Good Morning “Objects of Jesus’ Prayer”.  Today we are in John 17

Let’s imagine your life is about to come to a close.  You know it.  You’ve been told.  You are about to be arrested, beaten beyond recognition, then hung on a cross.  What do you do?  Pray… sure, but for what?  Quick death?  Strength to withstand all the pain?  Maybe.  

We don’t know everything Jesus prayed for sure  - only what’s recorded.  Luke records that Jesus prayed ““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Then , “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42-44‬ ‭

We’ve talked about this… The original Greek language used in this passage speaks to “as it was” rather than “like”.  We know it’s actually possible for someone to sweat blood. Medical journals actually site Jesus experience as one of those cases.  HEMATOHIDROSIS is a rare clinical phenomenon in which the capillaries burst due high stress and increased blood pressure.  

So what else does Jesus pray for while He’s in so much anguish that He’s sweating blood?

He prays for the Disciples, and He prays for the Believer’s, and those that will Believe as a result of their message.  He was praying for you!

As He sweat drops of blood praying for you… aren’t you curious what prayed for?  I won’t spoil it.  Dig into John 17.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Over Comers”.  Today we are in John 16

Our Heavenly Father does not leave us here to struggle through life on our own.  No, He gives us His Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).   Through His Word, the Holy Spirit guides and directs our path.  Check it out, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He gives us The Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus payment for our sins (Ephesians 1:13). It is by The Spirit, through His Word, that He molds us,  makes us, convicts us of sin, and provides all the fruit of the Spirit - including joy and peace (2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 5:22-23).   We can have peace in the midst of horrible circumstances - peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).  Furthermore we do not need to fear anything the world can throw at us because His Word tells us “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At the end of this chapter Jesus reminds us, “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””  John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In a world of turmoil we all need Jesus!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Joy Filled Followers of Jesus.” Today we are in John 15.  

We spend much of our lives chasing after the shiny things of life.  Making choices that result in consequences we don’t like, then blaming God because He didn’t protect us from them.  All this in an effort to achieve true happiness, contentment, “nirvana” or whatever word you want to throw at it.  

REAL TRUTH… the secret to true joy isn’t that difficult.  I’m talking about the kind of joy that exists no matter what.  You see happiness depends on circumstances - joy is not dependent.   We try to fabricate happiness on our own - true joy is not of ourselves.  

Check it out:
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I’ve never experienced COMPLETE joy - but I would like to!  This Joy that Jesus talks about putting in us - is His joy!  The same joy that He somehow had as He approached the Cross - the most heinous of all execution methods - separation from the Father and Spirt - torture beyond imagination.  “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

What do we get from a relationship with Jesus?  All the fruit of His Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  But it’s not a one and done thing.  “I tried religion, didn’t work for me”.  Ha ha, it’s not religion it’s a relationship, and growth in any relationship takes time - years even.  

The promises are real!  The complete joy He offers is there for the taking but it’s not a drive up window order.  It’s the by-product of life lived in fellowship with Jesus.  Building a relationship is a daily process of spending time with Him in the Word, in prayer, and making yourself available to be used by Him (Romans 12:1).  

Or… there’s the alternative, keep trying to fabricate something on your own - with all the treasures the world offers.  How well is that working out?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out.  There’s much more in this chapter!

Good Morning “Way Finders”.  Today we are in John 14

How do you get to Heaven?  Do you know the way?  Jesus during His last bit of time with Disciples was trying to reassure them they knew how to get where He was going.  

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?””
‭‭
You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is no other way but the blood of Jesus.  That’s it!  Narrow gate - one way.   The part that sticks out to me in this passage however is not talked about nearly as much.  We know from Scripture that the one who knows Jesus will never see death (John 8:51). Oh they will die but not experience the moment the death angel comes - they are protected from that.  “Absent from the body present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).  

But look again at what Jesus told them.  “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  

I believe He comes back to get us.   When I was a kid, I was afraid die.  With Jesus, we can fear dying but no need to fear death!  If you’ve got Jesus, He’s got you now and all the way into eternity.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Like Jesus Lovers.” Today we are in John 13.  

That night in the Upper Room, Jesus washes their feet, then breaks bread with them… all of them, even Judas.  I’ve commented before regarding the depth of Jesus’ love.  He knows He is about to be betrayed but still includes Judas.  I can’t wrap my mind around that.  

Jesus spent a lot of time with the Disciples.  They did life together.  He showed them how to live and how to love.  He did miracles with them and through them - and cast out demons!  They fed and they loved, and risked their lives together.  

Now the night of His arrest, He gives them a “New Command.” The Disciples had to be thinking, “What?  What more could He teach us.”  After washing their feet He tells them ““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭

Remember He just demonstrated the type of servant love He was talking about, and is about to go to the Cross for them.  (Us too) It’s in this way that He says - love each other as I have loved you!  As He continues His discourse, in just a couple chapters He’ll say, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Some of us would lay down our lives for our friends in death literally.  Like taking a bullet for instance.  But could we lay down our life every day, while still living - putting others before ourselves.  That was the model of Jesus.  You before me.  How can I help you?  What would you like to do?  Let me get that for you.  No, you have it!  

That’s how He tells us to love… then they will know we are His followers - If we love one another like THAT.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!  Love ‘Em Like Jesus.

Good Morning “Servants of The Lord”.  Today we are in John 12.

Mary got it (John 3:12)!  Even after the resurrection of Lazarus some didn’t.  She truly understood Jesus truly was about to go to the Cross.  Why do I say that?  As Jesus rebukes those who protested her wasting such an expensive bottle of perfume - He basically says it.  
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” John‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬  

You see it was customary to anoint the dead with perfumes and spices  for burial.  It covered the stench of decay.  She wasn’t just honoring Him, she was demonstrating her faith in what He said was going to happen. She believed He was about to die.  So much so, she put her money (or perfume) where her mouth was.

She was BOLD about her faith!  Unlike some of the religious leaders who also believed but were more worried about being put out of the synagogue.  They were more concerned about the praise of men (John 12:42-43).  Don’t forget THAT when we get to Jesus trial and they shout “crucify Him” (John 19) and no one comes to His defense.  How much are we influenced by the praise of men?  Would we speak up in a group of non-believers?  Do we?  

Jesus came to serve and not be served! He came to show us how to love (Matthew 20:26-28)! The ultimate demonstration of that love was The Cross (John 15:13).

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If we miss the opportunity to love Him and be loved by Him, and to serve Him by loving others we also miss the unexplainable joy that comes from it (John 15:10-12).

Choose Him… Always!  Choose lasting joy!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Broken With Others”. Today John 11.

“Jesus wept.”  John‬ ‭11‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The shortest verse in all of Scripture says so much!  Jesus’ friend Lazarus has been dead 4 days, and his family and friends are destroyed.  They are upset Jesus didn’t come sooner to save him.  Jesus is broken up too.  He wept with them.  Except, He has just arrived to raise Lazarus from the dead.  We know this, because He clearly stated that fact to the Disciples before He arrived.  So why does He weep when there is about to be celebration?

There is about to be - but right now they are all hurting.  He is hurting because they are hurting.  Their pain is real!  Our pain is real and so He hurts when we hurt!  How are our hearts for other people?  Are we broken when they are broken (Romans 12:15)?  Do we see them the way Jesus does?  

This God who hurts with us, in the ultimate demonstration of love, gave His life for us - that we too might live!  That’s love!  Big love!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “His Sheep”.  Today we are in John 10.

We live in a dark world whether we admit it or not.  Our job is to light it up, demonstrate for our dark world that there is a better way!  That Way is following Jesus.  He promises life to the full (John 10:10).  That doesn’t mean free from struggle or suffering, but FULL.  That’s only possible through Jesus and His Spirit who fills us up with His Fruit - THE REAL STUFF that the world only falsely and temporarily provides (Galatians 5:22-25).  

But, it does not end there…

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” John‬ ‭10‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭

Every horrible thing we see in this world is the result of sin and the consequence of sin - either ours or someone else’s.  How we look at it all and navigate through it all correlates directly to our World View.  Is this all there is?  Or, is this life just a blink of an eye, a vapor (James 4:14).  

There is only one way to The Father - it is through the Son.  “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭

Do you know Him… Truly?  

If so, rest assured that this world is not all there is!  In fact Scripture calls us foreigners, this world is not our home (Hebrews 13:14; Philippians 3:20).  

If not, you need to!  Reach out, I’d love to help walk you through it.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Blind See-ers.” Today we are in John 9

We have a tendency to only look at our lives and those around us from OUR perspective.  We judge whether something is right or wrong, good or bad, based on our comfort and preference.  We say we BELIEVE the Bible but leave it out of our consideration.  

The Bible clearly says that His ways are different from our ways, that He is unfathomable, perfectly Holy, Pure, and Good.  Yet we set ourselves up as judge over Him when we consider a situation, and with our finite minds and limited understanding ask “How could a good God?”  We filter verses like Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” - through our idea of what good means.  When we put braces on our kids teeth, or take them in for surgery, or endure hard workouts in sports - we know it is for their / our own good.  It may be uncomfortable, maybe even painful - but it brings about good results in the end.

Let’s be honest - we’re mostly, maybe even only concerned with our comfort and blessing now.  We look at things in terms of our 16, 30, or 80 years here on Earth.  God looks at things in terms of all creation; as well “inwardly” to each and every one of the holy and the redeemed races Angelic and Human; and to the accomplishment of His good will in all of its purposes and ways - and the ultimate good of The Whole Church. (All Believers).  

The Bible is filled with examples of God doing things that we might say are bad, for His glory!  Check out the entire book of Job.  “But wait Pastor Jason, Satan did that,” you say.  Check out Job 2:3 and you’ll see Satan was the tool, but God takes responsibility.  “…And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” Job‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬

Here in John 9 we see another example.  “His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭

Jesus told Paul regarding His affliction / thorn - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭

The fact that God might do something that we don’t like is a thought that is uncomfortable to us so we reject it. Remember, our sin has earned us death and suffering.  Anything other than that is Grace, a gift of His hand.  He blesses even through suffering (James 1:2-5).  What must it take to make the gift of redemption and righteousness “real” in us and in our behavior and our character and our thinking and our desiring and in our . . .

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Stone Shields.” Today we are in John 8.

In an effort to once again trap Jesus and have a reason to kill Him, the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees bring in a women caught in adultery.  It’s interesting that they did not bring in the man as well.  Nevertheless they attempt to test Jesus.  They remind Him that the law of Moses says that adulterers are to be stoned so they ask Him, “What do You say?”

Jesus bends down and starts writing on the ground - perhaps the name of the man?  Perhaps He’s writing their sins?  We don’t really know but…“When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”” John‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

One by one they start leaving -

“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What do we get out of this passage?  

- We are quick to pass judgment on others… be careful, we are not without sin.  “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬  This deal was a set up from the beginning, evidenced by the fact they only brought the woman.  Jesus saw right through it!  In Matthew, Jesus tells us “First take the plank out of our own eye so we can see clearly to point out that speck of dust…”

- How should we respond to His Mercy and Grace?  Jesus doesn’t stop at simply putting His life in harms way for this woman… He finishes with His expectation for her.  …Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”  John‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s reasonable that - because He gave His life for ours, we should present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice, holy, pure and pleasing to God.  (Romans 12:1 paraphrase.)

That is only possible through Jesus, and His Blood shed on the cross for our sins.  If you read on, Jesus explains this point.  “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.” John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this chapter we see once again they were trying to trap Jesus, yet no one seized Him.  Why?  Why couldn’t they seize Him?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!  There’s more good stuff in this chapter.

Good Morning “From the Word of God Learners and Teachers.”  Today we are in John 7.

Jesus made it clear that He was not teaching His own ideas.  

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 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. 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.”
‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Where does your teaching come from?  Is the teaching you are receiving founded in Scripture?  Or is it twisted?  What about when you share with others?  Are you Biblically grounded in the “Truth” you share, or do you find yourself babbling?

There is tremendous responsibility when it comes to handling the Word of God.  We don’t get to make it what we want it to be to advance our own agenda.  “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.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

James 3:1 reminds us to be careful.  “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

“Ok… so I won’t share then.” NO, that’s not the answer either.  God created you to glorify Him, to make disciples, to be His witnesses!  The answer isn’t don’t do it.  Biblically the answer is, make sure you know what you’re talking about before you speak - that’s all!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Bread of Life Eaters”… wait what?  Dig into John 6 and see what I mean.

A couple things from John 6 to note.  When we talk about the feeding of the 5,000 we are always careful to point out a couple things.  

They only counted men first of all, so… with their families Jesus likely fed 15, maybe even 20,000 people or more.  They had big families then.  

2nd, I believe one of the coolest applications from this miracle comes from the boy.  Consider this, there were tons of people - with no food.  A boy happened to have brought some - maybe his mom packed him a lunch.  In a sea of hungry people he was willing to give ALL he had and possibly go hungry himself.  Scripture DOESN’T say the Disciples took it from him by force, so we assume he willingly gave.  Look what Jesus can do with so little when we willingly offer all we have!  “Even more than we could ever ask or imagine.”  

This miracle ends up fostering a conversation in which Jesus is trying to get everyone to understand - quit worrying about your flesh.  Matt 6 reminds us - if we seek Him first He’ll take care of our needs.  Here He’s trying to get them / us to understand drink Him in, soak Him up… the language sounds crazy… eat His flesh.  He’s not suggesting that they become cannibals - but that they become one with Him, He in them and them in He.  Him first - quit worrying about the physical - it’s only temporal.  Focus on your spiritual relationship with Jesus.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “For Jesus Workers”. Today we are in John 5.

Healing, Loving on people, prophecy regarding His return, sharing the Good News - Jesus is all about it!  

It’s easy to get caught up in “doing”.  We know we are to produce good works.  We know we are supposed to daily die to our flesh and offer ourselves to Jesus as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). But if we’re honest we struggle to know how and what that looks like, and we kind of run over the horses with the cart.  What I mean is this… we try to be “better”, “do more good”.  So we dream something up, and then we want God to bless it.  That’s out of order.  There is a much easier more fruitful way.  He’s already at work all around us.  

He offers a relationship in which He wants to use us in work He’s already doing (Ephesians 2:8-10). He doesn’t need us, but when we allow Him to use our hands and feet and mouth by choice - He is glorified.  How do we do that?  

We first have to know The Word, so that we can KNOW Him and thus recognize Him and His work (Joshua 1:8). Then we must reject the flesh feeding things of the world so our eyes and heart can see where He’s working (James 4:4-8).  When He reveals where He is already working that IS our invitation to get involved.  

Thats how Jesus worked.  Check it out:

“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.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If Jesus could only jump in where He saw the Father already working then definitely the same applies to us.  

Has God shown you someone who needs a listening ear or a friend who really cares?  Has He shown you a ministry that is really doing it right and needs laborers?  A neighbor that needs a hand?  Someone who needs mentored?  A ministry that needs founded?  An opportunity to stand for what’s right?  No one seeks these good things without being prompted by the Holy Spirit (Romans 3:10).  Get involved - Gods revelation is your invitation.  Let Him use you (Isaiah 6:8)!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Cross Cultural”. Today we are in John 4.

When Jesus went to the well to minister to the Samaritan woman - He broke all kinds of cultural norms.  

First, Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans.  Second, the only women who would go to the well in the middle of the day, were those already ostracized from their villages.  They were “those” women.  Everyone else who was “respectable” and accepted would go in the cool of the morning to get water for their families.  Third, it went against norms for Him even to be there alone talking to a woman.  Imagine what the Disciples were thinking when Jesus wanted to take a little detour.

When Jesus ministers in love - He does it like no one else.  “When the Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”” John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭ Notice He doesn’t lead by pointing out her sin.  He literally humbles Himself and places Himself in a position of perceived need.  

This opens the door to more conversation.  Less than 20% of communication is verbal.  The rest is body language, tone, expression on your face.  Somehow, Jesus is able to discuss her life of sin with her without offense.  How do we know she wasn’t offended?  Read the rest of her story and see what happens when she goes back to her village.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “In the Light.”  Today we are in John 3.  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

Because of sin our default destination is Hell.  It’s not harsh - it’s just a fact.  God provided the way out - Jesus.  Jesus is the only way - John 14:6.  

John explains that those who BELIEVE in Him are no longer condemned, but those who reject Him stand condemned already.  He then goes on to say…

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I wonder… is that maybe what’s keeping you from going all in?  We know that sin brings conviction, and the feeling of conviction stinks.  Adam and Eve pulled away and separated themselves from God when they sinned.  God did not leave them.  They sinned, their eyes were opened, and then they hid from God in the bushes when He came for their daily stroll in the garden.  He knew they had sinned, but He still came.  They hid.  Genesis 3

Are you afraid to fully give your life to Jesus because you’ve got sin you’re dealing with?  We’ve all sinned.  Rom 3:23   That’s the reason Jesus did what He did.  Go all in and let Him purify you from the inside out.  It’s what He does. (1 John 1:9; Philippians 1:6)

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Mother and Father Honor-ers.” Today we are in John 2.

Jesus first miracle is recorded here.  It demonstrates His power yes, but there is so much more here.  Check out the dialogue between Jesus’ and His mother.  

When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Spoiler alert… He changes water to wine.  Not just cheap wine, good wine.  

How could this possibly have application for us?  Do you know what that 5th Commandment is?  Honor your father and mother.  It appears to be a pretty big deal to God that we do that.  God does everything in an orderly fashion!  Notice the 6th commandment - Do not murder.   In Gods order of things honoring your mother and father comes before don’t murder.  Sounds like a it’s a big deal to God.

Some things to note from Jesus first miracle:

1.  Jesus’ mom asks Him for a miracle - Jesus says it’s not time yet.

2.  His mom is so confident He will honor her, she instructs the servants to do what He says.  She knew her Son, and knew He would honor her wishes.

3.  He does what His mom asks with excellence!  He turns the water into the best wine.

Jesus came not just to go to the cross, to pay for our sin that we might have eternal life.  He came to show us how to live.  Get this, if Jesus who was God, and who was perfect could honor His mother - so can we.  

Be sure to check out the rest of the chapter.  Check out Warrior Jesus purging the Temple of those taking advantage of others. Remember Jesus was “meek”.  Meekness (strength under control) is not weakness!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning both “Children of God”, and “Doubters of It All.”  Today we start John with chapter 1.  

John declares that he wrote this book so that through its words we might believe that Jesus IS the Messiah, The Son of God, and that by believing we might have life in His name.   It’s been said that one cannot possibly read through the entire book of John and NOT give their life to Jesus.  Its Truths are THAT powerful.  To that end, I throw down the challenge.  Read and see.

It’s all Jesus!  He always was and always will be!  In the beginning He was with God.  The beginning of what?  The beginning of ALL of creation.  He was God.  All things were created through Him. He is the true light that gives life.  Darkness cannot overcome His light!

He came first to the Jewish people but they did not receive Him.  One day He will judge all people, apart from Him we have no hope.  “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

His children!  

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
 
How will you spend eternity? God loves mankind so much that He let’s us choose.  Away from Him, or as children of God co-heirs with Christ.  You choose.  

He is the light of the world and the darkness CANNOT overcome Him.  There is no REAL battle between dark and Light!  Who wins in the end?  It’s easy to see… watch the sun rise and dispel the darkness.  Need a quicker illustration?  Flip on a light switch!  There are only 2 sides.  Pick one.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning With Jesus Walkers.  Today we are in Luke 24.

Jesus was crucified for your sins and mine.  Then, He was placed in a tomb and a stone (Boulder) rolled across the opening.  On the third day He rose conquering sin and death.  The women go and see that that tomb is empty.  They go back and tell the others - but they don’t believe. Others go as well, and return - but the others don’t believe.

The same day a couple Disciples were walking the 7 mile road to Emmaus.  Jesus decides to stroll up and join them.  7 miles they walk to together and the men don’t recognize Him.  Why?  Because there were lessons to be learned first.  “but they were kept from recognizing him.” Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They proceed to tell Jesus about the empty tomb, but because it was now the third day and Israel had not yet been redeemed, they seem to doubt.

These two are in fact kept from recognizing Jesus until they sit down and share a meal.  Fellowship with The Savior is what’s required for us really to see.  Head knowledge or belief becomes heart level BELIEF when we enter into fellowship with Jesus.  It’s an about a relationship not simply learning facts as we would in History class.  We learn and live - not learn and forget.

Did in.  Get to “know” Him through His Word, then allow Him to use you and really get to “KNOW” Him.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Sharers in Paradise”.  Today we are in Luke 23.

If you have asked forgiveness and received Jesus payment for your sins, asked Him to be your Lord and Savior and demonstrated that BELIEF by repenting of your sins your fate is sealed by the blood of Jesus.  

Your good works can’t save you but they can offer demonstration you are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, It’s by grace you have been saved, through faith, this is not of yourselves so that no one can boast.

You can’t do it on your own.  You can only submit.  The two other men on the crosses that day hurled insults at Jesus according to Matthew. But one man came around.  Maybe because he witnessed Jesus pleading for forgiveness for the men who nailed Him to the cross.  Can you imagine a Love that deep?  Maybe it was that depth of Love that convinced the thief?

One of the criminals mocked Jesus, the other criminal rebuked the mocker. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t miss this!  The thief had no time to produce good works under his new faith.  There were none.  He was not a “good” person.  He was not baptized.  He didn’t even walk the isle.  He did not serve in his church or volunteer in the Nursery.

His BELIEF, however; did affect his heart and that brought about observable change.

It’s all Grace!  It’s only through Jesus.  Your good stuff can’t save you, but it can demonstrate you’re saved, and shows a lost and hurting world there is a way better Way!  

Love you all.  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Mind Blown at The Cross.”  Today we are in Luke 22.

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬ ‭Judas agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  We all know the story… but have you considered this?  Judas took care of his business then joined the others in the Upper Room for the Passover.  Judas ate too!  Jesus broke bread with Judas knowing he had betrayed Him.  What’s more, Jesus washed the Disciples feet that night.  The Bible does NOT say He washed them all except Judas’ feet.  We are left to believe He washed Judas nasty betraying feet that night, knowing He was about to be betrayed by him.

Equally as mind blowing to me is that all of the disciples were about to disown Jesus and scatter.  Peter would deny Him 3 times before morning, yet He demonstrates His Love in service to them by washing all their feet as well.

He predicts it:
“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭

Then as soon as He’s arrested they scatter:
“Then everyone deserted him and fled.” Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭50‬ ‭

But first He spends time praying earnestly.  So heavy was the attack from the evil one, combined with His anguish knowing He was about to bare the sin of the entire world, that He sweat blood.  What?  The text says like drops of blood…

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭44‬

Yes, it does say “like” in our text, however; many commentators and theologians argue that given that the original Greek word hósei, translated “like” here, can mean “as it were”, that likely it WAS drops of blood.  Some argue that this would explain the value placed on His clothes as the Roman Soldiers cast lots for them at the cross.  They were soaked in His blood. Furthermore we know Biologically this is a thing.  Under extreme stress our blood pressure can reach the point where our capillaries burst and blood drips from our pores like sweat.  This kind of thing happens when a skydivers parachute doesn’t open. They’re covered in blood before they hit the ground.  

All powerful stuff - demonstrating just how much anguish the cross brought Jesus.   Yet He went! That is a depth of Love I can’t wrap my mind around.  That’s the love of God.  Don’t miss out on it.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Prophecy Observers”.  Today we are in Luke 21

Luke 21 begins with a reminder that we should offer all we have back to God.  It’s all His.  He blesses us with all we have and know.  We are simply stewards and should not love our stuff so tightly we are unwilling to let go of it - for His glory.

Luke records Jesus’ prophetic warning regarding the destruction of Jerusalem.  Matthew records a few more specifics in Matt. 24.  Wait… is this simply prophecy regarding Jerusalem, or prophecy regarding the “end end”?  Answer… YES.  

Spurgeon said it like this,
“We must regard the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple as being a kind of rehearsal of what is yet to be.”

Jesus prophecy came true, just 40 years later Jerusalem, and the temple were completely wiped out by Rome.  The destruction was so complete that today it’s difficult to determine the exact location of the former temple.  

What do we get from all this prophecy?  What’s the application for us?  I like to grab a couple things from this:

1.  Jesus knows what He’s talking about.  What He says has either already happened or soon will!  BELIEVE it!  He’s proven Himself, and Scripture has been proven to be accurate over and over and over.  In fact, no part has EVER successfully been refuted!  That’s a teaching worth BELIEVING!  Furthermore you can see the Word of God unfolding all around you if you care to look.

2.  Heed it, and act accordingly.  Remember if you BELIEVE it your life should reflect it!  It’s not just to be known but to be lived.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those who “Get It””. Today - Luke 20.

It’s all Jesus.  It always has been - all about Jesus.  The story of Jesus, and redemption through His blood shed on the cross is woven all through Scripture.

The religious leaders are fired up.  Jesus is exposing their darkened hearts a preaching the Gospel of Grace.  They scheme and plot, in an attempt to back Him into a corner with His teaching.  Funny think about Truth - there is no worthy argument against it!  It stands alone!   Truth always wins… eventually!  

This chapter is packed with reminders that it’s all about Jesus.  “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ ?” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ His own rejected Him.  Thus Grace is for the Gentile (us) also (Romans 11:11; Romans 1:16).

“He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬.  We spend most of our time worried about the things of “This World”.  Why?  We KNOW there is only emptiness offered in them.  What is it we are supposed to give to God?  EVERYTHING.  Our very lives.  Daily.  Romans 12:1, Matthew 16:24-25, Galatians 2:20.  

Daily we die to ourselves - it’s not about us, it’s about Him!  He in us willing and acting according to His good purpose.  

Make yourself available today.  Dig in.  Get to know Him.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Faithful”.  Today we are in Luke 19.  

In this chapter Luke includes the Parable of Ten Minas as told by Jesus.  The parable describes a future King who has to go away to a far off land.  He leaves 10 servants each in charge of a sum of money and instructs them to put their money to work.  When he returns he finds some who increased the money he had given them and one in particular that protected it and kept it safe, but did not increase it.  With this one He is furious.  

What on earth is Jesus talking about here?  This is simply a parable describing His expectation of us.  Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  He puts us where He wants us and equips us with talents, and spiritual gifts to accomplish the work He prepared for us.  1 Cor. 12

So simply put, He saves us by Grace with Good work prepared for us to do and gives us all we need to do it (Ephesians 2:8-10). He simply expects us to use it specifically for the furtherance of His Kingdom.  How blessed will we be in heaven (Matthew 16:27; Colossians 3:23-24). What have we done with what He has blessed us with?  That’s the question.

Salvation is a free gift to be sure… but His mercy and Grace does come with expectation.  Expectation that we’ll grow up and be productive for Him.  It all starts with the growing up part.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Humble Repenters.”  Today we are in Luke 18.

Where’s your heart?  Jesus presents that question through today’s stories.  

2 men, both offering prayers.  One very thankful he’s not like the rest of the horrible people he sees around him.  It’s good to be thankful right?  By this man’s prayer, it’s obvious he believes he’s different than the dirty rotten sinners.  That’s an ok thing to be thankful for… don’t you agree?  Sure!  If it were true.  

However, sin is sin… and we’re all guilty.  “We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23  His Glory - Perfection!  That’s the bar.  That’s the mark to hit if we are going to do it on our own.   Anything short of perfection places us all in the same position.  In need of forgiveness, and a Savior.

The other man praying was a Tax Collector.  Tax Collectors were the worst - often extorting way more than the required tax to pad their own pockets!  He was clearly a dirty rotten sinner.  “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God requires humility.  A humble heart is like softened clay - you can work with it (Isaiah 64:8).  Hard clay is unworkable.  You can’t do anything with it.  Which are you?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Good Ambassadors”. Check out Luke 17.  

Someone is always watching.  These days, especially with social media, our lives are on display for all to see.  What are we showing others by the way we live and the things we are about?  What do others feel permitted to do because they see us (Christian’s ) doing it?  Are we an encouragement for others to press into Jesus or do we lead them further away?  Do our lives contradict, divide, Gods people or unite?  It’s really something we should be conscious of.  Jesus takes our witness seriously even if we don’t.  

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are considered His children (John 1:12).  True children of God will spend eternity with Him.  Amen!  We like that part!  As children of God we should look and act like it!  He should be reflected in us!  In fact that’s the expectation (2 Corinthians 5:11-20). We don’t like that part quite as much.  

As children of God we are called to shine in this dark world to be a beacon of light - an ambassador of Jesus as though He were making His plea through us.

How are we doing?  How are you doing?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!