Devotional - October 29, 2025
Scripture: 3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
When I was doing some painting in a house, I came upon a door post with a lot of writing on it. It was not so much writing as it was lines with dates and numbers. When I looked closer, it became obvious. There were short horizontal lines drawn with numbers measuring feet and inches at the ends and a date. It was the growth chart for the room's previous occupant. As I looked at it, it was interesting to see how much time had elapsed between measurements. A few times, it was months. The majority were measured in weeks, a few only made it a day or two. Oh how they had wanted to grow and be taller. And when they did, when that new line was drawn showing how much they grew. I am sure they celebrated. Yet, at some point the growth stops. The celebrations end and we start to look for other ways to measure growth. How do you measure growth in your life? Are there still things for you to seek progress in? One thing that keeps growing is our age. The number keeps going up and up. The number increases, but what else increases? Some might say bills and aches and pains. But, I hope in the midst of it all, you are still doing well. When you wish someone well, what are you saying to them? Most of us are wishing they have a peaceful life. A life that is peaceful in every way. The Jewish faith has a word for that: shalom. It is the first thing that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection (John 20:19). Honestly, I think it would be the first thing He would want each of us to hear right now. And, He would want us to take it to heart. By doing so, it may do our hearts some good. Last year, 805,000 had heart attacks. It is said that 12.5 million Americans today are dealing with heart disease and those are the ones we know about. I think how we approach and live our lives is the reason for some of it. I also think people know that to be true, but it doesn't make for changes in their soul. In life there is a time to seek and push forward, but in the life of God, we are directed where and how to pursue those efforts (Psalm 34:14 and Psalms 46:10). Knowing we only have a certain amount of time on this earth, I hope we are using our time well. And I like John, I say to you, dear friend, I pray that you too may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Pray with me..., Holy God guide us as we seek the blessed life found in Your ways and teachings. Hear us as we lift to You our loved ones and friends. We ask Your blessing on them and upon our church. Guide us, O God, that we might be Your people in Jesus' name, Amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brian
