Dear followers of the Son,

God bless you today. Do you like spiders? Well, I sure don't, especially when they surprise me in the shower! First instinct is to holler for my husband to come get the creature! I shiver, not from the cold, but from how close the thing was to falling from the ceiling into my hair! I was rescued and all is well. Ha Ha! That does not mean I am eager to have a run in with another one.

Today we are taking a look with John about those who deny the truth of Christ, even the ones going to our churches. Really! Antichrists are those who seek to take the place of Christ. False teachers who opposed the apostle Johns teachings. They were then, forerunners of the future Antichrist that is spoken of in Revelation. Reading 1 John 2:18-19..."Little children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us." Whoever these people were, their "faith" fizzled out and they probably took weaker christians with them. That is my guess. A lot like today, with all the fractures and disunity in the body of Christ, it must grieve the heart of God.

When we are in harmony with the gospel message and with the fellowship, we live faithful. An antagonist of Jesus Christ denies and refuses to acknowledge the Father and the Son. That is how we know. Be decerning in these last days brothers and sisters because without warning, like that scary, black spider, we may find ourselves outside the fellowship chasing and never catching. Do you understand what I mean? The spider this morning was a clear picture for me of what should be my first response reaction when confronted by sin and false teaching. Holler out for the Lord Jesus to save you! Quickly discard, scrap, reject, the lies and deceptions in the name of Jesus!

Verse 20-21..."But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth." The Bible tells us we can know the Truth and it will set us free! Believe, trust in, adhere to and cling to this! You and I are anointed by the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus and He gives us discernment for these last hours.

Verse 22..."Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son." Anymore, this is the question I am asking more often..."Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?" If they say, "Yes" then, I can know that when they say they are Christians...they really are. This seems to settle things quickly one way or the other. Be courageous and seek truth. Don't take words for granted. Seek the Truth.

Verse 23..."Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also." Plain enough to understand is it not? A person cannot worship God while denying Jesus' full deity and full humanity! What do you believe?

What would have happened if I'd let the spider do what I thought it wanted? Well, one case senario would be that it was washed down the drain, but that is still creepy to me. In my imagination it is gripping to the side of the drain, waiting for another opportunity to give me a good hard bite. So, it got squished! Sorry, all you who love "all" God's creatures. Yep, it got taken out quickly. In reality, the spider is probably more scared of you and I! Just like the enemy, a real coward? Sometimes we forget our place in the kingdom of God. We are mighty in force with His Son and filled with His Spirit!

Pray with me...Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are Holy and we come to You. Please show us the way and anoint us with fresh oil from Your throne of grace. Fill us with Holy Spirit, wisdom and understanding in these the last days. Make us useful in the community of believers. Vessels of honor for the Master's use. Jesus hold tight our hand as we walk among the unseen forces of darkness. Empower us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We give you honor and praise today and come under Your shadow of Your wings. You are our safe place. Thank you in the matchless name of Jesus, Your Son, amen.

God bless you till we meet again. Love in Christ, Patricia. Abundance is...no more deceived