Study Desk

I wrote a short note to the outfit there, but Diotrephes, who likes to think of himself as some sort of ramrod, would not listen to what I had to say.

I don't think I have to say this, but don't act like that. Be better than that. Those who do good belong to God and those who act like Diotrephes, don't. Simple as that.

But, everyone I've seen speaks well of Demetrius. The truth speaks for itself, but it's nice to hear from others about the good things some people are doing.

I've got a lot more to say, but I'm tired of writing it.

Listen, pards, I wanted to write to you about this great salvation we share, but something else has come up. I feel like I need to warn you about the fight you're fixing to find yourself in.

You already know this, but let me say it again. You remember that the Lord saved everyone from Israel who was held hostage in Egypt. After they'd all escaped, the Lord decimated the unbelievers.

But even Michael, one of the strongest of God's angels, didn't dare to even condemn the devil (a one-time angel himself) with harsh words. When they were arguing over the body of Moses, Michael just said, "It ain't happening. God's gonna give you what you've got coming, Lucifer."

But people like this attack anything they don't understand with venomous insults. They are like snakes that don't know anything except to bite. The trouble is, venomous snakes that try to bite get their heads chopped off.

The deeds of their lust lie on the beach like foam after a churning sea. They are like comets shining bright, but headed for a black hole.

But don't forget what Jesus's twelve cowboys told y'all.

These are the folks who split herds. They aren't controlled by God, but by their own evil desires. The Holy Ghost ain't in them.

But you cowboys, y'all keep riding in faith. Pray with the power of the Holy Ghost.

Snatch them up quick before they land in the fire. Go easy on people, but not on sin.

I've been watching you. There's nothing I haven't seen. Don't think I didn't see the hard rides and the patience through all the rough times. I saw you had nothing to do with wicked folks—the ones who claimed to ride for me, but didn't. You tested them and found them wanting.

But I do hold this one thing against you, you don't love me or each other like you did when you first saddled up.

But don't get too discouraged. I will give you credit though, you don't like the sorry ways of the Nicolaitans any more than I do.

I know your terrible struggles and the poverty in which you've lived. Your poverty has made you rich with me. I have heard all the sorry things that have been said of you. They claim to be Jews, but their church belongs to Satan, not God.

Don't fret over the suffering that will happen soon. The devil will throw some of y'all in prison to test your courage. You will suffer for ten days, but if you remain faithful in the face of death, you will get the trophy buckle of life.

I know you live in the area where Satan has his throne, but you have remained loyal to my brand. None of you denied riding for me, even when Antipas, my trusted cowboy, was killed where Satan resides.

But don't go patting yourselves on the back just yet. You say nothing even though some around you teach things like Balaam did. He showed Balak how to get the people of Israel bucked off. He told them it was okay to eat food sacrificed to idols. He said there was nothing wrong with committing sexual sins.