1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 8: 31-47
3) Devotional:
Rose colored glasses. . .it's amazing how good things look when you're wearing them! So often life experiences shade our perceptions. Things that are clearly questionable to some people, may appear completely acceptable to others. Rose colored glasses can make even a formidable lie seem like a great truth.
In this passage, Jesus makes a pretty profound statement, when He says "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." In this sense - life should imitate art. The life of a true follower of Jesus should clearly reflect His teachings, for actions do speak louder than words. If we have truly encountered the life giving power of Jesus Christ, our lives should reflect it. No bondage or slavery to sin, but freedom to live out our love for our Father in heaven, and His love immense love for us, His children. Not living as a slave - means taking off the glasses and seeing life the way God as laid it out for us, and not creating our own reality. Calling sin a sin, and not making excuses. Like I said above - life has a way of shading our perceptions - clouding up our glasses! Living in truth causes the steam to clear.
4) Questions to Consider:
When was the last time you carefully took a spiritual inventory? Are there questionable things in your life that you've made excuses for? Why don't you stop right now, and ask God through His Holy Spirit to remove your "glasses" so you can see yourself the way He does. It can make a difference!!
5) Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Help me Lord to see my life from your vantage point, and not my own. May your truth set me free to love you even more. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
John 8: 21-30
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) ScriptureReading
3) Devotional:
I hate it when traffic is slow. The other day I was driving to work and there was construction. I knew that there would be someone directing traffic up ahead, and sure enough there was a police officer doing just that. Right then, I had a thought. What if I just went and did what I want and ignored the policeman? He can’t physically compete with the power of my Nissan Sentra! If he got in my way, he couldn’t physically stop it. As you can guess,
I didn’t run down the nice policeman, but I had another thought, the reason why I stop, isn’t because the policeman has the physical power to stop my car…but because he has authority. Authority is delegated power. The state and local government gave this policeman authority, so when he tells me to stop, he is backed by the authority that comes from those institutions. In the same way, Jesus did nothing on his own authority, but by the delegated power of God. Whatever God did, He did, whatever God said, He said, whoever God revealed Himself too responded to Jesus.
You and I function under similar authority. We have been given the delegated power of God. Power to pray, desire Jesus and to become more like Him. And we have the ability to do nothing that we don’t see God doing. Right now, at this moment, as you read this God is doing something, and He wants to invite you to participate in that. Will you join Him?
4) Questions to Consider:
What is God doing right now? In your family, in your home, in your heart? What response is He asking for?
5) Prayer:
Jesus, show me what you are doing, that I might join you and adjust my life to your will.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
2) Scripture
21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” 25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
3) Devotional:
I hate it when traffic is slow. The other day I was driving to work and there was construction. I knew that there would be someone directing traffic up ahead, and sure enough there was a police officer doing just that. Right then, I had a thought. What if I just went and did what I want and ignored the policeman? He can’t physically compete with the power of my Nissan Sentra! If he got in my way, he couldn’t physically stop it. As you can guess,
I didn’t run down the nice policeman, but I had another thought, the reason why I stop, isn’t because the policeman has the physical power to stop my car…but because he has authority. Authority is delegated power. The state and local government gave this policeman authority, so when he tells me to stop, he is backed by the authority that comes from those institutions. In the same way, Jesus did nothing on his own authority, but by the delegated power of God. Whatever God did, He did, whatever God said, He said, whoever God revealed Himself too responded to Jesus.
You and I function under similar authority. We have been given the delegated power of God. Power to pray, desire Jesus and to become more like Him. And we have the ability to do nothing that we don’t see God doing. Right now, at this moment, as you read this God is doing something, and He wants to invite you to participate in that. Will you join Him?
4) Questions to Consider:
What is God doing right now? In your family, in your home, in your heart? What response is He asking for?
5) Prayer:
Jesus, show me what you are doing, that I might join you and adjust my life to your will.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
John 8:12-20
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”
“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
3) Devotional: Have you ever met someone who said something that was true, but you did not believe them? I am sure that you have. And when the truth was discovered, you were embarrassed or ashamed for insisting that the person was wrong. Sometimes there is even a tangible consequence for being wrong.
Jesus, by claiming to be the light of the world and claiming that God the Father is his actual father, is claiming to be God. The Pharisees did not believe Jesus, but it did not make them right. In fact they were dead wrong. But they had their minds made up that Jesus was a blasphemer and not God. No matter what Jesus said or how many people believed Him or how many miracles He did, the Pharisees were not going to believe in Him. They may have never experienced the earthly shame or embarrassment of being wrong but they would experience the ultimate eternal consequence as they stood before God on the judgment day.
Believe in Jesus and you will know peace. Believe in Jesus and you will know truth. Believe Jesus and you will know your eternal future is secure.
4) Questions to Consider: Do you know Jesus? Have you trusted Him for eternity? These are the most important questions you will ever be asked. I hope you can say YES!
5) Prayer: Jesus, I believe that You are God and the One who has saved me from my sins by Your sacrifice on the cross. Help me to know You better and strengthen my faith so that my can fully trust in what You have promised, eternal life in heaven, In your name I pray. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Friday, June 24, 2011
John 7:45-53
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading
45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?” 46 The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” 47 The Pharisees then answered them, “You have not also been led astray, have you? 48 No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? 49 But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” 50 (Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) *said to them, 51 “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” 52 They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee , are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee .” 53 Everyone went to his home.
3) Devotional: In this passage, the Pharisees and temple leaders sent men from the temple guard to arrest Jesus, but they returned empty-handed because they were astonished at the power and authority with which Jesus spoke. What ensues afterward is almost comical in the level of the Pharisees’ oblivious denial: they will hear nothing which challenges their power and contradicts their already-formed opinions about Jesus, and will justify away and argue down anything which contradicts them. It takes Nicodemus (who is a Pharisee and who met with Jesus earlier in John 3) confronting the other Pharisees with the writings of their own laws, which the Pharisees selectively interpret as it most benefits them, to bring their vendetta to a halt this time. It’s as if the Pharisees have already made up their mind about what the Messiah will look like long before Jesus appears, and because he does not fit their mold and because he challenges them, they will not even consider Him.
We have the same ability to do this with Jesus when he intrudes into the ordered ideals and preconceptions of our lives, and especially when he contradicts our values and expectations. In our modern culture especially, as we search and hope for Messiahs in every corner of life, we have often allied Jesus with many things that have nothing to do with the real Jesus. We often expect Jesus to sanctify our cultural, socioeconomic, and personal agendas of power and control, when He actually has intentions to the contrary. Sometimes, in arguing with ourselves and others about why the Messiah just wouldn’t look or act this way, we miss Jesus Himself at work in our midst.
4) Questions to Consider: Have you ever made a decision or formed an opinion about someone long before you meet them or give them a chance? What about God- what happens when He doesn’t act like you thought He would, or do the things you want him to, or appear how you are expecting Him to? How does this challenge your belief or faith?
5) Prayer: Jesus, help me never miss you at work, even when it contradicts my expectations and religious ideals, and give me the humility and perservance to be always found seeking you while you may be found. Amen.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
John 7:37-44
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading
3) Devotional: In April 1775, Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that "the British were coming" by sea, to arrest them for supporting the growing insurgency, that one year later became the United States of America. The Sons of Liberty tower of Christ Church in Boston Adams and Hancock safe, and prepared the people for what was to come. . .
In a similar way, the bible says that Jesus stood up on the last day of the Feast in Jerusalem
I wonder how many of Paul Revere's contemporaries lost their lives or land, because they failed to pay attention to those famous words. . . the British are coming, much like people today, who miss out on the manifest presence of God, by glossing over the significance of Jesus' words "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." Those words meant something to Jesus, for us, and they still do today. It's why he stood up and spoke in a LOUD voice. He wanted to get people's attention.
4) Questions to ConsiderIs our Lord trying to speak something into your life? Has he spoken loudly through either His word, prayer, a friend or a church sermon? Pay attention. Write it down. Acknowledge it before Him. Allow it to be living water!
5) PrayerLord Jesus, help me to hear you when you call. Let me never grow weary of heeding the warnings you send my way. Than you for loving me, and caring for my heart and life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
John 7:25-36
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) ScriptureReading
3) Devotional:
I am a child of the 90’s. What does that mean? It means I watched t.v. from the 90’s, listened to music from the 90’s, and watched movies from the 90’s. One of my favorite movies from that time period was a movie called Clueless, starring the adolescent love of my life, Alicia Silverstone. The film is actually a clever retelling of Jane Austin’s novel Emma, but with some modern twists. One such twist, is the language. There was an entirely new language that you had to learn to understand what the characters were saying. One such word was Monet, as in “That girl is such a Monet.” Meaning? Like in the paintings of Monet, she would look good from far away, but a mess up close. This is what is happening to Jesus. From far away the people are looking at Jesus and thinking that he is their political liberator, but up close He reveals the true mess that they are in. He shows them that they are in need of spiritual awakening, salvation and forgiveness. Jesus’ message and mission is often misunderstood. From a certain distance it looks good, but when we allow His message and mission to intersect with our lives it is certain upheaval. Yet, when the message of Jesus begins to take root in our lives and bring life change, the mess it brings is temporary, but the healing and restoration that comes will be eternal.
4) Questions to Consider:
How has following Jesus messed you up recently? If not, why is that?
5) Prayer:
Father, let our faith be something that continually causes us to evaluate our priorities, our life and our passions.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
2) Scripture
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem
The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
I am a child of the 90’s. What does that mean? It means I watched t.v. from the 90’s, listened to music from the 90’s, and watched movies from the 90’s. One of my favorite movies from that time period was a movie called Clueless, starring the adolescent love of my life, Alicia Silverstone. The film is actually a clever retelling of Jane Austin’s novel Emma, but with some modern twists. One such twist, is the language. There was an entirely new language that you had to learn to understand what the characters were saying. One such word was Monet, as in “That girl is such a Monet.” Meaning? Like in the paintings of Monet, she would look good from far away, but a mess up close. This is what is happening to Jesus. From far away the people are looking at Jesus and thinking that he is their political liberator, but up close He reveals the true mess that they are in. He shows them that they are in need of spiritual awakening, salvation and forgiveness. Jesus’ message and mission is often misunderstood. From a certain distance it looks good, but when we allow His message and mission to intersect with our lives it is certain upheaval. Yet, when the message of Jesus begins to take root in our lives and bring life change, the mess it brings is temporary, but the healing and restoration that comes will be eternal.
4) Questions to Consider:
How has following Jesus messed you up recently? If not, why is that?
5) Prayer:
Father, let our faith be something that continually causes us to evaluate our priorities, our life and our passions.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
John 7:14-24
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) ScriptureReading
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”
20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
21 Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. 22 Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. 23 Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? 24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
3) Devotional:
Each one of us has the responsibility of having Godly knowledge. This knowledge must line up with the teachings in the Bible. The local church provides learning opportunities which most people do not take advantage of, which is very unfortunate. However, the Holy Spirit of God is our primary teacher, just as He was for Jesus, and we do not need to have others teach us. Did you see verse 15? The Jews were amazed because Jesus was so learned without being taught. The implication here is that Jesus did not have an earthly rabbi teaching Him. But He did have the Holy Spirit of God present in His life, and that is all He needed. If we are to reflect Jesus to others, people should say the same thing about us, “How did she/he become so learned without having been taught?”.
We must personally take on the primary responsibility of becoming learned in the things of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We are charged with the task of being able to handle the Word of Truth. If you are counting on the Pastors, Elders or Teachers in the local church to be your primary source of Biblical Knowledge, you are making a big mistake. They are to supplement the teaching of the Holy Spirit that you receive in your own private time of study, meditation, memorization and prayer. As Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:3 recommends that this time be daily, even day and night.
4) Questions to Consider: What must I do to become learned in the things of God? How often am I cracking open my Bible? Am I not so learned because I am charging others with the responsibility of my personal God knowledge?
5) Prayer: Lord, give me the discipline to open my Bible every day. Holy Spirit, please teach me as you taught Jesus, and it is in His name I pray, Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
2) Scripture
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”
20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
21 Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. 22 Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. 23 Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? 24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
3) Devotional:
Each one of us has the responsibility of having Godly knowledge. This knowledge must line up with the teachings in the Bible. The local church provides learning opportunities which most people do not take advantage of, which is very unfortunate. However, the Holy Spirit of God is our primary teacher, just as He was for Jesus, and we do not need to have others teach us. Did you see verse 15? The Jews were amazed because Jesus was so learned without being taught. The implication here is that Jesus did not have an earthly rabbi teaching Him. But He did have the Holy Spirit of God present in His life, and that is all He needed. If we are to reflect Jesus to others, people should say the same thing about us, “How did she/he become so learned without having been taught?”.
We must personally take on the primary responsibility of becoming learned in the things of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We are charged with the task of being able to handle the Word of Truth. If you are counting on the Pastors, Elders or Teachers in the local church to be your primary source of Biblical Knowledge, you are making a big mistake. They are to supplement the teaching of the Holy Spirit that you receive in your own private time of study, meditation, memorization and prayer. As Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:3 recommends that this time be daily, even day and night.
4) Questions to Consider: What must I do to become learned in the things of God? How often am I cracking open my Bible? Am I not so learned because I am charging others with the responsibility of my personal God knowledge?
5) Prayer: Lord, give me the discipline to open my Bible every day. Holy Spirit, please teach me as you taught Jesus, and it is in His name I pray, Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Monday, June 20, 2011
John 7:1-13
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 7:1-13
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
Therefore Jesus told them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.”
Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.
3) Devotional:
Everyone was talking about Jesus… but nobody was willing to say anything about him. Now THAT is some cultural or social pressure!
Later, in John 9, we’ll see that the “Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.” That was everything to a Jew of that day… it wasn’t like they could go to another synagogue on the other side of town … they would be removed from the religious, social, cultural, political and economic hub of their community … just for publicly acknowledging Jesus.
Would you say something publicly about Jesus if it would cost you all of your social standing and position in life?
4) Questions to Consider: If you aren’t in the habit of talking about your faith with others… why not?
5) Prayer: Lord God, help me to have confidence in what I believe… and forgive me for the times that I have not applied myself enough to prepare to give a reason for the hope that I have in Jesus. Change me so that I might do so with gentleness and respect for everyone. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 7:1-13
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
Therefore Jesus told them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.”
Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.
3) Devotional:
Everyone was talking about Jesus… but nobody was willing to say anything about him. Now THAT is some cultural or social pressure!
Later, in John 9, we’ll see that the “Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.” That was everything to a Jew of that day… it wasn’t like they could go to another synagogue on the other side of town … they would be removed from the religious, social, cultural, political and economic hub of their community … just for publicly acknowledging Jesus.
Would you say something publicly about Jesus if it would cost you all of your social standing and position in life?
4) Questions to Consider: If you aren’t in the habit of talking about your faith with others… why not?
5) Prayer: Lord God, help me to have confidence in what I believe… and forgive me for the times that I have not applied myself enough to prepare to give a reason for the hope that I have in Jesus. Change me so that I might do so with gentleness and respect for everyone. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Friday, June 17, 2011
John 6:60-70
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 6:60-70
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”
3) Devotional: Jesus has just finished a controversial teaching which is costing him followers. In fact, some scholars believe that in the time period before John 6, Jesus had thousands of followers, whereas after John 6, this number dwindled to a few hundred. The contents of John 6 and Jesus’ teaching are subject to a variety of interpretations, but regardless, the root is this: the cost of following Jesus just went up. It must have been exciting to be part of the crowd: to witness miracles, to hear a dynamic teacher, one whom some thought had come to save the Jewish people from Roman rule. In fact, thousands of people had just gotten a free lunch when Jesus fed the multitude in the earlier part of John 6. Following Jesus is easy, even fashionable, when there are free meals, excitement, and benefits to be had. But when Jesus raises the stakes, the feelings tend to change.
And this is where we find ourselves in the story: Many people in the world are comfortable with the Jesus who brings blessings and benefits: the piggybank Jesus, the Santa Claus Jesus, the self-help Jesus, the therapist Jesus, the benign teacher who comes to make us feel good about ourselves and give us stuff. When we are confronted with the Jesus who asks us to leave everything and follow him, to take up our cross, to come and die, that’s when the followers begin to dwindle. But it is only in doing these things- in laying down the trophies and struggles of this world that we discover true existence, unstoppable hope, real freedom, and life worth living.
4) Questions to Consider: Which Jesus are you following today? Is your Jesus the Real Jesus?
5) Prayer: Jesus, help me hold true and steadfast to you and your promises in faith, even when the road becomes dark and difficult, so that I may, in laying down my all, find life that is true, and hope that can never be taken away. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 6:60-70
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”
3) Devotional: Jesus has just finished a controversial teaching which is costing him followers. In fact, some scholars believe that in the time period before John 6, Jesus had thousands of followers, whereas after John 6, this number dwindled to a few hundred. The contents of John 6 and Jesus’ teaching are subject to a variety of interpretations, but regardless, the root is this: the cost of following Jesus just went up. It must have been exciting to be part of the crowd: to witness miracles, to hear a dynamic teacher, one whom some thought had come to save the Jewish people from Roman rule. In fact, thousands of people had just gotten a free lunch when Jesus fed the multitude in the earlier part of John 6. Following Jesus is easy, even fashionable, when there are free meals, excitement, and benefits to be had. But when Jesus raises the stakes, the feelings tend to change.
And this is where we find ourselves in the story: Many people in the world are comfortable with the Jesus who brings blessings and benefits: the piggybank Jesus, the Santa Claus Jesus, the self-help Jesus, the therapist Jesus, the benign teacher who comes to make us feel good about ourselves and give us stuff. When we are confronted with the Jesus who asks us to leave everything and follow him, to take up our cross, to come and die, that’s when the followers begin to dwindle. But it is only in doing these things- in laying down the trophies and struggles of this world that we discover true existence, unstoppable hope, real freedom, and life worth living.
4) Questions to Consider: Which Jesus are you following today? Is your Jesus the Real Jesus?
5) Prayer: Jesus, help me hold true and steadfast to you and your promises in faith, even when the road becomes dark and difficult, so that I may, in laying down my all, find life that is true, and hope that can never be taken away. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
John 6:41-59
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading - John 6:41-59
41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
3) Devotional
Isn't it funny how hard it is to simply take Jesus at His word? To embrace the life giving power of His Spirit? To rest in the peace that comes from trusting in His word? In this passage, He spoke some pretty life giving truths to His disciples, and all they could do is murmur over what He meant by the phrase "I came down from heaven." They missed the essence of who Jesus is, and what He could bring to the relationships he hoped to have with them.
Men (and women) are a mysterious bunch! I think our natural bent is to search out conflict. People thrive in it. We so often get caught up in and fight over, the insignificant details and miss the true essence of the Gospel. Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! He cares about the poor and the marginalized. He loves people and so desires to be their life giving bread. . . just because.
Isn't it funny how hard it is to simply take Jesus at His word? To embrace the life giving power of His Spirit? To rest in the peace that comes from trusting in His word? In this passage, He spoke some pretty life giving truths to His disciples, and all they could do is murmur over what He meant by the phrase "I came down from heaven." They missed the essence of who Jesus is, and what He could bring to the relationships he hoped to have with them.
Men (and women) are a mysterious bunch! I think our natural bent is to search out conflict. People thrive in it. We so often get caught up in and fight over, the insignificant details and miss the true essence of the Gospel. Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! He cares about the poor and the marginalized. He loves people and so desires to be their life giving bread. . . just because.
People like. . . Anthony Weiner. I feel sorry for him. Here's a guy who has seemingly lost his way. At one time a potential NY mayoral candidate, and now a broken man, ready to resign his Congressional seat. He made bad choices. Truth of the matter is. . . we all make them, and its for people like us, that Jesus came to be life giving bread.
As a follow of Jesus, pray for Congressman Weiner, and for the people you know that need life giving bread. Walk away from contributing to the innuendo or seamy gossip, and instead pray that God Himself would speak into their lives (yours as well), and bring forgiveness, healing and peace. It's why He came!!
4) Questions to Consider
Is there someone in my life who I can build up with the truth of the Gospel and pray for each day, instead of belittling through demeaning talk? Ask God to show you. . . and I believe He will. What father would give his son stones if he asks for life giving bread!
Is there someone in my life who I can build up with the truth of the Gospel and pray for each day, instead of belittling through demeaning talk? Ask God to show you. . . and I believe He will. What father would give his son stones if he asks for life giving bread!
5) Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to be a channel of your peace. Help me to love with the supernatural life giving love that can only come from being in a trust filled relationship with You. Use me to encourage ___________________ (fill in the blank) today, instead of tearing him down. Let my words by like a soothing ointment. In Jesus name, amen!
Lord Jesus, help me to be a channel of your peace. Help me to love with the supernatural life giving love that can only come from being in a trust filled relationship with You. Use me to encourage ___________________ (fill in the blank) today, instead of tearing him down. Let my words by like a soothing ointment. In Jesus name, amen!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
John 6:25-40
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading - John 6:25-4025 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
30 So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’[a]”
32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
30 So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’[a]”
32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
3) DevotionalIn this passage, the people sought after Jesus for the tangible things He could do for them - they were hungry. The day before - they experienced the miracle of the "Feeding of the Five Thousand". They associated Him with food. He met their physical needs. When He revealed Himself to be the Bread of Life, the one sent by God Himself to feed their spiritual hunger, all they could do was ask for another sign. . . another miracle, as though His Words in and of themselves were not enough.
True belief requires faith and trust, but so often, just like the people in this story, we equate it with the physical manifestations of God's care for us, and not purely on His word. We look for signs. For many, our faith goes up and down, depending upon how our life is going at the moment. If we have a job and are making money, God is good, and God cares. If we don't, we somehow equate that with God not caring, and not being a presence in our lives. If we are enjoying good health, we must be pleasing God. On the flip side, if we are sick, we must be doing something wrong. We attach God's love for us, and His desire for us to experience "eternal life" with physical pleasure and care. That's the human side of us.
True belief is trusting in His spiritual love and care for us, even when everything around us "physically" is screaming something else. True belief is learning to walk with faith and trust in the Bread of Life, the Savior of the world, allowing His Spirit to feed our spirit the true bread from heaven!
4) Questions to ConsiderIs your love for and belief in God conditional - based on whether or not He is meeting your perceived physical needs? If it is, confess it to Him - for He already knows, and ask Him to feed your soul with the spiritual food that will fill you to overflowing!
5) PrayerLord Jesus, help me to believe in your care for me, even when everything else around me says not to. Help me to allow your spiritual food to fill my soul and build up my faith and trust in You. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
John 6:16-24
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading: John 6:16-24
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
3) Questions to Consider and Devotional Thought:Would you be “willing to take Him into the boat” or would you ask Him to pass by?
If Jesus suddenly appeared to you as He had to the disciples in this passage, what would you do?
If Jesus suddenly appeared to you as He had to the disciples in this passage, what would you do?
The disciples often get criticized for their lack of faith in this passage. After all, many people have suggested to me that fear is the opposite of faith and the disciples were frightened. However, the disciples welcome Jesus into the boat knowing that He is the solution to their difficult circumstances, not a threat to their well being.
Jesus often appears to me by the power of the Holy Spirit, especially as I read His Word or when I am praying. I know it is Him because the passage or message is so clear to me. Sometimes, I am not willing to take Him into my life when He speaks to me. I say to myself, “This is not the Lord, it must be something else.” This is my typical reaction when I already have my own plans or if what Jesus is asking me to do is difficult. In essence, I ask Jesus to pass by rather than asking Him to join me.
Jesus never forces Himself on us. In fact, He is very polite. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Did you notice that Jesus does not barge in? He politely knocks on the door of your heart and waits for you to answer. He wants us to ask Him into our lives and to allow us to join Him in His work. And when we do, we realize our real purpose for being drawn into a personal relationship with Jesus. Never forget that God chose us for a purpose. Without joining Jesus when He call to us, we will never know what that purpose is.
4) Prayer: Lord, speak to me and give me the courage to answer “yes” to what you ask of me, Amen.
5) Conclude with Silence (2 min)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
John 6:41-59
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading - John 6:41-59
41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
3) Devotional
Isn't it funny how hard it is to simply take Jesus at His word? To embrace the life giving power of His Spirit? To rest in the peace that comes from trusting in His word? In this passage, He spoke some pretty life giving truths to His disciples, and all they could do is murmur over what He meant by the phrase "I came down from heaven." They missed the essence of who Jesus is, and what He could bring to the relationships he hoped to have with them.
Isn't it funny how hard it is to simply take Jesus at His word? To embrace the life giving power of His Spirit? To rest in the peace that comes from trusting in His word? In this passage, He spoke some pretty life giving truths to His disciples, and all they could do is murmur over what He meant by the phrase "I came down from heaven." They missed the essence of who Jesus is, and what He could bring to the relationships he hoped to have with them.
Men (and women) are a mysterious bunch! I think our natural bent is to search out conflict. People thrive in it. We so often get caught up in and fight over, the insignificant details and miss the true essence of the Gospel. Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost! He cares about the poor and the marginalized. He loves people and so desires to be their life giving bread. . . just because.
People like. . . Anthony Weiner. I feel sorry for him. Here's a guy who has seemingly lost his way. At one time a potential NY mayoral candidate, and now a broken man, ready to resign his Congressional seat. He made bad choices. Truth of the matter is. . . we all make them, and its for people like us, that Jesus came to be life giving bread.
As a follow of Jesus, pray for Congressman Weiner, and for the people you know that need life giving bread. Walk away from contributing to the innuendo or seamy gossip, and instead pray that God Himself would speak into their lives (yours as well), and bring forgiveness, healing and peace. It's why He came!!
4) Questions to Consider
Is there someone in my life who I can build up with the truth of the Gospel and pray for each day, instead of belittling through demeaning talk? Ask God to show you. . . and I believe He will. What father would give his son stones if he asks for life giving bread!
Is there someone in my life who I can build up with the truth of the Gospel and pray for each day, instead of belittling through demeaning talk? Ask God to show you. . . and I believe He will. What father would give his son stones if he asks for life giving bread!
5) Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to be a channel of your peace. Help me to love with the supernatural life giving love that can only come from being in a trust filled relationship with You. Use me to encourage ___________________ (fill in the blank) today, instead of tearing him down. Let my words by like a soothing ointment. In Jesus name, amen!
Lord Jesus, help me to be a channel of your peace. Help me to love with the supernatural life giving love that can only come from being in a trust filled relationship with You. Use me to encourage ___________________ (fill in the blank) today, instead of tearing him down. Let my words by like a soothing ointment. In Jesus name, amen!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
John 5:15-23
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading: John 5:15-23
15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
3) Devotional
In this passage there are several important lessons to be learned. I will focus on two of the lessons. The first lesson is about being judgmental. Jesus healed a paralyzed man on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders judged and persecuted him for breaking the Sabbath rather than glorifying God for healing the man. What is more important, that the man was healed or that Jesus did “work” on the Sabbath? We must be very careful when we accuse people of sin and/or unrighteous behavior. Most times, we do not know the facts and the motives for why people do what they do and when they do it. The Jewish leaders chose to judge Jesus as a Sabbath breaker without knowing the entire story. They jumped to conclusions about the event, just like I do on many occasions.
The second lesson is that God is at work all around us at all times. When it comes to ministry work, we can do nothing without His assistance. God is sovereign over all things. If you do not feel Gods presence during worship, prayer and ministry, it does not mean that God is not there. In fact, He is there. We must become more intimate with God in order to see and feel Him as we attempt to walk closer with Him.
4) Questions to Consider
Are you quick to show someone grace or judgement? Are you sensitive to what God is doing around and through you? If not, what needs to change?
5) Prayer
Lord, You love us so much. Forgive me when I don’t recognize that you go with me wherever I go. Forgive me when I choose not to trust you and rely on my own will to do what I want to do. Finally, forgive me when I judge others rather than giving them the benefit of the doubt. Help me to walk as Jesus walked and become more like Him every day. And it is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things, Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
John 5:1-15
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading - John 5:1-15
Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people - blind, lame, or paralyzed - lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, "You can't work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!" But he replied, "The man who healed me told me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'" "Who said such a thing as that?" they demanded. The man didn't know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
3) Devotional
"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. . . " What a simple, yet profound truth! Sad things is - so many of us miss the kind expressions of His love each and every day, because our hearts are unable to receive them. For the man in this story, his life was defined by his illness and his mat. He was unable to see past his immediate circumstances. They colored his day to day existence. Over time, they became for him - a form of bondage, until Jesus set him free.
As an avid gardener, I can appreciate what it takes to make a plant grow and thrive. When plants are placed in small pots, the roots literally wrap around themselves, since there is no where for them to go. It's not until it's removed from the pot, and the ball of roots broken up and placed in a larger patch of fertile soil, that the plant is given the opportunity to thrive. The size of the pot will define its existence and ultimately its fruitfulness.
When we choose to take ownership of our lives and the circumstances that define us, and allow the Holy Spirit to show us how to go about "breaking up the ball of roots" that can sometimes limit us, we are then able to slowly embrace that simple truth. . . "Jesus loves me this I know," and begin to LIVE and THRIVE as Jesus wants us to!
4) Questions to Consider
Can you give a name to the "pot" that is defining your life? What will it take for you to be "transplanted" into a larger container, and your roots broken up, so that you can begin to thrive in the love of Jesus again?
5) Prayer
Lord Jesus, set me free to be the person you have destined me to be. Help me pause to hear your voice today and to leave behind the "pot" that has defined me as I seek to follow you. Help me to discern your hand at work in and through my life, both in the past and the future. In Jesus' name, amen.
2) Scripture Reading - John 5:1-15
Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people - blind, lame, or paralyzed - lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!
But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, "You can't work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!" But he replied, "The man who healed me told me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'" "Who said such a thing as that?" they demanded. The man didn't know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
3) Devotional
"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. . . " What a simple, yet profound truth! Sad things is - so many of us miss the kind expressions of His love each and every day, because our hearts are unable to receive them. For the man in this story, his life was defined by his illness and his mat. He was unable to see past his immediate circumstances. They colored his day to day existence. Over time, they became for him - a form of bondage, until Jesus set him free.
As an avid gardener, I can appreciate what it takes to make a plant grow and thrive. When plants are placed in small pots, the roots literally wrap around themselves, since there is no where for them to go. It's not until it's removed from the pot, and the ball of roots broken up and placed in a larger patch of fertile soil, that the plant is given the opportunity to thrive. The size of the pot will define its existence and ultimately its fruitfulness.
When we choose to take ownership of our lives and the circumstances that define us, and allow the Holy Spirit to show us how to go about "breaking up the ball of roots" that can sometimes limit us, we are then able to slowly embrace that simple truth. . . "Jesus loves me this I know," and begin to LIVE and THRIVE as Jesus wants us to!
4) Questions to Consider
Can you give a name to the "pot" that is defining your life? What will it take for you to be "transplanted" into a larger container, and your roots broken up, so that you can begin to thrive in the love of Jesus again?
5) Prayer
Lord Jesus, set me free to be the person you have destined me to be. Help me pause to hear your voice today and to leave behind the "pot" that has defined me as I seek to follow you. Help me to discern your hand at work in and through my life, both in the past and the future. In Jesus' name, amen.
Friday, June 3, 2011
John 4:39-42
1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 min)
2) Scripture Reading - John 4:39-42
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
3) Devotional
More than often I forget about the power of testimony. Sometimes, fear takes over and keeps us from sharing our testimony with others. We question whether or not we know enough. Sharing the Gospel with someone can be as simple as talking about yourself and how you have encountered God. And it's not just the story of when we came to Christ, but how he reveals Himself to us every day. What's great about this passage is that people came to see Jesus because of her testimony, but as we hear their testimony, we read that their belief no longer rests on her words, but on their own encounter with Jesus. Perhaps our story or testimony need to be heard by someone that needs to encounter Jesus, so that they may believe.
More than often I forget about the power of testimony. Sometimes, fear takes over and keeps us from sharing our testimony with others. We question whether or not we know enough. Sharing the Gospel with someone can be as simple as talking about yourself and how you have encountered God. And it's not just the story of when we came to Christ, but how he reveals Himself to us every day. What's great about this passage is that people came to see Jesus because of her testimony, but as we hear their testimony, we read that their belief no longer rests on her words, but on their own encounter with Jesus. Perhaps our story or testimony need to be heard by someone that needs to encounter Jesus, so that they may believe.
4) Questions to ConsiderWhen was the last time you shared your testimony? How have you encountered Jesus this week? Have you had the chance to tell anyone about it?
5) PrayerThank you for offering yourself for me, Lord. Help me to offer your good news to others. Give me that opportunity this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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