Journal Entry Date: June 23, 1996
“I felt led to read Jude this afternoon. God has granted my prayer… all 3 children are asleep and I’ve been able to listen to our local Christian radio station. I’ve had a very fulfilling quiet time this afternoon.
It’s remarkable to see how the Holy Spirit led the writings making up the Bible. Verse 3 in Jude is an excellent indication of this:
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 3
The human writer had in his mind to write about one thing, and the Holy Spirit nudged him in another direction.
Then I come to verses 16… makes me think of ladder-climbers…
These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.
Jude 16
Unfortunately, and sadly, this has been me at times. God is convicting me of my ungodly ways, including my intolerance I wrote of yesterday. Praise God for giving us instructions on how to live a godly life!
Jude 24-25 is a wonderful benediction!
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless 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.
Jude 24-25
Author’s Note: I spent many years working long hours, striving to climb the corporate ladder. In many ways, it worked. I continued to receive promotions and eventually had a good 6-figure salary and stock options. But God was opening my eyes to a better way. I eventually cut back to a more normal work week, took weekends off, and became overall a kinder and more engaged person. All I can say in hindsight is that God was right… His way is better!
My Abiding Life 