3rd John - Outline

v1-4

love in the truth, those who walk in the truth

v5-8

receive the brethren and strangers in order to be a helper to the truth

v9-10

Diotrephes was a bad example, being proud, and causing divisions

v11

follow good examples, not bad examples

v12

Demetrius was a good example, having a good reputation

v13-14a

sometimes seeing each other face-to-face can be better than writing

v14b

the importance of greeting

warned of God in a dream

Matthew 2

v12

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2 talks about people being warned or directed by God in dreams, four times, in verses 12, 13, 19, and 22!

We can and should trust the Lord to clearly show us what way to go.

Genesis 8 - Key‎

v12

And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.

Even though Noah knew, could see with his own eyes, and even had a sign, he didn't go forth until the Lord spoke to Him. I just saw that we should have the same that kind of patience.

Application

When I want direction from the Lord about something, I'll patient wait for His Word about it until I move.

Genesis 8 - Outline

v1-4

the Lord made the water go down

v5-6

Noah could see that the water was down, but he didn't go out yet

v7-11

Noah knew that the flood was decreased

v12

Noah had another sure sign that the flood was over

v13

Noah took the cover off the ark and looked for himself, and the face of the ground was dry

v14

the earth was dry

v15-17

the Lord spoke to Noah...

v18-19

and only then, Noah finally went out!

v20-22

there won't be any global warming and ice age

be just

Matthew 1

v20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Joseph didn't really know the right thing to do, but he was a just man, and he was thinking about doing what was right. The Lord showed him direction in an obvious way: by an angel!

I should just make sure to be a just man, and I won't have to worry when I ask the Lord what to do, because the Lord can make me sure.

parent-child relationships

Malachi 4

v6

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The Lord wants parents and their children to have a good relationship with each other, that their hearts would be turned to each other. We all could probably think of something we could do to work those relationships we're in. One example for those of us who have living parents, is to find an opportunity to spend time with them or do something for them.

2nd John - Key

v10 & 11

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Giving someone a greeting and a blessing isn't empty for a believer. It can be a powerful thing that actually makes a difference.

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.

I'll pay attention to seeing people face-to-face and greeting them, because there's a special joy and blessing in that.