Season 1

Episode 59: 1 John 3

Today's meditation is based on 1 John 3 from the Passion Translation
I look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on me! He has called me and made me his own beloved child. The reason the world doesn’t recognize who I am is that they didn’t recognize him. I am God’s child right now; however, it is not yet apparent what I will become. But I do know that when it is finally made visible, I will be just like him, for I will see him as he truly is. And because I focus my hope on him, I am always be purifying myself, just as Jesus is pure.
I do not live in moral anarchy, indulging in sin by breaking God's law. I know without a doubt that Jesus was revealed to eradicate sins, and there is no sin in him. Because I continue to live in union with him, I will not sin. I have seen him with discernment and know him by intimate experience.
I am delightfully loved by God, and I don't let anyone divert me from this truth. I will keep doing right and prove that I am righteous before God, even as the Messiah is righteous. The Son of God was revealed to undo and destroy the works of the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning.
I refuse to keep sinning because God’s seed remains within me, and I am unable to continue sinning because I have been fathered by God himself. I can clearly be distinguished as one of God’s children and not a child of the Evil One, because I demonstrate righteousness and show love to fellow believers. I live with God as my source.
I walk in self-sacrificing love toward others. Yet, I am not shocked, if I experience the world’s hatred. I have been translated from spiritual death into spiritual life because I love the family of believers. My love-filled life is spiritually alive.
I have discovered love’s reality: Jesus sacrificed his life for me. Because of this great love, I should be willing to lay down my life for others. If I see a fellow believer in need and have the means to help him, I show pity and open my heart toward him.
My love isn't an abstract theory I only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through my loving deeds. The truth lives within me and I demonstrate love in action, which will reassure my heart in his presence.
If my heart ever makes me feel guilty and reminds me of my failures, I remember that God is much greater and more merciful than my conscience, and he knows everything there is to know about me. And when my heart doesn't condemn me, I have a bold freedom to speak face-to-face with God. And whatever I ask of him I receive, because I keep his commands. And by my beautiful intentions I continue to do what brings pleasure to him.
His commands are simple: that I continually place my trust in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and that I keep loving others, just as he commanded me.  I find my life joined in union with him, and he lives and flourishes in me. I know and have proof that he constantly lives and flourishes in me, by the Spirit that he has given me.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 58: 1 John 2

Today's Meditation is based on 1 John 2 from the Passion Translation
I have a continually forgiving Redeemer who is face-to-face with the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for my sins, and  for the sins of the whole world.
Because I have truly come to know God, I keep his commands. And the love of God is perfected within me. I live in intimacy with God, not just by saying “I am intimate with God,” but by walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Truth is made manifest both in Christ and in me, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already blazing.
I am in the light and do not hold hatred in my heart toward any of my fellow believers. I truly love my brothers and sisters in Christ, and there is nothing in me that will cause someone else to stumble. I do not stumble in the darkness, because I am a child of the light. 
My sins have been permanently removed because of the power of his name. I have a relationship with the One who has existed from the beginning. A true relationship with him. I am strong because the Word of God is treasured in my heart, and I have defeated the Evil One through the power of the Word.
I do not set the affections of my heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. All that the world can offer me is the gratification of my flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance. And none of these things come from the Father. 
This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but because I love to do the will of God, I will live forever.
The end of this age is near and many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and this is how I know that we are living in the closing hour of this age. And the Holy One has anointed me and I know the truth. 
I keep the message burning in my heart -- the message of life I heard from the beginning. So I will always be living in close fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And he himself has promised me the never-ending life of the ages to come.
The wonderful anointing I have received from God is so much greater than the deception of the world. And this anointing now lives in me and teaches me all that I need to know. It leads me into truth.
I will remain in him, so that when he is revealed I may have joyful confidence and not be ashamed when I stand before him at his appearing.
I know that he is righteous, and I know that everyone who lives in righteousness has been divinely fathered by him.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 57: 1 John 1

Today's Meditation is based on 1 John 1 from the Passion Translation.
Jesus is the Living Expression of God... the one who was from the beginning. He is the Life-Giver made visible who lived face-to-face with the Father and has now dawned upon me. 
My fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One. And this fellowship gives me fullness of joy. 
My God is pure light. There isn't even a trace of darkness in him. And because I share life with him, I no longer walk in the realm of darkness but live in the pure light that surrounds him. I share unbroken fellowship and the blood of Jesus continually cleanses me from all sin. 
When his light uncovers sin in my life, I freely admit my sins and he is faithful to forgive me every single time. He is just to forgive me my sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 56: 2 Peter 3

Today's meditation is based on 2nd Peter 3 from the Passion Translation
I stir myself up and awaken to a proper mind-set. I never forget both the prophecies spoken by the holy prophets of old and the teaching of my Lord and Savior.
Above all, I understand that in the last days mockers will multiply, chasing after their evil desires. They will mock me for waiting for Jesus's return.
But from the beginning, the heavens and earth were created by God’s word. He spoke and the dry ground separated from the waters. By the same powerful word, the heavens and the earth are reserved for fire, being kept for judgment day, when all the ungodly will perish.
Contrary to man’s perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness. But rather, his “delay” simply reveals his loving patience, because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.
The day of the Lord will come and take everyone by surprise—as unexpected as a home invasion. The atmosphere will be set on fire and vanish with a horrific roar, and the heavenly bodies will melt away as in a tremendous blaze. The earth and every activity of man will be laid bare. And because all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, I see how vital it is to live a holy life. So I am consumed with godliness while I anticipate and help to speed up the coming of the day of God. But as I wait, I trust in God’s royal proclamation to be fulfilled. There are coming heavens new in quality, and an earth new in quality, where righteousness will be fully at home.
With all that I have to look forward to, I am eager to be found living a pure life when I come into his presence, without blemish and filled with peace. I keep in mind that my Lord’s extraordinary patience simply means more opportunity for salvation.
Being forewarned of these things, I am careful to not be led astray by the error of the lawless nor lose my firm grip on the truth. But I continue to grow and increase in God’s grace and intimacy with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May he receive all the glory both now and until the day eternity begins.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 55: 2 Peter 1

Today's meditation is based on 2nd Peter 1 from the Passion Translation
I have been given a precious faith through the righteousness of my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace and perfect peace cascades over me as I live in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus my Lord.
Everything I could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in me by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon me through the rich experience of knowing him who has called me by name and invited me to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness. As a result of this, he has given me magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises I can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which I have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.
So I devote myself to lavishly supplementing my faith with goodness, and to goodness I add understanding, and to understanding I add the strength of self-control, and to self-control I add patient endurance, and to patient endurance I add godliness, and to godliness I add mercy toward my brothers and sisters, and to mercy toward others I add unending love.
Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and I possess them in abundant supply, they will keep me from being inactive or fruitless in my pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately. I am not blind, constantly closing my eyes to the mysteries of faith, nor forgetting my innocence — for my past sins have been washed away.
For this reason, I am eager to confirm and validate that God has invited me to salvation and claimed me as his own. By supplementing my faith with these virtues, I will never stumble. And as a result, the kingdom’s gates will open wide to me as God choreographs my triumphant entrance into the eternal kingdom of my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.
I continually remind myself of these truths, even though I am already aware of them and am well established in the present measure of truth I have already embraced. 
I know that the gospel is truth, not a masterfully crafted legend. I know that I will continue to do well as I stay focused on God's Word. His Word is like a piercing light shining in a gloomy place, like the dawning of a new day, as the Morning Star rises in my heart.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 54: 1 Peter 5

Today's meditation is based on 1 Peter 5 from the Passion Translation
I am compassionate and tenderly care for God’s flock. It is not merely a religious duty, but a joyous pleasure. In everything I do, I lead from the heart under God’s leadership — not as a way to gain finances dishonestly but as a way to eagerly and cheerfully serve. I am not a controlling tyrant but lead others by example. And when the Shepherd-King appears, I will win the victor’s crown of glory that never fades away.
I willingly support the leadership of the elders. In every relationship, I wrap around myself the apron of a humble servant. Because God resists me when I am proud but multiplies grace and favor when I am humble.
If I bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt me as I leave the timing in his hands. I pour out all my worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for me.
I am well balanced and always alert, because the enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. I take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For I know that my believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles that I endure. And then, after my brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called me to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore me and make me stronger than ever. Yes, he will set me firmly in place and build me up. And he has all the power needed to do this — forever!
I stand fast in the true, dependable grace of God. And I have peace through my life-union with Christ.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 53: 1 Peter 4

Today's meditation is based on 1 Peter 4 from the Passion Translation
Since Christ, though innocent, suffered in his flesh for me, I am a prepared soldier, having the same mind-set. I have died in my body and I am done with sin. I will live the rest of my earthly life no longer concerned with human desires but consumed with what brings pleasure to God. I have already spent enough time doing what unbelievers love to do. Even when my old friends marvel that I no longer rush to join them in the excesses of their corrupt lifestyles, and vilify me, I stay the course. One day they will have to give an account to the one who is destined to judge the living and the dead. Even though I may be judged by human standards, I choose to live by God’s standards.
Since we are approaching the end of all things, I am intentional, purposeful, self-controlled and given to prayer. Above all, I constantly echo God’s intense love for others, for love is a canopy over a multitude of sins. I am compassionate without complaining. As a believer, I have received grace gifts, and I use them to serve one others as a faithful steward of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace.
When I speak, I speak as though God were speaking his words through me. When I serve, I do it passionately with the strength God gives me, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages.
When life gets extremely difficult, with many tests, I am not bewildered as though something strange is overwhelming me. Instead, I continue to rejoice. If I in any measure have shared in the sufferings of the Anointed One, so I will share in the revelation of his glory and celebrate with even greater gladness. If I am insulted because of the name of Christ, I know that I am greatly blessed, because the Spirit of glory and power, who is the Spirit of God, rests upon me. 
I don't do anything to merit suffering, or meddle in the affairs of others. Or the suffering would be just payment. But if I suffer for being a Christian, I don’t consider it a disgrace but a privilege. I glorify God because I carry the Anointed One’s name. If I suffer for following God’s will, I will enfold my life into the Creator, who will never fail me, and I will continue to always do what is right.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 52: 1 Peter 3

Today's meditation is based on 1 Peter 3 from the Passion Translation.
I am devoted to my husband, even when he does not obey the Word of God. Because I know that my kind conduct may win him over without me saying a thing. For when he observes my pure, godly life before God, it will impact him deeply. I let my true beauty come from my inner personality, not a focus on the external. For lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is precious in God’s sight and is much more important than the outward adornment of elaborate hair, jewelry, and fine clothes.
Holy women of long ago who had set their hopes in God beautified themselves with lives lived in deference to their own husbands’ authority. Sarah, devoted herself to her husband, Abraham, and even called him “master.” I become her daughter when I do what is right without fear and intimidation.
My husband treats me with tenderness, viewing me as a feminine partner who deserves to be honored, for we are co-heirs together of the “divine grace of life,” and in our partnership, nothing hinders our prayers.
Our goal is to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate affectionate love, sympathy, and kindness toward other believers. We let humility describe who we are as we dearly love one another. 
I never retaliate when someone treats me wrongly and I don't insult those who insult me. But instead, I respond by speaking a blessing over them — because a blessing is what God has promised to give me.
Scripture tells me that if I want to embrace true life and find beauty in each day, I must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what I say.
I always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; I eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it my prize.
For the eyes of the Lord Yahweh rest upon the godly. His heart responds to my prayers. And he does not turn his back on me.
I am passionate and devoted to pleasing God. And even if I happen to suffer for doing what is right, I will have the joyful experience of the blessing of God. So, I am not intimidated or terrified by those who would terrify me. But I give reverent honor in my heart to the Anointed One and treat him as the holy Master of my life. 
If anyone asks about the hope living within me, I am always ready to explain my faith with gentleness and respect. I maintain a clean conscience, so that those who slander me for living a pure life in Christ will have to lie about me and will be ashamed because of their slander. It is better to suffer for doing good, if it is in God’s plan, than for doing evil.
Christ suffered and died for my sins once and for all — the innocent for the guilty — to bring me near to God; by his body being put to death and by being raised to life by the Spirit. As Noah and his family were saved when the ark rose above the flood waters, so I am saved through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is now in heaven at the place of supreme authority next to God, and the very powers of heaven, including every angel and authority, now yield in submission to him.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 51: 1 Peter 2

Today's meditation is based on 1 Peter 2 from the Passion Translation
I abandon every form of evil, deceit, hypocrisy, feelings of jealousy and slander. Like a nursing infant, I intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. I know that God's Word will cause me to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life — especially now that I have had a taste of the goodness of Yahweh and have experienced his kindness.
I keep coming to him who is the Living Stone -- although he was rejected and discarded by men -- he was chosen by God and is priceless in God’s sight. I am his “living stone”, continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. I serve as a holy priest, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus and will never be disappointed. I know his great worth and his preciousness is imparted to me.
I am God’s chosen treasure — a priest-king, part of the spiritual “nation”, set apart as a devoted one of God. He called me out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims me as his very own. He did this so that I would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. Once I was not one of God's people, but now I am. At one time I knew nothing of God’s mercy, because I hadn’t received it yet, but now I am drenched with it!
I am a resident alien and foreigner in this world, so I divorce myself from the evil desires that wage war within me. I live an honorable life as I mix with unbelievers, even if they accuse me of being an evildoer. For they will see my beautiful works and have a reason to glorify God in the day he visits us.
In order to honor the Lord, I respect and defer to the authority of every human institution, whether it be the highest ruler or the governors he puts in place to punish lawbreakers and to praise those who do what’s right. For it is God’s will for me to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing what is right.
As God’s loving servant, I live in complete freedom, but I never use my freedom as a cover-up for evil. I recognize the value of every person and continually show love to every believer. I live my life with great reverence and in holy awe of God. And I honor my rulers.
I submit to the authority of those I work for — not only to those who are kind and gentle but even to those who are hard and difficult. I find God’s favor by deciding to please God even when I endure hardships because of unjust suffering. For what merit is it to endure mistreatment for wrongdoing? Yet if I am mistreated when I do what is right, and I faithfully endure it, this is commendable before God. In fact, I was called to live this way, because Christ also suffered in my place, leaving me his example to follow. He never sinned and he never spoke deceitfully.
When he was verbally abused, he did not return with an insult; when he suffered, he would not threaten retaliation. Jesus faithfully entrusted himself into the hands of God, who judges righteously. He himself carried my sins in his body on the cross so that I would be dead to sin and live for righteousness. My instant healing flowed from his wounding. I was like a sheep that continually wandered away, but now I have returned to the true Shepherd of my life — the kind Guardian who lovingly watches over my soul.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 50: 1 Peter 1

Today's meditation is based on 1 Peter 1 from the Passion Translation
I am not forgotten, for I have been chosen and destined by Father God. The Holy Spirit has set me apart to be God’s holy one, an obedient follower of Jesus Christ who has been gloriously sprinkled with his blood. God’s delightful grace and peace cascades over me many times over.
I celebrate with praises the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, who has shown me his extravagant mercy. For his fountain of mercy has given me a new life — I am reborn to experience a living, energetic hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am reborn into a perfect inheritance that can never perish, never be defiled, and never diminish. It is promised and preserved forever in the heavenly realm for me. 
Through my faith, the mighty power of God constantly guards me until my full salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. Just the thought of this make me jump for joy. Any trials I have had to put up with, just reveal the sterling core of my faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. My authentic faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed.
I love him passionately although I haven't seen him, but through believing in him I am saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. Because I am reaping the harvest of my faith — the full salvation promised me - my soul's victory!
This salvation was the focus of the prophets who prophesied of this outpouring of grace that was destined for me. The Spirit of the Anointed One was in them and was pointing prophetically to the sufferings that Christ was destined to suffer and the glories that would be released afterward. God revealed to the prophets that their ministry was not for their own benefit but for mine. And now, I have heard the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — the gospel containing wonderful mysteries that even the angels long to get a glimpse of.
So I prepare my heart and mind for action. I stay alert and fix my hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to me. Because when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to me. As God’s obedient child, I will never again shape my life by the desires that I followed when I didn’t know any better. Instead, I will shape my life to become like the Holy One who called me. He has called me to be holy, because he is holy.
Since I call on him as my heavenly Father, the impartial Judge who judges according to each one’s works, I will live each day with holy awe and reverence throughout my time on earth. Because my life was ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perishes, but the precious blood of Christ — who like a spotless, unblemished lamb was sacrificed for me. 
This was part of God’s plan, for he was chosen and destined for this before the foundation of the earth was laid, and he has been made manifest in these last days for me. It is through him that I believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him. Therefore, I fasten my faith and hope in God alone.
Because of my obedience to the truth, I have purified my very soul, and this empowers me to be full of love for my fellow believers. I express this sincere love toward others passionately and with a pure heart. For through the eternal and living Word of God I have been born again. And this “seed” that he planted within me can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside of me forever. Because even though human beings are frail and temporary like grass, and the glory of man is fleeting like blossoms of the field. The word of the Lord endures forever!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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