Category: Gospels
Living water!
Scripture reading for November 1st: John 6-8
Thirst is a great motivator! When we were farming in Iowa, during the hot summers we had some jobs that made us very thirsty. Picking up hay bales on a humid afternoon with no breeze really worked up a thirst. Staking bales in the barn was a hot job! We also cut sunflowers out of the soybean fields with a machete working up a good thirst!
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” “By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:39-39
On this last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the custom was to get two large jars of water from the pool of Siloam and pour it out as an offering before the Lord. It was probably at this time that Jesus stood up and spoke to the crowd. He invited those that were spiritually thirsty to come to Him. He promised that if they would drink of His life, a life-giving stream of “living water” would flow from within them. John interprets this prophetic word of Jesus as referring to the Holy Spirit being poured out after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit would be a life-giving spring that would bring rivers of refreshing and life to those who would believe on Jesus and receive the Father’s blessing!
Are you “thirsty” from your hard work and labors in this sin-filled world? Jesus calls for us to come to Him for the relief we need. He was glorified as He ascended into heaven and was seated at God’s right hand. He poured out the Spirit on the day of Pentecost! He alone is the source of this spring of special “living water”. This water is obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God! Living Water: there’s no other drink quite like it!
Spirit and Truth!
Scripture reading for October 31st: John 3-5
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24
What is worship? Is it just singing some songs or hymns to the Lord? Is it going to a building? These questions are not new with us and our culture. Jesus encountered a woman in Samaria who asked some of the same questions of Him. Jesus answered her with a promise and a command that we will consider this day.
Worship is ascribing worth and honor to someone who is due honor. Worship involves us as whole people and is not a spectator sport. All true worship centers on God as the only worthy subject! God is a Spirit. His presence fills the universe. He is Truth and there is no falsehood or lie found in Him. Those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth.
We have a difficult time with true worship because of our sin nature that centers us on “me” instead of the true God. We cannot worship God, because we don’t really know God. God must reveal Himself for us to understand who He is. Because of His love for us, He seeks us out. Jesus sought out the woman at the well and revealed His true nature to her and answered her questions. She opened her heart to the “Truth” and ran to tell others! She found new life and freedom in this One who was full of the Spirit and the Truth.
As you go through this day, allow the Holy Spirit to help you to live a life of worship! Wherever you are, everything you do can be done in Spirit and Truth as unto the Lord! He is worthy of all our worship each day, everyday, all day and night! True worshipers must worship God in Spirit and Truth! Jesus fulfilled the promise that enables us to give Him this kind of worship!
Jesus made His home with us!
Scripture reading for October 30th: John 1-2
John was the youngest disciple and along with James was one of the “sons of thunder” brothers. These brothers were in the inner circle of disciples and John was the one resting his head on Jesus’ chest in the famous picture of the Last Supper. John was also the disciple Jesus asked from the cross to take care of His mother. (John 19:26-27) The theme of his Gospel is “Jesus, the Son of God” and John goes back to Genesis as he begins his account.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)
John started with a revelation of the Son of God! He was and is the eternal Word! He was with God in the beginning! The beginning spoken of by John was the beginning of created things, not time, for God is from everlasting. By speaking His powerful Word in faith He created the visible world and heavens. When we think of how vast and huge these creations are, we are humbled by the power of that Word!
But at the right time, this Word became flesh and dwelt among His people! The word for “dwelt” is the same word used to describe the pitching of a tent. God dwelt with His people when Israel was in the desert after Mt. Sinai. Moses was given instructions to build a special tent and furniture as a place for God to dwell in the midst of His people. This tent was called a “tabernacle”. God’s presence marked His people as separate and blessed above all others on the earth. No enemy could defeat them as they marched with Him, no sickness could attack, and even clothes and shoes did not wear out! (Nehemiah 9:19-21)
Jesus Christ came to His own people, but they did not receive Him! (John 1:11-12) But to those who did receive Him, Jesus gave the power to become children of God! They would be “born again” and become “living tabernacles” of God’s presence! Why not invite Him to pitch His tent in you?
Christ’s eternal Word!
Scripture reading for October 28th: Luke 19-21
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:33-36
According to Scripture, there is nothing in this world that is permanent and lasting except the Word of God. Everything else is decaying or passing away. Even our own bodies are decaying and changing. (2nd Corinthians 4:16a) We are born with a sentence of death because of sin. This world is groaning and in it’s present state will ultimately pass away.
But I am encouraged as I read the Word of God that there is something permanent that I can hang on to! God’s Word is permanent and eternal. What God has written for us is ultimate truth and reality! We can be certain of it! We can build our lives on it! We can tell our children about it and pass it on to our friends!
Jesus warned His followers to be careful because of these eternal truths. Heaven and earth would pass away one day. It would come upon those living on the earth suddenly, like a trap catching an unsuspecting animal. (Luke 21:34) Jesus encouraged His followers to be watchful and in prayer. There would be many who would be overcome with a reckless attitude. Some would be drunken and unable to rouse themselves. Others would allow the fears and worries of life to consume them and they would not be prepared for that day.
Those who are watching and praying would be able to stand before the Son of Man. They would be trusting in His grace and be ready to meet Him. Let’s be certain today that we are really believing what Jesus taught. A day is coming when the heavens and earth will pass away! His Word will never pass away! It will anchor your life in the coming storm!
Beware of loving money!
Scripture reading for October 27th: Luke 16-18
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.” Luke 16:13-14
In Christian circles today, there is a popular variation of the Gospel called the “prosperity” teaching. This teaching takes the verses about God’s blessings and twists them to say that God wants you to be rich and to use your riches as a testimony to the world of the blessings of God’s kingdom. God’s word does proclaim blessing on God’s people for obedience and faith, but He is more concerned about our hearts. He said it is impossible to serve two masters.
The Pharisees of Jesus’ time had a teaching very similar to the prosperity message of today. They taught that God’s blessing was on the rich and if a person was poor, he was under a curse. (Deuteronomy 28:1-13) Jesus told a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. These two real people lived on earth and both died. At death there was a great reversal. The rich man ended up in the torment of Hell, the place of the wicked dead. The poor beggar, Lazarus, ended up in Abraham’s bosom, a place of comfort and blessing. They could see each other but were separated by a great gulf. (Luke 16:22-26)
Jesus went on to tell about the conversation in the underworld between this rich man and Father Abraham. The rich man asked to have Lazarus come and bring a drop of water to comfort him in his torment. It was impossible! This rich man then asked about sending Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers so that they would not end up in Hell. This request was also denied. The Law and Prophets provided all the warning that God was offering.
We have this Word from Jesus to warn us as well! Pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness, not money! Beware of the spirit of the Pharisees, who loved money. Beware of those who preach a false prosperity gospel! Love God and serve Him only!
This Man!
Scripture reading for October 25th: Luke 13-15
“Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him (Jesus). But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and save the “lost” of this world. No one is really right with God. Sin has come to every man because of Adam (not Eve!). (Romans 5:12-14) But not everyone is ready to recognize and admit that they are “sinners” and “lost”. Satan’s trick of blinding minds through pride and the lies keeps many in bondage. (2nd Corinthians 4:4) Jesus cannot save those who will not willingly come to Him.
When He walked the earth, He sought out people who were open to His message of the Kingdom. It was on one of those occasions that Jesus responded to the muttering of the religious leaders about His hanging around sinners. He told them three parables to help them understand the heart of God for the lost. The first parable was about a man who had a hundred sheep and found out that one of them was missing. He left the main flock to go and search for the lost sheep. When he found that lost sheep, he called friends and neighbors together and celebrated! The moral of this story was that there was joy in heaven over one lost person being restored! (Luke 15:7)
Another parable concerned a woman who had lost one of ten silver coins. She searched diligently in her house until finding it and then invited friends to rejoice with her for her restored savings! The same bottom line is emphasized. (Luke 15:10)
The final parable concerned a man who had two sons. One wanted his inheritance right now. His father gave him the money and he left to squander it on loose living. He got himself into a mess, even needing to eat with pigs to satisfy his hunger! This lost son decided to go back to his father and beg for mercy. The father was watching for his lost son, saw him coming, and ran to meet him. After a brief apology, the father restored this son and threw a party of celebration!
Jesus loves lost people! This “Man” will welcome you back with open arms!
The Devil’s downfall!
Scripture reading for October 24th: Luke 10-12
We are in a war and often our lives here on earth resemble a war zone! The devil’s kingdom is one of dominance, manipulation, fear, and deceit. God’s Kingdom is one of love, compassion, faith, and truth. The devil uses sickness, oppression, depression, and poverty to imprison those made in God’s image. God sends His people out under His authority to heal the sick, deliver the oppressed, preach good news to the depressed and hopeless, and share His great riches with all who will receive! These kingdoms are in a conflict that is raging around the earth each day.
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples into this conflict. (Luke 10:1-4) They were not to take a purse, bag, or sandals and they were not to greet anyone on the road. They were to live by faith and trust God for whatever they needed in the way of daily provisions. As they entered a town, or a house, and were welcomed, they were to speak ‘peace’ to those who dwelt there. They then were to heal the sick and tell them of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 10:8-9) However, if they were not welcomed, they were to shake the dust from their feet and warn the people that the Kingdom of God had come near to them and their dust would be a witness against them on judgment day. (Luke 10:10-12)
As the seventy-two returned to Jesus, they were full of joy and rejoiced at their results! The demons had fled, sick people were healed, and Jesus’ authority had given them victory after victory! Jesus Himself remarked: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20)
As believers, we are sent into this conflict each day. We have the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus Christ. Authority is ours to plunder the enemies’ camp! All power of the enemy can be overcome by faith and the Word of God. Go out with humble boldness today and bring joy to God’s heart!
Keep looking ahead!
Scripture reading for October 23rd: Luke 7-9
“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord’ but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62
Following Jesus Christ seems to be an easy assignment at first. Leaving the everyday responsibilities to trust God and walk by faith seems like a glamorous pursuit. In reality, it involves some difficult choices. In my own life, I made an initial commitment to follow the Lord when I was in my early teens. I went to an altar in a small country Methodist church and prayed to receive Christ as my Lord and Savior. I had chosen to follow my father in farming and had studied farm management at the university. My wife and I were youth leaders in our church and I became a lay preacher in the Methodist church. We were building our family and farming operation while life went on.
We raised hogs and had built a big complex of buildings where we conducted our business. This required borrowed money and sweat equity! Then God broke into my busy world and renewed His call on my life to serve Him and preach His word! We began to seek the Lord and over the next 10 years I worked toward a ministerial license. We worked hard to get out of debt and to re-order our priorities according to Scripture.
As I completed my study for license, we were finally debt-free and a door opened for ministry in our local church. We carefully followed as God directed. We spent just a few years farming and at the same time serving as a staff pastor in a large city church. After that time, we had clear direction to stop farming and sell all of our equipment. A little later we also tore down our hog buildings and buried the remains. This was like Elisha burning his plow and not looking back! (1st Kings 19:19-21)
Today we wouldn’t go back for anything! If God has called you to put your hand to His plow, do it with joy! The journey is exciting and the best is yet to come! Keep looking ahead!
Anointed to preach and overcome!
Scripture reading for October 22nd: Luke 3-6
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” “Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21
Not much is recorded about the life of Jesus from the time He was twelve until He was baptized by John at the age of thirty. We know that He worked with Joseph for part of that time in their carpenter shop. He took part in normal family life and community life in the town of Nazareth. Can you imagine eating off of a table that Jesus had made? Or using an ox yoke that He had crafted?
At the proper time, Jesus went down to the Jordan River to where John was baptizing. When John saw Jesus, he immediately knew that He was the coming Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world! (John 1:29) As Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven (The Father) declared: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) This was Jesus’ anointing from the Father for His ministry on earth to redeem men.
The Spirit immediately led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted during 40 days. When he arrived back in Nazareth, He went to the synagogue. He was invited to read from the scroll of Isaiah 61:1-2. Jesus applied these verses to Himself, declaring His ministry and mission! (Luke 4 :21) Jesus completely fulfilled His mission in the anointing of the Spirit! He obeyed His Father and overcame all Satan’s traps! We have the same Spirit to enable us each day as the gift of our Father!
Mary, the Lord’s Mother!
Scripture reading for October 21st: Luke 1-2
Godly mothers are a gift from the Lord to their children and to the world. I have a godly mother and am so thankful and blessed! My mother has a close walk with the Lord. She was saved when she was young and sought to live out that faith every day. She was faithful to read her Bible and teach her children. She was the Sunday School superintendent in our church as I grew up. Now 91 years young, she still joyfully serves her family. She faithfully calls each of her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on their birthdays and sings to them! What a blessing now and to future generations!
Luke tells the story of two godly women who are key players in God’s work of salvation. Elizabeth was older and beyond the time of having children when God spoke into her life. An angel came to Zechariah, her husband, and he was told that his wife would have a son and his name was to be “John”. This son would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah and turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and prepare the people for the Lord. (Luke 1:13-17) Elizabeth became pregnant but her husband was unable to speak because he had doubted the angel’s prediction.
The second mother-to-be was Mary. She was a virgin, engaged to be married. Gabriel, an angel sent to her by God, announced her favor with God and told her that she would bear a child who would be called the “Son of the Most High.” Mary humbly asked how this could be since she was a virgin. The angel told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the child who would be the “Son of God”. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)
These women had the privilege of working with God to bring about His plan of salvation. Their faith and obedience was a blessing to their children and families. Their faith has impacted each of us and countless millions around the world! Let’s say with Mary, the mother of Jesus, “I am the Lord’s servant.” God wants to do great things through each person who will yield to His Word!