Why Do You Do What You Do?

John 1: ²⁴ Now the Pharisees who had been sent ²⁵ questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptise if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’

²⁶ ‘I baptise with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷ He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

²⁸ This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

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“Here, take these” were the words as he handed me a pair of shoes. A friend saw my holey shoes and gave me a pair of his. I couldn’t afford new shoes and I couldn’t pay him back. “Here, take my car” said an uncle, giving me his car for a few dollars.

• Sometimes I wonder what makes people do what they do.
• Sometimes I wonder what the motive is behind their actions.
• Sometimes I wonder why people have helped me.

“Why do you baptize?” the church leaders asked John, questioning his authority. John gave his reason, namely JESUS.

• Because JESUS saved me, I am forever grateful.
• Because JESUS saved me, I feel a desire to server others.
• Because JESUS saved me, I want others to crave HIS grace.

When I get tired, JESUS is there to strengthen me to continue on. When things are falling apart all around me, JESUS is there to pick up the pieces and make me whole. JESUS gives me purpose and keeps me going. HE is my desire.

• Why do you do what you do?
• Are you trying to satisfy your inner desires?
• Can you turn your desires over to GOD so HE can do a marvelous work through you today?

All Taken Care Of

John 1: ¹⁹ Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders^[c] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. ²⁰ He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’

²¹ They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’

He said, ‘I am not.’

‘Are you the Prophet?’

He answered, ‘No.’

²² Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’

²³ John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’

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“How much do I have to pay?” was my worrisome question. “Nothing” was the reply. “This trip to the islands is an all expense gift that is given to you and your family.” “You mean I don’t have to do anything?” I asked again.

• There were times when I felt some things were too good to be true.
• There were times when I thought I had to do something even when I didn’t have to.
• There were times when I felt I had to be someone I did not have to be in order to get something special.

John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. He was simply the one who would tell everyone about the great news of JESUS’s arrival. A very simple message was given to people by John that JESUS came to save the world. John didn’t even have to go and get the people. They came to him.

• GOD says to me “I freely give you the gift of salvation.”
• GOD says to me “I will knock on your heart. If you open the door I will come in and sup with you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who pursues you. Open your heart and I will live with you forever.”

JESUS is the messiah and HE did it all. Sometimes I feel pressure to do more so I can ne “closer” to CHRIST. How much closer can GOD get to me than inside of me? JESUS sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me when I confessed I needed HIM as my savior.

HE gave me an unbelievable gift that seems too good to be true… BUT it is! JESUS wants me to be with HIM and HE took care of everything. All expenses of sin are paid. I can enjoy eternal life because of HIM.

• Do you think you have to do more in order to please GOD?
• Do you feel you are “far” away from GOD because you are not getting your way fast enough?
• Will you allow GOD to work in your life and take care of all your needs today?

The Big Reveal

John 1: ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁵ (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.”’) ¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in the closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

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“Do you know who you were talking to?” someone inquired. “No, who?” I replied. “That’s the famous bowler who is sponsoring this event.” I knew the name from TV and I wanted to meet the pro bowler. It was exciting. I went beck over and said his name. He smiled and shook my hand again. He did not reveal who he was. I should have known.

• I have met many famous people without really knowing who they were.
• I have had my eyes opened to several famous people by someone who recognized them.
• I have sat in the room with famous people and did not recognize them until someone revealed who they were.

John revealed who The WORD was, namely JESUS. John then tells us that JESUS was with GOD and is GOD. He then explains that GOD showed us grace by giving us the law through Moses and HE gave us more grace by giving us HIS SON who died for us.

• GOD says to me “I AM full of grace and truth.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who has the power to rescue you from MY wrath.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who voluntarily gave up MY life to save you.”

“Grace and truth” are wonderful gifts JESUS enjoys giving me. HE guides and provides and shows me how much HE loves me every day. HE is “The WORD” and through HIS actions I am saved. I am grateful JESUS revealed HIMSELF to me.

• Are you searching for famous people?
• Do you want to be famous?
• Will you seek JESUS in the same way as searching for people you want to be around today?

Good Reception

John 1: ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

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Excited to test them outside, I handed one to a friend. We were camping and I wanted to see just how far I could be heard on my walkie-talkie. As we moved away from each other I said “Can you still hear me?” “Yes!” the other person said in the two way radio. My message was heard.

• Sometimes when GOD speaks I am too far away to hear HIM.
• Sometimes when GOD speaks I have too much interference to listen to what HE is saying.
• Sometimes when GOD speaks I voluntarily turn my “receiver” off so I can do my own thing.

The WORD was in the world and while the world was made by HIM, it did not recognize HIM as GOD. They turned off the radio’s of their hearts so they could no longer hear HIM. BUT GOD gave the right to become HIS children to those who allowed themselves to have “good reception.”

• GOD wants me to keep the ears to my heart open so I can hear HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to receive HIS marvelous blessings each and every day.
• GOD wants me to see HIM with my heart so I can do the things I was “born” for.

Receiving GOD means believing in HIS name or reputation or status. I mean I must believe HE is who HE says HE is and recognize HIS power over everything. HE is my guide and I should believe HE can handle any and every problem that arises. Everything must be place under HIS decisions so that they can be “born” of GOD. I give GOD my all.

• Can you hear GOD in your life or are you listening to yourself?
• Has GOD been speaking to you, telling you to spread HIS great news?
• Will you open your heart to HIM and allow HIM to speak through you today?

Excited Witness

John 1: ⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

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Watching a car speed down an alley, I saw someone throw something out of the window. The car was chased by a police car. “How cool!” I thought to myself as I envisioned being in one of the cop shows I watched regularly on TV. As I continued walking home, a police car pulled along side of me. “Did you see what happened?” they asked. “Yes!” I said excited. I was a witness. I wondered if I would be able to help them crack the case.

• I remember wanting to help solve crime.
• I remember wanting to help figure out problems.
• I remember wanting to be a witness to something big.

John was a “man sent from GOD” as a witness to the LIGHT. John would provide to everyone he encountered, incredible information about the LIGHT that would save the world. He would do this with thorough excitement.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to what HE is doing in my life.
• GOD wants me to tell as many people about HIM as possible so HE can bring people back to HIM.

Being sent by GOD gives me a daily purpose. I mean the person who irritates me or is upsetting me may be GOD’s chosen to spread HIS gospel so maybe I should act differently towards “that” person. GOD wants me to tell people of HIS incredible power to heal, protect and save those who believe in the LIGHT. I am grateful for HIM choosing me to spread HIS message of grace.

• Does your life have a purpose outside of school and work?
• Have you gotten caught up in being excited about something other than GOD?
• Will you get excited about GOD enough to tell people about the miracles HE does daily?

New Beginnings

John 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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Excitement filled my face as I went to the next grade. I put on my best clothes and looked forward to meeting new friends. Besides, everyone I knew was going to school, so being at home would be boring.

• I look forward to new beginnings
• I look forward to the start of something new.
• I look forward to the next phase of things.

The WORD was there in the beginning with GOD and was GOD. I could only imagine how excited GOD was when HE created everything. The WORD created all of humanity, heavens and the earth in six days. Life began with the WORD and HE became the light of all mankind.

• The WORD is what GOD wants me to believe in.
• The WORD give me life.
• The WORD lightens my path.

Dark times cannot overcome the light of the WORD. Even though I may walk in the valley of death I will fear no evil. Darkness may try but the WORD will always protect me. I look forward to each new beginning GOD has in store for me!

• Are you about to start a journey?
• Do you fear failure?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you on your new beginning today?

Something to shout about

Luke 24: ⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

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Not knowing what to expect, I sat and listened to the preacher speak. He invited people to accept CHRIST as their savior. When I looked up after we had finished praying, a large number of people were standing up front professing JESUS as their GOD and Savior. I was amazed!

• JESUS is something to shout about.
• JESUS is the ONE who saves.
• JESUS is the only salvation.

Before JESUS ascended to heaven, HE blessed those who were around HIM. HE gave them power to overcome the world and to speak about HIM as the only salvation. They worshipped HIM with great joy!

• GOD fills me up on a daily basis.
• GOD gives me incredible joy in the middle of the storm.
• GOD is the one with incredible power in the middle of my weakness.

I have seen many miracles on a daily basis that people would classify as mundane. GOD’s power baffles the world and confuses those who fail to believe. HIS power does not include doubt or fear. I am glad HE understands when I have both. HIS power is made perfect in my weakness. I praise GOD for the miracles HE has performed!

• Do you really believe that GOD can heal you?
• Do you think GOD needs help?
• Will you tell GOD about your weaknesses and allow HIM to grow you to where HE wants you to be grown today?

Heartburn

Luke 24: ²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.

³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’

³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.

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After hearing the speaker, I was moved to go on a missions trip. Everything inside of me said “Go.” I had never felt that way. It was all I could think about. My fear of being in another country reared its ugly head, but somehow it was superseded by a burning desire to spread the Great News of JESUS CHRIST.

• When GOD speaks to me, I can feel it inside.
• When GOD speaks to me, I can only think about HIM.
• When GOD speaks to me, I can see situations more clearly.

JESUS spoke to the two men with authority. Their hears burned from hearing the passionate words directly from CHRIST. HE disappeared when they recognized HIM, BUT HE had already lit an unquenchable fire in their souls. They went to tell the other disciples.

• GOD wants me to have fire for HIM.
• GOD wants me to preach HIS word no matter how difficult the situation may be.
• GOD wants me to not get weary, but to seek HIS kingdom and ask for a tiny bit of HIS grace.

“MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness” are the words GOD uttered to me this morning. These words burn inside of me as I get removed from using my power to “fix” situations. GOD’s word burns and the flames incinerate any kind of problem I could ever face. I place my total trust in GOD.

• Is GOD burning your heart?
• Do you feel led by GOD and HIS words are all you can think about?
• Will you allow HIS passion to lead you to a place of grace and power today?

Missing the Plot

Luke 24: ²⁵ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

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Entering the movie five minutes late, I raced to grab a seat. I sat there confused because I missed some very important words at the very beginning of the movie. I was lost for the duration of the show because I could not understand the plot of the movie.

• There have been times when I wondered what was happening.
• There have been times when I sat and thought “am I missing something?”
• There have been times when it seemed like life went on without me because I missed the plot.

JESUS explains what the scripture said about HIM to the two men HE traveled with after HIS resurrection. HE had said, very clearly, that HE would rise from the dead and HE did just that. “How foolish you are and how slow to believe” is what JESUS exclaimed because the lessons HE preached were not accepted.

• JESUS wants me to believe that HE loves me.
• JESUS wants me to know that my salvation came from HIM and HIM alone.
• JESUS wants me to accept my weakness and grab onto HIS strength.

All of the scriptures are about JEUS. I have tried to make them about me or “that” person, but this is wrong to do. Every word in the bible is about the love of CHRIST for me and every being HE created. HE is the main plot of the greatest true story ever told. JESUS is my refuge.

• Do you feel like you are missing the point of life?
• Do you wonder why you have to go through calamity?
• Will you focus more of your attention on GOD so HE can show you how you fit in HIS plans instead of trying to put GOD under your plans?