For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. I Jn. 2:16

The problem is not the eating, drinking, sex, relationships, buying, owning, building, creating,  power, or influence; the problem is the craving and the context. These “lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eye, and pride of life” experiences are weak substitutes for craving God, revelling in His provision and delighting in His direction.

Lord, I crave Your presence; what You provide is enough.

Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. I Jn. 3:19-20

Hearts need food too. We hunger to belong, to be known and loved. We hunger for the truth, and for purpose. We hunger for relief from guilt and fear. Humans engage in all sorts of behavior that provides temporary satisfaction. Instead of filler, God feeds our hearts with authentically nourishing relationships, information, and experiences.

Lord, help my actions and emotions to reflect Your truth.

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. I Jn. 2:6

Has the pursuit of status, achievement, power, wealth, and knowledge become a bit routine? Bored with entertainments and comforts? So over consumerism? Perhaps it’s because we are made for bigger challenges. Figuring out how Jesus’ life would look in our own personal contexts, seeking God about how to execute such a life, and actually following through ought to fill any intellectual, emotional, or relational void that might exist.

Lord, help me pursue and prioritize as if this life I live were really Yours.

And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. I Jn. 5:6

God provides confirmation of Jesus’ identity and His mission though water, blood and Spirit. We are saved by the same blood and profess our faith by the same baptism. His truth is continually revealed to us by the same Holy Spirit. From this launching pad of faith we begin each new journey.

Lord, as I liftoff into another day I rest in your sufficiency.

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. I Jn 3:18

Paul tells us that loving involves a patient, kind, gentle, forgiving, hopeful, and others-centered attitude. Jesus said that the greatest love is shown by someone who lays down his life for a friend. Love involves actions that may be inconvenient, perhaps even sacrificial.

Lord, help my attitude to be more loving, then help my actions reflect my attitude.

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. I Jn. 5:21

Warnings to stay away from sin are not there to keep us from having a good time. They are there to keep us from settling for anything less than the love, joy, peace, and purpose that God wants to give us. Sin makes us feel like we can never get enough to be satisfied while God wants to fill our hearts with His satisfying presence.

Lord, my heart is Yours.

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. I Jn. 5:3

Two people can do exactly the same thing with totally different attitudes. Following God only because we’re afraid of getting in trouble or being judged offers no joy. Following Jesus because we love Him makes what he asks us to do exciting and fulfilling.

Lord, help every “have to” become a “want to.”