August 1

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

​Memorize this Verse:
Cover the verse text and using just the first letters of each word try to recite the entire passage.
2. B I W A A T T T M P A B I H E A T S P

Notes on verse:

“I wish”: John’s prayer for Gaius is significant. Gaius’ spiritual state was so excellent that John prayed that his physical health would match his spiritual vigor. To ask about one’s health was standard custom in ancient letters, but John adapted this convention in a unique manner to highlight Gaius’ vibrant spiritual state.

“Above all things” is better translated “in all respects.” Gaius was clearly a dear friend of John. His physical health is as important to John as his spiritual health.

John’s wish for Gaius to prosper has a condition on it. He knows that his soul is prospering, and John wants him blessed to that extent. Good clean living brings good health many times. Some of the diseases that we have, we bring on ourselves with the type of life we live. This is not always the case, but is true many times.

For instance, look at the problems the doctors have discovered that smoking cigarettes has brought. Another good example is the disease A.I.D.S. Not all cases are brought about by drug use and by homosexual activity, but by far most of the cases are. At least we can cut down our chances for these diseases by good clean living.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING

August 1
Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

Old Testament
Ezra 1-2  —  7.5 minutes
Proverbs 1  —  5.5 minutes

New Testament
Luke 13:1-9  —  2.0 minutes
1 Timothy 1:1-11  —  2.5 minutes
​
Total Average Read Time — 17.5 minutes