3 John 1 · Prov 31

Devotion 1 of 2: 3 John 1

Gaius (v.1-8) and Diotrephes (v.9-10) were opposite in several ways, so they make an interesting contrast. Gaius loved and walked in the truth (v.3) and loved and served people (v.5-6). But Diotrephes wanted the preeminence for himself, so he must have wanted people to serve him (v.9)! He criticized John harshly and not only rejected John and his friends but kicking people out of the church who accepted John (v.10)! Let’s pray for God to protect the church from Diotrephes-type people and make us all more like Gaius!

Devotion 2 of 2: Prov 31

1) V.12 says, “She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” Yoshiko did this for me for 47 years of our marriage. She served, helped and supported me so that I could preach the gospel and build Shalom Church. But about 4 years ago, because she was growing weaker, God spoke to me that now it was my turn to take care of her. So I stepped down as the senior pastor of Shalom and have been trying to serve her ever since. It’s very difficult at times, so I’m realizing how much Yoshiko sacrificed for me. I thank the Lord that he gave me a wife who was truly a virtuous woman whose worth was far above rubies.

2) V.20 says, “She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” If the virtuous woman is the church, I believe this verse can be applied to the authority to heal all sicknesses and drive out all demons that Jesus wants to give to the LDC (Matt 10:8) so we can be effective laborers for the endtime harvest (Matt 9:38). By helping the needy and suffering, many hearts will open up to Jesus and accept him as their Savior! Hallelujah!