Though there is much depth and wisdom from the Lord in all of the books that are part of today’s reading, I want to point out a phrase in 3 John. Normally when people read scripture they occasionally read out of 1 John, but rarely out of 2 John or 3 John. In fact, 3 John is only 14 verses long.

In 3 John 4 it say, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” I know the writer is talking about his fellow Christians and not his actual children, but give me some liberty. I love this verse. What an amazing banner for parents to hold up and pray for. Ashley and I look forward to the day when our boys will come to faith in Christ. We pray daily for that and try very hard to teach them about the importance of our relationship with Jesus. There’s no greater task for a parent than to lead their children to know the Lord. Help us Lord…speak to the hearts of our children…draw them to you in your perfect time.

Though I love the, “by faith…” section of scripture in chapter 11 of Hebrews, there’s something that stood out to me more today in this scripture reading.  As I was finishing the book of Hebrews and getting ready to start reading in James, I came across these words in Hebrews 13:15-16.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

As a singer I have sung, “…we bring the sacrifice of praise…” dozens of times before.  But how cool is it that the writer here refers not to good singing or amazing worship services as a sacrifice of “praise.”  He says that the sacrifice of praise is, “the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  In addition to confessing Christ as Lord, sacrifice also involves giving to and helping others.  What a great image to consider.  Maybe that was on Matt Redman’s heart when he wrote the words, “…I’ll bring you more than a song, for a song in it self is not what you desire…”  May our hearts not only cry out to the Lord in beautiful song and in magnificent worship services, but may they be broken and full of confession to Christ our Lord.  And may we pour out our lives onto others as an act of worship and sacrifice.

Here are the words that jumped out at me in today’s scripture reading:

¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

That’s how I feel about my life.  I am the worst sinner I know and my hope as a pastor is that by people seeing a difference in my life – they might want Christ in their lives too.  Lord, may you receive all the glory for my life and may my life bring you honor by pointing people to you.