Easter 4 | 1 John 3:1-10 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Philippians 4 by Bayside Worship

Lyrics:
Whatever things are true
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
I will dwell on these
Whatever things are pure
Whatever things are lovely
Whatever things are good
I will dwell on these

You remind me of Your goodness
You are the God of peace
For with little or with plenty
You supply my every need
I fix my eyes I set my gazе
On the good You’ve given mе
Whatever things are good
I will dwell on these

Whatever things are true
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
I will dwell on these
Whatever things are pure
Whatever things are lovely
Whatever things are good
I will dwell on these

You remind me of Your goodness
You are the God of peace
For with little or with plenty
You supply my every need
I fix my eyes I set my gaze
On the good You’ve given me
Whatever things are good
I will dwell on these

I know I know
You are God of peace
I know I know
You hold everything

You remind me of Your goodness
You are the God of peace
For with little or with plenty
You supply my every need

You remind me of Your goodness
You are the God of peace
For with little or with plenty
You supply my every need
I fix my eyes I set my gaze
On the good You’ve given me
Whatever things are good
I will dwell on these

Whatever things are right
Whatever things are wholesome
Whatever brings Your peace
I will dwell on these

Passage:
See what great love[a] the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears,[b] we will be like him because we will see him as he is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure.

4 Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins,[c] and there is no sin in him. 6 Everyone who remains in him does not sin;[d] everyone who sins[e] has not seen him or known him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who commits[f] sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works. 9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin,[g] because his seed remains in him; he is not able to sin,[h] because he has been born of God. 10 This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister.

Musical Reflection:
Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby

Reflection Notes:
This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

Prayer:
You, almighty Ruler, did create all things for your name’s sake; and did give food and drink to men for their enjoyment, that they may give thanks unto you: but us you have blessed with spiritual food and drink, and life eternal through your Child.
-Didache