Letters Written on Our Hearts

The other day, I had such a sense of relief when I turned off the television. I had been watching the news and each new segment caused my stomach to churn. I felt helpless, overwhelmed, and anxious hearing reports of violence, injustice, and downright evil.

Not long after that, I opened my Bible to the book of Jude. There is only one chapter and twenty-five “power-packed” verses in this book. It could easily have been a description of our current day culture as reflected in the news broadcasts we are constantly bombarded with.

• “These are the grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.” Jude 1:16 NASB

When the ungodliness and immorality spoken of in these verses spill over into our own lives, whether through our own sin or through those close to us, how do we “turn that off”?

Today’s Treasure

Jude gives us the answer in verse 17, starting out with three powerful words. “But you, beloved…”. These three words, (repeated in verse 20) can help us to refocus, reset our minds, and consider how God wants us to respond to the negativity in the world. The tender reference to beloved, cloaks this teaching in gentleness and love.

• “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. Jude 1:17 NASB
• Write down a verse of Scripture that helps you remember the words spoken by the apostles.

I remembered “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:15 (b) NASB

Note: https://www.bible.org is a good resource if you need help remembering a verse! Just search for your topic or key word.

2. Verse 20 goes back to “But you, beloved…” What words of encouragement follow in verses 20-21?

Building yourselves up on _______________________________________

Keep yourselves in the __________________________________________

Waiting anxiously for ___________________________________________

The last two verses of the chapter, 24-25, shift the focus once again, this time to God.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy…to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever.
Amen.”