3 John 1:10 NKJV
Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.



3 John 1:10 provides a powerful example of apostolic correction and healthy leadership. John is writing to Gaius, whom he commends for welcoming traveling ministers and supporting the work of the gospel. In contrast, he describes a leader named Diotrephes, who had developed a pattern of prideful and controlling behavior within the church.

When John says, “If I come, I will call to mind his deeds,” he is not threatening revenge or destruction. Rather, he is saying that he intends to bring these matters into the light and hold Diotrephes accountable. John demonstrates that genuine spiritual authority does not ignore harmful behavior, but neither does it seek personal vengeance. It seeks truth, correction, and restoration of proper order.

John first addresses the fact that Diotrephes was “prating against us with malicious words.” The word “prating” refers to empty, foolish, or harmful speech. Diotrephes was apparently spreading accusations and speaking negatively about John and the other apostles. These were not sincere concerns or doctrinal discussions. John specifically calls them “malicious words,” indicating that they were intended to damage reputations and undermine legitimate ministry.

John then says that Diotrephes was “not content with that.” In other words, the problem extended beyond his speech. Diotrephes also refused to receive fellow believers and traveling ministers. In the early church, hospitality was a vital part of supporting gospel work. By refusing to receive these brethren, Diotrephes was resisting ministry that John himself endorsed.

The situation became even more serious because Diotrephes was not merely refusing them personally. He was actively preventing others from receiving them as well. He sought to control who people could support, who they could fellowship with, and who they could hear from. This reveals that the root issue was not doctrine but a desire for control and preeminence. John had already identified this motive in verse 9 when he said that Diotrephes “loves to have the preeminence.”

Finally, John notes that Diotrephes was putting people out of the church for showing hospitality to these ministers. Those who disagreed with him or chose to support the brethren risked exclusion. This represents an abuse of spiritual authority. Rather than serving the flock, Diotrephes was using his position to dominate and isolate people.

The larger lesson is that spiritual leadership is never meant to be built upon control, intimidation, or the desire to be first. Diotrephes serves as a warning of what can happen when pride enters leadership. His actions included attacking fellow servants of God, restricting fellowship, controlling relationships, and punishing those who disagreed with him.

Jesus taught a completely different model of leadership. He said that the greatest among His followers would be servants. Kingdom leadership is not about controlling access to God, controlling information, or controlling people. It is about serving others and helping them grow in Christ.

One of the most interesting aspects of this passage is what John chooses to confront. The problem was not that Diotrephes showed too much mercy or too much kindness. The problem was that he used his influence to reject, exclude, and isolate believers. In many ways, John is actually defending fellowship here. He is standing up for believers who desired to receive and support fellow workers in Christ.

The chapter concludes with John’s exhortation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (3 John 1:11). John’s goal is not simply to expose a bad example. His goal is to direct believers toward a better one. Scripture often does this. God not only shows us what to avoid, but also what to become.

For me, one of the most encouraging lessons from this passage is seeing how John handled the situation. He did not launch a public crusade of destruction. He did not tell everyone to hate Diotrephes. He simply identified the behavior, brought it into the light, and trusted godly accountability to address the problem. That balance of truth, courage, and restraint remains a valuable model for Christian leaders today.

New App is Nice! thanks

“Beauty and surprise can live in the same garden.
Not everything that startles you is sent to harm you… some things just remind you to stay aware.”

Don't pray against leaders.

Pray for them, and if they don't fit the role, pray that God will open up
doors for them to for service where they could be a greater blessing.

Pray that He'll put people in that can handle that that battle correctly.

—> But stop talking, texting, swaggering with your little commentaries against your brethren. It's not befitting for a Christian behavior and it's actually quenching the spirit.

And you're useless in spiritual warfare if you're a quencher rather than a
contributor.

That's my exhortation!

Lance Wallnau

That means our lives, faith, obedience, and callings will still matter in heaven’s story. Not in a prideful or earthly sense, but in a way that celebrates what God accomplished through us. Heaven is filled with worship, but worship doesn’t erase individuality — it redeems it.

Perhaps one could imagine the Apostle Paul saying with joy,

“Andrew, meet a fellow servant who carried the Counselor’s heart on earth — one who helped the broken learn the language of the Kingdom.”

And Andrew might reply,

“Ah, yes. One who walked with wisdom and compassion — I’ve heard of that kind.”

Heaven is not a place of forgetting but of fulfilled remembering. The pain and shame of the past will be gone, yet the story of redemption will remain forever precious. When Revelation 15:3 says the redeemed sing “the song of Moses and the Lamb,” it means they are remembering deliverance — celebrating what God did in time, for eternity.

Each of us will be known there — not for titles, accomplishments, or earthly recognition, but for the fragrance of obedience that rose from a surrendered life. And all of heaven will rejoice in that.

News Flash: Different Does Not Mean Stupid

“If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.” (1 Corinthians 12:17–18, ESV)

In our fast-paced and opinionated world, it is easy to dismiss those who think differently from us. But God’s Word reminds us that the Body of Christ is made up of many members, each with a unique perspective and purpose. To call someone “stupid” simply because they don’t share our viewpoint is not only unkind .. it is unbiblical.

Jesus warned against judging by appearances (John 7:24). Paul urged us to consider others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). And love — the highest calling — is never rude or arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4–5).

Different doesn’t mean wrong. Different doesn’t mean foolish. Sometimes, God uses a voice unlike ours to correct, complete, or stretch us. Humility makes room for that.

Point to Ponder:

Where have I been tempted to dismiss someone because they thought differently than me? How might God be using their perspective to shape me?

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Father, forgive me for the times I have judged harshly or quickly. Teach me to value the unique voices You place in my path. Give me humility to listen, wisdom to discern, and love to honor those who see things differently.

I Declare:

I will walk in humility. I will honor the differences God has placed in others. I will love, listen, and learn, for God has arranged each member of His body with purpose.

Sj

Find Your Tribe

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”
— Hebrews 13:7 NKJV

The Lord never intended us to walk this journey of faith alone. Just as sheep are safest in the flock, believers are safest when they walk with the voices God has appointed to guide and strengthen them. Choosing your teachers in the Body of Christ is not something to take lightly. It requires prayer, fasting, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Over time, He will highlight a handful of voices that carry the teaching and impartation you need. Some will bring balance with different perspectives; others may flow from the same stream of thought. The key is to stay faithful and rooted, honoring those whom God has placed in your path — even when you may not agree with every detail.

There may be times you need to step away from certain voices, but do so quietly and with respect. Remember, every servant of the Lord carries scars from their obedience. The world opposes the saints, and yes, sometimes even sheep bite. But when you find your tribe … your safe circle of teachers and fellow believer … you’ll find strength, covering, and protection in numbers.

Points to Ponder:

Who are the voices God has highlighted in your life to help guide your walk? Have you taken time to pray and confirm your “tribe” with the Lord?

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Lord, thank You for the teachers and leaders You have placed in the Body of Christ. Help me to hear Your voice clearly as I pray and fast for direction. Lead me to the voices that will strengthen, equip, and protect me. Teach me to honor Your servants, even when I don’t understand everything. Keep me faithful to the path You’ve set before me, and surround me with a tribe that sharpens my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John G Lake shares: God's power on man...

I was in a meeting in Los Angeles on one occasion. An old black man was conducting the services. He had the funniest vocabulary. But I want to tell you, there were doctors, lawyers, and professors listening to marvelous things coming from his lips. It was not what he said in words; it was what he said from his spirit to my heart that showed me he had more of God in his life than any man I had ever met up to that time. It was God in him who was attracting people. One man insisted on getting up and talking every little while. Some people have a mania for talking. The old black brother endured it for a long time.

Finally, the fellow got up again, and the old man stuck his finger out and said, "In the Name of Jesus Christ, sit down!" The man did not sit down. He fell down. And his friends carried him out. That is only one of the living facts of what Christianity is: the divine power of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, filling a man's soul and body, flashing through his nature like holy flame, accomplishing the will of God.

Guarding the Treasure

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (NASB)

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The Treasure of Pearls

Jesus uses “pearls” to describe what is holy, pure, and valuable—truths, revelations, and experiences God has entrusted to you. A pearl’s beauty and worth are obvious to those who value it, but meaningless to those who can’t or won’t see its value.

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Recognizing a “Swine” Moment

This verse isn’t a license to insult people; it’s a call to discernment. A “swine” moment is when a person is:
• Closed in Heart – They reject God’s truth outright.
• Mocking the Sacred – They ridicule holy things rather than considering them.
• Aggressively Resistant – They respond to truth with hostility, not hunger.
• Unwilling to Change – They want to argue, not grow.

These moments are more about a person’s current posture toward truth than their permanent identity.

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The Wisdom of Withholding

When someone cannot or will not value what you’re offering, continuing to press can:
• Waste time and energy God intended elsewhere.
• Cause unnecessary conflict.
• Invite attacks that harm your witness.

Even Jesus didn’t always reveal everything—He told His disciples, “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12).

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How to Walk This Out
1. Pray First – Ask the Holy Spirit if this is the right time and place to share.
2. Test the Soil – Share something small and see if it’s received with openness.
3. Recognize Resistance – If there’s mockery or hostility, step back.
4. Protect Your Heart – Guard the treasures God has given you.
5. Trust God’s Timing – A hard heart today could be softened tomorrow.

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Prayer

Lord, give me discernment to know when to speak and when to stay silent. Help me treasure the truths You’ve given me, and lead me to those whose hearts are ready to receive them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Reflection Question

Is there someone in your life right now where you need to step back and let God prepare the soil before you share more truth?

Sj

You get what you put into it!

Mark 4:24 NKJV
Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Living Commentary
Andrew Wommack

This is the same truth that is expressed in the next verse. The way we respond to what the Lord speaks to us determines how much more we will get. Why would the Lord give us more revelation of truth if we aren't using what we already have? That would just make us more accountable and increase the devil's attacks against us ([Mark 4:17](mark:4:17)). We get out of God's Word proportional to what we put into it.
Andrew Womack

The spirit filled Bible note says:

Jesus appeals for spiritual perception. Those who receive and assimilate truth will have their capacity for understanding enlarged and their knowledge increased. Those who disbelieve or are indifferent will lose whatever ability for understanding they had, and therefore will continue in ignorance.

Hi, I joined a while back but have never really participated. I work full time and have a ministry online, so i keep pretty busy. But, I do believe that the Lord brings about divine connections.

Right now, honestly, the thing most on my mind today is whether or not the Lord wants me to address some of these people who are making accusations against members of the Body Christ.. or to just leave them be. Right now, I do try to say a little something in the middle of a conversation where people of all types are bashing christian ministers… but I don’t make my posts antagonistic. I just sort of encourage them to make sure they are correct because we all face Jesus with our actions. These things are bringing a lot of discord to the Body of Christ.

Sj

Romans 11:29 NKJV
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Remembering 2 Kings 6: where the servant saw the enemy surrounding him, but the prophet prayed for God to open the servants eyes so the servant could see the great number of angels around them.

Lord, open our eyes

The thing is on my mind is seeing the power of God change lives, and perhaps turn the world upside down again.