The cold temperatures of the polar vortex have made their way to Southwest Missouri in the way of dipping into the single digits; 7f (-14c) in Ozark this morning. We had a little bit of snow last night, as well.
I was up early today for a breakfast meet, but the weather caused some local school/daycare closings so my breakfast partners were unable to make it.
No worries. I've had a productive morning.
Coffee, quiet, computer.
Life is good.
I've been thinking about a little something different in the way of posting for Haiku February. At first I was thinking of doing a devotional haiku each day. I kind of enjoyed the daily devotional through The Gospel According to John over the past few weeks. I imagine that trying to summarize a chapter of Matthew's gospel into a three line haiku will be a little challenging, but I think I'll give it a shot. I may have to use more than a single haiku on occasion. I don't know.
In any case, while the daily devotional was good for me and served a purpose other than just writing, it didn't do much for blog traffic. Posting daily vs. my usual sporadic posts always helps with readership, but this time -- not so much.
And that's okay. I try to keep in mind that I started writing just to get in the habit of writing and the blog has always been more of a place to spill thoughts out of my head (or Out of My Hat) than any thing else. I don't get paid for anything based on readership or ad clicks, so other than the ego boost, it doesn't really matter.
I'll post a link to the bible chapter each day so you can read it. Then you can see if the haiku gives a decent representation of the chapter. If you'd like, you can leave your own haiku in the comments.
I have to admit that I've found daily haiku writing to be a challenge the past couple of Februaries, so I'm not sure if this is going to work out well. We shall see.
John <><
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
It's Almost February
And that means Haiku month!
National Haiku Writing Month -- NaHaiWriMo
As has been my February habit, I'll be posting Haiku poems for the month. I hope that you will consider doing the same. You may use other media to post yours (like Facebook or Twitter) or you can post one daily in the comments of this blog.
February also brings baseball!
Pitchers and catchers will be in spring training camp in just a couple of weeks and then the other players will join them. I can't wait to watch some baseball (and enjoy a ballpark dog or two)!
The cold of a polar vortex will not diminish the excitement of the coming baseball season.
It's almost time!
John <><
National Haiku Writing Month -- NaHaiWriMo
As has been my February habit, I'll be posting Haiku poems for the month. I hope that you will consider doing the same. You may use other media to post yours (like Facebook or Twitter) or you can post one daily in the comments of this blog.
February also brings baseball!
Pitchers and catchers will be in spring training camp in just a couple of weeks and then the other players will join them. I can't wait to watch some baseball (and enjoy a ballpark dog or two)!
The cold of a polar vortex will not diminish the excitement of the coming baseball season.
It's almost time!
John <><
Monday, January 28, 2019
Backtracking to John 3 and The Bronze Serpent
I'm writing this on Monday morning and I'm relaxing after a pretty good weekend.
Yesterday morning I made it to early service at The Venues and dropped off some hand warmers and foot warmers for our homeless friends as well as a bag of groceries for the food drive. Participating in the community service projects at The Venues is one of the things I like best about the place.
After dropping my stuff off at the proper places, I enjoyed the morning worship and Rev Dev's take on the classic children's story of Noah and the Ark.
Since we're in a series that takes the stories we heard as children and puts a more adult spin on them, be prepared to have your understanding of the biblical story challenged if you choose to listen to it here.
After 1st service I joined the welcome crew and volunteered to greet people as they came in for the 2nd service and then joined the high school kids for their class. Part of the class recapped the Gospel of John daily devotion and part of it addressed some of their questions about God, about suffering in the world, about choices and consequences, etc. Hopefully some of the other stories of the bible helped them to better understand God.
Speaking of other stories of the bible...
I want to backtrack to John 3. In verses 14 and 15, Jesus says, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
To understand what he was talking about we have to go back to a story told in the Old Testament Book of Numbers. You can read it for yourself here or I can give you my take on it.
It seems that the Israelites were getting pretty tired of the whole wilderness wandering thing and began to gripe about it to Moses. "Why'd you have to bring us out here to die? We could have stayed in Egypt. It's the frickin' desert, for cryin' out loud! There's no water, no food, and we are tired of this worthless manna stuff!"
So God gets a little ticked at the ungrateful brats and sends poisonous snakes into the camp. People get bitten by the snakes and they die. Now the people are crying out to Moses, "We're sorry! We're sorry! Tell God we're sorry so he'll take the snakes away!"
Moses intercedes and God tells him to make a bronze snake, put it on a pole, and set it in the middle of the camp. If anyone gets bitten by a snake, all they have to do is look at the bronze snake and they'll live.
That's it. That's the story.
I wonder how that worked out for them. I know I'm a little weird, but I wonder about a couple of things...
First, I notice that God didn't do what the people asked by taking away the snakes. It seems they still had to deal with the pain and fear of getting attacked and bitten by the snakes. God did provide a way for them to escape the consequences of the bite. They didn't have to die.
Second, that's a pretty bizarre way to deliver them from the death sentence of a snake bite. I wonder if there were Israelites that died because they just didn't believe that looking at a snake statue could save them? Or maybe there were people that never heard about the snake in center of the camp and so they died. I mean this is a big camp -- a few million people! And it's not like they had group text available to them or could Google "How not to die from a snake bite."
In my weird head, I see a couple of scenarios playing out in the camp city of the Israelites.
Scene 1
Two men walking through the camp.
Yosef: Hey, I heard that Saul got bitten by a snake last night.
Samuel: Oh crap! Has anyone told him about the snake statue by the Tabernacle?
Yosef: Surely, he knows, right?
Samuel: I don't know. It's pretty new news. Why don't you swing by his tent and check. I would but it's a little too far out of my way.
Yosef: Man, I've got to get this manna home so my wife can fix breakfast for the kids. I'm sure one of of his neighbors or other friends have told him.
Samuel: Yeah, you're probably right.
Saul dies in his tent, never having heard about the saving power of the bronze snake.
Scene 2
A man lies on his bed, dying from a snake bite. He is in agony and afraid of dying.
A couple of friends burst into his tent with a stretcher made of skins and poles and begin to move him from his bed to the stretcher.
Dying man: What are you doing? Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm dying?
Friend 1: Yes, but there is a cure at the center of camp. Moses spoke to God and God told him to put up a snake statue. All you have to do is look at it and you won't die.
Dying man: That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Leave me alone.
Friend 2: No, really! It's working! Lots of people have been bitten, but they live because they looked at the snake. We're here to carry you to the center of camp, where the snake statue is located.
Dying man: Why didn't God just take away the snakes? Or take away their poison? Or just heal everyone? He could have done that instead of making sick and dying people go all the way to the center of the camp.
Friend 1: Who am I to question God? All I know is he has delivered us from certain death. Let's go!
Dying man (refusing to be moved to the stretcher): You two are crazy! Leave me alone to die in peace.
Friends leave in great frustration. Man dies alone in his tent.
Something to think about --
Jesus has been lifted up.
Do these two scenes still take place today?
John <><
Yesterday morning I made it to early service at The Venues and dropped off some hand warmers and foot warmers for our homeless friends as well as a bag of groceries for the food drive. Participating in the community service projects at The Venues is one of the things I like best about the place.
After dropping my stuff off at the proper places, I enjoyed the morning worship and Rev Dev's take on the classic children's story of Noah and the Ark.
Since we're in a series that takes the stories we heard as children and puts a more adult spin on them, be prepared to have your understanding of the biblical story challenged if you choose to listen to it here.
After 1st service I joined the welcome crew and volunteered to greet people as they came in for the 2nd service and then joined the high school kids for their class. Part of the class recapped the Gospel of John daily devotion and part of it addressed some of their questions about God, about suffering in the world, about choices and consequences, etc. Hopefully some of the other stories of the bible helped them to better understand God.
Speaking of other stories of the bible...
I want to backtrack to John 3. In verses 14 and 15, Jesus says, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
To understand what he was talking about we have to go back to a story told in the Old Testament Book of Numbers. You can read it for yourself here or I can give you my take on it.
It seems that the Israelites were getting pretty tired of the whole wilderness wandering thing and began to gripe about it to Moses. "Why'd you have to bring us out here to die? We could have stayed in Egypt. It's the frickin' desert, for cryin' out loud! There's no water, no food, and we are tired of this worthless manna stuff!"
So God gets a little ticked at the ungrateful brats and sends poisonous snakes into the camp. People get bitten by the snakes and they die. Now the people are crying out to Moses, "We're sorry! We're sorry! Tell God we're sorry so he'll take the snakes away!"
Moses intercedes and God tells him to make a bronze snake, put it on a pole, and set it in the middle of the camp. If anyone gets bitten by a snake, all they have to do is look at the bronze snake and they'll live.
That's it. That's the story.
I wonder how that worked out for them. I know I'm a little weird, but I wonder about a couple of things...
First, I notice that God didn't do what the people asked by taking away the snakes. It seems they still had to deal with the pain and fear of getting attacked and bitten by the snakes. God did provide a way for them to escape the consequences of the bite. They didn't have to die.
Second, that's a pretty bizarre way to deliver them from the death sentence of a snake bite. I wonder if there were Israelites that died because they just didn't believe that looking at a snake statue could save them? Or maybe there were people that never heard about the snake in center of the camp and so they died. I mean this is a big camp -- a few million people! And it's not like they had group text available to them or could Google "How not to die from a snake bite."
In my weird head, I see a couple of scenarios playing out in the camp city of the Israelites.
Scene 1
Two men walking through the camp.
Yosef: Hey, I heard that Saul got bitten by a snake last night.
Samuel: Oh crap! Has anyone told him about the snake statue by the Tabernacle?
Yosef: Surely, he knows, right?
Samuel: I don't know. It's pretty new news. Why don't you swing by his tent and check. I would but it's a little too far out of my way.
Yosef: Man, I've got to get this manna home so my wife can fix breakfast for the kids. I'm sure one of of his neighbors or other friends have told him.
Samuel: Yeah, you're probably right.
Saul dies in his tent, never having heard about the saving power of the bronze snake.
Scene 2
A man lies on his bed, dying from a snake bite. He is in agony and afraid of dying.
A couple of friends burst into his tent with a stretcher made of skins and poles and begin to move him from his bed to the stretcher.
Dying man: What are you doing? Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm dying?
Friend 1: Yes, but there is a cure at the center of camp. Moses spoke to God and God told him to put up a snake statue. All you have to do is look at it and you won't die.
Dying man: That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Leave me alone.
Friend 2: No, really! It's working! Lots of people have been bitten, but they live because they looked at the snake. We're here to carry you to the center of camp, where the snake statue is located.
Dying man: Why didn't God just take away the snakes? Or take away their poison? Or just heal everyone? He could have done that instead of making sick and dying people go all the way to the center of the camp.
Friend 1: Who am I to question God? All I know is he has delivered us from certain death. Let's go!
Dying man (refusing to be moved to the stretcher): You two are crazy! Leave me alone to die in peace.
Friends leave in great frustration. Man dies alone in his tent.
Something to think about --
Jesus has been lifted up.
Do these two scenes still take place today?
John <><
Saturday, January 26, 2019
John, Chapter 21 -- Story Time with Pastor John
John 21
This might be my favorite story in the Bible!
It is a story that captures so much of what we often miss as we struggle to follow Jesus. I'm going to dispense with the format I've been using for the first 20 chapters and revert to a more comfortable and laid back format of Story Time with Pastor John.
Here's the background -- Jesus is dead and missing. Although he has appeared to the disciples a few times, they feel lost and alone and are still worried about the Jewish leadership and what might become of them.
Peter says, "I'm going fishing! Who's with me?" and six others join him.
It is important that we see what is really happening here. Peter is not talking about going fishing to relax and figure things out. He is returning to his old way of life. He goes back to his commercial fishing boats and out to fish to make a living -- the same thing he was doing when Jesus first found him. His partner (his brother Andrew) and fellow disciples and former fishermen James and John are with him. A few others come along to help. They have their big boats and their big nets...but they catch nothing.
At daybreak a man calls to them from the shore and asks if they have any fish. When they tell him no, he says to cast their nets to the other side. They do this and the nets are loaded to the breaking point. John recognizes the man is Jesus. Peter dives in and heads for shore as the rest of them struggle to bring in their catch. You can tell that John is a fisherman because he records the size of the catch -- 153 large fish!
They eat breakfast and share another meal with Jesus. Then Peter and Jesus take a little walk.
I'm going to skip the "Do you love me?" sermon. We can cover that another time. Jesus finishes that exchange with the same call he gave to Peter when he first met him more than three years prior. He says, "Follow me."
Peter was distracted by John, who was close by, and asked Jesus, "What about him?"
Jesus basically looks at Peter and says, "Hey! Look at me! What is between him and me is none of your business. You, follow me!"
What I get from this final lesson in John's gospel is that once you have a meaningful encounter with God and start following Jesus, you can never really go back to being the person you were before. C.S. Lewis says that God is unscrupulous in his pursuit of us. I say, "He is going to hunt you down!"
And like Peter, we often concern ourselves with how other people are living their Christian lives. I think Jesus would say to us, "Hey! Look at me! What is between them and me is none of your business. You, follow me!"
I would never suggest that you become one of my followers nor would I expect you live according to my teachings. But I will challenge you to study the life of Jesus and live according to what he taught.
I encourage you to live a life of love and to value each life you encounter as you see that we are all created in the image of God. The call of Jesus is simple and it doesn't change.
He says, "Follow me."
John <><
This might be my favorite story in the Bible!
It is a story that captures so much of what we often miss as we struggle to follow Jesus. I'm going to dispense with the format I've been using for the first 20 chapters and revert to a more comfortable and laid back format of Story Time with Pastor John.
Here's the background -- Jesus is dead and missing. Although he has appeared to the disciples a few times, they feel lost and alone and are still worried about the Jewish leadership and what might become of them.
Peter says, "I'm going fishing! Who's with me?" and six others join him.
It is important that we see what is really happening here. Peter is not talking about going fishing to relax and figure things out. He is returning to his old way of life. He goes back to his commercial fishing boats and out to fish to make a living -- the same thing he was doing when Jesus first found him. His partner (his brother Andrew) and fellow disciples and former fishermen James and John are with him. A few others come along to help. They have their big boats and their big nets...but they catch nothing.
At daybreak a man calls to them from the shore and asks if they have any fish. When they tell him no, he says to cast their nets to the other side. They do this and the nets are loaded to the breaking point. John recognizes the man is Jesus. Peter dives in and heads for shore as the rest of them struggle to bring in their catch. You can tell that John is a fisherman because he records the size of the catch -- 153 large fish!
They eat breakfast and share another meal with Jesus. Then Peter and Jesus take a little walk.
I'm going to skip the "Do you love me?" sermon. We can cover that another time. Jesus finishes that exchange with the same call he gave to Peter when he first met him more than three years prior. He says, "Follow me."
Peter was distracted by John, who was close by, and asked Jesus, "What about him?"
Jesus basically looks at Peter and says, "Hey! Look at me! What is between him and me is none of your business. You, follow me!"
What I get from this final lesson in John's gospel is that once you have a meaningful encounter with God and start following Jesus, you can never really go back to being the person you were before. C.S. Lewis says that God is unscrupulous in his pursuit of us. I say, "He is going to hunt you down!"
And like Peter, we often concern ourselves with how other people are living their Christian lives. I think Jesus would say to us, "Hey! Look at me! What is between them and me is none of your business. You, follow me!"
I would never suggest that you become one of my followers nor would I expect you live according to my teachings. But I will challenge you to study the life of Jesus and live according to what he taught.
I encourage you to live a life of love and to value each life you encounter as you see that we are all created in the image of God. The call of Jesus is simple and it doesn't change.
He says, "Follow me."
John <><
Friday, January 25, 2019
John, Chapter 20
John 20
In summary --
This is the simple story of the resurrection. Mary finds the tomb has been opened and tells the disciples. Peter and John check it out -- yep, it's empty, and they leave to tell the others. Mary looks in the tomb and sees two men (angels) where Jesus' body had been; then she turns and sees Jesus.
Later, Jesus appears to the disciples (in a locked room) to show them that he has risen and is alive. He gives them his peace and the Holy Spirit and sends them out to continue the work.
My favorite verse --
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John wants us to know that Jesus is God. He has written this account so that we might believe.
We need to remember that as we read John's gospel -- it is more about teaching that Jesus is God than it is about history. Although the events happened and the teaching of Jesus is true, they are not recorded from the standpoint of an historical perspective, but to teach us that God loves us so much that he became one of us so that we could understand that.
Something to think about --
The resurrection (re-birth) of Jesus was much like his birth. It happened quietly and few people knew about it. Angels announced his birth to shepherds who had such a poor reputation for telling the truth that they weren't even allowed to testify in court. At the tomb, the angels appeared to Mary and then Jesus appeared to her -- a woman! A woman's word was worth less than the word of a lying shepherd!
It is difficult for me to grasp that I have been chosen to tell people that God loves them and Jesus died for them. But then again, it seems that God has a habit of choosing unlikely messengers. If you follow Jesus' teachings and believe he is the Son of God, he has chosen you, as well!
He has chosen you for heaven, and he has chosen you to share this simple message -- God loves you and Jesus died for you!
John <><
In summary --
This is the simple story of the resurrection. Mary finds the tomb has been opened and tells the disciples. Peter and John check it out -- yep, it's empty, and they leave to tell the others. Mary looks in the tomb and sees two men (angels) where Jesus' body had been; then she turns and sees Jesus.
Later, Jesus appears to the disciples (in a locked room) to show them that he has risen and is alive. He gives them his peace and the Holy Spirit and sends them out to continue the work.
My favorite verse --
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John wants us to know that Jesus is God. He has written this account so that we might believe.
We need to remember that as we read John's gospel -- it is more about teaching that Jesus is God than it is about history. Although the events happened and the teaching of Jesus is true, they are not recorded from the standpoint of an historical perspective, but to teach us that God loves us so much that he became one of us so that we could understand that.
Something to think about --
The resurrection (re-birth) of Jesus was much like his birth. It happened quietly and few people knew about it. Angels announced his birth to shepherds who had such a poor reputation for telling the truth that they weren't even allowed to testify in court. At the tomb, the angels appeared to Mary and then Jesus appeared to her -- a woman! A woman's word was worth less than the word of a lying shepherd!
It is difficult for me to grasp that I have been chosen to tell people that God loves them and Jesus died for them. But then again, it seems that God has a habit of choosing unlikely messengers. If you follow Jesus' teachings and believe he is the Son of God, he has chosen you, as well!
He has chosen you for heaven, and he has chosen you to share this simple message -- God loves you and Jesus died for you!
John <><
Thursday, January 24, 2019
John, Chapter 19
John 19
In summary --
This is the story of the crucifixion.
Because the Jewish High Council doesn't have the authority to sentence Jesus to death under Roman rule, they bring him to the Governor for sentencing. Pilate doesn't see any reason to sentence him to death and the Jews have to work hard to convince him that Jesus deserves to die. Rome doesn't care that the Jews are charging him with blasphemy. They don't believe in the God of the Jews. So the Jews say that Jesus claims to be a King and that makes him a threat to Caesar.
Several times, Pilate tries to release Jesus, but he eventually relents and delivers Jesus to be crucified.
My favorite verse --
17 ...and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
In today's vernacular, we use bearing our cross to mean a burden or struggle we live with. In Jesus' day it meant you were about to be executed in the most brutal of ways. Because the people of the day were familiar with crucifixion, none of the gospels tell of its brutality. When you think of something that is extremely painful, you might describe it as excruciating. That word and its meaning come from the pain of crucifixion.
Something to think about --
If this was the end of the story, it would make for a pretty poor religion to follow. Oh sure, the teachings of Jesus are still good -- except for that eternal life thing. I'm not sure how that works if God is dead and buried. But this isn't the end of the story. In some ways, it's just the beginning...
John <><
Here's a little bonus for you.
In summary --
This is the story of the crucifixion.
Because the Jewish High Council doesn't have the authority to sentence Jesus to death under Roman rule, they bring him to the Governor for sentencing. Pilate doesn't see any reason to sentence him to death and the Jews have to work hard to convince him that Jesus deserves to die. Rome doesn't care that the Jews are charging him with blasphemy. They don't believe in the God of the Jews. So the Jews say that Jesus claims to be a King and that makes him a threat to Caesar.
Several times, Pilate tries to release Jesus, but he eventually relents and delivers Jesus to be crucified.
My favorite verse --
17 ...and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
In today's vernacular, we use bearing our cross to mean a burden or struggle we live with. In Jesus' day it meant you were about to be executed in the most brutal of ways. Because the people of the day were familiar with crucifixion, none of the gospels tell of its brutality. When you think of something that is extremely painful, you might describe it as excruciating. That word and its meaning come from the pain of crucifixion.
Something to think about --
If this was the end of the story, it would make for a pretty poor religion to follow. Oh sure, the teachings of Jesus are still good -- except for that eternal life thing. I'm not sure how that works if God is dead and buried. But this isn't the end of the story. In some ways, it's just the beginning...
John <><
Here's a little bonus for you.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
John, Chapter 18
John 18
In summary --
Oh my! There is so much in this chapter!
There is the betrayal of Jesus that led to his arrest, the questioning by the former High Priest, the denial of Peter, the questions from the current High Priest, more denial from Peter, the questioning by Pilate, the governor of Roman Empire, and finally Jesus' declaration that his kingdom is not of this world.
My favorite verse --
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this world."
Something to think about --
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world.
His servants -- the army of heaven -- would fight to defend him and his kingdom.
As his followers, we are not of this world.
Yes, we live in this world, but we have a far greater purpose than the day to day struggle of living this earthly life.
In the last chapter, Jesus gave us his glory. He said we are one with him and one with God. The army of heaven will defend us. So often we concern ourselves only with the things of this world, but we are eternal beings and not of this world. It is difficult to remember that our purpose may be bigger than our struggles. In the midst of our trials, we often miss the simple ways that we encourage others.
Hang in there.
If you are struggling with something, seek help. If you think this life is no longer worth living, reach out to someone.
If you think you have no one that cares, the suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
John <><
In summary --
Oh my! There is so much in this chapter!
There is the betrayal of Jesus that led to his arrest, the questioning by the former High Priest, the denial of Peter, the questions from the current High Priest, more denial from Peter, the questioning by Pilate, the governor of Roman Empire, and finally Jesus' declaration that his kingdom is not of this world.
My favorite verse --
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this world."
Something to think about --
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world.
His servants -- the army of heaven -- would fight to defend him and his kingdom.
As his followers, we are not of this world.
Yes, we live in this world, but we have a far greater purpose than the day to day struggle of living this earthly life.
In the last chapter, Jesus gave us his glory. He said we are one with him and one with God. The army of heaven will defend us. So often we concern ourselves only with the things of this world, but we are eternal beings and not of this world. It is difficult to remember that our purpose may be bigger than our struggles. In the midst of our trials, we often miss the simple ways that we encourage others.
Hang in there.
If you are struggling with something, seek help. If you think this life is no longer worth living, reach out to someone.
If you think you have no one that cares, the suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
John <><
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Breakfast experiment
By now, most of you know that I am a peanut butter fan!
I use peanut butter on sandwiches the way most people use mayonnaise.
So it got me thinking...
I am also a fan of spicy heat. I have this one hot sauce that is rated 600,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). For reference, jalapeno peppers are 5 to 10,000 SHU. For sandwiches, I put my mayo on the bread (without spreading it out) and then dip a toothpick about halfway into the hot sauce and pull it out. Then I clean the sauce off of the toothpick in the mayo, mix it well and spread it out. That's pretty good for me. It's not too hot, but you will definitely feel the burn.
What if I did the same thing with peanut butter?
One of the advantages of super hot sauces is that because you use so little, you get the heat without adding much flavor. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't think of this before!
Today's breakfast sandwich: egg, deli ham, pork roast, peanut butter w/Mad Dog 357 sauce on toast.
Oh my!
Spicy hot peanut butter!
I think heaven has just shared one of its secrets with me!
John <><
Warning: When handling hot sauces, always wash your hands before using the bathroom!
I use peanut butter on sandwiches the way most people use mayonnaise.
So it got me thinking...
I am also a fan of spicy heat. I have this one hot sauce that is rated 600,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). For reference, jalapeno peppers are 5 to 10,000 SHU. For sandwiches, I put my mayo on the bread (without spreading it out) and then dip a toothpick about halfway into the hot sauce and pull it out. Then I clean the sauce off of the toothpick in the mayo, mix it well and spread it out. That's pretty good for me. It's not too hot, but you will definitely feel the burn.
What if I did the same thing with peanut butter?
One of the advantages of super hot sauces is that because you use so little, you get the heat without adding much flavor. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't think of this before!
Today's breakfast sandwich: egg, deli ham, pork roast, peanut butter w/Mad Dog 357 sauce on toast.
Oh my!
Spicy hot peanut butter!
I think heaven has just shared one of its secrets with me!
John <><
Warning: When handling hot sauces, always wash your hands before using the bathroom!
John, Chapter 17
John 17
In summary --
This is a pretty cool chapter. It is often called the High Priestly Prayer. In it, Jesus prays for his disciples. He not only prays on their behalf, but he prays out loud so that they hear him praying for them. Beginning is verse 20, he prays for us -- those that will believe in him!
My favorite verse --
20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word..."
Two thousand years ago Jesus prayed for us and it is recorded in John's gospel. Jesus has given his glory to us. We are one with him and one with God.
That's pretty cool!
Something to think about --
God -- the creator of all things -- loves you!
John <><
In summary --
This is a pretty cool chapter. It is often called the High Priestly Prayer. In it, Jesus prays for his disciples. He not only prays on their behalf, but he prays out loud so that they hear him praying for them. Beginning is verse 20, he prays for us -- those that will believe in him!
My favorite verse --
20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word..."
Two thousand years ago Jesus prayed for us and it is recorded in John's gospel. Jesus has given his glory to us. We are one with him and one with God.
That's pretty cool!
Something to think about --
God -- the creator of all things -- loves you!
John <><
Monday, January 21, 2019
John, Chapter 16
John 16
In summary --
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure, he promises to send the Spirit to guide them and to help them understand all that he has taught them. He tells them everything he has is of the Father and he is giving it to the Spirit. Although the Trinity is never called the Trinity in the Bible, we see it here -- Father, Son, Spirit -- all connected, all God, separate manifestations of God and yet one person.
My favorite verse --
33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
After Jesus warns them (again) of some of the hardships that are to come, he gives them this verse of encouragement. It is also an encouragement for us and a reminder that we are more than flesh that roams the earth -- we are spirits that live beyond this world.
Something to think about --
When your understanding of the gospel is challenged, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. When you are troubled by the world (that includes school, parents, friends, life), ask the Holy Spirit for peace.
Students, remember Sunday's lesson. When you are anxious, God will carry your load. God will give you rest. God will give you peace.
John <><
In summary --
Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his departure, he promises to send the Spirit to guide them and to help them understand all that he has taught them. He tells them everything he has is of the Father and he is giving it to the Spirit. Although the Trinity is never called the Trinity in the Bible, we see it here -- Father, Son, Spirit -- all connected, all God, separate manifestations of God and yet one person.
My favorite verse --
33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
After Jesus warns them (again) of some of the hardships that are to come, he gives them this verse of encouragement. It is also an encouragement for us and a reminder that we are more than flesh that roams the earth -- we are spirits that live beyond this world.
Something to think about --
When your understanding of the gospel is challenged, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. When you are troubled by the world (that includes school, parents, friends, life), ask the Holy Spirit for peace.
Students, remember Sunday's lesson. When you are anxious, God will carry your load. God will give you rest. God will give you peace.
John <><
Sunday, January 20, 2019
John, Chapter 15
John 15
In summary --
As with the last chapter (and the next two), Chapter 15 is Jesus addressing his disciples.
No miracles, no commentary; just Jesus giving final verbal instruction. He reminds them of what he has been teaching them. He warns them of some hardships to come. He emphasizes that just as he is nothing apart from God, they are nothing without him. If we are in him and he in us, we are with God.
The evidence of being in Jesus is not just what we say; it is what we do, how we act. It is who we are.
There is a (non-biblical) saying about people that brag about themselves all of the time. "A lion doesn't have to tell you he's a lion."
You shouldn't have to tell people that you are a follower of Jesus. They should be able to see it in the way you live; in the way you love.
My favorite verse --
14 "You are my friends if you do what I command you."
I don't have many friends. I know lots of people, but I don't have lots of friends. I imagine that there are people that think of me as their friend and I think of them as a person I know. There are others that I think of as my friend, but they don't think of me as their friend.
But this I know -- I am a friend of Jesus!
Something to think about --
Jesus tells us that if we choose not to live a life of love, then we have no part in him. If we have no part in him, we have no part in God.
Will you love like Jesus loves?
John <><
In summary --
As with the last chapter (and the next two), Chapter 15 is Jesus addressing his disciples.
No miracles, no commentary; just Jesus giving final verbal instruction. He reminds them of what he has been teaching them. He warns them of some hardships to come. He emphasizes that just as he is nothing apart from God, they are nothing without him. If we are in him and he in us, we are with God.
The evidence of being in Jesus is not just what we say; it is what we do, how we act. It is who we are.
There is a (non-biblical) saying about people that brag about themselves all of the time. "A lion doesn't have to tell you he's a lion."
You shouldn't have to tell people that you are a follower of Jesus. They should be able to see it in the way you live; in the way you love.
My favorite verse --
14 "You are my friends if you do what I command you."
I don't have many friends. I know lots of people, but I don't have lots of friends. I imagine that there are people that think of me as their friend and I think of them as a person I know. There are others that I think of as my friend, but they don't think of me as their friend.
But this I know -- I am a friend of Jesus!
Something to think about --
Jesus tells us that if we choose not to live a life of love, then we have no part in him. If we have no part in him, we have no part in God.
Will you love like Jesus loves?
John <><
Saturday, January 19, 2019
John, Chapter 14
John 14
In summary --
Jesus begins in earnest to prepare his closest followers for his death. I'm not sure if they really understood that his "going away" meant he was going to die. I think that understanding came later.
Jesus again emphasizes the need to follow his teaching and to show love. He tells them that loving him is the same as loving God, the Father. He assures them that he will continue to live in them and through them.
My favorite verse --
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Follow Jesus.
Something to think about --
Jesus says (verse 14), "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Unfortunately, many people say they love Jesus, but they either don't know his commandments or they choose not to follow them.
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to remain ignorant about his teaching?
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to be disobedient about following his commandments?
Or is it possible that we really don't love Jesus and choose to do our own thing, our own way?
John <><
In summary --
Jesus begins in earnest to prepare his closest followers for his death. I'm not sure if they really understood that his "going away" meant he was going to die. I think that understanding came later.
Jesus again emphasizes the need to follow his teaching and to show love. He tells them that loving him is the same as loving God, the Father. He assures them that he will continue to live in them and through them.
My favorite verse --
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Follow Jesus.
Something to think about --
Jesus says (verse 14), "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Unfortunately, many people say they love Jesus, but they either don't know his commandments or they choose not to follow them.
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to remain ignorant about his teaching?
Is it possible to love Jesus and choose to be disobedient about following his commandments?
Or is it possible that we really don't love Jesus and choose to do our own thing, our own way?
John <><
Friday, January 18, 2019
John, Chapter 13
John 13
In summary --
If there is a single lesson that followers of Jesus most often miss -- this is it!
Jesus demonstrates complete humility by taking on the role of the lowliest servant and washing the feet of the apostles. Even the apostles themselves miss this lesson and demonstrate that in Acts 6 when they basically say they're too important to serve others.
To make sure that the lesson is not lost on them, Jesus emphasizes his lesson by asking, "Do you understand what I have done to you?"
Jesus tells them they are to humble themselves and serve one another.
My favorite verse --
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
This is more than a command to love one another; it is a command to love the way Jesus loved.
Jesus first demonstrated humble service for them, then he tells them this is how I want you to love.
Something to think about --
Do you love like Jesus loves?
Do you humble yourself to serve others?
Who do you know that models that kind of love?
Or maybe you are more like the apostles in Acts 6 saying, "Find someone else to do that. I've got more important things to do!"
John <><
In summary --
If there is a single lesson that followers of Jesus most often miss -- this is it!
Jesus demonstrates complete humility by taking on the role of the lowliest servant and washing the feet of the apostles. Even the apostles themselves miss this lesson and demonstrate that in Acts 6 when they basically say they're too important to serve others.
To make sure that the lesson is not lost on them, Jesus emphasizes his lesson by asking, "Do you understand what I have done to you?"
Jesus tells them they are to humble themselves and serve one another.
My favorite verse --
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
This is more than a command to love one another; it is a command to love the way Jesus loved.
Jesus first demonstrated humble service for them, then he tells them this is how I want you to love.
Something to think about --
Do you love like Jesus loves?
Do you humble yourself to serve others?
Who do you know that models that kind of love?
Or maybe you are more like the apostles in Acts 6 saying, "Find someone else to do that. I've got more important things to do!"
John <><
Thursday, January 17, 2019
ATC and the government shutdown
For my former co-workers and all of the other 800,000 federal employees that aren't being paid right now the government shutdown isn't about politics. It's about personal finance and family issues. It's about an agreement between employer and employee that is being violated. It's about paying bills, buying groceries, and the everyday things a person does with the pay they receive for a job well done.
Because air traffic control is considered an essential service, my friends are working without pay. In truth, I only know a few of the controllers that are working, but I know the character of a typical controller. I have often described controllers as the most arrogant, egotistical assholes you'd ever know -- ideal for a job that demands perfection! I know that every day they will be doing their jobs to the best of their ability. But ...
Let me ask you something ... What keeps you awake at night?
Unexpected bills?
Financial hardships?
Uncertainty about the immediate future?
Now imagine going to work after another poor night's sleep. It's your sixth day in a row of work because your facility is already short staffed. Some of those days have been 10 hour days.
Air traffic controllers don't get to use sleep meds. Those usually come with a minimum 24 hour medical disqualification. If you need them to sleep, you lose your job.
Figuratively speaking, you can do the routine things in your sleep.
But ATC isn't usually routine. It is problem solving and vectoring aircraft that are moving several hundred miles per hour while climbing and descending through altitudes of other aircraft. Even a moment's inattention can be disastrous.
The United States' air traffic controllers are the best. They move more metal, more safely, than any other system in the world. But adding stress to an already stressed system is dangerous. If you haven't contacted your senators and congressional representative about bringing an end to this shutdown, do it now!
You can find them and their email addresses here.
John <><
Because air traffic control is considered an essential service, my friends are working without pay. In truth, I only know a few of the controllers that are working, but I know the character of a typical controller. I have often described controllers as the most arrogant, egotistical assholes you'd ever know -- ideal for a job that demands perfection! I know that every day they will be doing their jobs to the best of their ability. But ...
Let me ask you something ... What keeps you awake at night?
Unexpected bills?
Financial hardships?
Uncertainty about the immediate future?
Now imagine going to work after another poor night's sleep. It's your sixth day in a row of work because your facility is already short staffed. Some of those days have been 10 hour days.
Air traffic controllers don't get to use sleep meds. Those usually come with a minimum 24 hour medical disqualification. If you need them to sleep, you lose your job.
Figuratively speaking, you can do the routine things in your sleep.
But ATC isn't usually routine. It is problem solving and vectoring aircraft that are moving several hundred miles per hour while climbing and descending through altitudes of other aircraft. Even a moment's inattention can be disastrous.
The United States' air traffic controllers are the best. They move more metal, more safely, than any other system in the world. But adding stress to an already stressed system is dangerous. If you haven't contacted your senators and congressional representative about bringing an end to this shutdown, do it now!
You can find them and their email addresses here.
John <><
John, Chapter 12
John 12
In summary --
Hang on!
Even though we are just past the halfway point in our 21 chapter journey, these last ten chapters cover the last few days of Jesus' life. In these chapters we will see the drama leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, as well as hear a summary of all that Jesus has taught his followers. Jesus will also warn them of the trials that they will face and the promise of a Helper.
In this chapter we see the divide between those that believe Jesus is from God and those that believe he is a lawbreaker growing deeper. Those that oppose him are creating fear in others so that they also oppose him or are afraid to voice their support of him. Jesus still spreads his message of truth, even though he is shouted down by the religious authorities and their followers.
My favorite verse --
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Jesus repeats what he told Nicodemus in chapter 3.
Do not think that ignoring his words is without consequence. The world is already condemned. Following his teaching is the way to salvation. Jesus came to save us.
Something to think about --
In the final days of Jesus' life, people are choosing whether they will follow religion or follow Jesus. As we continue to read, pay close attention to the things that Jesus is teaching in his final days. Are these teachings something you can follow? Is he teaching truth? Does he fulfill the prophesies? Is he the Son of God?
John <><
In summary --
Hang on!
Even though we are just past the halfway point in our 21 chapter journey, these last ten chapters cover the last few days of Jesus' life. In these chapters we will see the drama leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, as well as hear a summary of all that Jesus has taught his followers. Jesus will also warn them of the trials that they will face and the promise of a Helper.
In this chapter we see the divide between those that believe Jesus is from God and those that believe he is a lawbreaker growing deeper. Those that oppose him are creating fear in others so that they also oppose him or are afraid to voice their support of him. Jesus still spreads his message of truth, even though he is shouted down by the religious authorities and their followers.
My favorite verse --
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Jesus repeats what he told Nicodemus in chapter 3.
Do not think that ignoring his words is without consequence. The world is already condemned. Following his teaching is the way to salvation. Jesus came to save us.
Something to think about --
In the final days of Jesus' life, people are choosing whether they will follow religion or follow Jesus. As we continue to read, pay close attention to the things that Jesus is teaching in his final days. Are these teachings something you can follow? Is he teaching truth? Does he fulfill the prophesies? Is he the Son of God?
John <><
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
John, Chapter 11
John 11
In summary --
It is difficult to imagine that after raising Lazarus from the dead, there where still people that would reject the notion that Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah. But what we find is that the religious leaders (who are also the national leaders) aren't as concerned with seeking God as they are with protecting their place of local authority under Roman rule and their national status under Roman rule. The present consequence of recognizing Jesus as God (thereby denying Caesar as god) caused them more fear than the future eternal consequence of rejecting God caused.
My favorite verse --
Yeah, it's that one -- the shortest verse in the Bible.
35 Jesus wept.
Jesus felt the pain of Martha and Mary. He knew the sorrow that surrounded them and understood their grief. He was troubled because they were troubled.
Something to think about --
Is there a fear that you may have to change the way you think, feel, or live if you decided to follow Jesus?
Does the thought of having to admit you were wrong keep you from following Jesus?
Or are you open minded enough to ask questions and learn from the answers and evidence?
If you would like some materials to read, if you wouldn't mind investigating the evidence for a Creator and Savior, drop me a note and I'll share some books that you might enjoy.
John <><
In summary --
It is difficult to imagine that after raising Lazarus from the dead, there where still people that would reject the notion that Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah. But what we find is that the religious leaders (who are also the national leaders) aren't as concerned with seeking God as they are with protecting their place of local authority under Roman rule and their national status under Roman rule. The present consequence of recognizing Jesus as God (thereby denying Caesar as god) caused them more fear than the future eternal consequence of rejecting God caused.
My favorite verse --
Yeah, it's that one -- the shortest verse in the Bible.
35 Jesus wept.
Jesus felt the pain of Martha and Mary. He knew the sorrow that surrounded them and understood their grief. He was troubled because they were troubled.
Something to think about --
Is there a fear that you may have to change the way you think, feel, or live if you decided to follow Jesus?
Does the thought of having to admit you were wrong keep you from following Jesus?
Or are you open minded enough to ask questions and learn from the answers and evidence?
If you would like some materials to read, if you wouldn't mind investigating the evidence for a Creator and Savior, drop me a note and I'll share some books that you might enjoy.
John <><
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
John, Chapter 10
John 10
In summary --
Jesus uses a familiar picture to explain the kingdom of heaven and his role as its gatekeeper.
The large pens (folds) where the sheep were kept at night were places where the sheep would be safe from animals and thieves. During the day, the shepherds could keep watch over them as they grazed. At night, he would put them in these high-walled enclosures that were only open at the gate, where he would sleep. The people of the day and culture understood the role of the shepherd.
My favorite verse --
30 "I and the Father are one."
Again, Jesus plainly tells them he is the Christ.
Something to think about --
It's good to have firm convictions about what you believe. Even so, it is also good to be able to look at new evidence that may challenge what you believe. Looking at new information with an open mind is difficult, but the Truth and God are always up to the challenge.
Letting go of what you know in favor of the truth is always more important than standing your ground in a wrong belief to win an argument.
John <><
In summary --
Jesus uses a familiar picture to explain the kingdom of heaven and his role as its gatekeeper.
The large pens (folds) where the sheep were kept at night were places where the sheep would be safe from animals and thieves. During the day, the shepherds could keep watch over them as they grazed. At night, he would put them in these high-walled enclosures that were only open at the gate, where he would sleep. The people of the day and culture understood the role of the shepherd.
My favorite verse --
30 "I and the Father are one."
Again, Jesus plainly tells them he is the Christ.
Something to think about --
It's good to have firm convictions about what you believe. Even so, it is also good to be able to look at new evidence that may challenge what you believe. Looking at new information with an open mind is difficult, but the Truth and God are always up to the challenge.
Letting go of what you know in favor of the truth is always more important than standing your ground in a wrong belief to win an argument.
John <><
Sunday, January 13, 2019
John, Chapter 9
John 9
In summary --
There are several things that I love about this story of Jesus giving sight to a man that was born blind.
This first is that Jesus contradicts the assumption that the man's blindness was caused by sin -- either his or his parents' sin. Jesus rejects their belief that his blindness is the result of sin and uses the moment to glorify God.
Once again, this miracle is used against Jesus.
Some insist that Jesus cannot be a man of God because he doesn't keep the Sabbath. Others say that a sinner could not perform such signs.
People question whether or not this man was blind. He is questioned. His parents are questioned. And then he is questioned again. I love the man's innocence. When the Pharisees ask about Jesus' whereabouts, the man asks if they want to become his disciple, too!
My favorite verse --
From the blind man's perspective, the miracle was simple to explain.
25 He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."
Something to think about --
We often complicate simple things when there is a simple explanation. Sometimes the answer is as simple as giving God credit for the good things in life; as simple as knowing that God loves us and Jesus died for us.
John <><
In summary --
There are several things that I love about this story of Jesus giving sight to a man that was born blind.
This first is that Jesus contradicts the assumption that the man's blindness was caused by sin -- either his or his parents' sin. Jesus rejects their belief that his blindness is the result of sin and uses the moment to glorify God.
Once again, this miracle is used against Jesus.
Some insist that Jesus cannot be a man of God because he doesn't keep the Sabbath. Others say that a sinner could not perform such signs.
People question whether or not this man was blind. He is questioned. His parents are questioned. And then he is questioned again. I love the man's innocence. When the Pharisees ask about Jesus' whereabouts, the man asks if they want to become his disciple, too!
My favorite verse --
From the blind man's perspective, the miracle was simple to explain.
25 He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."
Something to think about --
We often complicate simple things when there is a simple explanation. Sometimes the answer is as simple as giving God credit for the good things in life; as simple as knowing that God loves us and Jesus died for us.
John <><
Saturday, January 12, 2019
John, Chapter 8
John 8
In summary --
There is a lot of really good stuff in this chapter. It begins with the familiar story of the church lawyers bringing a woman that had been caught in adultery. I think they were looking to trap Jesus into either disregarding the law by showing mercy or to make him be as legalistic and unmerciful as they were. Jesus gives them the freedom to judge her by the Law if they are guiltless under the Law.
In the end Jesus tells her that he won't condemn her either and tells her to go and sin no more.
Then there is more stuff of the Jews condemning Jesus and saying his testimony of himself is no good. Jesus continues to warn them that the signs are coming when they will know. He even hints at how they will kill him in verse 28 -- ..."When you have lifted up the Son of Man..."
The Jew try to discredit Jesus by mocking him. They say (verse 41) "We were not born of sexual immorality. ..." They know that Mary and Joseph were not married when she became pregnant. They were saying more than they were not born from immorality. They were saying that Jesus was and so his words carried no weight.
My favorite verse --
58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
Jesus, again declares that he is God -- the Son of God.
Something to think about --
In this chapter Jesus challenges the religious authority of the Jews. He asks, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (verse 46) He's asking if he's done nothing wrong, why don't they believe him?
They are having a difficult time because this is different than what they expected from God.
I wonder if we sometimes have a difficult time following Jesus because we thought it would be different. I wonder if our preconceived ideas of God -- our God biases -- make following more difficult. Maybe we've been conditioned that God is legalistic and judgmental rather than full of grace and mercy. Maybe we are legalistic and judgmental because we think that's what God expects of us.
Maybe we're wrong.
John <><
In summary --
There is a lot of really good stuff in this chapter. It begins with the familiar story of the church lawyers bringing a woman that had been caught in adultery. I think they were looking to trap Jesus into either disregarding the law by showing mercy or to make him be as legalistic and unmerciful as they were. Jesus gives them the freedom to judge her by the Law if they are guiltless under the Law.
In the end Jesus tells her that he won't condemn her either and tells her to go and sin no more.
Then there is more stuff of the Jews condemning Jesus and saying his testimony of himself is no good. Jesus continues to warn them that the signs are coming when they will know. He even hints at how they will kill him in verse 28 -- ..."When you have lifted up the Son of Man..."
The Jew try to discredit Jesus by mocking him. They say (verse 41) "We were not born of sexual immorality. ..." They know that Mary and Joseph were not married when she became pregnant. They were saying more than they were not born from immorality. They were saying that Jesus was and so his words carried no weight.
My favorite verse --
58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
Jesus, again declares that he is God -- the Son of God.
Something to think about --
In this chapter Jesus challenges the religious authority of the Jews. He asks, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (verse 46) He's asking if he's done nothing wrong, why don't they believe him?
They are having a difficult time because this is different than what they expected from God.
I wonder if we sometimes have a difficult time following Jesus because we thought it would be different. I wonder if our preconceived ideas of God -- our God biases -- make following more difficult. Maybe we've been conditioned that God is legalistic and judgmental rather than full of grace and mercy. Maybe we are legalistic and judgmental because we think that's what God expects of us.
Maybe we're wrong.
John <><
Friday, January 11, 2019
John, Chapter 7
John 7
In summary --
In this chapter we begin to see some of the confusion going on about who Jesus is.
It is the time of one of the three major festivals of the Jews. Because of the Jewish leaders plotting against him, Jesus has stayed away from Jerusalem and been preaching, teaching, and performing miracles near his home in the north. When the fall festival time comes around, his disciples want to go to Jerusalem where Jesus can make his claims before all the people.
Jesus says it's not time for that and encourages them to go on without him. He later went quietly, but was soon teaching in the temple.
The text shows us that there were many that thought he must be a prophet or messenger from God. Some argued that he was not and was leading people astray. Some were afraid to say what they thought because he was a pretty controversial person and they didn't want to take sides or were afraid of repercussions (kind of like politics today).
Most people were confused by the teaching of Jesus because (like last chapter) he speaks of eternal things and they hear with their earthly minded ears.
My favorite verse --
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"
Belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior fills our spirit and flows from us.
Something to think about --
There are some things that haven't changed in the past two thousand years. Following Jesus, believing that he is God, and understanding him can still be difficult. Far greater minds than mine have disagreed over who Jesus is. Great theologians disagree on how we are saved and how we should live. Some people are still afraid of taking a stand because of what others might think.
We want Venues High on Sunday morning to be a safe place for you to ask questions, to vent your frustrations about not understanding, or to voice your thoughts on what you believe or doubt about the Bible and its teaching.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.
John <><
In summary --
In this chapter we begin to see some of the confusion going on about who Jesus is.
It is the time of one of the three major festivals of the Jews. Because of the Jewish leaders plotting against him, Jesus has stayed away from Jerusalem and been preaching, teaching, and performing miracles near his home in the north. When the fall festival time comes around, his disciples want to go to Jerusalem where Jesus can make his claims before all the people.
Jesus says it's not time for that and encourages them to go on without him. He later went quietly, but was soon teaching in the temple.
The text shows us that there were many that thought he must be a prophet or messenger from God. Some argued that he was not and was leading people astray. Some were afraid to say what they thought because he was a pretty controversial person and they didn't want to take sides or were afraid of repercussions (kind of like politics today).
Most people were confused by the teaching of Jesus because (like last chapter) he speaks of eternal things and they hear with their earthly minded ears.
My favorite verse --
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"
Belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior fills our spirit and flows from us.
Something to think about --
There are some things that haven't changed in the past two thousand years. Following Jesus, believing that he is God, and understanding him can still be difficult. Far greater minds than mine have disagreed over who Jesus is. Great theologians disagree on how we are saved and how we should live. Some people are still afraid of taking a stand because of what others might think.
We want Venues High on Sunday morning to be a safe place for you to ask questions, to vent your frustrations about not understanding, or to voice your thoughts on what you believe or doubt about the Bible and its teaching.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.
John <><
Coffee time!
Yeah, I know.
It's always coffee time!
This morning I'm at Kingdom Coffee (personally, I think it should be Kingdom Koffee). I've heard about this place from friends and since I was downtown this morning I decided to drop in.
I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to good coffee. I'm typically a black coffee, no sweetener, no flavoring, or an Americano, same way. In general, I prefer a medium roast to a darker roast, and will occasionally have a lighter roast.
This morning (at the barista's recommendation) I'm just having a cup of black coffee, their house roast. I haven't asked about it, but I'm guessing a medium roast and possibly a Guatemalan blend. It's good. It has an earthy taste with a maybe light chocolate notes and a hint of spice towards the end. I would definitely buy this for home if I was in need of more coffee.
Right now, I'm set at home since I just bought some coffee at The Dancing Mule.
I was there on Wednesday with Hannah and had an Americano. It was nice to sit and visit. I always enjoy coffee with my girl.
Both of these places seem to have their regular community of coffee drinkers. Wednesday there were several customers that knew each other coming and going from the place, and this morning it is obvious that the guy at the cash register knows many of the customers. There is a buzz of conversations between customers, as well as a few of us that are on our computers or phones. It is a very young crowd and I'm old enough to be the dad of just about everyone in here. It has a nice energy for a dreary Friday morning.
I generally have good coffee at home and rarely venture out to a coffee shop for my morning elixir. Maybe I'll need to make a weekly habit of riding for a cup of coffee when it warms up this spring. I could try the many coffee shops of Southwest MO, or maybe not. I do enjoy my morning quiet time at home.
Life is hard.
Imagine how difficult it would be without coffee!
John <><
It's always coffee time!
This morning I'm at Kingdom Coffee (personally, I think it should be Kingdom Koffee). I've heard about this place from friends and since I was downtown this morning I decided to drop in.
I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to good coffee. I'm typically a black coffee, no sweetener, no flavoring, or an Americano, same way. In general, I prefer a medium roast to a darker roast, and will occasionally have a lighter roast.
This morning (at the barista's recommendation) I'm just having a cup of black coffee, their house roast. I haven't asked about it, but I'm guessing a medium roast and possibly a Guatemalan blend. It's good. It has an earthy taste with a maybe light chocolate notes and a hint of spice towards the end. I would definitely buy this for home if I was in need of more coffee.
Right now, I'm set at home since I just bought some coffee at The Dancing Mule.
I was there on Wednesday with Hannah and had an Americano. It was nice to sit and visit. I always enjoy coffee with my girl.
Both of these places seem to have their regular community of coffee drinkers. Wednesday there were several customers that knew each other coming and going from the place, and this morning it is obvious that the guy at the cash register knows many of the customers. There is a buzz of conversations between customers, as well as a few of us that are on our computers or phones. It is a very young crowd and I'm old enough to be the dad of just about everyone in here. It has a nice energy for a dreary Friday morning.
I generally have good coffee at home and rarely venture out to a coffee shop for my morning elixir. Maybe I'll need to make a weekly habit of riding for a cup of coffee when it warms up this spring. I could try the many coffee shops of Southwest MO, or maybe not. I do enjoy my morning quiet time at home.
Life is hard.
Imagine how difficult it would be without coffee!
John <><
Thursday, January 10, 2019
John, Chapter 6
John 6
This is a long chapter and a difficult one.
Here's a little pro tip for understanding the Bible:
When it makes sense to read it literally, read it literally. When it no longer makes literal sense, read it figuratively and look for the hidden meaning.
In summary --
The chapter begins with a couple of familiar stories -- the feeding of the multitudes and Jesus walking on water. Then the crowds of people come looking for Jesus. Jesus says they are following him -- not because of the miracles and the lessons he teaches -- but because they are poor and he fed them!
Then he tells them that they shouldn't be looking to fill their bellies, but to fill their spirit (food that endures to eternal life). From here on you can pretty much read bread, flesh, and blood as a metaphor. (Remember Sunday's lesson -- meta-phor?)
Again, Jesus gives the simple message (verse 40) that whoever looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life!
My favorite verse --
I'm going to give you two.
In verse 28 the people ask, "What must we be doing to do the works of God?"
29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent."
The second is;
63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Something to think about --
At some point, we need to understand that Jesus is more concerned about our spirit life than he is about our physical life. He certainly cares for us and understands our physical struggles (he got tired, he got hungry, he got hot, and he knew pain), but Jesus came that we would become spiritually alive and know God and know eternal salvation.
He healed illness. He fed the hungry. He comforted the grieving and he raised the dead.
But he came --not to save our bodies, but to save our souls.
John <><
This is a long chapter and a difficult one.
Here's a little pro tip for understanding the Bible:
When it makes sense to read it literally, read it literally. When it no longer makes literal sense, read it figuratively and look for the hidden meaning.
In summary --
The chapter begins with a couple of familiar stories -- the feeding of the multitudes and Jesus walking on water. Then the crowds of people come looking for Jesus. Jesus says they are following him -- not because of the miracles and the lessons he teaches -- but because they are poor and he fed them!
Then he tells them that they shouldn't be looking to fill their bellies, but to fill their spirit (food that endures to eternal life). From here on you can pretty much read bread, flesh, and blood as a metaphor. (Remember Sunday's lesson -- meta-phor?)
Again, Jesus gives the simple message (verse 40) that whoever looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life!
My favorite verse --
I'm going to give you two.
In verse 28 the people ask, "What must we be doing to do the works of God?"
29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent."
The second is;
63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Something to think about --
At some point, we need to understand that Jesus is more concerned about our spirit life than he is about our physical life. He certainly cares for us and understands our physical struggles (he got tired, he got hungry, he got hot, and he knew pain), but Jesus came that we would become spiritually alive and know God and know eternal salvation.
He healed illness. He fed the hungry. He comforted the grieving and he raised the dead.
But he came --not to save our bodies, but to save our souls.
John <><
Wednesday, January 09, 2019
John, Chapter 5
John 5
In summary --
There is an initial story of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath and the leaders having real problems with Jesus and persecuting him because of his apparent disregard for the Law.
But the real point of the chapter is that Jesus makes the claim that he is one with and equal to God, the Father.
He does the work of the Father.
He has the authority of the Father.
He has the testimony of the Father (through his works).
Again, the divinity of Jesus is made clear in the gospel of John.
Jesus is God.
My favorite verse --
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
This is the second time we hear Jesus give this simple instruction about eternal life. (John 3:18)
Belief in Jesus and belief that he is sent by God -- that's the ticket!
Something to think about --
It seems that many religious people were putting their faith in what they believed the Scripture was telling them, but their understanding of the Scripture was wrong. In fact, the Scripture had become their god, it was their religion. They were consumed with following the Law and not with following God.
It seems that many religious people are still doing the same thing today.
Are we more about being "Christians" than we are about believing the words of Jesus and following his teaching?
John <><
In summary --
There is an initial story of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath and the leaders having real problems with Jesus and persecuting him because of his apparent disregard for the Law.
But the real point of the chapter is that Jesus makes the claim that he is one with and equal to God, the Father.
He does the work of the Father.
He has the authority of the Father.
He has the testimony of the Father (through his works).
Again, the divinity of Jesus is made clear in the gospel of John.
Jesus is God.
My favorite verse --
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
This is the second time we hear Jesus give this simple instruction about eternal life. (John 3:18)
Belief in Jesus and belief that he is sent by God -- that's the ticket!
Something to think about --
It seems that many religious people were putting their faith in what they believed the Scripture was telling them, but their understanding of the Scripture was wrong. In fact, the Scripture had become their god, it was their religion. They were consumed with following the Law and not with following God.
It seems that many religious people are still doing the same thing today.
Are we more about being "Christians" than we are about believing the words of Jesus and following his teaching?
John <><
Tuesday, January 08, 2019
John, Chapter 4
John 4
John 4 contains one of my favorite stories in the Bible and has been a go-to story as I have traveled and preached in churches around Missouri. If you are a regular reader of Out of My Hat, this may sound familiar today, as I posted something very similar a couple of years ago.
In summary --
The story of the Woman at the Well finds Jesus breaking many of the social and cultural norms of the day.
As a Jew, he shouldn't be associating with Samaritans.
As a Mideastern man, he shouldn't be speaking with an unaccompanied Mideastern woman, especially one with a poor moral reputation.
And he never should have accepted their invitation to stay in their village, eat their food, and live with them for several days!
I'm not going to go into much of the underlying story because I'm sure that many of you have heard it. If you need more background, send me a message or leave a comment and I'll get back to you.
But Jesus uses the one person in town with the lowest status or reputation to reach an entire community with the message that God loves you and the Messiah has come!
My favorite verse --
42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
Too often, we have the idea that we need to convince other people that they need Jesus. I think that we need to take this simple woman's approach and bring them to Jesus and let him do the talking and convincing. She went to the people and said, "Come and see a man that told me all that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
The people came because of what she said, but they believed because of what Jesus taught.
Something to think about --
I know that talking to people about our beliefs in God can be difficult, but we don't really need to convince them of anything. The woman simply told what Jesus did for her! We can do the same.
Students can tell what they're learning about Jesus in their Sunday classes. If friends have question that you can't answer, use the woman's approach -- Come and see for yourself. There's an old guy in our class that might be able to answer your questions!
For parents, adults, and all of you reading this, the same goes for you. Introduce them to Jesus the best way you know how. Invite them to church. Invite them to coffee with you and your pastor (or me if you're in southwest MO).
And if you have questions -- ASK!
Be like Nicodemus from yesterday's story. The teacher of Israel asked questions of Jesus.
Together, we can search the teachings of Jesus to find your answers.
John <><
Note: If you want to check out that previous post, you can find it here.
John 4 contains one of my favorite stories in the Bible and has been a go-to story as I have traveled and preached in churches around Missouri. If you are a regular reader of Out of My Hat, this may sound familiar today, as I posted something very similar a couple of years ago.
In summary --
The story of the Woman at the Well finds Jesus breaking many of the social and cultural norms of the day.
As a Jew, he shouldn't be associating with Samaritans.
As a Mideastern man, he shouldn't be speaking with an unaccompanied Mideastern woman, especially one with a poor moral reputation.
And he never should have accepted their invitation to stay in their village, eat their food, and live with them for several days!
I'm not going to go into much of the underlying story because I'm sure that many of you have heard it. If you need more background, send me a message or leave a comment and I'll get back to you.
But Jesus uses the one person in town with the lowest status or reputation to reach an entire community with the message that God loves you and the Messiah has come!
My favorite verse --
42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
Too often, we have the idea that we need to convince other people that they need Jesus. I think that we need to take this simple woman's approach and bring them to Jesus and let him do the talking and convincing. She went to the people and said, "Come and see a man that told me all that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
The people came because of what she said, but they believed because of what Jesus taught.
Something to think about --
I know that talking to people about our beliefs in God can be difficult, but we don't really need to convince them of anything. The woman simply told what Jesus did for her! We can do the same.
Students can tell what they're learning about Jesus in their Sunday classes. If friends have question that you can't answer, use the woman's approach -- Come and see for yourself. There's an old guy in our class that might be able to answer your questions!
For parents, adults, and all of you reading this, the same goes for you. Introduce them to Jesus the best way you know how. Invite them to church. Invite them to coffee with you and your pastor (or me if you're in southwest MO).
And if you have questions -- ASK!
Be like Nicodemus from yesterday's story. The teacher of Israel asked questions of Jesus.
Together, we can search the teachings of Jesus to find your answers.
John <><
Note: If you want to check out that previous post, you can find it here.
Monday, January 07, 2019
John, Chapter 3
John 3
Wow! There is so much to the third chapter of John. This chapter could cover several day's devotions, but we are only doing one -- for now.
In summary --
This is the story of one of the Jewish leaders coming to Jesus in secret to question him. Jesus tells him that we cannot even see heaven unless our spirit becomes alive. We have to be spiritually born to enter heaven. We must believe in Jesus as God (or the Son of God) in order to have eternal life.
I could stop and write a lot about this.
Jesus explains to this teacher what he must do to have eternal life and the teacher is having a difficult time understanding. He basically says, "Wait! How can this be?"
The teacher of Israel is the one asking questions.
That could be the greatest lesson of the chapter -- Don't be afraid to ask questions about salvation!
These first few verses are certainly the main takeaway from this chapter, but there are plenty of other good lessons as well. I'll cover a couple of them in the rest of this post.
My favorite verse --
John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse of the Bible, but I think my favorites are the two verses that follow.
17 God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, ...
If God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, then why do we often find those that claim to follow Jesus condemning others? That's not our job!
We haven't been tasked with condemning others, nor have we been tasked with saving others. Jesus simply tells us to love others.
Something to think about --
Towards the end of the chapter Jesus and his disciples go into the countryside and are baptizing new followers. John (the Baptist) is also baptizing in the area and some come to him and say that more people are going to Jesus than to him, (Students, remember Sunday's lesson? Comparison kills compassion.)
But John handles it well. He basically says, "It's not about me. It's never been about me. I told you that I am not the Christ. From now on, it's all about Jesus. As he becomes more, I will become less."
It is hard to set our own desires aside and to always put Jesus first. Let's face it -- we want to have our way. It is unrealistic to expect that we make the sudden and drastic change of completely surrendering our will over to God. But it is not unrealistic to gradually let Jesus become more as we become less.
What is one way that you can be more like Jesus and less like yourself -- today?
One thought. One action. One word of encouragement or love. One way that Jesus becomes more and you become less.
John <><
Wow! There is so much to the third chapter of John. This chapter could cover several day's devotions, but we are only doing one -- for now.
In summary --
This is the story of one of the Jewish leaders coming to Jesus in secret to question him. Jesus tells him that we cannot even see heaven unless our spirit becomes alive. We have to be spiritually born to enter heaven. We must believe in Jesus as God (or the Son of God) in order to have eternal life.
I could stop and write a lot about this.
Jesus explains to this teacher what he must do to have eternal life and the teacher is having a difficult time understanding. He basically says, "Wait! How can this be?"
The teacher of Israel is the one asking questions.
That could be the greatest lesson of the chapter -- Don't be afraid to ask questions about salvation!
These first few verses are certainly the main takeaway from this chapter, but there are plenty of other good lessons as well. I'll cover a couple of them in the rest of this post.
My favorite verse --
John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse of the Bible, but I think my favorites are the two verses that follow.
17 God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, ...
If God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, then why do we often find those that claim to follow Jesus condemning others? That's not our job!
We haven't been tasked with condemning others, nor have we been tasked with saving others. Jesus simply tells us to love others.
Something to think about --
Towards the end of the chapter Jesus and his disciples go into the countryside and are baptizing new followers. John (the Baptist) is also baptizing in the area and some come to him and say that more people are going to Jesus than to him, (Students, remember Sunday's lesson? Comparison kills compassion.)
But John handles it well. He basically says, "It's not about me. It's never been about me. I told you that I am not the Christ. From now on, it's all about Jesus. As he becomes more, I will become less."
It is hard to set our own desires aside and to always put Jesus first. Let's face it -- we want to have our way. It is unrealistic to expect that we make the sudden and drastic change of completely surrendering our will over to God. But it is not unrealistic to gradually let Jesus become more as we become less.
What is one way that you can be more like Jesus and less like yourself -- today?
One thought. One action. One word of encouragement or love. One way that Jesus becomes more and you become less.
John <><
Sunday, January 06, 2019
John, Chapter 2
John 2
In summary --
This is the first miracle of Jesus' public ministry. He turns water into wine!
I find this miracle story very interesting. The miracle itself does not seem to glorify God. The persons benefiting from the miracle are unaware that it has happened. The only people that are aware of it are some friends of Jesus and the servants that filled the water jars -- and who is going to believe their story?
So why this miracle? How does this fit into the gospel narrative?
Could it be something as simple as Jesus (as a grown man of around 30 years old) was simply honoring the wish of his mother?
It was probably the wedding of a relative or close family friend. Most of the people lived in poverty, but weddings were to be a big celebration. If they ran out of wine, it would be embarrassing to the point of humiliation for the family. Mary (Mom) comes to him and only says they are out of wine. Even though Jesus plays it off, she tells the servants (in front of Jesus) to do whatever he tells them to do.
And Jesus obeys.
His disciples see and understand that this is more than a mere man, and they follow him.
It's really a pretty simple lesson.
The chapter goes on to talk about Jesus trashing the people that are making money by selling animals for sacrifices at the temple. This wasn't a simple service for those that had to travel. It was a part of the temple corruption and Jesus was furious about profaning the Holy Place. He then makes the prophetic claim about destroying this temple (his body) and raising it up in three days.
My favorite verse --
It's the very last verse of the chapter.
25 ...and (he) needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
Jesus knows us. He knows our depravity. He knows our struggles. He knows our needs.
And he loves us anyway.
Something to think about --
Jesus' closest disciples saw a miracle.
The people at the temple asked for a sign.
What do you need to be able to trust and follow Jesus?
Don't be afraid of your doubts. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Jesus knows you.
And he loves you ... just the way you are!
John <><
In summary --
This is the first miracle of Jesus' public ministry. He turns water into wine!
I find this miracle story very interesting. The miracle itself does not seem to glorify God. The persons benefiting from the miracle are unaware that it has happened. The only people that are aware of it are some friends of Jesus and the servants that filled the water jars -- and who is going to believe their story?
So why this miracle? How does this fit into the gospel narrative?
Could it be something as simple as Jesus (as a grown man of around 30 years old) was simply honoring the wish of his mother?
It was probably the wedding of a relative or close family friend. Most of the people lived in poverty, but weddings were to be a big celebration. If they ran out of wine, it would be embarrassing to the point of humiliation for the family. Mary (Mom) comes to him and only says they are out of wine. Even though Jesus plays it off, she tells the servants (in front of Jesus) to do whatever he tells them to do.
And Jesus obeys.
His disciples see and understand that this is more than a mere man, and they follow him.
It's really a pretty simple lesson.
The chapter goes on to talk about Jesus trashing the people that are making money by selling animals for sacrifices at the temple. This wasn't a simple service for those that had to travel. It was a part of the temple corruption and Jesus was furious about profaning the Holy Place. He then makes the prophetic claim about destroying this temple (his body) and raising it up in three days.
My favorite verse --
It's the very last verse of the chapter.
25 ...and (he) needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
Jesus knows us. He knows our depravity. He knows our struggles. He knows our needs.
And he loves us anyway.
Something to think about --
Jesus' closest disciples saw a miracle.
The people at the temple asked for a sign.
What do you need to be able to trust and follow Jesus?
Don't be afraid of your doubts. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Jesus knows you.
And he loves you ... just the way you are!
John <><
Saturday, January 05, 2019
John, Chapter 1
John 1 <= (Click to read)
In summary --
Jesus (the Word) has always been.
He was in the beginning.
He is God.
Jesus became a human and became the light in a dark world.
He brought hope to the hopeless, but the world did not recognize him.
(Most Jews were expecting a conquering king that would deliver them from their earthly oppressors, not the kind of savior that would deliver them from the spiritual oppression of sin.)
John (the Baptist, not John the apostle and author of this book) prepares the way for Jesus by telling of his coming and preaching repentance (turning away from sin and towards God).
Jesus is baptized by John.
The Holy Spirit of God descends upon him and Jesus begins his earthly ministry by calling others to follow him.
My favorite verse --
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
The blood of the sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament was offered to make an atonement for their sins. The word atonement is derived from a Hebrew word that means to cover over. In John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God, he ups the stakes and says that this Sacrificial Lamb will do more than cover the sins of the people; He will do away with their sins!
Something to think about --
The baptism of a follower of Jesus is largely a symbolic thing. However, I truly believe that it is also a significant part of a believer's life, testimony, and ministry. Jesus' earthly ministry began with his public baptism. I believe that it was more than symbolic for Jesus. I believe Jesus was giving an example to be followed. It is my personal belief that if we are to be truly effective in our service to The Kingdom of God, we should make a public declaration of our faith through a believer's baptism.
For my students --
If you are a follower of Jesus and have not been baptized, please talk to one of us (Julie, Rob, Ellen, or me) about baptism.
If you are still trying to figure out what following Jesus is all about, be sure to ask us and challenge us with your questions.
Note:
I think this is the format I'll be using -- summary, favorite verse, something to think about, and possibly a challenge for our students.
This won't be an in depth breakdown of the chapter, but more of a daily devotion kind of thing.
If you'd like to see something else, leave me a comment.
John <><
An additional note:
Although our daily reading challenge starts tomorrow, Jan 6, I will be posting each day's devotion a day ahead so it is ready for students that want to begin their day with this reading.
In summary --
Jesus (the Word) has always been.
He was in the beginning.
He is God.
Jesus became a human and became the light in a dark world.
He brought hope to the hopeless, but the world did not recognize him.
(Most Jews were expecting a conquering king that would deliver them from their earthly oppressors, not the kind of savior that would deliver them from the spiritual oppression of sin.)
John (the Baptist, not John the apostle and author of this book) prepares the way for Jesus by telling of his coming and preaching repentance (turning away from sin and towards God).
Jesus is baptized by John.
The Holy Spirit of God descends upon him and Jesus begins his earthly ministry by calling others to follow him.
My favorite verse --
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
The blood of the sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament was offered to make an atonement for their sins. The word atonement is derived from a Hebrew word that means to cover over. In John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God, he ups the stakes and says that this Sacrificial Lamb will do more than cover the sins of the people; He will do away with their sins!
Something to think about --
The baptism of a follower of Jesus is largely a symbolic thing. However, I truly believe that it is also a significant part of a believer's life, testimony, and ministry. Jesus' earthly ministry began with his public baptism. I believe that it was more than symbolic for Jesus. I believe Jesus was giving an example to be followed. It is my personal belief that if we are to be truly effective in our service to The Kingdom of God, we should make a public declaration of our faith through a believer's baptism.
For my students --
If you are a follower of Jesus and have not been baptized, please talk to one of us (Julie, Rob, Ellen, or me) about baptism.
If you are still trying to figure out what following Jesus is all about, be sure to ask us and challenge us with your questions.
Note:
I think this is the format I'll be using -- summary, favorite verse, something to think about, and possibly a challenge for our students.
This won't be an in depth breakdown of the chapter, but more of a daily devotion kind of thing.
If you'd like to see something else, leave me a comment.
John <><
An additional note:
Although our daily reading challenge starts tomorrow, Jan 6, I will be posting each day's devotion a day ahead so it is ready for students that want to begin their day with this reading.
Friday, January 04, 2019
About the Gospel of John
I thought I'd take a few moments to write a little about The Gospel According to John.
It will serve as a bit of an introduction to the 21 days that begin on Sunday.
John's gospel is a little different from the other three gospels. More than just recording the teachings and the activities of Jesus, John's writing is more focused on making clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. I have to say that as a new reader of the Bible (many years ago), I didn't care for John's story. I said that John was a women's writer -- too much flowery, poetic kind of stuff:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
I was more a fan of Mark's writing; the kind of writing that gets right to the point. Mark has no birth story, no back story. You are reading to find out about the life and teaching of Jesus -- here it is!
But as I followed the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I realized something. In their writings you can learn what Jesus taught. You can see that Jesus felt the pain and suffering of the crowds. You can begin to love others as yourself. You can end up believing that Jesus is a really wise man that teaches truth and harmony, but something is missing.
John's focus on Jesus as God gives power to all of the gospels. Understanding that God became man is almost unbelievable. How could there be that much love for us lowly humans? Later (in one of his letters) it's John that tells us that God is love.
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
He is both man and God.
As we read through the gospel of John, keep this in mind -- God became man (Jesus) so that we might know Him. Jesus (as a man) became the lawful sacrifice for all of mankind.
God didn't die.
Sunday morning -- John 1
John <><
#GiveEmHeaven
It will serve as a bit of an introduction to the 21 days that begin on Sunday.
John's gospel is a little different from the other three gospels. More than just recording the teachings and the activities of Jesus, John's writing is more focused on making clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. I have to say that as a new reader of the Bible (many years ago), I didn't care for John's story. I said that John was a women's writer -- too much flowery, poetic kind of stuff:
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
I was more a fan of Mark's writing; the kind of writing that gets right to the point. Mark has no birth story, no back story. You are reading to find out about the life and teaching of Jesus -- here it is!
But as I followed the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, I realized something. In their writings you can learn what Jesus taught. You can see that Jesus felt the pain and suffering of the crowds. You can begin to love others as yourself. You can end up believing that Jesus is a really wise man that teaches truth and harmony, but something is missing.
John's focus on Jesus as God gives power to all of the gospels. Understanding that God became man is almost unbelievable. How could there be that much love for us lowly humans? Later (in one of his letters) it's John that tells us that God is love.
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for us.
He is both man and God.
As we read through the gospel of John, keep this in mind -- God became man (Jesus) so that we might know Him. Jesus (as a man) became the lawful sacrifice for all of mankind.
God didn't die.
Sunday morning -- John 1
John <><
#GiveEmHeaven
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
I Resolve to Evolve
Yeah, sure there are things that I need to do -- old habits that need to be set aside and new routines that need to be established. It's weird that we can pick a date on a calendar that inspires us to get started on those things that we just as easily could have started any day last month or last year.
None the less, that day is today and is as good a day as any to resolve to do better in the coming year. Here are a few things that I hope to improve on:
First are the normal better health resolutions -- more exercise, better diet, lose weight, yada, yada.
If you want to follow my progress on those, go to my other blog -- Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy)
Then there are the self improvement/be a better person sort of things.
In problem solving we are often told to look at the big picture. I think I need to spend more time paying attention to the little things --
the little things at home and in my marriage; taking better care of Chris and our household.
the little things in my extended family; paying attention to the achievements and the hurts of others.
the little things in our environment (doing my small part),
the little things in our community and the people that seem to get lost in the big picture.
I really don't know how any of this will look in 2019. I just get the sense that I need to be a better me. I need to listen more and talk less. I need to see more of what is going on around me. I need to do more for others.
It's not like I think the John of January 1, 2019 sucks or is a terrible person, but the truth is -- he isn't that great of a guy, either. So my simple resolution for 2019 is to grow. I resolve to evolve.
What's yours?
John <><
None the less, that day is today and is as good a day as any to resolve to do better in the coming year. Here are a few things that I hope to improve on:
First are the normal better health resolutions -- more exercise, better diet, lose weight, yada, yada.
If you want to follow my progress on those, go to my other blog -- Healthy Living (by an unhealthy guy)
Then there are the self improvement/be a better person sort of things.
In problem solving we are often told to look at the big picture. I think I need to spend more time paying attention to the little things --
the little things at home and in my marriage; taking better care of Chris and our household.
the little things in my extended family; paying attention to the achievements and the hurts of others.
the little things in our environment (doing my small part),
the little things in our community and the people that seem to get lost in the big picture.
I really don't know how any of this will look in 2019. I just get the sense that I need to be a better me. I need to listen more and talk less. I need to see more of what is going on around me. I need to do more for others.
It's not like I think the John of January 1, 2019 sucks or is a terrible person, but the truth is -- he isn't that great of a guy, either. So my simple resolution for 2019 is to grow. I resolve to evolve.
What's yours?
John <><