Trust

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 16: Take Heart

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“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Jesus is with His disciples and He is telling Him He will be leaving them soon. He is going to be with the Father, but He will send an Advocate to be with them. He tells them He is going but will return. This chapter ends with Jesus letting them know there will be difficulties in this world, but He has overcome the world and we can find our peace in Him.

I love this verse! First, it lets me know that any difficulties or sorrows I may face in this life are not a surprise to the Lord. He knows about sin and about the enemy who comes to kill, steal and destroy. He is aware of every difficulty I will face. He knows about the hardships and brokenness I will have to overcome. He knows about the hurt and the heartbreak.

Secondly, He has already made provision for me. I can find peace in the midst of any storm. He is with me and makes provision for me along the way. It’s in the midst of the difficulties and sorrows that I can see most and sense His presence.

And this verse ends with Him saying I can take heart, He has overcome the world! It’s in my mortal human body that I can get caught up in the moment. I can only feel what I am feeling today and can’t comprehend the eternal truth, He is victorious! It’s in His presence that I can overcome!

I am thankful today for His peace in my life. Today I lean into His presence and the reassurance that He has overcome! My hope is in Him. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in chapter 16 of John? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.

John 11: Stay Focused

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John 11

Earlier today I made a quick pass through my FB news feed.  I read a post from someone who was just disgusted by closed minded people. Those who only quote others and stand firm in their biases and opinions.  He then went on to say that the characteristic all of these people have, and he did say ALL, was they also professed to be Christians. Ugggghhhh!! That kind of comment can just fry me.  I want to just say something to counter his comment, something that leaves him speechless.  I’m a Christian and I know lots of Christians who are working very hard to build bridges, have the hard conversations, listen to others life stories, lead in repentance and reconciliation.

As I thought about it, I’m just more fried by those who profess to be Christians and speak such harsh thoughts and opinions.  And instead of posting, responding or dwelling on my feelings, I went to my Bible and began to read.

In John 11 we read about a miracle.  Lazarus had been dead and in the grave for 4 days! 4 days!  Jesus comes and calls him out.  Lazarus rises from death and walks out of the tomb! This was a miracle that “the Son of God would receive glory” verse 4.   In verse 45 we read that “many of the people believed in Jesus who saw this happen.”  But you know what, even after witnessing this miracle, some went to the Pharisees to tell what they saw (verse 46).  It was there that they decided that they could not allow Him, Jesus, to continue, people might believe Him.  In verse 53 we read that it ‘was from that time on the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.”

Jesus response to all this, “He stopped His public ministry in among the people and left Religious and non-religious people did not believe Him.  He knew what His purpose was, and He continued forward and began to prepare.  He didn’t have to set anyone straight.  He didn’t allow comments and opinions to affect Him in a way that would be misunderstood or reek of criticism, judgment and pride. He moved on and continued doing what He was called to.

fall shortWhat have I learned today from this chapter in John and how can I apply it to my life today?

  1. There has been and there will always be those who don’t believe and won’t hear.
  2. As Christians, we will often fall short and misrepresent Christ. None of us are perfect and we must DAILY look to His Word for guidance and correction.
  3. And finally, God has called me with a purpose. I just need to move forward and continue doing the things He has called me.  I can’t be distracted by what others say..

My response to the FB post I mentioned in the first paragraph shouldn’t be one to leave Him speechless.  I shouldn’t even allow it to fry me to be frustrated and angry.  My response should be one that leads me to prayer and repentance.  My response should be from a place of love and not of setting someone straight.  This kind of talk against Christians has been around since Jesus walked the earth and you know what, He still gave His life for all!

I pray today for a greater love for all mankind.  I pray to see each person as Jesus sees them and to love them unconditionally right where they are.  I repent for inconsistencies in my life, for those biases I fail to see and for misrepresenting Christ with my emotional opinions.  Lord, continue working on my heart creating a pure and clean heart.  Give me clear understanding of my purpose and plan for my life.  Give me courage to walk it out and to love my neighbor.  Amen.

What is God saying to you today?  Share your thoughts and insights from John 11 in the comment section below.

 

Day 29: Safely Trust Him – Proverbs 29

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pic of day 29 purple flower

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)

What a timely verse for me today. Life around me seems so uncertain and what I thought I knew; I don’t really know. What was “normal” may never again return. I find myself looking to leaders for answers. I’m looking to church leaders and government leaders hoping they will “fix” it all! The truth I just want to put all this chaos behind me and get back to what I was doing.

Then, I watch the news, I read comments on social media and I find my self feeling hopeless. I become fearful of my today and my tomorrow. I worry about how my kids are coping and what kind of future will they have. I feel frustrated and overwhelmed at times because I need a plan, a process, a solution.

I am reading this verse today and I’m rejoicing in the One I can put all my trust in! Nations rise and nations fall, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) He created it all. He is present. He is working on my behalf. His plans “are for good and not disaster, to give you (me) a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NLT)

My hope is Jesus. The fear and uncertainty of all that is happening before me cannot take center stage in my life. This mindset and mentality will lead me and entrap me in worry, despair, hopelessness, anxiety, anger and depression. This verse in Proverbs tells me that if I will trust the Lord, He will bring safety. My trust in Him will keep me from living hopelessly in fear and anger. I’m taking it one day at a time, looking to Jesus to lead my way.

Lord, thank you for this reminder today, that I can confidently trust you. You are my hope, my refuge, my strength, my deliver and my help. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 29? Share in the comments below or join the conversation on our Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.

Day 3: Which Way? – Proverbs 3

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Picture for Day 3 two roads going different directions

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

I can’t get through Proverbs 3 without writing about these 2 verses, they are my life verses! Everything in my life comes back to this, trusting Him with everything. Letting go of what I know, or rather, what I think I know, fixing my focus on Him and waiting for His direction for my life. WORKS EVERY TIME!

First, I must trust Him. Trust He has a plan and purpose for me. Trust that He will not let me down. Trust that what He has for me is far better than what is accomplished by my own hand or by the ways of this world. So, I ask myself, do I trust Him? My answer, YES! Yes, I trust Him with all my heart.

Then, I must not look to my own understanding. Ha, easier said then done! We want to see it and we think if we can’t see it, well, then we won’t trust or believe it.  I face this very kind of thing every day living with physical blindness. So often I am having to trust and respond to what others are telling me. I cannot rely on my own sight, it is flawed, broken, distorted, and absent. This is often true in my trust of God’s leading and direction of my life. I can’t see what He can see. My sight is limited. I can’t rely on my own understanding.

So instead, I acknowledge Him in every area of my life. I seek Him in every decision. I look to Him for direction, provision, clarity, and instruction. There isn’t any part of my life that He isn’t available to work out for me. I accept His truth. I confess He exists, and His plans are greater and higher than anything I could dream or imagine.

And because I trust Him and accept His wisdom, He will show me which way to go! And that is for anything in my life.  The big stuff, the life altering decisions, those things that will affect my life and those around me. It’s also for the day to day decisions. Those things that come up daily in parenting, marriage, relationships and basic life stuff. He will give me wisdom and the right answer! He will show me which way to go!

I pray today for increase in my faith and trust in Christ. I pray for the Lord to reveal those areas of my life where I am not trusting Him. Amen.

What is God speaking to you today in Proverbs 3? Comment below or join the conversation on the  Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.

The Fear of Falling

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Picture of coffee and laptop

What do I fear most about sight loss? Over the years my answer has changed just as my vision has decreased. I can honestly say that I am at a place in my life where I have no fear in being blind. It is just the reality of my life. I have a choice to limit myself and miss out on the fun or I could just look past what I can’t see and do all the fun stuff anyways.  More often than not, I just go for it! I have 4 other senses that work perfectly and allow me to enjoy people and the world around me.

Don’t misunderstand my choice to live life to the fullest with an idea that being blind isn’t challenging. I live in a world that is for the sighted. From the beauty of the land to the menu at my favorite restaurant, sight is required. However, I have to overcome the requirement of sight and find a different way to participate. A lot of times it is through the eyes

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