Jesus

John 21: Follow Me

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Journaling Through John Fall Picture leaves falling

“As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20. (NLT)

Jesus appears to some of His disciples for a third time. They are out in their boats and are not catching any fish. Jesus calls to them from the shore and tells them to throw their nets to the right side. They do what He says and their nets are filled. Peter swims to shore to be with Jesus.

Jesus asks Peter 3 times if He loves Him. Peter replies, yes each time. The third time, Peter is a little frustrated that He keeps asking Him, because He does love Him and has said yes. Jesus reply is to tell Peter, then “feed my sheep.” He is calling Peter to go and continue His ministry to people.

Another disciple is there and Peter asks Jesus, “What about him?” And Jesus replies in verse 22, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” Jesus is letting Peter know He needs to mind his own business and do what he is called to do. What the other does or does not do is none of his concern.

What a great reminder for me today. There are things God has called me to do. His plans and purposes for my life don’t match anyone else’s. What others do is not my concern. I must follow Him and obey the call and commands He has placed in my life. My life won’t look the same as anyone else’s. I can’t compare what I have done or have not done to others accomplishments.

Thank you Lord today for the plans and purpose you have for my life. I pray for a continued desire and determination to go after those things you are calling me to. May I not fall into the temptation to compare myself to others. I pray that I would keep my eyes fixed on you and follow where you go. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 21 of John? Share your insights in the comment section below.

John 20: Not By Sight

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“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” John 20:29. (NLT.)

“But these are written that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. And that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.” John 20:31 (NLT)

This chapter starts at the empty tomb. The stone was rolled away and Jesus has risen from the grave! He is alive! The disciples see Him and realize what they thought they knew, Jesus is the Messiah! Thomas, one of the disciples, was not there when Jesus first appeared to them. When they told him they had seen Jesus alive, Thomas said He would not believe until He saw Jesus.

It was 8 days later when the disciples were together again and Jesus came to them. Thomas was with them and Jesus told Thomas to “Look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. believe!” John 20:27 (NLT) Then Thomas believed that Jesus was Alive!

In verse 29 Jesus tells Thomas “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” And this is where faith comes into play. I’ve never seen Jesus, seen the holes in His hands or touched the wound in His side, but I believe what the Word says. He came as a baby, fully God and fully man. He willingly went to the Cross and died for the payment of my sin. And He overcame death, hell and the grave. He rose from the dead and Lives!

Verse 31 tells me that these things are written so that I will continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah! And, that because I believe I will continue to have life by the power of His name! It’s His Word that brings me hope, that strengthens my faith and reveals Jesus to me.

My prayer today is for a greater desire and love for His Word. I pray for the hunger for the Word would be continuous. I pray for a greater depth in my understanding. Thank you Lord for your Word and for the life it gives me. Amen.

What is God revealing to you today in chapter 20? Share your insights in the comment section below.

John 17: His Prayer for Me

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“I am in them You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Me and that You love them as much as you love Me.” John 17:23. (NLT)

This chapter is a prayer from Jesus. He knows the time has come for Him to fulfill His purpose. He prays for His disciples and in verse 20 He says,, “I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in Me.” Which means He is praying for me in this chapter. His words to His Father are for me! For my life! Today! Right now! In this moment! His words are for me!

In verse 23 He says He is in Me. His presence and power fills me today. It’s His presence that strengthens me and holds me. I am so very grateful for the assurance I have that He is in me.

He prays that we, those who believe He is who He says He is, will experience “such perfect unity”. SO THAT, “the world will know that You sent Me and that you love them as much as You love Me.” Our unity as believers will show the world Jesus and the greatness of His love!

There is and has been, such a need for the peace, hope and joy that Jesus brings. i believe He truly is the answer to all we need. Jesus prays for perfect unity and when I look around me I see a lot of disunity. I see the division among believers, those who believe and know the presence and power of Jesus. How different would our world look if we could be in “perfect unity?”

I pray today for the presence of Jesus to be greater in my life. I pray that I will be slow to speak and quick to listen. I pray for His peace to be in me, with Me and that it will be evident where I go. I pray that as much as possible, that I live peaceably with everyone (romans 12:18). And I pray for His presence to strengthen me. I want to be a woman who is lead by the Spirit, who speaks and responds by the leading of the Spirit. I pray He is greater and I am less. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 17 of John? Share in the comment section below.

John 13: Will I serve?

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“And since I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. ,  I have given you an example to follow, do as I have done to you.”  John 13:14-15 (NLT) 

This is Johns writing on what we know as “The Last Supper.”  Jesus is breaking bread with His disciples for the last time before He is crucified.  There are several things happening here in this chapter, but we first read that Jesus begins by washing the disciples feet. An act of humility and it appalls Peter.  The washing of feet is something that should be done by one of their servants,  at the least it should be done by one of the disciples.Even after Peter tries to stop Jesus, He continues and washes their feet.  He even washes the feet of the one disciple who He knows will betray Him.

Jesus, their leader, the one they know as the Messiah, takes on the role of a servant and washes their feet.   And then He tells them to do what He has done, they should wash one another’s feet.  Jesus is teaching them about humility and serving one another.  He takes it farther than they realize in this moment, when he washes the feet of Judas, the one He knows will betray Him.  He tells them He has given them an example and they should do the same. 

I’ve been in the church for my whole life.  I attended Bible college and have been in pastoral ministry for over 22 years.  There has always ben this teaching about being a “servant,” or a “servant leader.”  It’s relevant and has true Biblical backing, it’s what Jesus is teaching here in John 13.  But I am wondering this morning if I have ever really grasped the whole idea of what true ‘servant leadership” is all about. Have I come to a place where I am willing to lay down my rights and personal comfort to serve someone who will betray me?  Truthfully, if I know someone is not for me, or for the same things I am for, am I willing to serve them?  Or, is my motivation to serve only based on those who are with me and for me? 

Jesus was aware of Judas betrayal.  Yet, He took on the role of the servant and washed His feet.  If I know someone will betray me, talk harshly against me, question my heart or motives, am I still willing to humble myself and serve them?  

I am challenged today to become more like Jesus, willing to humble myself and take on the role of servant.  Caring for those around me simply because He calls me to love.  I pray today for pride to be broken in my life. I pray for the Lord to enlarge my heart to be a servant.  I am praying today that I will be motivated to serve, not for my personal gain, not even for others gain, but simply because He commands me to do as He has done.  I am thankful for His Holy Spirit that changes and transforms me to be more Like Christ.  I am thankful today that He is patient with me and that He will continue working in my life.  I’m not there yet, I’m still learning to love and to serve.  Thank you Lord for revealing your heart to me and for expanding my understanding. Amen.

 

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 13 of John?  Share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below.

John 7: Not Always As It Appears / Thirsty

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Fall photo Journaling Through John

As I was preparing for this session of journaling, I somehow ended up with 2 post for chapter 7.  I could not decide which to post, so I put them both here!  Enjoy!

John 7: Not Always As It Appears
“Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” John 7:24 (NLT)

People are gathering and talking. They are questioning Jesus. Even His brothers don’t believe Him.  There is a lot of talking and division. Those who do believe won’t speak up, they are afraid of the Jewish leaders. They are looking for Him and wondering why He isn’t there at the festival.  Then Jesus shows up at the temple and begins teaching.

Earlier in the chapter, in verse 7, Jesus says the world hates Him because He accuses it of doing evil.  And then in the temple He begins to speak directly to the pharisees, those who accuse Him of not obeying the law.  He calls them out for doing the same thing they accuse Him of doing.  then He says in verse 24, “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

It can be so easy to judge other’s actions simply by what I can see.  And how quickly I can jump to conclusions based on such little information.  And oh, how rampant is it today to call out others simply because of something we see or a comment that is made.  The reality is there is so much more beneath the surface.  My thoughts, beliefs, actions, convictions, opinions, responses are all based on my processes, journey and circumstances.  I must also recognize that about others.  I can’t let myself assume I know or understand why someone says or does something.

I must look beneath the surface.  This means I have to go deeper in my relationships to know their heart.  It’s in intentional, real relationship that I can get to the core of any issue.  There are definitely times where I need correction and to be called out on my actions, but I won’t always respond to those who haven’t taken the time to really know me, to go deeper.  So, why would I expect that others would hear my heart when I just spout off my thoughts and opinions.  If I want to make a difference in n people’s lives I must be willing to put in the work of relationship. AND, I must also look deeper into my own heart and motives, allowing the Holy Spirit to purify and cleanse my heart of malice, un-forgiveness, offense, selfish ambitions, critical judgement and whatever other junk is hardening my heart to Jesus and toward people.

Lord, I pray today for a heart like yours.  A heart that loves people right where they are.  I desire for real, authentic relationships where I allow others to speak into my life.  Teach me to respect others journey not always jumping to judgments.  I want to see people like you see them.  Teach me to love like you love. Amen.

John 7:  Thirsty

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me.  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!  For the Scriptures declare, rivers of living water will flow from His heart.”  John 7:37-38 (NLT)

Jesus is speaking at the temple during a Jewish festival.  The religious leaders have and continue to question who he is.  He shows up and begins speaking to them of His work and their doubt of who He is..

Jesus says, “anyone who is thirsty may come to me.” (V37). And my heart responds, yes, I am thirsty!  The weight of everything leaves me feeling parched and desperate for a fresh drink.  What I see in the news, the things I hear in politics, the conversations on social media and the brokenness of it all can leave me depleted, heavy and longing for refreshing.

Jesus, I am thirsty.  Fill me with a fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit.  Refresh and fill my soul.  Allow your living water to cleanse and refresh every part of my soul.  I pray for more and more of your Spirit, let it flow through me and out of me.

In verse 38 Jesus says that for anyone who believes and drinks, rivers of living water will flow from their heart.  The thirst is for His Spirit and it is for me, but it will flow out of me.  I know that the world needs Jesus.  Those in my life need His presence and the hope He offers.  I pray today that the filling and refreshing I experience would flow over and reach those in my life.

Today I pray for a deeper understanding of my responsibility.  Where can I offer hope?  My desire is that wherever I go, His peace will be present.  Lord, teach me to just lead those around me to you. I pray my life would reflect your heart for all people.  Amen.

What is God speaking to you today through John 7?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

John 1: Unfailing Love and Faithfulness

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“So, the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”  John 1:14 (NLT)

In verse 1 we are told that the Word was there in the beginning.  An in verse 14 it says the Word became human.  Jesus is the Word and He was there in the beginning.  He came as a human and was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And if we choose to believe in Him and accept Him, He gives us the right to become children of God.  Jesus has always been and continues to be.  It is Jesus who came, and it is because of His love and faithfulness that I can trust Him.

I need His “unfailing love and faithfulness” in my life.  I need His love to sustain me, comfort me, ground me and embrace me.  I need to know His love for me is beyond my understanding and it doesn’t change or waiver.  He doesn’t love me any less or more based on my actions.  He simply and complexly loves me.  His love is unconditional irrevocable and unending.

His faithfulness goes far beyond anything I can know or comprehend.  I can reflect on my life and can see where He has navigated, directed and protected my life.  Life isn’t always fair.  Complications, disappointments, uncertainties and tragedy have played out in my life.  But even in the darkest moments, He was with me.  I know that I know that I know He was with me, because without Him I’m not sure I would have survived.   His presence brings peace that sustains me and strengthens me.  I know it because I live it.

Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love and faithfulness.  I pray today for a continual reminder of how great your love for me is. I pray that I will not lose sight of your love for me.  Keep me close and strengthen my trust in You.  I pray for greater faith each day, so that no matter what I face, I trust that You are with me! Amen.

What is God speaking to you today through John 1?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!  I’m looking forward to reading your comments!

Day 18: The Name of the Lord – Proverbs 18

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Day 18 picture of pink wild flowers

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the Godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18: 10 (NLT)

The name of the Lord, Jesus, there is power in that name. I can call His name and run to Him and there I find refuge, safety, peace and hope. I can simply speak His name in the darkness and the atmosphere changes.

I have Jesus, my refuge. I have Jesus, my peace and comfort. I have Jesus, my hope. I have Jesus, my deliverer. I have Jesus, my provider. I have Jesus, my joy. I have Jesus, my Savior! I have Jesus, the One I can run to.

I can’t comprehend His presence and power. I don’t even know how He is working and moving on my behalf. My mind cannot process the greatness of His name, Jesus. It’s by faith, at times a tiny bit of faith, that causes me to call on Him and to find refuge in His presence. He’s never let me down and I’m convinced He never will!

And, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

I don’t know what tomorrow holds. I don’t even know what this afternoon holds, but I know He never changes. His name, Jesus, is where I will find refuge and safety from the storms that arise. His promise that He will never leave me or abandoned me (Hebrews 13:5) rings true in my heart. I believe Him. I trust Him!

What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 18? Share in the comments below or join the conversation on our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.

If you’ve never accepted Jesus’ love and grace into your life and you want to know more about Him, email me at stasia@notbysightinsight.com. I would love to tell you all about Jesus and His great love for you!