of rewards for overcoming

don't be quick to argue

1 Corinthians 6

v7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?

When there's an argument between believers, we should humble ourselves and be willing to be wronged. We shouldn't be too quick to be defensive of ourselves.

2 John - Key

v2

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

This whole chapter seems to be focused on this idea of the truth. We know that Jesus is the truth, and having Him means having the truth.

As a contrast to the truth, this chapter warns about deceivers. They don't have God, because they don't teach the truth about who Jesus is; and so, they end up doing evil things (v11).

If we're truly in God, instead of having evil deeds, we will keep God's commandment of love. We won't receive antichrists (v10), but we'll have the joy of fellowship with each other (v12).

Application

v12

Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write] with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

Being a very technology-oriented person, I prefer to communicate with people electronically. This verse reminds me that sometimes it can be a much better idea to talk to people in person. I'll make the practical application of look for opportunities to meet with my college instructors in person.

2 John - Outline

v1-4

writing for the sake of the truth (v2)

v5-6

walk in His commandment to love one another

v7-9

deceivers don't abide in the teaching of Christ, to confess that Jesus has come in the flesh, so they are antichrist and they don't have God

v10-11

don't receive them or that would help their evil ways

v12-13

speaking face to face is a more full joy than writing with paper and ink

Genesis 24 - Key

v48

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.

After the Lord answered the servant's prayer, he remembered to be thankful and worship the Lord. That reminds me of the 10 lepers who were healed, but only one returned to give Jesus thanks.

Application

For my Bible study that was yesterday, I had the application to pray at different times besides my regular prayer times. So, yesterday, when I had a few spare moments, I prayed for the Lord to bring more people to our Bible study last evening. When I came to the study and saw more people, I thought, That's nice. But a few minutes later, I realized that was the answer to my prayer!

Even later, I remembered that I should thank the Lord for that. I'll work on thanking the Lord for answered prayers.

Genesis 24 - Outline

v1-9

Abraham made his servant swear to get Isaac a wife from his own country

v5-8

but Abraham told his servant to not bring Isaac back to that country

v10-20

the servant asked God for a certain sign, and the Lord gave it to him

v21-27

the man waited to see whether the situation was the way it seemed

v28-32

Laban was ready, and hurried, and humbly served

v33-49

the man faithfully told his errand

v50-56

the servant worshiped the Lord, gave gifts, and wouldn't be delayed

v57-61

Rebekah was willing

v62-67

Isaac was comforted after his mother's death when Rebekah became his wife

purge out the old leaven

1 Corinthians 5

v2

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Sometimes we don't want to do what it takes to get rid of something sinful. Maybe it takes discomfort or even mourning.

v6

Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Sometimes the Lord pricks our conscience to warn us, and His Holy Spirit convicts us. For example, we might have the thought that it would be wrong to start watching a movie or surfing the web while we should be doing schoolwork. Then, if we do those thing anyway, don't we end up regretting it, and falling behind on our work? A little bit of sin grows into more.

v8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

When we're convicted, we need to be willing to endure the "pain," to give up the pleasures that seem to come with sin. Otherwise, those things would be like leavening that grows in bread.

But, if we do give those things up, it will be like attending a feast. Then, we'll actually be more happy because we did purge out the sin.

1 Corinthians 4

v5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

We should be hiding away treasures in heaven for secret service to the Lord, not wrath for secret sin.

strife is carnal

1 Corinthians 3

v3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Strife with each other just isn't something that we, as spiritual brethren, are supposed to have. If we do have strife, it's because there's something wrong, that we're walking like natural physical people instead of being led by the Spirit of the Lord. And it gets in the way of us learning deep things about the wisdom of God:

v2

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.

Let's work on not having envying, strife, or division with each other.

1 John 5 - Key

v3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

The Lord doesn't want us to do things to make ourselves miserable so that we can feel like we're good people. He wants us to delight in Him.

His commandment is to love His people, our brethren. What's so miserable about that?

Application

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

It's fine to serve the Lord in an enjoyable way; more unpleasant does not necessarily mean more godly. I'll work on delighting in the Lord when I do things to serve Him, like Bible study, outreach, and prayer.

1 John 5 - Outline

v1-3

believe in Jesus, love God's children,
love God, and keep His commandments

v4-5

faith is the victory

v6-10

there are many trustworthy witnesses of Jesus Christ

v11-13

believers in the Son can be sure that they have eternal life

v14-15

promises provoking prayer

v16-17

some sins must lead to death

v18-19

being born of God instead of being of the world, enables us to keep ourselves from sin and the wicked one

v20

Jesus is the true God

v21

a poignant warning about idols

Genesis 23 - Key

v13

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou [wilt give it], I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take [it] of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Abraham showed great respect for his wife, even though she was already physically dead. He was generous, honest, and thorough in his dealings, refusing to take the land for free, and counting out the whole price for the whole land. He made sure.

Application

Like Abraham did for Sarah and even for Ephron, we should give generously of ourselves for other people, and we should be thorough in our dealings with other people. I'll work on doing my schoolwork thoroughly.

The Jesus Movie

Here is a two-hour video on the Internet that tells the whole true story of Jesus and His life. It also explains how to be saved by believing in Him. I think you will find it very informative. It includes many languages, including Arabic and Hindi. Just click on this link, and then select the language that would be easiest for you:

The Jesus Movie

Also be sure to check out the Children's version of the movie. It's a great version, it's just one hour long, and it's also available on the same page. Let us know if the movie works for you. Also, let us know if you would like us to send you any more information.

(Notice: I am not officially associated with the institution that produces this movie.)

Revelation 2:1-11 - Key

v5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

When I read this verse, I think of how there's times when we've had a closer walk with the Lord than others. Do you know what I mean? Do you remember a time when your life was "All for Jesus"--when you would have done things like fasting often, praying all night, or giving all of your money to charity?

It's easy to think, "Lord, why don't You do great things for us, like You used to do?"... But what about our own old zeal and passion for the Lord--when we were infatuated with Him!? Specifically, we need to return to our first love for the Lord.

v4

Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Application

One of my friends recently spoke about taking extra time in prayer when we're busy. The more we have to do, the more we should pray. One thing I'll do to return to a zeal for the Lord, is to stop and pray at different times, instead of just my few regular prayer times.

Genesis 23 - Outline

v1-2

Sarah died

v3-6

Abraham asked the children of Heth for a burying place

v7-9

Abraham had his eyes on a certain place to buy

v10-11

Ephron offered his place for free

v12-16

Abraham insisted on paying him full price anyway

v17-18

the field and the cave and everything were made Abraham's for sure

v19-20

Abraham buried Sarah

Revelation 2 - Outline

v1-7

to the patient, remember

v8-11

to the troubled, be faithful

v12-17

to those with the martyr, be aware of the sword of the Lord

v18-29

to the worker, hold fast

1 Corinthians 2

v4a

And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom...

When we go out and talk to people about the good news (the gospel), and when we declare it publicly (preaching), we should stick to the basics. Bringing somebody to Jesus isn't all about having all the clever intellectual arguments figured out, or having really eloquent public speaking skills.

v2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Sometimes we have to make a predetermination beforehand, to stick to that point. The crux of the issue is Jesus Christ, and how He died on the cross for us.

1 John 4 - Key

v20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Do we act towards our brothers-in-the-Lord, and to our brothers-in-the-world, more like we love them, or like we hate them? If we truly love God, we must also love our brothers.

Application

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

One way to love our brothers instead of hating them, would be to make sure we're not holding any grudges against them. I'll work on not holding grudges against my brothers.

1 John 4 - Outline

v1-6

try the spirits

v7-11

we ought to love each other like God loved us

v12-16

how we know that we dwell in God, and He dwells in us

v17-18

perfect love casts out fear

v19-21

how to have true love for God