Scripture: John 14:8-14
Observation: Philip makes a request similar to the one Moses had made centures before: "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." (v.8, see also Exodus 33:18). Philip understands Jesus has the ability to do this, since he has been with Jesus and sees the closeness Jesus has with the Father. What he hasn't yet appreciated is Jesus' true identity. Jesus tells Philip, "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father." (v.9). This goes beyond the union that Philip and the other disciples see. "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does His works" (v.10). There is an indwelling of the Father showing their closeness, their oneness, while still keeping each distinct from one another. This is something none of them could see with their physical eyes; they must have faith. That is why Jesus tells them to believe in Him, based on His words or on His miracles (v.11). Jesus promises that all who believe in Him will do even greater works than He did, and that anything asked for in His name will be given, to the glory of the Father.
Application: How can it be possible to do greater things than Jesus did? Because it is through Him that they are done. Through His death and resurrection we receive forgiveness of sin, and by accepting our need for a Savior and giving our lives to Him we receive the Holy Spirit, to guide us, counsel us, comfort us. Apart from Jesus these greater things could not be done. It is not for our glory that we show this faith and do these things, but for the glory of God the Father. Jesus works in us and through us so that the Father may be glorified.
Prayer: What greater desire can I have, Lord, than for my life to be used for Your glory? That's what You created me for, that is my purpose on this earth. May my life be a blessing to You and to all those around me. May You be glorified, and may Your Holy Name be praised. It is in Your precious Name I pray, Amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
John 14, Part 1
Scripture: John 14:5-7
Observation: Jesus' previous words are confusing to His disciples. In chapter 13 verse 36 Jesus tells Peter that where He is going His discipes can't follow. He continues afterwards saying He is preparing a place for them in His Father's house (14:3). Then He tells them they know the way there (14:4). At this Thomas asks, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" (v.5). Jesus then explains that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (v.6). He is the only way to the Father. He tells them that, in knowing and seeing Jesus, they now know and see the Father.
Application: God alone is truth and life. When the rebellion came, we were separated from God, and because of this we now live in ignorance and death. Jesus is the truth and the life. He is not a prophet as some would believe, or a teacher as others would say. As truth and life giver He proves Himself to be God and the only way to the Father. People don't like to hear this; they would much rather dream up different ways to get to heaven, on their own terms. But the evidence is clear: Jesus is the only Way to the Father, because only Jesus gave His life as a living sacrifice, and only He came from the grave to take His place on His heavenly throne.
Prayer: The song says "What a friend we have in Jesus," but Lord You are so much more than that. You are the Way, the Only Way, the Truth, the Only Truth, and the Giver of Life through the giving of Your own life. To seek another "way" is futile. You alone deserve all the praise, glory and honor, because You gave all for us, so that we could reconnect and have a relationship with the Father. There is no way to ever repay the great price You've paid, and You don't ask us to. You ask for obedience and faithfulness. May I offer both to You each day of my life. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus' previous words are confusing to His disciples. In chapter 13 verse 36 Jesus tells Peter that where He is going His discipes can't follow. He continues afterwards saying He is preparing a place for them in His Father's house (14:3). Then He tells them they know the way there (14:4). At this Thomas asks, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" (v.5). Jesus then explains that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (v.6). He is the only way to the Father. He tells them that, in knowing and seeing Jesus, they now know and see the Father.
Application: God alone is truth and life. When the rebellion came, we were separated from God, and because of this we now live in ignorance and death. Jesus is the truth and the life. He is not a prophet as some would believe, or a teacher as others would say. As truth and life giver He proves Himself to be God and the only way to the Father. People don't like to hear this; they would much rather dream up different ways to get to heaven, on their own terms. But the evidence is clear: Jesus is the only Way to the Father, because only Jesus gave His life as a living sacrifice, and only He came from the grave to take His place on His heavenly throne.
Prayer: The song says "What a friend we have in Jesus," but Lord You are so much more than that. You are the Way, the Only Way, the Truth, the Only Truth, and the Giver of Life through the giving of Your own life. To seek another "way" is futile. You alone deserve all the praise, glory and honor, because You gave all for us, so that we could reconnect and have a relationship with the Father. There is no way to ever repay the great price You've paid, and You don't ask us to. You ask for obedience and faithfulness. May I offer both to You each day of my life. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
John 13, Part 4
Scripture: John 13:36 - 14:4
Observation: Peter is concerned that his Master is going away, and questions Jesus as to where He's going. Jesus reiterates that Peter cannot follow at this time; however, He gives Peter hope when He tells Peter, "You will follow afterward." (13:36). Demanding as a child would, Peter insists that he wants to follow Jesus now, and will even lay down his life for Jesus (13:37). But Jesus knows Peter better, and foretells his denial (13:38), showing Peter has much to learn. Jesus then turns to His other disciples who are also concerned about Jesus' words and His leaving, and tells them not to be troubled (14:1). He tells them to believe, to trust, to continue to have confidence in Him and in the Father as they have until now. Jesus makes them a promise as He reveals where He is going: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." (14:2-3). He not only is preparing this place, but they know the way there (14:4).
Application: Poor Peter. He had a heart for Jesus, loved the Lord very much, but lacked wisdom. His love, therefore, was not leading him to God's will. He wanted things his way, and would actually challenge the Lord! Peter had much to learn. But are we so different? Peter is an encouragement to me, because I know many times I want to enforce my will and get ahead of God, just like Peter. Yet God steers me in the right direction and shows me who really is in control, just like He did with Peter. Peter slowly learned; it helped that his heart was in the right place. Is mine?
Prayer: Father, I love You. You are gracious, loving and kind, and You always do what is best for me. I recognize that, yet so many times I try to impose my will just as Peter did. Help me to learn from Peter. Show me Your will, and help me to stay on track. I believe and trust in You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Peter is concerned that his Master is going away, and questions Jesus as to where He's going. Jesus reiterates that Peter cannot follow at this time; however, He gives Peter hope when He tells Peter, "You will follow afterward." (13:36). Demanding as a child would, Peter insists that he wants to follow Jesus now, and will even lay down his life for Jesus (13:37). But Jesus knows Peter better, and foretells his denial (13:38), showing Peter has much to learn. Jesus then turns to His other disciples who are also concerned about Jesus' words and His leaving, and tells them not to be troubled (14:1). He tells them to believe, to trust, to continue to have confidence in Him and in the Father as they have until now. Jesus makes them a promise as He reveals where He is going: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." (14:2-3). He not only is preparing this place, but they know the way there (14:4).
Application: Poor Peter. He had a heart for Jesus, loved the Lord very much, but lacked wisdom. His love, therefore, was not leading him to God's will. He wanted things his way, and would actually challenge the Lord! Peter had much to learn. But are we so different? Peter is an encouragement to me, because I know many times I want to enforce my will and get ahead of God, just like Peter. Yet God steers me in the right direction and shows me who really is in control, just like He did with Peter. Peter slowly learned; it helped that his heart was in the right place. Is mine?
Prayer: Father, I love You. You are gracious, loving and kind, and You always do what is best for me. I recognize that, yet so many times I try to impose my will just as Peter did. Help me to learn from Peter. Show me Your will, and help me to stay on track. I believe and trust in You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Friday, April 23, 2010
John 13 Part 3
Scripture: John 13:31-35
Observation: Jesus says farewell to His disciples. Once Judas has left, Jesus proclaims He has been glorified and God glorified in Him (v.31). This manifestation of glory will be seen shortly, in the ultimate love sacrifice. Jesus tells His disciples that He will only be with them a short while longer, and they cannot follow Him (v.33). He then gives them a new commandment: to love one another. "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."(v.35). It isn't that the Jewish people did not know love; they had always been taught to love. What they didn't have was a way to enter into a relationship with the Father, that would now be made possible through Jesus' sacrificial love. In this same way the disciples were to love one another, the way Jesus had loved them. This love would serve as testimony of Jesus' love, and would serve as proof that the Father sent the Son.
Application: This is the love we look for in the church today. If there is no love in a church, we leave, because it isn't what we're looking for. But why can't it start with me? If I want to find love in the church, I must be willing to love. If I want to find forgiveness in the church, I must be willing to forgive. If I want to have godly friends, I need to be a godly woman. I cannot ask others to be something I'm not. Jesus' command applies to me first.
Prayer: Father, many times I look for Your qualities in others but forget to look in the mirror. How can I demand of others? It isn't my place to examine the rest of the world; I need to examine my own behavior in light of Your Word, and I need to be loving to all because You commanded it. Erase any excuses from my mind and my heart, and replace them with a love like Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus says farewell to His disciples. Once Judas has left, Jesus proclaims He has been glorified and God glorified in Him (v.31). This manifestation of glory will be seen shortly, in the ultimate love sacrifice. Jesus tells His disciples that He will only be with them a short while longer, and they cannot follow Him (v.33). He then gives them a new commandment: to love one another. "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."(v.35). It isn't that the Jewish people did not know love; they had always been taught to love. What they didn't have was a way to enter into a relationship with the Father, that would now be made possible through Jesus' sacrificial love. In this same way the disciples were to love one another, the way Jesus had loved them. This love would serve as testimony of Jesus' love, and would serve as proof that the Father sent the Son.
Application: This is the love we look for in the church today. If there is no love in a church, we leave, because it isn't what we're looking for. But why can't it start with me? If I want to find love in the church, I must be willing to love. If I want to find forgiveness in the church, I must be willing to forgive. If I want to have godly friends, I need to be a godly woman. I cannot ask others to be something I'm not. Jesus' command applies to me first.
Prayer: Father, many times I look for Your qualities in others but forget to look in the mirror. How can I demand of others? It isn't my place to examine the rest of the world; I need to examine my own behavior in light of Your Word, and I need to be loving to all because You commanded it. Erase any excuses from my mind and my heart, and replace them with a love like Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
John 13, Part 2
Scripture: John 13:21-30
Observation: Betrayal is a painful thing; it was no less so for Jesus, who knew who His betrayer was and what the result of that betrayal would be. Jesus was troubled in spirit because of it (v.21). He told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, but none had any idea of whom He spoke. Their curiosity was mounting, especially Peter's. However, Peter had already been rebuked during the footwashing, and probably didn't want to make another scene. So instead he motioned to the disciple next to Jesus, "the one whom Jesus loved" (v.23), to ask for the identity of the betrayer. Jesus told the disciple, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." (v.26). We understand this disciple, John, was the only one who knew the betrayer's identity, since Jesus tells Judas, whom He'd given the bread to, to do what he was going to do (v.27) but the others at the table didn't know what Jesus was talking about (v.28). They didn't know what Jesus knew: that the devil had taken over in Judas's life. And so Judas left, and the moment of truth began.
Application: Judas must have been sitting very close to Jesus. Verse 26 says Jesus dipped the bread and passed it to Judas Himself. The thought that comes to mind is, How could someone that close to Jesus betray Him? The reason is simply this: Judas had a thought, an evil desire, and rather than turning it out of his mind or confessing it to the Lord, he kept thinking about it. There were many times he could have said, "No, I won't do this." Even at the moment when Jesus gave him the bread, Judas could have felt remorse, regret, and repented, but he chose satan over Jesus. Evil comes into our minds, thoughts that are unpleasing to God. We need to replace these with pure thoughts right away (Philippians 4:8), before they take root in our hearts.
Prayer: Father, the enemy's attacks are subtle and at times hard to see at first glance. Your Word tells me what is noble and true. May I focus on You when thoughts that are displeasing enter my head. Influences for evil are everywhere, no matter where I go, but if I hide Your Word in my heart I will be safe. Let Your Word be my guide in all I do, and whenever I'm going astray, remind me of what Your Word says, so that I may get back where You want me to be. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Betrayal is a painful thing; it was no less so for Jesus, who knew who His betrayer was and what the result of that betrayal would be. Jesus was troubled in spirit because of it (v.21). He told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, but none had any idea of whom He spoke. Their curiosity was mounting, especially Peter's. However, Peter had already been rebuked during the footwashing, and probably didn't want to make another scene. So instead he motioned to the disciple next to Jesus, "the one whom Jesus loved" (v.23), to ask for the identity of the betrayer. Jesus told the disciple, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." (v.26). We understand this disciple, John, was the only one who knew the betrayer's identity, since Jesus tells Judas, whom He'd given the bread to, to do what he was going to do (v.27) but the others at the table didn't know what Jesus was talking about (v.28). They didn't know what Jesus knew: that the devil had taken over in Judas's life. And so Judas left, and the moment of truth began.
Application: Judas must have been sitting very close to Jesus. Verse 26 says Jesus dipped the bread and passed it to Judas Himself. The thought that comes to mind is, How could someone that close to Jesus betray Him? The reason is simply this: Judas had a thought, an evil desire, and rather than turning it out of his mind or confessing it to the Lord, he kept thinking about it. There were many times he could have said, "No, I won't do this." Even at the moment when Jesus gave him the bread, Judas could have felt remorse, regret, and repented, but he chose satan over Jesus. Evil comes into our minds, thoughts that are unpleasing to God. We need to replace these with pure thoughts right away (Philippians 4:8), before they take root in our hearts.
Prayer: Father, the enemy's attacks are subtle and at times hard to see at first glance. Your Word tells me what is noble and true. May I focus on You when thoughts that are displeasing enter my head. Influences for evil are everywhere, no matter where I go, but if I hide Your Word in my heart I will be safe. Let Your Word be my guide in all I do, and whenever I'm going astray, remind me of what Your Word says, so that I may get back where You want me to be. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
John 13, Part 1
Scripture: John 13:1-20
Observation: Jesus washes His disciples' feet. As the Passover meal is about to begin, Jesus is aware of everything falling into place. His betrayer is among them, and He will soon return to the Father (v.2,3). There is a lesson He needs to teach His disciples, a very important lesson on humility and servitude. Jesus rises from the table and begins washing His disciples' feet (v.5). This is contrary to the custom of His day; His disciples should have been washing His feet. So appalled is Peter, that he cannot believe what he is seeing and tells Jesus not to wash his feet, since Peter sees this as a humiliation. Yet Jesus tells Peter this is necessary, and Peter will not partake with Him unless he cooperates. Peter then tells Jesus, "Not just my feet, but my hands and head as well!" (v.6-9). Jesus tells Peter a full bath is unnecessary if one is clean as he is, though not everyone present is clean. Jesus then takes His seat and explains what He has done: Jesus has set an example for His disciples, to be humble and to serve each other. They are to do as He has done (v.15). It's not enough to know these things, they must to them also (v.17).
Application: Here is true wisdom: not just knowing but doing. Jesus' lesson would come into full force at the cross: giving His life for mankind would be the ultimate act of humility and servitude. But we can show these attributes in our everyday life. Just as Jesus showed simple yet true humility and servitude by washing His disciples' feet, so we can do the same with those around us. Family, friends, neighbors, strangers - the possibilities are endless. We need to be alert to every opportunity to do good.
Prayer: Father, I know I'm not always in tune to the needs of others. How frustrated I feel when I miss the opportunity to help someone in need! Help me to be conscious of those around me, to be willing to do and to give as You do and give each day, to all people, regardless of age, sex, race, even regardless if they are following You. The sun rises over the godly and the ungodly, and You provide for their needs. In the same way help me to see everyone as a person You created and want to come back to You. May I show the same love and mercy to others that You have extended to me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus washes His disciples' feet. As the Passover meal is about to begin, Jesus is aware of everything falling into place. His betrayer is among them, and He will soon return to the Father (v.2,3). There is a lesson He needs to teach His disciples, a very important lesson on humility and servitude. Jesus rises from the table and begins washing His disciples' feet (v.5). This is contrary to the custom of His day; His disciples should have been washing His feet. So appalled is Peter, that he cannot believe what he is seeing and tells Jesus not to wash his feet, since Peter sees this as a humiliation. Yet Jesus tells Peter this is necessary, and Peter will not partake with Him unless he cooperates. Peter then tells Jesus, "Not just my feet, but my hands and head as well!" (v.6-9). Jesus tells Peter a full bath is unnecessary if one is clean as he is, though not everyone present is clean. Jesus then takes His seat and explains what He has done: Jesus has set an example for His disciples, to be humble and to serve each other. They are to do as He has done (v.15). It's not enough to know these things, they must to them also (v.17).
Application: Here is true wisdom: not just knowing but doing. Jesus' lesson would come into full force at the cross: giving His life for mankind would be the ultimate act of humility and servitude. But we can show these attributes in our everyday life. Just as Jesus showed simple yet true humility and servitude by washing His disciples' feet, so we can do the same with those around us. Family, friends, neighbors, strangers - the possibilities are endless. We need to be alert to every opportunity to do good.
Prayer: Father, I know I'm not always in tune to the needs of others. How frustrated I feel when I miss the opportunity to help someone in need! Help me to be conscious of those around me, to be willing to do and to give as You do and give each day, to all people, regardless of age, sex, race, even regardless if they are following You. The sun rises over the godly and the ungodly, and You provide for their needs. In the same way help me to see everyone as a person You created and want to come back to You. May I show the same love and mercy to others that You have extended to me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
John 12, Part 6
Scripture: John 12:44-50
Observation: Jesus summarizes His ministry in these verses. This is what He came to do: to bring light into the world. Faith in Jesus Christ is faith in the Father, for it is the Father who has sent Jesus, and to see Jesus is to see the Father (v.44-46). Jesus came to offer salvation. The world is darkness; Jesus is the light. Yet there is rejection, and Jesus speaks of it in two forms: Those who hear the words but do not keep them (v.47), and those who do not receive His words and reject Him totally (v.48). Those who hear His words but refuse to keep them He does not judge, because His purpose is to offer salvation. Those who reject Him are condemned by the very words they reject. This condemnation applies to both parties, really, because by rejecting Jesus the unbeliever also rejects the Father, and by hearing but not keeping Jesus' words, it is God's words that are not being kept. In the end all these teachings have come from the Father, and eternal life comes to those who listen and obey.
Application: Many people today profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, yet you wouldn't know it by looking at them. Their lives are parallel to the world and its behaviors. Knowing Jesus should, MUST, change our lives, because we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. If we continue to live as the world lives, then Christ does not live in us, and our words are empty. We need to evaluate and re-evaluate our lives in accordance with Scripture and not with what is popular and acceptable in our culture today.
Prayer: Father, it's easy to get caught up in the ways of the world. After all, the enemy doesn't make sin seem unpleasant; if he did we'd all run from it. Yet You have shown us that sin is toxic and we must flee from it. Help me to see sin as You see it and not as the world sees it. Give me a heart that cares about You and what You want for me, not about what others will say about me. I know that obedience to You may not make me popular, but it will give me a joyful life, eternal life, which the world could never offer. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus summarizes His ministry in these verses. This is what He came to do: to bring light into the world. Faith in Jesus Christ is faith in the Father, for it is the Father who has sent Jesus, and to see Jesus is to see the Father (v.44-46). Jesus came to offer salvation. The world is darkness; Jesus is the light. Yet there is rejection, and Jesus speaks of it in two forms: Those who hear the words but do not keep them (v.47), and those who do not receive His words and reject Him totally (v.48). Those who hear His words but refuse to keep them He does not judge, because His purpose is to offer salvation. Those who reject Him are condemned by the very words they reject. This condemnation applies to both parties, really, because by rejecting Jesus the unbeliever also rejects the Father, and by hearing but not keeping Jesus' words, it is God's words that are not being kept. In the end all these teachings have come from the Father, and eternal life comes to those who listen and obey.
Application: Many people today profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, yet you wouldn't know it by looking at them. Their lives are parallel to the world and its behaviors. Knowing Jesus should, MUST, change our lives, because we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. If we continue to live as the world lives, then Christ does not live in us, and our words are empty. We need to evaluate and re-evaluate our lives in accordance with Scripture and not with what is popular and acceptable in our culture today.
Prayer: Father, it's easy to get caught up in the ways of the world. After all, the enemy doesn't make sin seem unpleasant; if he did we'd all run from it. Yet You have shown us that sin is toxic and we must flee from it. Help me to see sin as You see it and not as the world sees it. Give me a heart that cares about You and what You want for me, not about what others will say about me. I know that obedience to You may not make me popular, but it will give me a joyful life, eternal life, which the world could never offer. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
John 12, Part 5
Scripture: John 12:37-43
Observation: The response to Jesus by God's people is a sad one. "Although He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him." Verse 37 shows how blinded the people were, especially those who knew Scripture so well and should have believed. They professed faith in Moses, yet Moses himself condemned them (see Deut. 29:3-4). Of course, this rejection is a fulfillment of Scripture - chapter 53 of Isaiah speaks of those who could not see or understand, those who rejected God's mercy because He hardened their hearts. Why would God do this? Because He can see the hearts of men, and He saw their pride and their rejection of what they assumed couldn't be what God meant as the Messiah. Still, many did believe, even within the elite leaders (v.42). Yet they would not confess their faith for fear of the Pharisees, and because they didn't want to be kicked out of the synagogue. The problem was in their hearts - they loved men's praise more than God's glory (v.43).
Application: This passage grieves my heart. The Jews had Jesus among them, doing miraculous things, yet He was rejected. Worse yet, those who believed were too scared to admit it. Yet how many times don't we do the same thing? We hear someone speaking against Christians and Christianity and we don't speak up because we don't want confrontation. We don't give up things, behaviors that don't line up with God's word because we don't want to appear "different". The truth is, we are different, and the Gospel is confrontational. If we believe, we need to say it from the rooftops. We need to proclaim it to the world. Christ is risen - He is our Savior - And He is coming back! I am not ashamed!
Prayer: Father, the greatest gift we have received is forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus. There is shame in sin but not in redemption. Don't allow me to keep silent. Give me instead a spirit of courage to speak truth at all times. Thank You for Jesus! I praise Your Holy Name! May You always be praised and worshipped in spirit and in truth. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Observation: The response to Jesus by God's people is a sad one. "Although He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him." Verse 37 shows how blinded the people were, especially those who knew Scripture so well and should have believed. They professed faith in Moses, yet Moses himself condemned them (see Deut. 29:3-4). Of course, this rejection is a fulfillment of Scripture - chapter 53 of Isaiah speaks of those who could not see or understand, those who rejected God's mercy because He hardened their hearts. Why would God do this? Because He can see the hearts of men, and He saw their pride and their rejection of what they assumed couldn't be what God meant as the Messiah. Still, many did believe, even within the elite leaders (v.42). Yet they would not confess their faith for fear of the Pharisees, and because they didn't want to be kicked out of the synagogue. The problem was in their hearts - they loved men's praise more than God's glory (v.43).
Application: This passage grieves my heart. The Jews had Jesus among them, doing miraculous things, yet He was rejected. Worse yet, those who believed were too scared to admit it. Yet how many times don't we do the same thing? We hear someone speaking against Christians and Christianity and we don't speak up because we don't want confrontation. We don't give up things, behaviors that don't line up with God's word because we don't want to appear "different". The truth is, we are different, and the Gospel is confrontational. If we believe, we need to say it from the rooftops. We need to proclaim it to the world. Christ is risen - He is our Savior - And He is coming back! I am not ashamed!
Prayer: Father, the greatest gift we have received is forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus. There is shame in sin but not in redemption. Don't allow me to keep silent. Give me instead a spirit of courage to speak truth at all times. Thank You for Jesus! I praise Your Holy Name! May You always be praised and worshipped in spirit and in truth. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
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