John 11:17-37
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.Do you believe this?”
I noticed today the second half where Jesus says "whoever LIVES by believing". Now I ask myself, if Christ is my reason for living. I don't like my answer.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
John 11:1-16
John 11:1-16
Jesus had legitimate friends that he loved and cared about. Yet even they took back seat to God's plan for Christ's life.
Everything he did, he did to teach the disciples and for the love of his father.
What are my motives?
Jesus had legitimate friends that he loved and cared about. Yet even they took back seat to God's plan for Christ's life.
Everything he did, he did to teach the disciples and for the love of his father.
What are my motives?
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
John 10:22-42
John 10:22-42
The people wanted Jesus to plainly tell them he was the Messiah. The problem is, they had a flawed view of the Messiah and Jesus did not fit their vision. Therefore when he answered them, they accused him of blaspheming. Once again, they failed in their attempt to kill him.
One thing that just came to mind. I've known it for years, but it's one of this A-ha moments. Christ did not die till he gave himself up. He surrendered. He sacrificed himself. It was not a victory for the Jewish leaders.
The people wanted Jesus to plainly tell them he was the Messiah. The problem is, they had a flawed view of the Messiah and Jesus did not fit their vision. Therefore when he answered them, they accused him of blaspheming. Once again, they failed in their attempt to kill him.
One thing that just came to mind. I've known it for years, but it's one of this A-ha moments. Christ did not die till he gave himself up. He surrendered. He sacrificed himself. It was not a victory for the Jewish leaders.
Monday, October 19, 2015
John 10:1-21
John 10:1-21
Jesus is the good shepard. He willingly laid down his life for me. He wants what is best for me. All others offer good, but only seek to destroy.
Jesus is the good shepard. He willingly laid down his life for me. He wants what is best for me. All others offer good, but only seek to destroy.
Friday, October 16, 2015
John 9:35-41
John 9:35-41
Jesus spoke to the man who had been healed and when he revealed himself the man believed and worshiped him. Jesus said he came to make the blind see and the seeing blind. When some Pharisees asked if they were blind too, Jesus replied that if they were they would not be guilty.
The man did not know who Jesus was. Once he did he believed. The Pharisees, knew who and where the Messiah was supposed to come. They should have recognized him. However they were blind with power and therefore guilty.
How much more guilty am I? I have the word of God AND the Holy Spirit, yet I continually reject God's authority in my life.
Jesus spoke to the man who had been healed and when he revealed himself the man believed and worshiped him. Jesus said he came to make the blind see and the seeing blind. When some Pharisees asked if they were blind too, Jesus replied that if they were they would not be guilty.
The man did not know who Jesus was. Once he did he believed. The Pharisees, knew who and where the Messiah was supposed to come. They should have recognized him. However they were blind with power and therefore guilty.
How much more guilty am I? I have the word of God AND the Holy Spirit, yet I continually reject God's authority in my life.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
John 9:13-34
John 9:13-34
The leaders asked the man how he gained his sight. They did not believe him. They asked his parents, who confirmed he was blind, but how he gained his sight was not for them to say. They asked him again and again they refused to believe him. They through him out because his answers did not match their preconceived conclusions.
As one who is to testify on what Christ has done, I may not have all the answers. I can only be a witness to what Christ has done for me. Some folks will just never believe because they have already made up their minds.
The leaders asked the man how he gained his sight. They did not believe him. They asked his parents, who confirmed he was blind, but how he gained his sight was not for them to say. They asked him again and again they refused to believe him. They through him out because his answers did not match their preconceived conclusions.
As one who is to testify on what Christ has done, I may not have all the answers. I can only be a witness to what Christ has done for me. Some folks will just never believe because they have already made up their minds.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
John 9:1-12
John 9:1-12
The disciples asked why the man was blind. It was believed that infirmities like that were punishment for sins of the parents or himself. Jesus explained that sometimes things happen so that God can do great things. Then he healed the man.
Jesus also spoke of doing things now while it was light.
Dear God I have wasted so much time. There is still light here in America and I am still free to share your gospel, yet I don't. I can feel the time slipping away. Help me not to waste anymore.
The disciples asked why the man was blind. It was believed that infirmities like that were punishment for sins of the parents or himself. Jesus explained that sometimes things happen so that God can do great things. Then he healed the man.
Jesus also spoke of doing things now while it was light.
Dear God I have wasted so much time. There is still light here in America and I am still free to share your gospel, yet I don't. I can feel the time slipping away. Help me not to waste anymore.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
John 8:48-59
John 8:48-59
The people accused Jesus of being a Samaritan, (a group hated by Jews because they were half Jews). They accused him of being possessed. Yet he knew who he was and held his ground. He claimed to be God when he said "I am". Once again they tried to kill him. Once again they failed.
In Christ I cannot be stopped. That does not mean I won't have troubles, but no man can stop me from doing the will of God.
The people accused Jesus of being a Samaritan, (a group hated by Jews because they were half Jews). They accused him of being possessed. Yet he knew who he was and held his ground. He claimed to be God when he said "I am". Once again they tried to kill him. Once again they failed.
In Christ I cannot be stopped. That does not mean I won't have troubles, but no man can stop me from doing the will of God.
Friday, October 9, 2015
John 8:31-47
John 8:31-47
If you hold to Christ's teaching. THAT'S the proof of discipleship. THEN you will know the truth and be free.
The people claim to be followers of Abraham, yet they were trying to kill Jesus. Jesus knew the word that was given to Abraham, before he was born. Therefore these people were not following Abraham, but they were following the devil.
If the Son sets me free I am free.
Those who belong to God will hear him.
If you hold to Christ's teaching. THAT'S the proof of discipleship. THEN you will know the truth and be free.
The people claim to be followers of Abraham, yet they were trying to kill Jesus. Jesus knew the word that was given to Abraham, before he was born. Therefore these people were not following Abraham, but they were following the devil.
If the Son sets me free I am free.
Those who belong to God will hear him.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
John 8:21-30
John 8:21-30
Jesus told them he would go where they could not go. Unless they believed in Him they would die in their sins.
Jesus story never changed (vs25)
Jesus prophesied of his death in vs 28 as proof that he only does the will of the Father.
Believe in Christ.
Tell the truth.
Do the will of the heavenly Father.
Jesus told them he would go where they could not go. Unless they believed in Him they would die in their sins.
Jesus story never changed (vs25)
Jesus prophesied of his death in vs 28 as proof that he only does the will of the Father.
Believe in Christ.
Tell the truth.
Do the will of the heavenly Father.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
John 8:12-20
John 8:12-20
The leaders were judging by human standards. Jesus spoke as the Son of God. His witness was God himself. Even though this made the leaders mad, they did not touch him. His time was not up.
Watching the evening news infuriates me. Seeing leaders do clueless things, or worse doing it with the full knowledge of what damage it will cause, makes my blood pressure go up. God has a plan. He is the one witness who's testimony matters. Live for Him and work out His plan. No one can touch me outside of His will.
The leaders were judging by human standards. Jesus spoke as the Son of God. His witness was God himself. Even though this made the leaders mad, they did not touch him. His time was not up.
Watching the evening news infuriates me. Seeing leaders do clueless things, or worse doing it with the full knowledge of what damage it will cause, makes my blood pressure go up. God has a plan. He is the one witness who's testimony matters. Live for Him and work out His plan. No one can touch me outside of His will.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
John 8:1-11
John 8:1-11
A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus to trap him. One question pointed out to me years ago, "Where was the man she was caught with?".
The leaders "reminded" Jesus of the law that commanded she be stoned to death. Jesus said, "Any without sin can throw the first stone." The crowd left. Jesus, the ONLY one without sin, did not condemn her. He encouraged her to leave her life of sin.
There are clear guidelines to approaching a brother/sister in Christ about their sin found in Matthew 18. We check our own hearts first and then humbly approach that brother for the purpose of restoration. Out side the church, we're not to judge people. We're to love them and bring them to Christ so they can receive the same forgiveness we have received. I was a sinner. Now, though I still battle with sin, I am a saint before God. Forgiven.
A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus to trap him. One question pointed out to me years ago, "Where was the man she was caught with?".
The leaders "reminded" Jesus of the law that commanded she be stoned to death. Jesus said, "Any without sin can throw the first stone." The crowd left. Jesus, the ONLY one without sin, did not condemn her. He encouraged her to leave her life of sin.
There are clear guidelines to approaching a brother/sister in Christ about their sin found in Matthew 18. We check our own hearts first and then humbly approach that brother for the purpose of restoration. Out side the church, we're not to judge people. We're to love them and bring them to Christ so they can receive the same forgiveness we have received. I was a sinner. Now, though I still battle with sin, I am a saint before God. Forgiven.
Monday, October 5, 2015
John 7:45-53
John 7:45-53
The leaders refused to believe. They did not even want to hear Jesus out.
I get angry when I read about the arrogance of the Jewish leaders. yet how am I any different in my rejeciton of God? I know more of him than they did, yet I still reject him.
The leaders refused to believe. They did not even want to hear Jesus out.
I get angry when I read about the arrogance of the Jewish leaders. yet how am I any different in my rejeciton of God? I know more of him than they did, yet I still reject him.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
John 7:25-44
John 7:25-44
People argued over who Jesus was. Despite their attempts to catch him they failed because it was not his time. Some believed. Others wanted to kill him.
There is a plan God has for me. Nothing can happen to me outside that plan. My job is to seek His plan for me.
People argued over who Jesus was. Despite their attempts to catch him they failed because it was not his time. Some believed. Others wanted to kill him.
There is a plan God has for me. Nothing can happen to me outside that plan. My job is to seek His plan for me.
Friday, October 2, 2015
John 7:14-24
John 7:14-24
Jesus did what he did for God's glory and with His authority. When one acts alone he does so for his own glory.
The crowds judged Jesus for healing on the Sabboth, yet these same folk would perform a circumcision to fulfill the Sabboth. Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy and told them to judge more rightly.
I need to think of my motives. I have to continue giving grace to others and not judge their motives.
Jesus did what he did for God's glory and with His authority. When one acts alone he does so for his own glory.
The crowds judged Jesus for healing on the Sabboth, yet these same folk would perform a circumcision to fulfill the Sabboth. Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy and told them to judge more rightly.
I need to think of my motives. I have to continue giving grace to others and not judge their motives.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
John 7:1-13
Read
John 7:1-13
Jesus' brothers tried to get him to go to the festival and make a public political appearance. He refused because it was not his time. He did go secretly. The leaders sought him. Some thought him good and some thought him a deceiver.
Jesus had a mission from God. He was not here for his own self promotion. He followed God's plan and paid no mind to what family, leaders or crowds thought.
Oh that I could do the same.
John 7:1-13
Jesus' brothers tried to get him to go to the festival and make a public political appearance. He refused because it was not his time. He did go secretly. The leaders sought him. Some thought him good and some thought him a deceiver.
Jesus had a mission from God. He was not here for his own self promotion. He followed God's plan and paid no mind to what family, leaders or crowds thought.
Oh that I could do the same.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
John 6:60-71
John 6:60-71 (New International Version)
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 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!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)
When Jesus teaching became hard many walked away. I think now of how often I walk away.
I also find it amazing that Jesus would love and teach a man who would one day betray him.
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 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!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)
When Jesus teaching became hard many walked away. I think now of how often I walk away.
I also find it amazing that Jesus would love and teach a man who would one day betray him.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
John 6:43-59
John 6:43-59 (New International Version)
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned 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 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread 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, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them 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 them. 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 ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
The song Refiner's Fire was going through my head this morning. Part of the song says, "I want to be holy, set apart for you my master, ready to do you will." I admitted to God in prayer that I really don't want to be holy. At least not in my flesh. I felt drawn to Bible study this morning and I just had to smile when I read verse 44. God has drawn me. I will admit a desire to be of the world, but that will be with me till I am complete in Christ when in heaven. But to ponder the fact that the God of the universe called me to him leaves me in awe.
The rest of these verses must have sounded like cannibalism to the listeners at the time, but now I know and understand that Jesus was speaking of his death for my sin.
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned 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 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread 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, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them 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 them. 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 ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
The song Refiner's Fire was going through my head this morning. Part of the song says, "I want to be holy, set apart for you my master, ready to do you will." I admitted to God in prayer that I really don't want to be holy. At least not in my flesh. I felt drawn to Bible study this morning and I just had to smile when I read verse 44. God has drawn me. I will admit a desire to be of the world, but that will be with me till I am complete in Christ when in heaven. But to ponder the fact that the God of the universe called me to him leaves me in awe.
The rest of these verses must have sounded like cannibalism to the listeners at the time, but now I know and understand that Jesus was speaking of his death for my sin.
Friday, May 2, 2014
John 6:35-42
John 6:35-42 (New International Version)
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever 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 those 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 those 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 them up at the last day.”
41 At this the Jews there 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’?”
If I truly believe in Christ, I will find all my satisfaction in Him. This is not saying there won't be hardship.
No matter what I do Jesus will never drive me away.
Jesus promises to raise me on the last day, because that is the will of God.
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever 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 those 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 those 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 them up at the last day.”
41 At this the Jews there 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’?”
If I truly believe in Christ, I will find all my satisfaction in Him. This is not saying there won't be hardship.
No matter what I do Jesus will never drive me away.
Jesus promises to raise me on the last day, because that is the will of God.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
John 6:25-34
John 6:25-34 (New International Version)
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed 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. For 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 sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, 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 the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
What I find amazing is they just ate bread from the loves and fish and by now Jesus had a reputation as a healer, yet they STILL wanted a sign for him to prove who he was.
Now I look at my life. God has proven himself over and over and over and over. Yet I STILL don't chose him as often as I should.
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed 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. For 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 sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, 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 the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
What I find amazing is they just ate bread from the loves and fish and by now Jesus had a reputation as a healer, yet they STILL wanted a sign for him to prove who he was.
Now I look at my life. God has proven himself over and over and over and over. Yet I STILL don't chose him as often as I should.
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