The New Beginning: We Are Being Prepared to Be Sent Out!

November 15, 2012

Jesus is getting ready to send them out and He wants to make sure they understand a few things:

• Try to do this on your own and you will fail.
• Follow my direction and you will be amazed by the results.
• Make sure that everything you do is based upon the right foundation—your love for me.
• I am all you need. I don't need you to provide for me. Come to me. I will provide for you.
• Go! Feed my sheep. Take care of my lambs. 

We feel this is part of the NEW BEGINNING. We are being prepared to be sent out. Today I finished writing about the Gospels and today is two years and 364 days since I began this journey of reading through the Bible and writing my thoughts in this journal. Tomorrow, as I begin Acts—the sending out of the Church—it will be the third anniversary of when I began this journey. We believe God is preparing us to be sent out. How? When? Where? We don't know. What we do know is God is enough—and that is enough. We will follow Him and His direction.

The Exploration verses today were about people who did not follow God's direction. Achan—who disobeyed and kept things for himself. His actions affected ALL the Israelites and ultimately led to his death. Saul—who disobeyed and kept the best from the Amelkites instead of destroying it all. He tried to blame others and refused to humble himself. The king he spared (King Agag) thought enough time had passed so that the threat of death had passed. But that was not the case. Samuel finished what God told Saul to do. Then Samuel and Saul went their separate ways and Samuel never saw Saul again. There are many examples throughout the Bible of successes (people who chose to follow God's directions) and failures (people who chose to follow their own desires).

We will follow the LORD. Period. No ifs; ands; or buts. We will not bend, we will not bow, we will not break. Lord, we commit ourselves to you. Use us for YOUR service. Send us out. 

"Be strong and brave, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD God, my God, is with you  He will not fail you for leave you until all the work for the Temple of the LORD is finished." I Chronicles 28:20

We stand amazed.

Addendum:  2/29/16 ~ I keep reading my summary of the instructions Jesus gave His followers over and over.... and over and over again.   

• Try to do this on your own and you will fail.
• Follow my direction and you will be amazed by the results.
• Make sure that everything you do is based upon the right foundation—your love for me.
• I am all you need  I don't need you to provide for me. Come to me. I will provide for you.
• Go! Feed my sheep. Take care of my lambs. 

O LORD, I want to live my life following YOUR instructions. It's all about YOU, LORD. It's all about YOU. Use me however YOU choose. May YOU always find me faithful, LORD. May YOU always find me faithful.


Next Entry: Acts 1:1 – 2:47   

John 21:1–25

November 15, 2012

My Savior's Love

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner, condemned, unclean.

   Oh, how marvelous!  Oh, how wonderful!

   And my song shall ever be:

   Oh, how marvelous!  Oh, how wonderful!

   Is my Savior's love for me!

For me it was in the garden

He prayed: "Now my will, but Thine."

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat drops of blood for mine.

In pity angels beheld Him,

And came from the world of light

To comfort Him in the sorrows

He bore for my soul that night.

He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them his very own;

He bore the burden to Calv'ry,

And suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,

'Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of His love for me.

(Listen to it here.)

I've just been astounded how many songs have been entering my consciousness. Then when I google the words I am even more amazed by how they relate to what I am reading.

Jesus shows Himself to the followers again, this time at the Sea of Tiberias (Lake Galilee). Scofield, in Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV breaks this chapter down like this:

Service in self-will, under human leadership  

When Peter decides to go fishing, ("I am going...") and when the others decided to go as well, ("we will go...") they caught nothing.

Service in self-will tested: the barren result  

In their own efforts they came up empty.  He asked them if they had caught anything and the answer was—No!

Christ-directed service, and the result  

Jesus tells them to put the net on the other side of the boat... that there is where they will find the fish. They obeyed and did what Jesus said and they caught so much fish that they couldn't pull the net back into the boat.

The Master enough for the need of his servants  

Jesus was on the shore cooking fish and bread over a fire of coal while his followers were out fishing. When his followers came ashore he said, "Come and eat." And then took the bread and fish HE was preparing and served them. Jesus is ALL we need.

The only acceptable motive for service  

Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Do you love me more than anything else? If the answer is "yes" then: 1) feed my sheep; 2) take care of my lambs.

No matter what—FOLLOW ME!  Then—THEN go out and produce "fruit that lasts" for ME.


Addendum:  2/29/16 ~ Last night two more songs were playing in my mind. The songs from when I was originally writing in 2012 and the songs now in 2016 have almost all been old hymns that I haven't heard or sung in years. I love how the Holy Spirit ministers to us in ways that we could not orchestrate. The songs have all been about HIM and HIS amazing love. Quite appropriate since I have been living in the Gospels for months now. I'm sad to see the Gospels end, but I am also excited about moving forward and the sending out of His followers.

Last nights songs:

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me,

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate'er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living Bread.

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see. 

All the way my Savior leads me,

Oh, the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father's house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings it flight to realms of day

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song through endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Listen to it here.

I Am So Glad That Our Father in Heaven

I am so glad that our Father in Heav'n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv'n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

   I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
   Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
   I am so glad that Jesus love me,
   Jesus loves even men.

If I forget Him and wander away,
Still He doth love me wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

Oh, if there's only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
"Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"

Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree;
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!

If one should ask of me, how can I tell?
Glory to Jesus, I know very well!
God's Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,
Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.

In this assurance I find sweetest rest,
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blest;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.


Next Entry: The New Beginning: We Are Being Prepared to Be Sent Out!

John 20:1–31

November 14, 2012

The tomb is empty! The fear of death is gone! We serve a Living Savior!

   Hallelujah, Thine the glory
   Hallelujah, Amen
   Hallelujah, Thine the glory
   Revive us again.

God provided the final sacrifice. We no longer need to be dead in our sin. The grave is no longer our enemy. He is alive! His Father is our Father, and His God is our God. When we live our lives surrendered to Him we have peace, a peace that only HE can give, and we have the Holy Spirit that HE breathes on us.

When Jesus appeared to His followers they believed and were given peace and the Holy Spirit. Thomas wasn't with them and wouldn't believe until he saw it for himself. A week later he saw and he believed and was given the peace only God can give. But what about that week when he refused to believe? For one week he lived in misery; the teacher was dead; what was going to happen to his followers, etc. For one whole week he was on his own. 

That was one week. Some people spend a whole life time trying to do it on their own and they miss out on the peace that only He can give. And more importantly, they miss out on the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

If you want happiness, peace and contentment—BELIEVE!


Next Entry: John 21:1–25

John 18:28 – 19:42

November 13, 2012

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, It is well with my soul.

   It is well, with my soul

   It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole.

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord O my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend

Even so, it is well with my soul.

   It is well, with my soul

   It is well, it is well with my soul.

Listen to It Is Well With My Soul here.

The crucifixion of Jesus. Orchestrated by His own people—the Jews. The Jews—chosen by God to be His people. Throughout the Old Testament we read of their disobedience, their wanderings, their refusal to accept full surrender to God. They wanted kings so God let them have what they wanted even though it was going to cause their downfall. None of the kings for the tribe of Israel did what the Lord said was right, and only a few of the kings of Judah followed what the Lord said was right.  

Fast forward to the time of Jesus. The Jews are no longer free. They are living under the control of the Roman Empire. It was a fairly comfortable life, it was not like when they were slaves of Egypt. They had settled in and accepted something far less than what God had designed for them. They were content with status quo. They didn't want Jesus to disrupt their lives. Over the years they decided which laws they were going to follow and they added their own insight and twist to the laws. They were comfortable in their sin and did not want to change. How dare this "man" named Jesus interrupt their lifestyle.

Their scriptures told them exactly what was going to happen. Yet Jesus was born a few miles away and they had no idea. They were not seeking God or searching His word. They were doing what they wanted to do. They were religious—but they were religious unbelievers. The baby Jesus grew to be a man. They become offended by His teachings so they decide to get rid of this "man" who is putting a damper on their lifestyle. They don't want to get their own hands dirty so they enlist the help of the Romans who they are subject to, and Jesus is arrested and taken before the Jews High Priest. He is questioned and then taken to the Roman Governor's palace. But, since they were "religious," they did not go inside the palace because that would have made them unclean and they didn't want to miss out on eating the Passover meal. Heaven forbid!! They were concerned about missing their "religious" custom of celebrating the protection of God and all the while they are seeking the destruction of God Himself!!  

Pilate asked what this man had done wrong and they respond—trust us! We wouldn't have brought him to you if he wasn't a criminal. Pilate says, "Take him yourself and judge him by your own law." But the problem was their law did not allow anyone to be put to death. So in order to remain "religious" they had to take Jesus to someone else (the Romans) and have their court do it. And that was somehow okay in their "religious" minds!?! They were laser focused on one thing—GET HIM! They could not see or understand truth. Jesus said, "This is why I was born and came into the world: to tell people the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me." The KJV says, "hears my voice." The NIV says, "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37) But they didn't want truth. They only wanted what they wanted.  

Pilate could find nothing wrong with Jesus. It was the Jewish custom to release one prisoner at Passover time. So he asked the people if they wanted to free Jesus. He gave them opportunity after opportunity to change their hearts and actions, but they refused and asked to have Barabbas (a true criminal) released instead. Pilate again tells them he can find no fault in him, and they respond by shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate says if you want to do this, then do it yourself. The Jews respond with "we have a law..." They were portraying religiosity.

Pilate again wants to let Jesus go. So this time they try a new tactic by putting pressure on him through manipulation. John 19:12 - "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar." Pilate, as governor, was under the rule of Caesar. By claiming insubordination they pressured Pilate into doing what he did not want to do. So Pilate sat down on the judge's seat. It was about noon on Preparation Day of Passover week. Pilate said to the crowd. "Here is your King! And they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him! The only king we have is Caesar!"

The truth comes out. They aren't followers of God, and Jesus is crucified. Pilate has a sign made to be put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews." The leading Priests said: NO! NO! NO!! Don't say he is the king of the Jews! Say he said he is the king of the Jews. Wasn't it enough to humiliate and kill Him? Their anger and revenge ran deep, but Pilate did not change the sign. The truth is the truth. He was/is the King of the Jews.

It was Preparation Day, and the next day was a special Sabbath day. They were busy being "religious." They didn't have time to waste while they were waiting for Jesus to die. So, they asked for the legs of the three men to be broken so they would hurry up and die. They had "religious" things they needed to do. The other two men's legs were broken, but Jesus was already dead. Jesus body was taken down and put in a tomb nearby.

BUT WAIT!! Before we become to hard on the Jews for their behavior and their part in the crucifixion of Jesus, what about us!?! Hebrews 6:4–6 says:

"Some people cannot be brought back again to a changed life. They were once in God's light, and enjoyed heaven's gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They found out how good God's word is, and they received the powers of his new world. But they fell away from Christ. It is impossible to bring them back to a changed life again, because they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and shaming him in front of others."

Wow! We are appalled at the actions of the Jews. But, if we turn away from Christ and do not follow His teachings, we are doing the very same thing!! Nailing Him to the cross again and shaming Him in front of others.

May those words never be said about me.


Next Entry: John 20:1–31 

John 18:1–27

November 12, 2012

Jesus taught publicly in the temple. He went about openly teaching. Yet He wasn't arrested during any of those times. They instead waited and "set traps along his path." Judas knew where Jesus went with His followers to be alone, and they chose that place—in the dark of night—to arrest Jesus.

Jesus didn't run. He didn't try to hide behind His followers. Jesus approached them and said, "Who is it you are looking for?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." "I am he." When they heard that, they moved back and fell down. It would have been a perfect time to run and try to escape. But Jesus didn't run. He stood His ground and asked again, "Who is it you are looking for?" They again replied, "Jesus of Nazareth." And Jesus said, "I told you I am he. So if you are looking for me, let the others go." 

I don't know if the phrase "let the others go" ever connected with me before. Jesus was soon going to die as God's final Lamb of sacrifice for all of mankind's sin, but here He is—KNOWING what He will soon face—and He is protecting His followers. "Let the others go." His words fulfilled what He said in John 17:12 - "I kept them safe by the power of your name..." 

Jesus. Our Defender. Let the others go!

What you do to the least of these, you do for me (Jesus). The reverse would be true as well. What you do (or attempt to do) to my followers is what you are actually doing to me (Jesus). It is Jesus who stood in front of His followers and protected them and kept them safe. He does the same for us. He is the shield. When Peter tried to take things into his own hands, Jesus said—No, I'm handling this.

And that is enough for me. 


Next Entry: John 18:28 – 19:42

John 17:1–26 (Continued)

November 11, 2012

Songs running through my mind early this morning.

Come Thou Fount

Come thou fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise.  

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

I'll praise the mount I'm fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love

Here I raise my Ebenezer 

Hither by Thy help I come

And I hope by Thy good pleasure

Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He, to rescue me from danger

Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace, how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness like a fetter

Bind my wandering heart to thee

Prone to wander Lord I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Listen to it here.  Shortly after Come Thou Fount another song began to play in my thoughts.

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

   This is my story, this is my song,

   Praising my Savior all the day long;

   This is my story, this is my song

   Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.  

   This is my story, this is my song.

   Praising my Savior, all the day long.

   This is my story, this is my song,

   Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Listen to Blessed Assurance here.


Next Entry: John 18:1–27

John 17:1–26 (Continued)

November 10, 2012

John 17:9–25 - "I am praying for them. I am not praying for people in the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours... my glory is shown through them... Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they will be one, just as you and I are one... I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to keep them safe from the Evil One... make them ready for your service through your truth; your word is truth... I pray for these followers, but am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching... I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me... Father, you are the One who is good."

Wow! Wow! And again WOW! I thought I was done writing about John 17. Last night I was talking to my husband about Jesus praying for them.I was relaxing in our old cast iron bath tub that's in an alcove of our bedroom and my husband was lying on the bed. I was saying—Imagine! Imagine Jesus praying for you! Then my husband said something that absolutely stunned me and made me stop and think about what he said in total silence. He said, "That is what Jesus did for you when Jane (Her Name Was Jane) prayed."

It felt like the world stopped for a moment. What? I've always known that the words Jane prayed were not her own words. They could not have been. And I wrote yesterday that Jesus is praying for us, but I meant in the heavenly realm. Never did I connect that what my husband was saying was true. Jesus was praying for us! Being the recipients of a "Blessed Event" has taken on a new and additional meaning! Jesus was praying for us! In audible words I could hear HIS words of blessing from Jane's lips. There is no other way to explain it! We are truly the recipients of a Blessed Event, and oh my goodness—we will not squander it!

Our hands are open LORD. Use us however you desire to bring glory and honor to YOU!

I've always called the prayer of blessing Jane prayed on my life on 1/5/07, "the most incredible prayer of blessing I've ever received."  Well of course it was!! It was Jesus praying a prayer of blessing over me through His Spirit.

I've always said that the prayer Jane prayed in July of 2007 (just days after receiving the news my sister and brother-in-law had just filed a vile and vicious lawsuit seeking our ruin), was about every relevant thing in our lives.  Well of course it was!! It was Jesus praying for every relevant detail in our lives through His Spirit. 

It was Jesus! John 17 records Jesus' prayer to the Father for His followers. His prayer began and ended with the most important thing Jane/Jesus taught us: Glory and praise to the Father. I stand in awe and amazement at the Sovereignty of our LORD. Blessed be YOUR Name. Jesus himself literally prayed for us and sent his promises and messages to us through an elderly woman of God. I stand amazed.

It is ALL about YOU, LORD! It is ALL about YOU! Thank you, for allowing us to be the recipients. We will not squander it. We need You. Continue to lead us, guide us, and direct us we pray. Blessed be YOUR Name!

Addendum: 9/2/16 ~ Tears are flowing. I am just amazed and grateful to Jesus for His amazing love. I'm heading outside. We are still building the cobblestone path in our Praise Shelter. The path includes the promises God gave us through the lips of Jane E. Wolfe. The promises are literally engraved in stone. I need to get on my knees. I need to carefully, prayerfully, and tearfully place those precious promises and the other stones in the path that memorializes the journey HE has led us on. I want to thank the Lord. I want to praise HIS Holy Name.

I'm heading outside. I need to get on my knees.

 Addendum #2: 8/20/18 ~ Here is a link to a YouTube video of the cobblestone path with God's promises or it can be watched below.

Next Entry: John 17:1–26 (Continued)

John 17:1–26

November 09, 2012

Yesterday I wrote how I feel as if momentum is building in our lives. Today I realize momentum is building in more than one way. Momentum is also building in the life of Christ. He begins to tell His followers about the progress of events.

John 13

He washes his followers' feet; He teaches them about the importance of servant-hood; He tells them what is going to happen before it happens; He reveals the truth about who Judas really is; Judas went out into the night; then when he was gone, Jesus said—NOW! NOW the time has come for His and the Father's glory to be shown. 

John 14

Jesus prepares His followers; He comforts them; He encourages them; He reminds them that "I am the way" and that they must believe; He promises to send them the Helper and that He is the Spirit of Truth; and He gave them His peace. He was like a coach gathering His team privately together one last time; giving them some final instructions; calling them in a circle; putting their hands together; and on the count of three saying, "Come now, let us go."

John 15

They are on the way to Gethsemane; God's plan is in motion; it is time; and Jesus continues His teaching and pep talk. Remain! Remain in me! I am the vine; you are the branch; God is the gardener; you will be pruned; it is for your good and the good of others; the world will hate you; you must tell people about Me.

John 16

The teaching continues; Jesus warns them ahead of time on what will happen; He explains to them how the Helper (Holy Spirit) will be the one who proves the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment; the Holy Spirit will lead; He will tell what is to come; He will bring glory to Christ's name; sadness will turn to joy; you can ask for anything in Jesus' name, and the Father will do it; He said all these things so we could have peace; there will be trouble in this world; "but be brave! I have defeated the world."

John 17

Jesus prays for His followers. The time has come. He prays for: 1) glory be brought to Him and the Father; 2) the return to Glory they had together before the fall of man; 3) the protection and safety of the believers from the world and evil one; 4) the believers to be ready for service by His truth—the Word; 5) the believers to be unified as one; 6) the world to believe in Him because of that unity; 7) those who follow Him to see and share in His eternal glory forever and ever.  

It is getting closer to the time that His followers are to be sent out. The momentum is building and Jesus says, "I am praying for them." What a thought and promise. God is preparing us, teaching us, and equipping us. And most importantly, He is praying His protection over us as He is getting ready to send us out.  

Thank you, Jesus! Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has the following verses written beside this chapter.

Psalm 97:10 - "People who love the LORD hate evil. The LORD watches over those who follow him and frees them from the power of the wicked."
II Timothy 4:17–18 - "But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength so I could fully tell the good News to all those who are not Jews. So I was saved from the lion's mouth. The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord's. Amen."

Life Lesson Verses:

Deuteronomy 4:7 - "... the Lord our God comes near when we pray to him."
Psalm 32:6 - "For this reason, all who obey you should pray to you while they still can. When troubles rise like a flood, they will not reach them."

My Life Verses:

Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you."
Hosea 14:8 - "I, the LORD, am the one who answers your prayers and watches over you. I am like a green pine tree; your blessings come from me."

*****

I went out for a walk after I wrote this morning. Yet another old hymn was running through my mind.  :)

Revive Us Again

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Hallelujah, Amen.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Revive us again.   

We praise You O God, for the Son of Thy love

For Jesus, who died and is now gone above.

We praise You O God, for Thy spirit of Light

Who has shown us our Savior and scattered our night.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Hallelujah, Amen.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Revive us again.

All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain

Who has born all our sin and has cleansed every stain

Revive us again, fill our hearts with Thy love

And may our souls be rekindled with fire from above.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Hallelujah, Amen

Hallelujah, Thine the glory

   Revive us again.

Listen to Revive Us Again here.


Next Entry: John 17:1–26 (Continued)

The New Beginning: Momentum is Building

November 08, 2012

I feel momentum building. Next week it will be three years since I began this journal. God has us on a path—and I feel the momentum building. I believe another phase of the path is coming to a close and what God means about the New Beginning phase will soon be made known.

All throughout this journey, the Holy Spirit has prepared us for the path ahead. We have been pruned. We were taught truths that were new to us. We have been given precious promises and His unexplainable peace. His love and faithfulness has been revealed to us in many ways. We have learned to do what Isaiah 30 says—Wait on the Lord—and He in return has guided our direction.

Back in July, we were led to start praying about a NEW BEGINNING and we are watching it unfold before us. I believe more will be revealed as we continue to follow His footpath. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about no matter what—Follow Me. Then today, I read these words in John 16:4 - "I have told you these things now so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you." 

Many people acknowledge there is a God. Fewer people acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and even fewer people yet understand and welcome the work of the Holy Spirit. But oh, how amazing and real the Holy Spirit is. John 16:7 - "When I go away, I will send the Helper to you." The Helper is the Counselor or Comforter. Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit.

People often discount or deny the Holy Spirit but He is the Spirit of Truth. To deny Him or to minimize Him is to deny Truth.

"When the Helper comes..." 

• He will prove the truth about sin 
• He will prove the truth about being right with God 
• He will prove the truth about judgment
• He will prove that not believing in Jesus is sin
• He will prove that Jesus is the way to the Father
• He will prove that the judgment of Satan is past tense
• He will lead you into truth
• He will tell you what is to come
• He will bring glory to Jesus
• He will tell you what Jesus has to say  

Jesus says you may be sad for a while, but "your sadness will become joy... and no one will take away your joy... I tell you the truth, my Father will give you anything you ask for in my name... Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy... The Father himself loves you. He loves you because you loved me and believed that I came from God." (John 16:20–27)

John 16:33 - "I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave!  I have defeated the world."


Next Entry: John 17:1–26

John 16:4b–33

November 08, 2012

I'd Rather Have Jesus

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be his than have riches untold; 

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I'd rather be true to His holy name.

Than to be the King of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway; 

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world afford today.

This was the song running through my mind this morning while awakening. (Listen to it here.)

Two days ago (Tuesday, November 6th) I awakened to this song running through my subconsciousness:

Blessed Be the Name

All praise to Him who reigns above,

In majesty supreme,

Who gave His son for man to die,

That He might man redeem.

His name above all names shall stand,

Exalted more and more,

At God the Father's own right hand, 

Where angel hosts adore.

Redeemer, Savior, Friend of man,

Once ruined by the fall,

Thou hast devised salvation's plan, 

For thou hast died for all.

His name shall be the Counselor,

The mighty Prince of Peace,

Of all earth's kingdoms Conqueror,

Whose reign will never cease.

Chorus:  Blessed be the name, Blessed be the name, Blessed be the name of the LORD!  Blessed be the name, Blessed be the name, Blessed be he name of the LORD!

Listen to it here.


Next Entry: The New Beginning: Momentum is Building

John 15:1 – 16:4a

November 07, 2012

Remain! Remain! Remain!

John 15:4 - "Remain in me and I will remain in you." Jesus is the vine; God is the gardener; we are the branches. It is

God

↓

Man

It is not God = Man or

Man

↓

God.

We must understand this! The branch cannot exist without the vine; it will wither and die; be thrown into the fire; and burned. It cannot produce fruit without the vine. It must remain with the vine. To produce fruit, to produce much fruit, the gardener (God) must trim away the dead or anything that hinders the production of fruit. The pruning process makes the branch thrive and the branch produces even more fruit—fruit that lasts.

The branch doesn't decide what to change—the gardener decides. It is our responsibility to remain. Remain connected to the vine. Remain committed to the vine. Remain in submission to the vine. Remain in the flow of life and love from the vine. Remain dependent upon the vine. To remain means to submit yourself to the authority of the vine and gardener. To truly understand the

God's Will

↓

Man

relationship. John 15:7 - "If you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you." There are some who read a verse like this and selfishly think it means they can use God like a puppet or benefactor so they can ask for anything they want and they can get it, as if God is their own personal servant. But look at it more closely. "If you remain in me and follow my teachings..."if you do those things, then your will and God's will, will be aligned and your heart will desire what His heart desires. John 15:16 - "Go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name." IF—THEN.

One of the fruits we are to produce is LOVE. John 15:12 - "This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:17 - "This is my command: Love each other." Pretty clear and straight forward. Those commands leave no room for anger, revenge, greed, deceit, force, control, or selfish desires. Those actions absolutely remove you from the vine and the ability to produce fruit. The fruit God wants is: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is what God wants. The only way to achieve those fruits is to remain. Remain in the vine. Welcome the pruning of the gardener. The producing of fruit is worth it all.

Remaining in Him does not mean a trouble free life. The world hated Jesus and the people of the world may hate you. But, we are not alone because we are part of the vine. John 14:16–17 - "I will send you the Helper... he is the Spirit of Truth." People who hate you may try to destroy you, but they cannot be successful. They cannot separate you from the vine. The gardener's pruning is what makes you strong. It's makes you understand that life is not about you—it is about Him. Jesus tells us what we do for the "least of these" is what we do for Him. The reverse of that is true as well. When someone does something to try and stop us or destroy us, their actions are actually against Christ because we are part of the vine. They may try to stop the production of fruit, but it isn't just the branch they are attacking, they are attacking the vine. It isn't our fight. It's God's. So let Him handle it.  Leave it in His hands.

We have one responsibility—Remain! Accept the pruning. Produce MUCH fruit.

Addendum: 7/4/2018 ~ As I was reading this post this morning the words of John 15:16 stuck out to me. "And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last." Fruit that will last. This has new meaning to me. It is the only thing that is important and truly lasts.

We've all heard the saying that you "never see a U-Haul behind a hearse," meaning you can't take your earthly possessions with you when you die. But it is so much more than that. In the months before my father-in-law's death, he lost all of his cognitive skills. It was a very sad thing to watch. In life, he was a very prideful man. He was proud of his business, his awards, his trips and vacations, his accomplishments, etc. But now, at the end of his life, he lost all memory of the things he was so proud of. He forgot he had taken those trips, he forgot about his awards and accomplishments, he forgot about the business he started, and in the most part, he forgot about his family. It was all gone. And then it hit me. It isn't just your possessions you don't take with you. You don't take your goals and accomplishments, your awards, the things you take pride in—you don't take anything earthly with you. 

The only thing that matters is "fruit that will last," the things you have done that brings Honor and Glory to God.

Who did you lead to Christ? Who did you help in His name? Who did you encourage in their walk with Christ? What have you done that holds Kingdom value? Because if your life accomplishments don't hold Kingdom value, if it isn't "fruit that lasts," then it really doesn't matter.

The poem by C.T. Studd says it all. 

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yest only one,
Soon with its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice,
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh, let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call,
I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.

Next Entry: John 16:4b–33

John 14:1–31

November 06, 2012

After Judas was gone, Jesus began to teach.

• "Don't let your hearts be troubled..." (Verse 1) Learn what it means to let go and TRUST. You cannot move forward and worry at the same time.
• "You know the way..." (Verse 4) Quit trying to reinvent the wheel. When we listen, God directs our paths. He will show you what you already know but have not seen. Isaiah 30:21 - "If you go the wrong way, to the right or left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the right way. You should go this way.' "
• "I am the way..." (Verse 6) He is the only way. He is truth. He is life. It is not "our way or the highway." It is only through Jesus. God's way IS the only way.
• "Believe... believe... believe..." (Verses 11 & 12) Believe Him because of what He says, or believe Him because of what He has done. Whatever you do—BELIEVE. When you believe you will be able to do great things not because of who you are but whose you are.
• "Ask!..." (Verse 13) I John 5:14–15 - "...if we ask God for anything that agrees with what he wants he hears us. If we know he hears us every time we ask him, we know we have what we ask from him." The motives behind our requests; the purpose of what we ask for; the result of what we want; must be to bring Honor and Glory to His Name and not our own.  
• "If you love me, you will obey my commands." (Verse 15) You will. Not once in a while, not some of His commands, not the ones you choose. "IF you love me, you will..." No ifs; ands; or buts. You will!! Complete obedience. Total surrender.
• "...Spirit of truth." (Verse 17) In a world where "seeing is believing," the Spirit of Truth is often not recognized. "The world cannot accept him, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he lives with you and he will be in you." (Verse 17) The Holy Spirit is real and alive in our lives. This journal bears witness to many of the ways He has ministered to us. He guides us and directs us. Yet, because He cannot be understood by those in the world, His existence and guidance is denied or misunderstood and as a result we are often falsely accused and viewed with suspicion.  
• "Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them." (Verse 21) The love of the Father, and the love of the Son, and our understanding of them is predicated on our actions—knowing His commands and obeying them. It isn't enough to just know. We must also obey. 
• "If people love me, they will obey my teaching." (Verse 23) And the reverse would also be true. Those who do not love me do not obey my teachings. You cannot love Him and continue to disobey His teachings. Cannot! You can say you love Him, but words are not enough. Our actions prove whether we do or do not love Him. Love = Obedience. Obedience = Love.  
• "I leave you peace; my peace I give to you." (Verse 27) You cannot buy peace. You cannot manufacture it; manipulate it; or fake it. Only God can give true, lasting, peace. So don't be afraid. Fear cannot survive in a heart filled with God's peace. It truly is a peace that passeth all understanding.
• "I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it happens, you will believe." (Verse 29) This the the second time Jesus said this in John. (See John 13:19) Psalm 140:12–13 - "I KNOW the LORD will get justice for the poor and will defend the needy in court. Good people will praise his name; honest people will live in his presence." Those two verses, spoken by Jane (Her Name Was Jane) contain the promise of "before it happens," and the result of "when it happens."  
• "Come now, let us go." (Verse 31) I never noticed this verse before. It's like a coach gathering his team in a huddle; preparing them for the game ahead; giving them the final pep talk; then everyone putting their hands together; and on the count of three saying:

Come now, let us go!!

We are ready LORD. We are all in. We are ready and willing to do whatever it is you ask us to do. Thank you for preparing us; growing us; changing us; encouraging us; blessing us; and using us.  Thank you, LORD for allowing us to be the recipients of this Blessed Event. LORD, we will not squander it. "Come now, let us go!" Praise the LORD!

John 14 - What a chapter!! 


Next Entry: John 15:1 – 16:4a

John 13:1–38

November 05, 2012

I have been thinking about this chapter for days now but have been unable to write because of the whirlwind surrounding the birth of our youngest (and last) grandchild.

It was time. It was time for Jesus to leave this world and go back to the Father. His time on earth and His work was nearing completion. Jesus washed the disciples feet showing them by example how they were to serve others as He (their teacher and Lord) served them. Jesus told them what was going to be happening even though they couldn't clearly understand what it all meant. John 13:19 - "I am telling you this now before it happens so that when it happens, you will believe that I am he." 

We strongly feel God has done this in our lives. He has revealed things to us before it happens, then when we see it happen it increases our faith. This is also why we go way out on a limb and tell others what we feel God has revealed to us so that when it happens their faith will be increased as well. John 13:20 - "I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send also accepts me. And whoever accepts me also accepts the One who sent me."

God has been faithful to us. We need to share His faithfulness with others. ALL for the purpose of bringing Honor and Glory to Him.

The betrayal by Judas. I've been thinking about the progression of sin/evil in Judas' life this past week. Judas was not a victim of circumstances. In John 13:27 it says that "Satan entered him." He was not an innocent man that was somehow taken over by Satan and therefore a victim of circumstance. He was not a victim—he was the product of his own choices. There should have been a progression to understanding, belief, and heavenly reward. Instead there was a regression to lies, deceit, and destruction. A downward spiral.

• Judas was one of the twelve apostles  Luke 6:12–16 - "Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the night praying to God. The next morning, Jesus called his followers to him and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles... Judas Iscariot, who later turned Jesus over to his enemies." Since Judas was following Jesus he had every opportunity to be curious about who this man was, and he had every opportunity to be interested in what this "man" was saying and doing. You can know of Jesus without knowing Jesus as your Savior and believing in Him.
• Judas followed—but he did not believe. He witnessed it ALL. The miracles, the many healings, the teachings about needing to change your hearts and lives. He was there. He heard the truth. He knew the way. He was shoulder to shoulder with believers. He was physically next to the living, breathing Christ. And yet even with all of that, he didn't somehow see the need to do what he was hearing Christ say. He fooled all those around him. All but Jesus. Jesus KNEW the truth. Judas was religious, but he was an unbeliever. (John 6:70–71)
• Judas was a thief—and not just of money. His life was an act of thievery. Judas acted appalled at expensive perfume being "wasted" on Jesus when that money could have been given to the poor, when in truth "Judas did not really care about the poor." He was only thinking about himself. He kept the money box, "and he often stole from it." He was there when Jesus taught about taking care of the poor. He was there when Jesus talked about stealing. He was there when Jesus taught about people who searched the scripture thinking knowledge would save them. He was there when Jesus talked about what would happen to those who refuse to come to Him for eternal life. (John 5:39–40) He was there when Jesus said the only way you are a true follower is if you obey His teachings. (John 8:31) He was there when Jesus taught about being the light of the world. He was there when Jesus taught that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. He was there. He knew what Truth was and he knew there really was only two choices; you are either following light—or— you are following the father of lies. He was there!! He was there for it ALL.
• Judas chose his own way. Step by step he chose himself over Christ. Each step of disobedience led to more disobedience. He was listening to the father of lies instead of the Spirit of light and truth. "The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot... to turn against Jesus." (John 13:2) This was not a hostile take-over by Satan. This was step by step disobedience by Judas who refused to accept the God → man relationship and surrender his will to God's will, opening a crack in the door and allowing the father of lies to influence him.
• Judas hid "the truth" well. When Jesus said at the last supper that one of the twelve was going to betray him they all looked around and said, "Lord, who is it?" No one said "It's Judas! I always knew something was off with him! I could tell he wasn't who he said he was." No. No one knew except Jesus. He "acted" the part well. He knew what to say and how to say it. Judas was arrogant. Even after Jesus exposed his life as a lie he kept right on going. When Jesus dipped the bread and reached out his arm to hand it to Judas, he didn't shrink back and scream out—NO! Father forgive me! No. Instead, Judas took the bread, and as soon as he did (the final defiance) "Satan entered him." Judas himself, by his own selfish choices and actions, opened the door—and Satan entered. Now it was too late. There comes a point in time when enough is enough. There comes a time of accountability and God allows us to be turned over to the father of lies. Judas thought he was in control. But he was deceived. Self deception says, "I can do this... I am in control... I.. I... I...," and the door is opened, Satan enters, and it is too late.
• Judas took the bread and immediately went out. "It was night." Judas went out into darkness. The other disciples still didn't understand what was happening. Judas hid his true intentions well.

But! That is not the end of the story. When Judas was gone, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man receives his glory, and God receives glory through him." (John 13:31) Now! All of what transpired with Judas happened so that—Now! HIS glory could be shown! And Jesus gave a new command: "Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other." (John 13:34–35)

It all comes down to our choices. There are two ways to live. Light—or—Darkness. The choice is ours.

Psalm 1

Happy are those who don't listen to the wicked,
     who don't go where sinners go,
     who don't do what evil people do.
They love the Lord's teachings,
     and they think about those teachings day and night.
They are strong, like a tree planted by a river.
     The tree produces fruit in season,
     and its leaves don't die.
Everything they do will succeed.
But wicked people are not like that.
     They are like the chaff that the wind blows away.
So the wicked will not escape God's punishment.
     Sinners will not worship with God's people.
This is because the LORD takes care of his people,
     but the wicked will be destroyed.

After Judas was gone Jesus began to teach.


Next Entry: John 14:1–31

John 12:1–50

October 31, 2012

The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees were angry. They were so threatened by Jesus and the TRUTH that they were willing to do anything to stop the "noise" of anyone who was speaking and/or believing truth. They plotted (Psalm 140:1 - "Rescue me O Lord from evil men who devise evil plans in their hearts") not only against Jesus but Lazarus also, making plans to kill him because people were leaving their ways and believing in Jesus. When you have encountered the Son of God there is one thing you must do—tell others about Him. And that is what they were doing.

An encounter with Christ brings peace to yourself; a love for others; and the desire to tell others about Him. 

Matthew 7:15–20 - You will know them by their fruit. The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees called themselves religious when in actuality they were religious unbelievers. Their actions mirrored that of whom they followed. They sought to steal, kill, and destroy—the very description of what Satan seeks to do—and they did it under the guise of religiosity. Judas acted appalled at the "wasting" of perfume on Jesus feet when that money could have been used for the poor. John 12:6 - "But Judas did not really care about the poor; he said this because he was a thief. He was the one who kept the money box, and he often stole from it." The only reason the leaders wanted Jesus, Lazarus, and the other believers destroyed was to preserve themselves and their selfish desires.

Christ-followers give away. Self-followers take.

In John 12 there is a switch. Up until now Jesus said, "My time has not yet come." (John 2:4; John 7:6; John 7:30; John 8:20) Now it changes to "the time has come..." It was now time.  John 12:23–27 - "The time has come for the Son of Man to receive his glory. I tell you the truth, a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed. Those who love their lives will lose them, but those who hate their lives in this world will keep true life forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me. Now I am very troubled. Should I say, 'Father, save me from this time'? No, I came to this time so I could suffer. Father, bring glory to your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have brought glory to it; and I will do it again. The crowd standing there, who heard the voice, said it was thunder. But others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus said, "that voice was for your sake, not mine."

Now is the time.

We must be willing to do what Jesus did—surrender ALL—and lay our lives down to follow Him. And when we do, our actions and our desires bring Honor and Glory to His Name. When we surrender the Father is pleased and He in turn brings honor to those who serve Him. It is for "your sake" that trials and difficulties come. To see the hand of God and to bring honor and glory to Him is for "your sake."

Oh, how grateful I am for all the "deep water" times in our lives, including these last almost six years of "the storm." It truly has been for "your sake."

Still, through everything, some people still would not believe. They saw the miracles but, "They still did not believe in him." Their eyes were blind. Their minds were closed. (Isaiah 6:10) When you walk in darkness you don't know where you are going. Jesus came to be the light, "but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things. All who do evil hate the light and will not come to the light, because it will show all the evil things they do. But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God." (John 3:19–21)

Again—Jesus came to be the light—but it is our choice whether we receive it or not. John 12:46 - "I have come as light into the world so that whoever believes in me would not stay in darkness." 

You cannot believe and continue to do the things that are of darkness. Light and darkness do not mix. If you choose to believe and obey—you are in the light. If you refuse to believe, do not accept my words, and do not obey (Jesus' own words)—then you are in darkness. It really is that black and white.


Next Entry: John 13:1–38

John 11:1–57

October 29. 2012

The death of Lazarus. I am struck again by the words of Jesus. John 11:15 - "I am glad for your sakes I was not there so that you may believe." What looks disastrous is many times for our good.

Oh, how I can relate! As I look back over our lives I can see how God has used the different "deep water" times in our lives to build us up; grow us; change us; deepen our faith; and use us... ALL for our good. I am grateful—yes, GRATEFUL—for all the deep water times in our lives and "the storm." They are truly Blessed Events and we will not squander them.

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written a comparison between Martha and Mary's response to life and Lazarus illness and death in her KJV Bible.

Martha—Self-centered
Mary—Christ-centered

Martha was busy "doing" whether it be preparing the house and food or going to meet Jesus after Lazarus died. Mary on the other hand, was busy "being." Mary was the one who poured perfume on Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair. She didn't go to meet Jesus coming, she "sat still." Jane has written "submission, peace, confidence." When Jesus asked for her "she arose quickly, and came unto him." When she saw him, "she fell down at his feet." Her dependence was not on self or "doing," it was on "being," totally dependent on the Lord.

Our concerns should not be about what "we" want. It should be—Jesus, what do YOU want from me?


Next Entry: John 12:1–50 

John 10:1–42

October 26, 2012

The Shepherd and His sheep:

• They are HIS sheep
• They know HIS voice
• HE leads them
• HE protects them
• HE gives HIS life for them
• HE saves them
• HE knows them
• No one can take them away from HIM
• The sheep follow HIM

Jesus (the Shepherd) and the Father are One. When you learn to know Jesus you are learning about God the Father as well. John 10:10a - "A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy." That is the purpose and mission of the devil. But Jesus' mission is entirely different. John 10:10b - "But I came to give life—life in all its fullness." Satan seeks to destroy, but if you are following the Shepherd he cannot be successful because Jesus said, "No one can steal them out of my hand."

Some were still refusing to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. To them He said, "If I don't do what my Father does, then don't believe me. But if I do what my Father does, even though you don't believe in me, believe what I do. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37–38)

Then you will know! Absolutely, positively KNOW that HE is God. Without a doubt. Without hesitation. Complete confidence. Complete assurance. You will know His voice and you will follow Him. No turning back. No listening to a stranger's voice. Complete surrender. Total dependence. The

God

↓

Man

Shepherd

↓

Sheep

relationship understood and embraced. John 10:27–28 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand."  

Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV Bible divides the description of shepherd into three aspects:

1. "Good" Shepherd—he gave his life for the sheep and is the "door" by which you must enter to be saved
2. "Great" Shepherd—raised from the dead to care for and perfect the sheep
3. "Chief" Shepherd—coming again in glory to give crowns of rewards to the faithful shepherds

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely you goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Next Entry: John 11:1–57 

John 9:1–41

October 25, 2012

"He told me to go... so I went." The story of the blind man who Christ healed. He was born blind. His blindness was not because of any sin of his own or his parents. He was born blind "so that God's power could be shown in him." Jesus told him to go and wash in the pool Siloam which means "sent." Jesus told him to go → so he went → and was healed.

The Pharisees questions the man and his parents about the healing. The contrasts in the response of the man and the Pharisees is interesting. The Pharisees call Jesus "a sinner" (verse 24) and admit "we don't even know where this man comes from." (verse 29) They did not know God and even though Jesus told him who He was and showed them who He was, they would not accept it as truth and believe him.

On the other hand the blind man had no idea who Jesus was. He started out by calling him "the man named Jesus" (verse 11), then responded to the Pharisees' question of "who do you think he is" by answering "a prophet" (verse 17). He said in response to the Pharisees calling Jesus a sinner, "I don't know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see." (verse 25) He goes on, "This is a very strange thing. You don't know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him... if this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (John 9:30–33; Cross Reference - Psalm 1) The Pharisees became angry at the blind man for having the audacity to speak truth. They accused him of sin, and in their self righteousness, they threw him out.

Jesus hears they had him thrown out. So he sought him, found him, and asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" To which the man responded, "Who is the Son of Man, sir, so that I can believe in him?" Jesus responded, I am He, and the man who was born blind said, "Lord, I believe" and then he worshiped Him. Man → prophet → LORD! When you acknowledge Him as Lord, worship follows.

Jesus never turns away an honest seeker. He came so the spiritually blind can see. The Pharisees refused to see (or acknowledge), they were spiritually blind—and they remained blind. The blind man obeyed. He went when Jesus said "go" and he began down a path, a journey to finding out who Jesus was. Jesus sought him and he responded with, "Lord, I believe."

   Light—verses—Darkness
Life—verses—Death

The choice of how to respond is ours. Some people choose not to believe. They don't want to give in. They want to remain in "control." It isn't that there isn't enough evidence, they just don't want to believe—so they don't. The same God that turned a stick into a scepter, a stone into a missile, and mud into a healing balm, is still performing miracles today. 

"Once again God's power was seen, not through the ability of the instrument, but through its availability... Blessed are the available. Blessed are the conduits, the tunnels, the tools... if God used a stick, rock, and spit to do his will, then he can use us." ~ From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

Next Entry: John 10:1–42

John 8:1–59

October 25, 2012

John 8 is a chapter of contrasts and choices. We are given a choice of how to live our lives.

Light   

• life                                                               
• belief in Him                                              
• truth                                                              
• obedience                                                    
• freedom                                                        
• family                                                          
• understanding                                             
• accepts what God says                                
• promotes truth                                              
• brings honor to God                                     
• eternal life                                                    
• knows truth                                                  
• forgiving 

Contrast those words with the words used to describe darkness.                                                   

Darkness

• death
• refuse to believe
• lies
• disobedience
• bondage
• slave 
• deceived
• refuses to accept
• against truth
• wants honor for self
• eternal death
• denies truth
• accusing

"I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life." John 8:12

"If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free." John 8:36

"I tell you the truth... I AM." John 8:58


Next Entry: John 9:1–41

God's Amazing Love (Continued)

October 25, 2012

It was 5:15 AM... and I was just starting to awaken. I quoted Psalm 8 several times as I slipped in and out of sleep. Then, all of a sudden, I realized I was "singing" another old hymn in my sub-consciousness. Another song about the love of God.

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell

It goes beyond the highest star

And reaches to the lowest hell

The guilty pair, bowed down with care

God gave His Son to win

His erring child He reconciled

And pardoned from his sin.

Could we with ink the ocean fill

And were the skies of parchment made

Were every stalk on earth a quill

And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry

Nor could the scroll contain the whole

Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints' and angels' song.

(Listen to it here.) 

For some reason, God has me entirely focused on His love. As I was writing/singing this song I started singing, "O How He Loves You and Me" from yesterday. Then I started singing the chorus from another old hymn. "Such love, such wondrous love, Such love, such wondrous love. That God should love a sinner such as I, How wonderful is love like this."

I don't know what is going on, but something is. I am grateful that no matter what it is there is no fear because God is LOVE. I'm not going to try to determine what it is that God is preparing me for. To do so would create anxiety, fear, worry, etc., all things that are not from God. No. I am instead going to rest in Him KNOWING that God is LOVE—and that is enough.

"Whatever befall me Jesus doeth all things well."


Next Entry: John 8:1–59