Today’s Reading: John 2:12-22;Psalm 69

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. – John 2:13-14

God’s people had already begun to gather in Jerusalem for their annual celebration of the day the Lord protected the Israelites from the last of the ten plagues inflicted on the Egyptians. Their ancestors had been instructed to mark their doors with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. This was a special day of remembrance — a day that those in the Temple were using for their own profit and gain. Instead of treating the Temple as a holy place of worship, they were creating opportunities for self gain at the expense of the weary travelers arriving in the City of David.

Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:15-16

This is the moment in the gospels that stands out as the day Jesus took strong action against what the church had become. This was a holy place, a sacred space to authentically worship God, listen to the reading of the scriptures, and offer prayers to the Holy One. This was a day set apart to focus on God’s faithfulness, recognizing that He is the One who rescues us from our slavery and bondage. God’s people were to be welcomed as they joined in this day of worship, not to be robbed or turned away if they could not pay the high prices of the required sacrifices.

Both of the gospels written by Matthew and Mark add that Jesus said this: “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17). We see these words reflected in the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah and David.

I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations. – Isaiah 56:7

Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken! – Jeremiah 7:11

Passion for your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. – Psalm 69:9

​​Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” – John 2:17

The Jewish leaders demanded that Jesus perform a miracle to show that God had given him the authority to do what he had just done in the Temple. Instead he took a moment to predict his death and resurrection, a moment remembered by his disciples after Jesus was raised from the dead.

IN WHAT WAYS IS THE CHURCH TODAY LOSING ITS FOCUS AND PURPOSE?

Jesus left us with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as our calling here on earth. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, while authentically loving those around us as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). And we are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).

Does this describe our church today? Are we about the business of loving God by loving people, leading them into a saving relationship with God? Is our focus on bearing fruit as we stay connected to the vine, or are we focused on self-promotion and earthly applause? Do we create an authentic opportunity for worship in God’s house? Are we keeping our eyes on the God who is able to rescue us from our slavery and bondage to sin, reminding each other of His faithfulness and goodness yesterday, today and tomorrow.

IN WHAT WAYS AM I LOSING MY FOCUS AND PURPOSE IN THE PLACE OF WORSHIP?

Lord, thank you so much for this reminder that we gather together for the sake of worshiping you and growing in our knowledge and understanding of who you are and who you have created us to be. I should not come with a desire to draw attention to myself or gain from the needs of others, but to humbly stand before you asking you to continue the work you began in me years ago. May my motive be pure and my worship be authentic as I enter the place of worship I call my church home. Amen.

Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. – Psalm 69:30-32

Today’s Reading: John 2:1-11; Psalm 64

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” – John 2:1-3

Many of us have this natural curiosity about the relationship between Mary and Jesus. We wonder what it must have been like to be the parent of the promised Messiah. We put ourselves in this position and imagine how special Jesus must have been to Mary — how much she must have loved him. As we look at this occasion in scripture, we get a small glimpse into their relationship.

MARY WAS MADE AWARE OF A PROBLEM AND SHE LOOKED TO JESUS FOR THE SOLUTION.

I picture Mary as sympathetic towards the family, knowing how tragic it would be for them to have to face their guests and tell them that they were out of wine. Perhaps it would have brought shame on both the parents and the union of the bridal couple, a simple mistake continuing to define both families for years to come.

Mary was not only sympathetic, but she was moved to action. This was not her problem and the blame would not land in her lap, but she was willing to help find a solution. She did not just recognize the gravity of the problem; she wanted to do something to help. After all, her own family had faced the accusations and gossip of the community when she was found to be with child while engaged to Joseph. She had been a virgin and the opportunity to carry the Christ-child in her womb had been a gift, but who had believed her story? How many had treated them differently from that day on?

Perhaps Jesus responded to his mother with affection and understanding. He knew her well and understood her concern for others. Some translations say that Jesus referred to her as “woman” and some use the term “mother”, but my favorite translations describe Jesus as affectionately addressing his mother as “dear woman”.

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:4-5

MARY DISPLAYED FAITH IN WHAT JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO FOR THOSE IN NEED.

I am curious as to what happened between verses five and six. It seems like we get a peek into this mother-son relationship at this moment. Was there unspoken communication made in their eye contact? Did Mary turn and walk away, or did she wait to see what Jesus would do next.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. – John 2:6-8

Let’s consider Mary again at this point in the story. Was she standing there with any level of uncertainty that Jesus knew what he was doing? Did she worry that she had just made things worse for the family and for the servants? Or was her heart ready to explode with love and pride for her son’s willingness to do something to save these families from the disgrace of running out of wine. Was she confident that everyone at the wedding was about to experience something miraculous?

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

Somewhere between filling the jars with water and the emcee taking the first drink, the water had turned into the best wine served so far at the wedding. The master of ceremonies was impressed and the celebration went on as expected, with only a small number of those present witnessing the miracle that had just taken place.

I love how Jesus found a way to respond to the need without drawing attention to himself. Remember that Jesus said it was not yet time. But the servants knew, and the disciples were greatly affected by what had just happened. And, of course, his mother was aware. I imagine her watching the miracle unfold with tears streaming down her face, not just proud of what her son had just done but in awe of what her Lord was willing to do.

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11

Lord, thank you for this reminder that we can take all of our problems to you. Thank you for opening our eyes to the importance of bringing the needs of others to your feet and trusting you to respond as you deem best. Lord, forgive us for the moments when we doubt, when we push, when we demand, when we blame, or when we respond emotionally to how you answer our prayers. Help us to trust you and fully submit to your beautiful and perfect ways. Amen.

O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely. – Psalm 63:1-8

Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51; Psalm 139

Jesus now had his first two disciples — Andrew and Simon Peter. But Jesus was not done choosing those he would invite into his closest circle. These next verses tell the story of how two more came to know Jesus and become true followers of the Lord. May this passage inspire us to look back at our own path towards salvation, as well as consider the role God is asking us to play in someone else’s life today.

I love the intentionality with which Jesus built this small team of followers. They would be more than just traveling companions, bodyguards or assistants to serve him along the way. This group of men would be his disciples — students he would teach and prepare for all that God was calling them to be and to do.

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. – John 1:43-44

Jesus was in Bethany when he called Andrew and Simon Peter to follow him. He then made a decision to go to Galilee. This passage said Jesus “found” Philip there. To me, this language implies that Jesus was looking for Philip, seeking him out with the opportunity to be one of his disciples. He had chosen Philip and perhaps he traveled to Galilee for the specific purpose of finding Philip.

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. – John 1:45-46

In these next verses, we again see intentionality and determination. Upon receiving the call to follow Jesus, Philip went to look for Nathanael. Perhaps the two of them had many conversations discussing the coming Messiah. Perhaps he knew that Nathanael would share in his enthusiasm that he had found the One they had been hoping would come in their lifetime.

WHAT LENGTHS WOULD YOU GO TO IN ORDER TO INVITE YOUR FRIEND TO MEET JESUS?

What level of intentionality do you display in your relationships with others? Are you eager to introduce them to the One who has changed your life? Have you invited those you love to come and see the Lord for themselves?

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
“How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” – John 1:47-48

If Nathanael only came to meet Jesus out of curiosity, everything changed once he experienced the Lord face to face. He came to observe this Jesus Philip had told him about, but his heart was awakened to the reality that he was known by Jesus. He had been seen under the fig tree. This obviously meant something to Nathanael because his faith was ignited by this interaction with the Lord.

Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” – John 1:49-51

Jesus acknowledged Nathanael’s past, interacted with him in that moment, and spoke hope over his future. Nathanael knew in that moment that he had the Lord’s full attention, and this interaction changed his life forever.

Lord, use this passage of scripture to give us perspective on your heart for those who have not come to you yet. Ignite a passion in our hearts to bring others to a place of recognition of your love and attention. May this same kind of intentionality daily guide us into conversations and invitations, and may we see many people finding their way into a saving knowledge of who you are and who you have called them to be. Lord, thank you for seeing me before I saw you. Thank you for the reminder this morning that I am known by the one who created me, and that you are actively involved in my life — yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! – Psalm 139:15-17

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-42; Psalm 84

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. – John 1:35-37

In this passage, we see another way in which John the Baptist was able to prepare the way for the Lord. John’s investment in Andrew prepared him for the moment in which he had the opportunity to follow Jesus. He had a choice to make, but his heart was already in a place to leave everything behind and follow the Messiah. The seeds had been planted and his heart was eager to respond.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. – John 1:38-39

John’s disciples could have been satisfied with just listening to the teachings of Jesus and watching him perform miracles, but they chose more. They could have stayed comfortably with the teacher they knew and trusted, yet they took a step of faith and their world opened up to a whole new experience.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. – John 1:40

Andrew’s faith was strengthened by John’s faith and, because of Andrew’s faith, his brother Simon Peter was given the opportunity to face the One who would see him for what he would become rather than for who he was.

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John – but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). – John 1:41-42

RENAMED & REDEFINED

Jesus did not just rename Simon, he redefined him. Jesus knew that Peter was not perfect and he knew that he would one day betray him, yet he also knew that Peter’s faith would grow strong enough to stay true when many others would choose to walk away from Jesus.

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”…
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:60,66-69

Father God, THANK YOU FOR RENAMING ME as your child — for seeing me for who I could become rather than for who I am. Help me to see myself through your eyes. Heavenly Father, just as I came to faith through the faithfulness of others in my life, I pray that my walk with you will help others find you. I pray that every seed planted, every conversation spoken, and every word written will prepare someone for that moment when they have the chance to follow you.

THANK YOU FOR REDEFINING ME, not according to all the mistakes I have made and will make, or where I come from or how I look, but by who you created me to be. You uniquely created me and now purposefully place me in the lives of others, and I desire to be used by you today in their lives. Amen.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. – Psalm 84:5-7

A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you. – Psalm 84:10-12

Today’s Reading: John 1:28-34; Psalm 144

God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God, and he was given the privilege of introducing the Lamb of God to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought too much of himself but he knew he was also one who needed a Savior, and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “Jesus is my cousin! God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

It seems to me that John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:32-34

The language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” and the language God used when He said “This is my dearly loved Son” is the same language used in Isaiah 42:1: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Just as God had a plan for John the Baptist, who remained humble in carrying out God’s will for his life, we should also remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He calls us to, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him – the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sins that Jesus died, and so we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires — for His glory and not ours.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hand for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
For they are like a breath of air;
Their days are like a passing shadow. – Psalm 144:1-4

Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28; Psalm 67

This was John’s testimony… — John 1:19

Each of us has a story. All of us are on a journey of grace — each uniquely loved by God and equipped by God to be used in the lives of others. John the Baptist’s story was one of confronting sin in the church and in the lives of individuals. He called others to repentance, pleading with them to clear the way for the Lord’s coming. Remove the obstacles and tear down the barriers; Jesus is coming. This is the mission God had called him to and he did it with both passion and boldness.

CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE LORD.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” — John 1:19-20

It is almost as if John was saying — I know what you are trying to do, so let me save us both time and give you the answer you are fishing for. I am not who you think I am, who you want to make me, or who you fear me to be.

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” — John 1:21-23

John stuck with the obvious. I am the man standing in the wilderness who was shouting ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming’ when you walked up and interrupted me. It is as simple as that. I am a man with a message. Don’t try to read between the lines. I am who I say I am. Don’t try to make me who I am not.

The religious leaders responded suspiciously. After all, if John wasn’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, why was he baptizing?

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. — John 1:26-28

John’s message to the church at that time could be applied to the church today — You are so distracted that you are missing the presence of God. You are so worried about what I am doing that you aren’t paying attention to what God is doing. Do not focus on the preshow and miss the main event. I am who I say I am and I do what God tells me to do. It’s not about me; it’s about the One coming after me. He is worthy and I am unworthy.

REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS AND LOOK FOR JESUS TODAY.

My prayer this morning is that I will recognize the Lord’s presence in the crowd. I want to see Him in the person standing beside me; I want to sense Him in the words of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to hear Him and be heard; I want to know Him and be known.

Father God, show me the fallen trees, rocks and debris in my life that need cleared away in order to be fully available to your presence. May I never look to others for my significance, but focus on who you have created me to be and what you are calling me to do, regardless of the opinions of others. Give me a voice of influence to spread your message to others. Amen.

May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you. – Psalm 67:2-3

Today’s Reading: John 1:14-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

Full of love for his creation, Jesus became one of the created. He did not just appear, he grew in the womb of a young woman who had a heart for God. Knowing her heart was fully devoted to Yahweh, she was chosen to be the first to greet the Messiah. She fed him, took care of him, and raised him. With the heart of a mother, she loved the One who was full of unfailing love. Out of faithfulness to God, she raised the One who was full of faithfulness.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9

John the Baptist played a very important role in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. The prophets had told God’s people that a Messiah was coming, but time had passed and their hearts were not ready for his arrival. Someone needed to get their attention with the message of repentance.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” — John 1:15-18

Who prepared the way for you? Is there someone whose involvement in your life brought you to a place of readiness to receive Jesus? Last week, I shared the story of our neighbors inviting us to church, and how my life was changed by the gift of church shoes. Today I would like to tell you about my first pastor and the impact he had on my life.

When we started attending the Nazarene church in Bloomington, Indiana, we met Pastor Mark and Lucy Barnes. They mentored my parents and discipled them in their new faith, and they generously loved both me and my sister. When my father received his call into ministry, Pastor Mark gave him his first ministry assignment. And when the Barnes family moved to Alabama to pastor a different church, he invited our family to join them there. A year later we moved again when Pastor Mark was called to pastor in Rock Island, Illinois. My father served as his youth pastor for more than six years. Our families vacationed together and did life together.

So who was Pastor Mark to me? He was the patient pastor who let me come into his office to ask him questions when I didn’t understand what I was reading in the bible. He was the friend who made me laugh, and whose smile told me how much I meant to him. Under his preaching, I gave my life to Jesus and never turned back. He was the one who baptized me, and he was a great example of what it meant to respond in obedience to God’s call. Decades later, when Scott and I attended our first district superintendents’ gathering; he was there to hug me and tell me how proud he was of us both. He was like a father to me and I never once questioned his love for me.

On July 24th, 2021, Reverend Mark Barnes quietly slipped away from this life and into the arms of Jesus. Over the next few months, I processed his role in my life and grieved my loss. I am eternally grateful for his investment in my life. I am thankful for the role he played in my journey of grace, and I miss him terribly. I wish I could have one more opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to me.

Who is your John the Baptist? Whose investment in your life prepared the way for Jesus to come in and do a transforming work in you? Can you look back and see how God used someone else to reveal Himself to you? Perhaps this would be a great day to thank them for the impact they have had on your life.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month — a great opportunity to let the pastors in your life know how much you love and appreciate all they do for the church, and for the impact they are having on your life. Let’s encourage our pastors this weekend and let them know their hard work is making a difference!

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-13; Psalm 16

Matthew started out his gospel story by listing out the paternal genealogy of Jesus, while Luke listed the maternal genealogy. In both, it was made clear that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He came from the family lineage of Solomon, son of King David. Matthew and Luke made known where Jesus came from, his earthly ancestry, but John made known that Jesus existed long before Abraham. He was there in the beginning when life was created.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave LIFE to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – John 1:1-5

John does not use the name Jesus until verse 17; instead, he refers to God’s Son as the Word. WIth great intentionality, John starts his story of the life of Jesus by making clear that Jesus was present before God separated the darkness from the light on the first day of creation (Genesis 1:1-3). But he was not just a spectator on that day, Jesus participated in creation. In fact, all life was created through Him because he is the One who gave life to everything that was created. We would not be here, we would not experience physical life, if it were not for Jesus — the Word. But we would also not experience a rebirth or a second gift of life if it were not for the One who both gave us life and gave his life for us.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:10-13

We experience new life in God when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we see the part we played in his death and believe that he rose from the dead, we accept that Jesus is the only pathway to life. We experience a new life because of the One who gave life to everything. His light shines into the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

JESUS, THE WORD, IS THE WAY TO LIFE.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

So why is this important for us to understand? What does the truth revealed in these verses mean to me today? Because, when I acknowledge that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world, I have a better grasp on his deity. I understand the following three truths:

Jesus is omniscient — he is all-knowing, which means he knows everything about me, everything going on in my life, and everything going on in the world that I am living in.

Jesus is omnipotent — he is more powerful than the darkness pressing in, than my biggest fears, and the obstacle that seems to be preventing me from moving forward.

Jesus is omnipresent — he is everywhere, which means I am never alone. Jesus is always with me, always aware of me, and always protecting me.

JESUS IS HERE. JESUS IS AWARE. JESUS IS ABLE.

When I live in this knowledge and recognize that he is the only way to the Father, it changes my perspective on my life. It gets my attention and draws my focus to the Light of the World — to the beautiful, magnificent Light of my World.

Jesus, we recognize you this morning as the Giver of Life. We thank you for each day you give us to experience life with our family and friends, and we praise you for the opportunity to experience new life through our relationship with you. You are the way to life, you are the truth that guides our life, and you are the source of life itself. We give you all the praise this morning as we recognize your gift of life and commit to keeping our eyes focused on you.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:9-11

Today’s Reading: Psalm 6, 7, 10, 11

I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
The wicked are stringing their bows
and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
at those whose hearts are right.
The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
What can the righteous do?” – Psalm 11:1-3

It would be easy to react to the schemes of the wicked and run from the threats of those who want to silence our faith, but God does not want us to live in fear. When we say that we trust in the Lord for protection, that faith can be evidenced in our reactions to the firestorm around us. While others are throwing their hands up in panic and asking where God is when we need Him most, we can have a calm assurance that our God is responding on our behalf. Our God is faithful and we can stand confidently and say — I trust in the Lord for protection!

THE LORD IS MY DEFENSE!

God is my shield,
saving those whose hearts are true and right.
God is an honest judge.
He is angry with the wicked every day.
If a person does not repent,
God will sharpen his sword;
he will bend and string his bow.
He will prepare his deadly weapons
and shoot his flaming arrows. – Psalm 7:10-13

When we are faced with the criticism of the culture around us, it is easy to get discouraged and feel alone. When we are persecuted for our faith and friends start walking away, we feel the weight of our losses. Emotions rush in and we grieve the loss of our reputation and favor. But the Lord, our protector, is also our comforter. He knows our struggles, hears our prayers, and responds to our broken hearts.

THE LORD IS MY COMFORTER!

Go away, all you who do evil,
for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord will answer my prayer. – Psalm 6:8-9

The Lord is king forever and ever!
The godless nations will vanish from the land.
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
so mere people can no longer terrify them. – Psalm 10:16-18

I am so grateful that God is in control. He knows our hearts and He knows the hearts of our enemies. He is the One who searches our heart and examines our intentions. We can trust Him to bring justice and to shine truth on all the false allegations and untruths. Being a follower of Christ is not always going to win us popularity, but we can rest knowing that God is our Defender, our Comforter, and our Judge.

THE LORD IS MY JUDGE!

End the evil of those who are wicked,
and defend the righteous.
For you look deep within the mind and heart,
O righteous God. – Psalm 7:9

But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.
The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.
He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,
punishing them with scorching winds.
For the righteous Lord loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face. – Psalm 11:4-7

Lord, we trust in you for protection. Thank you for being a Faithful Defender of your children. We feel your compassion and thank you for hearing our prayers. May truth be revealed and may you be glorified in our lives. Reveal in us anything that needs corrected, and give us peace when we are innocent of all the world tries to accuse us of. Examine our hearts and lead us in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 17, 55, 61 & 93

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. – Psalm 55:1-2

O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips. – Psalm 17:1

In his distress, David often cried out to God for help. When he was troubled, his first response was to pray to the God He knew was both capable and willing to rescue him. If your heart is heavy this morning, I pray that these scriptures will remind you that we serve the God who saves. Over and over again He is there to be our shelter during moments of uncertainty or distress.

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! – Psalm 61:1-4

What are you going through right now? What challenges is this season of life bringing? Are you struggling with a decision, hurting from a broken relationship, or conflicted on what action you are supposed to take next? God created you for a relationship, and he wants you to cry out to Him. He is listening to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day!

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:6-8

Father God, we thank you for hearing our cries for help. Not only are you there to listen to our worship and to receive our confession, you are there to comfort us when the circumstances of life are weighing heavy. You invite us to pour out our hearts to you, and then you remind us that you are BIG! You are mightier than the waves crashing in on us; You are higher than the biggest mountains we must climb. Thank you for spreading your wings to create a plate of shelter and protection. Thank you for being the unshakable God who consistently steadies us when the ground around us feels unsafe. We love you!

Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! – Psalm 93:2-4