September 30, 2010
John 5:30
V 30 I can do nothing on my own
No truer words have ever been said!..For me at least. I am finding that this is even more true lately in my life. I am almost drowning and my only means of staying afloat is hanging on to Him who strengthens me.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Children do What They See...
September 28, 2010
John 5:19-29
V 19 Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing…
I know I’m going way out on the comparative limb here. I know that in this passage Christ is affirming that He is sent by God and is doing the work of God and has authority given to Him by God. However, I was caught by the thought that Jesus “sees the Father doing.” As I thought of that I wondered if my children would be so rightly influenced by what I am doing. If they were to live their lives by what they saw me doing would that be good for them, spiritually. I must sadly admit that the answer to that is sometimes. Sometimes, they would but sometimes they would not. However, as I continually point them to Christ He will always show them how to live and walk godly. And that’s really the point…to show them Christ.
John 5:19-29
V 19 Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing…
I know I’m going way out on the comparative limb here. I know that in this passage Christ is affirming that He is sent by God and is doing the work of God and has authority given to Him by God. However, I was caught by the thought that Jesus “sees the Father doing.” As I thought of that I wondered if my children would be so rightly influenced by what I am doing. If they were to live their lives by what they saw me doing would that be good for them, spiritually. I must sadly admit that the answer to that is sometimes. Sometimes, they would but sometimes they would not. However, as I continually point them to Christ He will always show them how to live and walk godly. And that’s really the point…to show them Christ.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Compassion
September 24, 2010
John 5:1-17
V 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years
I am amazed at the contrast between Jesus and the Jews. Of course, there really isn’t any comparison between the two but in this story the fact that Jesus is compassionate and the Jews are not is glaringly obvious. This man had lived his life for 38 years with some sort of disability; in this day in time to live to be 38 was in and of itself unusual but to do so with an infirmity is even more so. According to the passage, he would go to this pool and would try to be the first one in. It was believed that the first one in when the waters were stirred would be healed. Yet, this man was never first. I can’t help thinking that no one knew of this man’s plight. No one knew that he needed help. Yet, no one came to him; no one offered him an ounce of compassion. Until he meets Jesus, and is healed. The Jewish hierarchy of the day has nothing to say except to condemn Jesus for healing on a Sabbath, and reprimand this man for carrying his bed roll. What? Yet, are we different. How many times have we ignored someone who needed help? How many times have we begrudged someone something because we thought they didn’t need it or worse wished we had it? Unfortunately, I’m afraid that on occasion we have a lot in common with the Jews.
John 5:1-17
V 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years
I am amazed at the contrast between Jesus and the Jews. Of course, there really isn’t any comparison between the two but in this story the fact that Jesus is compassionate and the Jews are not is glaringly obvious. This man had lived his life for 38 years with some sort of disability; in this day in time to live to be 38 was in and of itself unusual but to do so with an infirmity is even more so. According to the passage, he would go to this pool and would try to be the first one in. It was believed that the first one in when the waters were stirred would be healed. Yet, this man was never first. I can’t help thinking that no one knew of this man’s plight. No one knew that he needed help. Yet, no one came to him; no one offered him an ounce of compassion. Until he meets Jesus, and is healed. The Jewish hierarchy of the day has nothing to say except to condemn Jesus for healing on a Sabbath, and reprimand this man for carrying his bed roll. What? Yet, are we different. How many times have we ignored someone who needed help? How many times have we begrudged someone something because we thought they didn’t need it or worse wished we had it? Unfortunately, I’m afraid that on occasion we have a lot in common with the Jews.
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Believing....
September 23, 2010
John 4:46-54
V 50…the man believed the work that Jesus spoke to him
A distraught man, possibly a soldier in the Roman army, is chasing after Jesus in order that Jesus could heal his son. I think that’s it’s interesting that this man knew where to go in times of trouble. Same is true with us; when we have trouble we know where to go, to Jesus. However, unlike this man; we don’t always believe. This man immediately knew that Jesus had healed his son. He asked and knew that Jesus would answer. I think that sometimes when we pray we only half-way do it, never really expecting that God could answer. Now we would never say that because we KNOW that God answers prayers but our actions speak louder. When instead, of letting God work in the situation we try to fix it ourselves. This man turned around and left believing; he knew there was nothing else he could do, Jesus had done it all.
John 4:46-54
V 50…the man believed the work that Jesus spoke to him
A distraught man, possibly a soldier in the Roman army, is chasing after Jesus in order that Jesus could heal his son. I think that’s it’s interesting that this man knew where to go in times of trouble. Same is true with us; when we have trouble we know where to go, to Jesus. However, unlike this man; we don’t always believe. This man immediately knew that Jesus had healed his son. He asked and knew that Jesus would answer. I think that sometimes when we pray we only half-way do it, never really expecting that God could answer. Now we would never say that because we KNOW that God answers prayers but our actions speak louder. When instead, of letting God work in the situation we try to fix it ourselves. This man turned around and left believing; he knew there was nothing else he could do, Jesus had done it all.
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bravery in Unusual Places...
September 21, 2010
John 4:15-45
V 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…
The fact that this woman came to the well in the middle of the day in the sweltering heat meant that she wanted to avoid people; probably due to the fact of her sordid history. In this day in age, the fact that she was living with someone to whom she wasn’t married wouldn’t be unusual. However, in her day it was pretty much unheard of. Yet, still Jesus started a conversation with her and actually chose to make her the first person to whom he admitted to being the Christ. This woman whose life and reputation was less than stellar; yet, she was more than just a woman with a bad reputation. Instead, of hiding what she had learned she went and told everyone. She had to face people that she had tried to avoid, but she went to them and told of all she had learned. Through her willingness to tell others were saved. Are we willing to tell what God had done for us, what we know of Jesus like this brave woman or are we scared?
John 4:15-45
V 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…
The fact that this woman came to the well in the middle of the day in the sweltering heat meant that she wanted to avoid people; probably due to the fact of her sordid history. In this day in age, the fact that she was living with someone to whom she wasn’t married wouldn’t be unusual. However, in her day it was pretty much unheard of. Yet, still Jesus started a conversation with her and actually chose to make her the first person to whom he admitted to being the Christ. This woman whose life and reputation was less than stellar; yet, she was more than just a woman with a bad reputation. Instead, of hiding what she had learned she went and told everyone. She had to face people that she had tried to avoid, but she went to them and told of all she had learned. Through her willingness to tell others were saved. Are we willing to tell what God had done for us, what we know of Jesus like this brave woman or are we scared?
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Monday, September 20, 2010
Living Water...
September 20, 2010
John 4:1-14
V 6…so Jesus, wearied as he was from His journey, was sitting beside the well
V 9 “How is it that you a Jew ask for a drink from me?”
Two things stand out to me in this passage: one, Jesus was tired and two He was willing to go to anyone with the gospel. It’s easy to forget Jesus’ humanity; I mean, hello, He’s God, but never forget human too. It is in His humanity that we can look to for help when our trials are too hard and long. It is in His humanity that we can see that we can overcome sin in our lives, and of course, it is in His humanity that He takes our sin to the cross for our salvation. He desires that all come to Him; not just the pretty or just the rich, or just the popular but everyone. In fact, Jesus often went out of His way to go to those that society considered unworthy. Perhaps, this was for us also. Perhaps, we are to see that maybe we aren’t unworthy of knowing Christ; maybe our sin isn’t too great for Christ’s salvation. Maybe we need to learn not to turn our noses at others that we consider unworthy. Before God we are all the same, sinners who have had the “living
John 4:1-14
V 6…so Jesus, wearied as he was from His journey, was sitting beside the well
V 9 “How is it that you a Jew ask for a drink from me?”
Two things stand out to me in this passage: one, Jesus was tired and two He was willing to go to anyone with the gospel. It’s easy to forget Jesus’ humanity; I mean, hello, He’s God, but never forget human too. It is in His humanity that we can look to for help when our trials are too hard and long. It is in His humanity that we can see that we can overcome sin in our lives, and of course, it is in His humanity that He takes our sin to the cross for our salvation. He desires that all come to Him; not just the pretty or just the rich, or just the popular but everyone. In fact, Jesus often went out of His way to go to those that society considered unworthy. Perhaps, this was for us also. Perhaps, we are to see that maybe we aren’t unworthy of knowing Christ; maybe our sin isn’t too great for Christ’s salvation. Maybe we need to learn not to turn our noses at others that we consider unworthy. Before God we are all the same, sinners who have had the “living
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My Journey
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Gift Beyond Measure...
September 15, 2010
John 3:22-36
V 34 For he whom God has sent utters words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure
These verses deal with John’s followers who were upset that Jesus might be growing more popular than him. This, of course, didn’t concern John because he always knew that “one was coming after him that was greater”. However, his followers didn’t agree. This disagreement leads John to get into this lengthy discussion on how qualified Jesus was. Verse 34 deals with Jesus and the fact that God gave Him the Holy Spirit. What I found interesting is that He got the Holy Spirit “without measure”. Meaning he got all of it. The same can be said of us; at salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit. To lead us and guide us; how often do we take advantage of this gift?
John 3:22-36
V 34 For he whom God has sent utters words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure
These verses deal with John’s followers who were upset that Jesus might be growing more popular than him. This, of course, didn’t concern John because he always knew that “one was coming after him that was greater”. However, his followers didn’t agree. This disagreement leads John to get into this lengthy discussion on how qualified Jesus was. Verse 34 deals with Jesus and the fact that God gave Him the Holy Spirit. What I found interesting is that He got the Holy Spirit “without measure”. Meaning he got all of it. The same can be said of us; at salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit. To lead us and guide us; how often do we take advantage of this gift?
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My Journey
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Being a Light...
September 14, 2010
John 3:16-21
V 19…the light has come into the world…
Absolutely, no doubt about it, this verse is referring to Jesus and through His birth He brings salvation to us. Those of us who have been saved are called to be the “light”. Through our lives and actions others will see Jesus. This is a daunting task to me because I know that many times my actions and life doesn’t always show Jesus. I wish it weren’t true but alas it is. Matthew 5:14-16 says “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. Some days I’m a good old-fashioned 100 watt bulb, but sometimes I’m a new swirly 30 watt bulb. Same Holy Spirit residing in me both days so there’s no excuse for this; it’s all a matter of sin. So, maybe, we should ask ourselves each day “how is our lights shining today?”
John 3:16-21
V 19…the light has come into the world…
Absolutely, no doubt about it, this verse is referring to Jesus and through His birth He brings salvation to us. Those of us who have been saved are called to be the “light”. Through our lives and actions others will see Jesus. This is a daunting task to me because I know that many times my actions and life doesn’t always show Jesus. I wish it weren’t true but alas it is. Matthew 5:14-16 says “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. Some days I’m a good old-fashioned 100 watt bulb, but sometimes I’m a new swirly 30 watt bulb. Same Holy Spirit residing in me both days so there’s no excuse for this; it’s all a matter of sin. So, maybe, we should ask ourselves each day “how is our lights shining today?”
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Being Faithfull...
September 13, 2010
2 Timothy2:13 If we are faithless He remains faithful…
“If we are faithless” meaning we could go either way; we could choose to remain in God’s will for our lives, whatever that may be, or we could choose to allow bitterness to grow within us as we dwell on our situations. This is our choice. That choice may come in one blinding moment or in simple seconds that pile up on each other until we end up in a place we no longer recognize; until we become someone we no longer know. We choose daily whether we will honor and obey what God has brought to us or whether we will rebel and refuse to accept His will. Our joy is ours to give away or to keep. The truly blessed thing is that either way we go God is faithful. He never turns from us, ever. Psalms 94:14 says “For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will not abandon His heritage.”
2 Timothy2:13 If we are faithless He remains faithful…
“If we are faithless” meaning we could go either way; we could choose to remain in God’s will for our lives, whatever that may be, or we could choose to allow bitterness to grow within us as we dwell on our situations. This is our choice. That choice may come in one blinding moment or in simple seconds that pile up on each other until we end up in a place we no longer recognize; until we become someone we no longer know. We choose daily whether we will honor and obey what God has brought to us or whether we will rebel and refuse to accept His will. Our joy is ours to give away or to keep. The truly blessed thing is that either way we go God is faithful. He never turns from us, ever. Psalms 94:14 says “For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will not abandon His heritage.”
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Thursday, September 9, 2010
As the Wind Blows...
September 9, 2010
John 3:1-15
V 8 The wind blows where it wishes…
Today this fits my mood. I know in my heart that God’s plans for me are for my good, and that they are made to grow me to be more Christ-like and through them I will prosper. However, it’s sometimes hard to see that while we are in the growing phase. “Wind” is actually a reference to the Spirit. He goes to whom He wishes; He both gives and takes away. We will experience plenty and we will experience thirst, and through it all He holds us carefully in His hand. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that.
John 3:1-15
V 8 The wind blows where it wishes…
Today this fits my mood. I know in my heart that God’s plans for me are for my good, and that they are made to grow me to be more Christ-like and through them I will prosper. However, it’s sometimes hard to see that while we are in the growing phase. “Wind” is actually a reference to the Spirit. He goes to whom He wishes; He both gives and takes away. We will experience plenty and we will experience thirst, and through it all He holds us carefully in His hand. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Heart of Man...
September 4, 2010
John 2:23:25
V 25…for he himself knew what was in man
No matter how I might smile and pretend that all is ok—Jesus knows what is truly in my heart. He knows my innermost thoughts; what I hide from others. This hurts me; this thought that I can’t hide my worst from the one who has done so much for me. How I would like to appear better than I am to the one who died so that I might live, but I cannot.
John 2:23:25
V 25…for he himself knew what was in man
No matter how I might smile and pretend that all is ok—Jesus knows what is truly in my heart. He knows my innermost thoughts; what I hide from others. This hurts me; this thought that I can’t hide my worst from the one who has done so much for me. How I would like to appear better than I am to the one who died so that I might live, but I cannot.
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Friday, September 3, 2010
Cleansing the Temple...
September 3, 2010
John 2:13-22
V 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple…
I love this story of Jesus. I think that this tells a different side of Jesus that the world would sometimes like to forget. The world will portray Jesus as a weak man, I’m speaking in terms of physical strength, they deny that He is God and inherently strong. No doubt that He kept His strength in check and of course was never cruel, but He was a strong man who took the reverence of God’s temple seriously. This verse tells us that He “made a whip”; He was very angry at how the Jewish people were making money in the place they should have been worshipping God. He was righteously angry that His Father’s house would be desecrated in this manner, and of course, He never sinned in His anger, He wasn’t mean but He did manage to get His point across quickly. That amazes me; since, I can’t seem to get through a day without sinning in my anger!! How about you?
John 2:13-22
V 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple…
I love this story of Jesus. I think that this tells a different side of Jesus that the world would sometimes like to forget. The world will portray Jesus as a weak man, I’m speaking in terms of physical strength, they deny that He is God and inherently strong. No doubt that He kept His strength in check and of course was never cruel, but He was a strong man who took the reverence of God’s temple seriously. This verse tells us that He “made a whip”; He was very angry at how the Jewish people were making money in the place they should have been worshipping God. He was righteously angry that His Father’s house would be desecrated in this manner, and of course, He never sinned in His anger, He wasn’t mean but He did manage to get His point across quickly. That amazes me; since, I can’t seem to get through a day without sinning in my anger!! How about you?
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My Journey
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Jesus provides...
September 2, 2010
John 1:35-51-2:1-12
V …But you have kept the good wine until now
In this vast passage of John I read today, there is Jesus’ first earthly miracle, changing the water to wine at Cana. Apparently at the reception of a wedding that both Jesus and his mother, Mary, attended they ran out of wine. When the servants told this to Mary, she sent them to the only one who could do anything about it, Jesus. He tells the servants to fill jars to the top with water, and that water became wine. Naturally when Jesus turns water to wine, it isn’t bad wine or even mediocre wine, but “good wine.” The custom of the day was to serve good wine first and then later in the evening put out the not so good wine. However, Jesus gave them “good” wine. This is so true with everything he gives to us. We can rest assured that no matter what flows from his hand to ours, it is good.
John 1:35-51-2:1-12
V …But you have kept the good wine until now
In this vast passage of John I read today, there is Jesus’ first earthly miracle, changing the water to wine at Cana. Apparently at the reception of a wedding that both Jesus and his mother, Mary, attended they ran out of wine. When the servants told this to Mary, she sent them to the only one who could do anything about it, Jesus. He tells the servants to fill jars to the top with water, and that water became wine. Naturally when Jesus turns water to wine, it isn’t bad wine or even mediocre wine, but “good wine.” The custom of the day was to serve good wine first and then later in the evening put out the not so good wine. However, Jesus gave them “good” wine. This is so true with everything he gives to us. We can rest assured that no matter what flows from his hand to ours, it is good.
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My Journey
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Fullfillment of Faith...
September 1, 2010
John 1:19-34
V 32…I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and it remained on him
I like this picture of the Holy Spirit like a dove. John had merely been doing what he had been called to do. To prepare the way for one that was greater than him, and he was. This would have been a great moment; for him to see God fulfilling His promise. Sometimes God gives us these kinds of moments, those times when we know that what we have believed in is true. Sometimes we actually get to see the fulfillment of our promises. And sometimes we just have to believe even if we never see; that is faith.
John 1:19-34
V 32…I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and it remained on him
I like this picture of the Holy Spirit like a dove. John had merely been doing what he had been called to do. To prepare the way for one that was greater than him, and he was. This would have been a great moment; for him to see God fulfilling His promise. Sometimes God gives us these kinds of moments, those times when we know that what we have believed in is true. Sometimes we actually get to see the fulfillment of our promises. And sometimes we just have to believe even if we never see; that is faith.
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My Journey
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