Today’s Reading: John 14:18-31 and 15:9-17; Psalm 50

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.” – John 14:15-17a

IF YOU LOVE ME, OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS. – John 14:15

It’s a simple but very strong statement made by Jesus. He goes on to explain what it looks like for someone to respond to their love for Jesus by obeying what He has told them to do and how He has told them to live.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17

YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND. – John 15:14

This is another strong statement made by Jesus. If you truly love me, if you are really my friend, you will obey what I command. He then goes on to clearly define what He is commanding His friends to do – Love each other! Love each other the way I have loved you. I am about to lay my life down for you, my friends. That is the kind of love I am asking from you – to love me with that kind of love and to love each other with that kind of love.

That is a strong request for Jesus to ask from us – no, not a request but a command. Some people are easier to love than others. We are human and Jesus is asking us to do something that stretches us beyond ourselves. But Jesus does not ask us to love in our own strength. We could, for a very little while, but our love for others would not last long if we are trying to produce something from nothing – love for someone who is hard to love, who possibly does not give love in return.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. – 1 John 4:16

Jesus goes on to explain how this is going to work. He is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us! Let’s look at the Scripture that draws the picture of our connection with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our HOME with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.” – John 14:20-21, 23-24a

ANYONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE ME WILL NOT OBEY ME. – John 14:24a

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do. Let’s open up our hearts and allow God to make His HOME in us.

“If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” – Psalm 50:23b

Today’s Reading: John 14:6-17; Psalm 106

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” — John 14:6-7

The disciples were confused. Thomas spoke up — How can we know the way if we don’t know where you are going? Jesus replied — You know the way because you know me and I am the way. Philip was next. “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied” (14:8). Don’t you know who I am?! Try to understand. If you know me, you know the Father because the Father is in me.

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” – John 14:10-11

YOU CAN BELIEVE IN ME.

The disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the multitudes, calm the storm, and more. It was important that they take their experience of Jesus and allow it to build not just their faith but also their understanding. Just as Jesus was able to do all of these things because the Father was in him, the disciples would be able to do even more if they could just fully believe!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! – John 14:12-14

Here is a verse that has been misinterpreted over and over again. We have to consider the context in order to discover the promise. Jesus would continue to do amazing things on earth, but he would be doing it through his disciples — through those whom he had called, those who believed, and those who lived out their faith through their obedience. He would remain actively involved, answering their prayers and equipping them for this call.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17

The Holy Spirit was already among them and would soon be living within them, working through them so that they could continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And the same applies to us today. Jesus wants to do miraculous things in the lives of those around us, but it requires both our faith and our obedience. No one can find their way to the Father except through Jesus, and he has called us to carry that message to those who are lost — to introduce them to Jesus so that they, too, can be filled with the Holy Spirit and be available for Jesus to work through.

If you know me, if you believe in me, if you love me, if you obey me, ask for anything in my name and I will do it. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are available to be used by God for the sake of His Kingdom. Praise be to the One who lives in us and works through us. To God be the glory! Great things He has done and continues to do. Amen.

I BELIEVE IN YOU, LORD.

Praise the Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right.
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people;
come near and rescue me.
Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones.
Let me rejoice in the joy of your people;
let me praise you with those who are your heritage. – Psalm 106:1-5

Today’s Reading: John 14:1-7; Psalm 21

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

The disciples were unaware of what was ahead, but Jesus knew. He spoke the words he wanted them to remember when times ahead became difficult – TRUST ME. When you are faced with uncertainty or confusion, do not be troubled or afraid. Place your trust in me and I will give you peace of mind and heart.

YOU CAN TRUST ME.

Peace of mind and heart — what a wonderful gift! I can look back at so many moments in my life when the weight of uncertainty and the possibility of loss threatened to undo me, but then the Lord gave me a sense of peace that was unexplainable. Whatever is going on in your life right now, I pray for God to give you peace over your thoughts and anxiety, as well as peace over your fear and confusion. When your first response is to be angry, I pray that the Lord gives you the gift of calm as you trust in Him.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” – John 14:1-5

Thomas was probably not the only disciple who was feeling a sense of panic or confusion, but he was the one willing to speak up and ask the question. They had spent the last three years following Jesus and now he was going on ahead of them. Instead of following him, they were going to have to wait patiently for Jesus to return. Jesus knew they were troubled, so he spoke words of truth over them, revealing his identity to them once again.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” — John 14:6-7

Here is another amazing gift from Jesus — the experience of God! By placing our trust in Jesus, we find ourselves experiencing the way, the truth, and the life. We have always been known by God, but choosing to follow Jesus, the Way, opens up our lives to the covenant relationship for which we were created.

These last few years, God has taken me on a journey of faith and trust. When faced with an unfamiliar situation, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When faced with a tough decision, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to let go of something God has given me, I can hear God say, “Trust me.” When asked to walk away from the known into the unknown, I can hear God say again, “Trust me.” So again this morning, I place my family in God’s hands and choose to trust Him with what is next. I choose faith in the God who keeps saying, “Trust me.” He is worthy of my trust and it is in Him that I put my hope.

I CAN TRUST YOU, GOD.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long.

This morning, I pray that you hear God’s voice saying, “Trust me.” I pray the response of your heart is to say with confidence – You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in YOU all day long!

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. – Psalm 28:6-8a

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. – Psalm 31:14-15a

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-38; Psalm 58

Jesus, our Savior, poured out his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew what was ahead and willingly accepted the role of the sacrificial lamb. His body would be broken and his blood would confirm the covenant between Creator and creation. The next few days would be difficult and he encouraged his disciples to trust God through the pain.

As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. — John 13:31-33

Jesus was talking about dying, and Peter was beside himself. He did not understand what was happening or why it needed to happen. He had more questions than he had answers. He wanted to know where Jesus was going. He couldn’t imagine life without his friend, his teacher, so he desperately tried to come up with a way to stop his world from spinning. He tried to negotiate and volunteered to die in Jesus’ place.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:34-38

As much as he was willing, it was not part of the plan for Peter to die for Jesus. If Jesus had allowed Peter to have his way, it would have changed the plan of salvation. God sent His Son as the Passover Lamb and it was time to become a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, even if it meant saying no to his loyal follower.

It is not easy to get a “no” from God. It comes with all the emotions of disappointment, frustration, grief, and more. The next thing to happen in our life often feels out of our control, but it is in these moments that we learn to let go and truly trust in God. Perhaps that is what you need to do today.

“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

We often walk away not understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan — why He allows some things to happen and others not to happen. But we are His children and He is our Savior, and in that we find our HOPE. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who willingly died for us. Let’s trust God and allow Him to be the light that shines into our situation; let’s pray for Him to replace our confusion with clarity.

Today’s Reading: John 13:18-30; Psalm 101

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor – he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. – John 12:4-6

What happened to Judas? When Jesus invited him to be one of his disciples, Judas left everything to follow this man who could heal the sick and raise the dead. I often wonder if Judas was ever “all in” — did he ever fully believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, or was he just there out of curiosity.

We know from John 12:6 that Judas often took money that belonged to the other disciples, evidence that he lacked integrity. When Mary poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus, Judas objected to her display of affection and called it wasteful. He could not wrap his mind around someone loving another person with that kind of extravagance. And here Jesus was, kneeling in front of Judas and washing his feet. Jesus was displaying his extravagant love for Judas, yet he missed the opportunity to reciprocate that love. While others were humbled by this gesture, Judas was seeking his own gain.

“Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” — John 13:16-21

The disciples were confused, so one of them leaned back against Jesus and asked him who would betray him. When Jesus dipped the piece of bread in the dish and then handed it to Judas, he revealed the heart of one who had been their brother for the last three years. Not only was Judas about to betray Jesus, he was betraying the friends who had done life with him. When Judas reached for the bread, he made the choice to walk away from the fellowship that had been available to him. Because his heart was not fully surrendered to Jesus, he was now available for Satan to enter and use (13:27).

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. – Matthew 26:14-16

Judas went out seeking an opportunity to gain financially and he found it. Judas had spent all of that time following without ever becoming an authentic follower of Jesus.

What is our response today to the extravagant love of Jesus? Are we fully surrendered and committed to follow Jesus wherever he might lead us, or are we seeking self-gain? When attending church becomes routine or a social opportunity, we begin to critique the church and its leadership. It makes it easy for us to jump from one church to another when we are attending for self-gain instead of looking for an authentic worship experience — not an experience where I am entertained, but one where my heart is fully focused on God. I want God to be pleased with my worship of Him. I want to love Him extravagantly, humbly worshiping him with a heart of integrity.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. — Psalm 18:25

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home. – Psalm 101:1-2

Today’s Reading: John 13:1-17; Psalm 134

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. — John 13:1

What a beautiful verse! Jesus was aware of the suffering he was about to experience, yet his focus was on those he had come to love. They had walked beside Jesus on this journey of life, listening to him teach the crowds, watching him heal the sick, and standing in awe as he raised the dead. Jesus was aware of how difficult the next week would be for those who had daily been by his side. They were more than just followers, they were friends; at one time they had been fans of Jesus, but now they were family.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. — John 13:3-5

Jesus knew where he had been and he knew where he was going, but he was present in this moment with his disciples. Today was about them and Jesus chose to be intentional in order to teach them one more time. When he was gone, they would be able to look back at this moment and know how much he loved them. They would also know how to show this same kind of love towards others.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. — John 13:12-17

Now that you know these things, will you do them? With knowledge comes the responsibility to take action. The life of Jesus should be studied for the sake of allowing it to change our lives. It is not just about gaining an understanding of the scriptures, it is about living out our relationship with Christ so that Jesus can continue his ministry both in us and through us.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” — John 13:6-8

As Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples, he took time to help the one who was struggling to understand. He sensed Peter’s discomfort and took the time to patiently reveal what needed to happen. Clarity would come later; now was the time for obedience. Peter needed to decide if he was willing to submit to God’s plan, no matter how uncomfortable. If he chose pride, it would keep him from fully experiencing all that was ahead. He had shown his willingness to give when he walked away from his fishing boats to follow Jesus, but Peter also needed to learn how to receive, because Jesus did not just want to do something through Peter, he wanted to do something in Peter.

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. — John 13:9-11

Following Jesus requires surrender. Are you willing to walk this journey with Jesus even when you lack the clarity to know where he is taking you or what he is doing? He is drawing us near to him in order to minister to our needs before He uses us to minister to the needs of others. And after we have allowed him to cleanse us, Jesus wants us to humbly love others in the same way he loves us. Are you all in? Feet, hands, head, all of it!

Today’s Reading: John 12:12-50; Psalm 92

As Jesus was leaving Bethany to head to Jerusalem for the week of Passover, crowds began to meet him. Everyone wanted to see Jesus.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” – John 12:17-19

BECAUSE OF THE MIRACLES

The crowd was excited to greet Jesus because of all of the miracles they had either seen him perform or heard others talk about. They were drawn towards Jesus in anticipation of what he might do next. Some came with their own needs, hoping for a healing; some came out of curiosity, hoping to see something spectacular. Some believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah while others were still undecided.

A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,
“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!”
Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:
“Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.
Look, your King is coming,
riding on a donkey’s colt.” – John 12:12b-15

We still see this reaction today — a what-can-Jesus-do-for-me approach to religion. But when we follow Christ with the expectation that life will be full of blessings and nothing will ever go wrong, we have a crisis of faith when life gets hard. And, as all of us can testify, life definitely gets hard.

But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:
“Lord, who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? – John 12:37-38

DESPITE THE MIRACLES

Despite the fact that the lame were walking and the mute were talking, many remained skeptical. Despite the fact that the blind could see and the deaf could hear, many still struggled to believe that Jesus Christ of Nazareth could possibly be the promised Messiah. Their understanding was limited to the temporary things of this world instead of looking beyond to the eternal.

“Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:23-26

As we finish up our Thanksgiving traditions and begin our celebration of Christmas, let’s maintain an attitude of thankfulness for all Jesus did for us through his birth, life, death and resurrection. Let’s live for how Jesus can work through us, rather than what God’s blessings could do for us. Let’s recognize the many blessings we daily have because of the generosity of our God, and let’s trust Him for all that He has yet to provide. Eyes focused on heaven, let’s praise the Lord for all He has done for us!

BECAUSE HE IS GOOD

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp,
and the melody of a lyre.
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O Lord, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this:
Though the wicked sprout like weeds
and evildoers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever. – Psalm 92:1-7

Today’s Reading: John 12:1-11; Psalm 136

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. – John 12:1

CAN YOU IMAGINE HIS GRATITUDE?

Lazarus had been very sick for days. We do not know how many days he was conscious of just how sick it was. Was he praying for his healing? Did he have hope when someone told him that they had sent for Jesus? Was he asking if Jesus had arrived yet? Did he have peace as he took his last breath? But now Lazarus was here, surrounded by his family and friends, as they prepared a dinner in Jesus’ honor. This was his opportunity to once again express just how grateful he was for his resurrection from the dead.

A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. – John 12:2

CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?

Martha had her brother back! I am guessing she could remember everything about that day — from her voiced disappointment that Jesus had not arrived sooner to her protest to Jesus’ instructions to remove the stone. She was so worried about the smell of death that she was missing the vision of life Jesus was preparing for all of them to see. I am sure she would never forget the sight of Lazarus walking out of the grave.

Martha was in her element throwing a party for Jesus. This was her love language. As she selflessly served each guest who had arrived for this dinner, her heart must have been so grateful for the mercy and grace Jesus extended to her. And this wasn’t the first time. Let’s look back at another dinner Mary and Martha threw for Jesus:

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

What great timing for this passage of scripture. Today many of us will find ourselves scurrying around a kitchen, preparing a Thanksgiving feast for our family and friends. There is so much to do, and our hope is that everything will go perfectly. But let’s not miss the purpose behind this holiday. Let’s discover what Mary knew — today is the day to sit at the feet of Jesus and show our gratitude for the many ways in which we have been blessed.

Let’s take a moment to look around the room today. Perhaps there will be some missing from our holiday celebration; perhaps there will be heavy hearts and deep needs represented around the table. Let’s not miss the moment to gather together in prayer, letting our Lord know how grateful we are for His faithfulness and provision.

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. – John 12:3

CAN YOU IMAGINE HER GRATITUDE?

Can you position yourself at the feet of Jesus today and pour out your heart of gratitude to Him? Can you value your time with Jesus over everything else?

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” – John 12:4-8

WHERE WAS HIS GRATITUDE AND WHERE IS MINE?

I love Thanksgiving and I am really looking forward to ALL today holds. I am looking forward to the food and the game time; I know my cup will be filled from all the hugs and laughter. But I do not want to miss this opportunity to invite Jesus into our day. There is so much to be thankful for!

What are you thankful for today? I am thankful for YOU! Thank you so much for so faithfully joining me in the study of God’s word each day. Your words encourage me and I thank God today for YOU!

He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 136:23-26

Today’s Reading: John 11:25-26; Psalm 38

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26

The Lord gave me a song for 2020 — a song I would daily listen to, letting the truth of God’s promises wash over me during a time of uncertainty in many areas of my life. When 2021 started, I waited for God to give me another song for what I needed. I needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and I needed to surrender myself to His call on my life once more. This morning I allowed the Lord to take me back to all that he was teaching me in 2021.

In January of that year, I had to make some pretty big decisions for the ministry and I needed God to equip me for the leadership to which he had called me. I leaned hard on God.

February began and we drove to Joplin, Missouri, to check out the medical school God was leading Libby to attend. As we looked at apartments and checked out coffee shops, I reminded myself that God was working all things out according to His purpose. When everything inside of me wanted to pull my girl closer, I had to once again tell God that I would trust Him.

A few weeks later, as I rushed to the hospital, I had to trust that God had my husband in His very capable hands. Fast forward to April, God was stirring our obedience and the possibility that there was a big move in our future. When I accepted a call into full-time ministry when I was 17 years old, I told God I would go anywhere and do anything for Him. He reminded me that I needed to be light on my feet and remain willing to be used by Him in the “Second Act” of my life.

In the midst of resting in what He had ahead, God gave me my 2021 song — I Will Trust by Red Rocks Worship. The lyrics speak of our experience of God’s love during seasons of darkness, where we pursue God even when we cannot see where we are going. We cry out for our Good Shepherd to lead each step while also leading our heart.

It is one thing to pack up our belongings, hand over the keys to the home we love, and move a few hundred miles away, but my heart needed to make the move as well. A long time ago, I asked God to see the desires of my heart – that my heart would always be in sync with what He wanted in my life. That continues to be my prayer today. Good Shepherd, lead my heart — transform my desires and use me however you want. Do what you want to do with me, no matter where your heart takes me. I choose to trust you.

In October of 2021, we traveled to visit my parents and spend a few hours with family. I walked in the front door and my dad walked towards me with a smile on his face. He gave me a big hug and I had no doubt that he was genuinely happy to see me. We sat in the living room and talked for a long time. He was alert and I could understand everything he said. I smiled at him and told him he was having a really good day. He looked at me and said, “I’m having a really good day.” I thanked God for allowing us to visit my father on one of the summits of the roller coaster ride Parkinson’s creates for families.

Do not abandon me, O Lord.
Do not stand at a distance, my God.
Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my savior. – Psalm 38:21-22

One week later, my dad was clearly descending from that summit. He stopped eating, stopped talking, and stopped having good days. By the weekend, we were standing around his ICU bed. The second morning, I walked in the room and greeted him, squeezing his hand. I told him I loved him. He opened his eyes, lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of my hand. A few days later, the hallucinations began. We sat around his bed and sang hymns. He mouthed some of the words. When we turned off the music, he began his sermon. We couldn’t hear the words and we couldn’t understand him, but there was very little doubt that he was either talking about Jesus or to Jesus.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

The lyrics of my 2021 song continued to remind me that Jesus was with me during this unfamiliar storm we were experiencing. I did not need to fear the grave; I did not need to fear the waves. And God was faithful. He anchored each one of us as we said goodbye to the one who had brought so much life to our family. The Lord proved to us that we can trust Him as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

It has been two years since we gathered together to celebrate the life of Larry Alan Fortado. He is no longer trapped in a body that won’t allow him to do what he wants to do. He is singing in tune, walking without assistance, and he is dancing. Oh, how he loved to dance and smile and praise God. And he loved people. He looked beyond how messy their lives were, and he dove deep to make a difference in this world. And now he is surrounded by many whose lives were impacted by his willingness to be used by God.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” — John 11:25-26

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?

I do not know what kind of storm you are going through right now, but I hope that the words of these verses have encouraged you. Perhaps you are still grieving the death of a loved one, or maybe you are in the middle of that journey right now. If you are facing the possibility of your own death, I pray that God will give you a peace that surpasses understanding. My prayer for you this morning is that you will trust the Good Shepherd to both lead your steps and your heart. Even though it may be the hardest thing you have ever done, I pray you will choose to trust God today.

[I Will Trust lyrics by Kory Miller, Brinnae Keathley / Red Rocks Worship Publishing / Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com)]

Today’s Reading: John 11; Psalm 35

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” – John 11:4-7

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

When Lazarus became sick, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus. We see later in the passage that there was an unspoken expectation with that message, and there was hurt expressed when Jesus did not do what they wanted him to do when they wanted him to do it (11:21-22). But Jesus saw the larger picture, and he made the choice to wait for two days before making his way back to Judea. In fact, it was not until he knew that Lazarus had passed away that he told his disciples of his plans to go and wake up his sleeping friend.

They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” – John 11:14-15

SO THAT THE DISCIPLES WOULD REALLY BELIEVE

Jesus showed up in the midst of their grief. Martha was the first of the two sisters to meet Jesus as he arrived at Bethany. After she voiced her disappointment that he had not come sooner, Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would rise again. Her faith brought her to the point of agreeing that Lazarus would rise again on the last day with everyone else, but Jesus was there to take her faith to the next level.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
“Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” – John 11:25-27

Martha went to find Mary. Pulling her aside, she told her that Jesus wanted to see her. Mary immediately went to him, but the mourners saw her leave and followed her, creating a chorus of wailing that followed each step she took. When he saw Mary’s grief and heard the loud sorrow of the uninvited mourners, scripture says a deep anger welled up within him.

Jesus asked where Lazarus was, so they brought him to the cave, which had been sealed by a stone. Jesus wept as he moved to the place where Lazarus had been laid. Even as he moved toward the miracle, the people standing nearby criticized that this man who had healed a blind man had not kept his friend from dying.

Have you seen yourself in this passage of scripture yet? Have you witnessed any of this behavior in others? When God does not answer our prayers in the way we want him to, many choose to pull their faith. Others start doubting the wisdom of God or they criticize His perfect timing. When we can’t see the purpose behind the delay or we have to sit in the reality of God’s “no”, we can either focus on our disappointment or we can allow this difficulty to strengthen our faith.

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.

But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

“Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” – John 11:38-44

FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE OBSERVING THE SITUATION

We live in an imperfect world where sin has resulted in sickness, disease and disaster. Accidents happen and tragedies are a reality of this earthly existence. No one is exempt from the pain of this world. Therefore, when we find ourselves needing a miracle, we do what Jesus taught us to do — we ask. And when our prayer is not answered in the way we asked, we do what Jesus taught us to do — we trust. We trust that God will be glorified, we trust that God will use the situation to grow our faith, and we hope that those observing the situation will see both the glory of God and our unwavering belief that God is always good!

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. – John 11:45-46

Not everyone will respond in the way we hope they will. Some will explain away the miracles God gives us, while others will join us in giving God the glory for answered prayers. Some will delight in trouble coming our way and encourage us to be angry with God, while others will join us in praying for God to get the glory no matter the outcome.

Lord, one thing we are confident of this morning — you show up for us in our grief. You are a God of compassion who cares deeply for us, and you are patient with our emotions. You understand our anger because you know what it feels like to be angry; you understand our grief because you, too, have grieved. We come to you this morning with all of our needs and requests, trusting for you to be glorified and for faith to be fueled no matter the outcome. As we focus on thankfulness this week, we want to declare that we are grateful to serve a God who is always faithful and always good! Amen!