Prosper

Meditation
3 John 2—Beloved, concerning all things I wish that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
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In the early second century, life among believers was far from perfect.  An aging Apostle John mentions Diotrephes, a Gnostic church leader causing problems in teaching and the way he treated believers in the church.  This culminates in John’s warning to his readers not to imitate those who are evil (vs.9-11).  From the time of John until now, in every century,  truth was threatened, bashed, mistreated, and horribly violated by those inspired by the prince of darkness.

There is a sense, in talking to people around the country, that America continues an unabated moral slide characterized by a materialistic obsession, addictions of every variety, and a rapid abandonment of God. There are plenty of statistics I could cite from researchers such as George Barna or Gallup which reveal that while our country may abound in wealth, it is decaying spiritually.  Increasingly what Christians and nonChristians define as prospering is diametrically opposed to what Scripture states. But I submit that this should not surprise us.  The Bible tells us that as time approaches Jesus’ return, the love for God that should burn like a blowtorch will dwindle to a mere candle’s flicker  (see Matthew 24:12).

The danger in spotting increasing evil is sporting increasing pessimism.   This is why I find John’s third letter to be a great encouragement.  In the midst of addressing the serious problem of Gnosticism, Jesus’ favorite disciple, recognizes the primacy of truth and then encourages and wraps his readers in a blessing to prosper—the right way!  

So, let’s learn from this tiny book of Scripture and make application.  I pray God’s blessing upon you in the spirit of His love that transforms my life and gives me infinite hope.  I have taken John’s blessing and passed it to you with the expectation that you will prosper according to God’s desire.  Will you do the same towards those fellow believers you love?  On this day, let’s initiate a movement to prosper spiritually!  Let’s claim a holy revival around a weary planet and reenergize the saints that call Jesus “Lord” for His glory. 
 
Inspiration
Prospering just doesn't have to do with money.—Joel Osteen
 
©2008 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)