Learning

Learning

John 6: ⁴³ Jesus therefore answered and said to them,  “Do not murmur among yourselves. ⁴⁴ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. ⁴⁶ Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.

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Bored to tears, I studied the lesson given in history class. The only way I could get through it was to memorize the dates, names and places I thought were going to be on the test. But in my computer class it was different. I was fascinated with technology and asked more and more questions.

• When I was interested I seemed to learn more.
• When I was excited I seemed to be able to pay attention more.
• When I was fascinated I seemed to be willing to understand the information no matter how complex it was.

JESUS confronts the Jews who questioned HIS origin. Though HE fed thousands, they could not understand why HE claimed to be GOD by saying “I AM the bread of life.” JESUS explains something important. “No one can come ME unless the FATHER draws that person.”

• GOD says to me “I will give people the urge to follow JESUS.”
• GOD says to me “I will put your name in the Lambs Book of Life.”
• GOD says to me “I chose you before I made the foundations of the world.”

This complicated relationship with JESUS is easy for those who believe in HIM. The FATHER cleared the path for anyone to learn about HIS SON so they could believe. Those who listen to HIS lessons of love will be drawn to learn more and more.

GOD never forces the lessons, but knows who will reject HIS love. HE teaches lessons every day. All I have to do is open my eyes and learn of HIM because HE is meek and lowly at heart. I shall find rest, for HIS burdens are light.

• What lessons are you learning?
• What are you spending your time studying?
• Will you take some time out of your busy life to study who GOD really is so HE can give your life a great purpose?

Limited Sight

Limited Sight

John 6: ⁴¹ The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” ⁴² And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

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Amazed at my neighbor’s words I asked more questions. “This park has more than two water fountains” they said. “Go on” I said. But when they got to the part where they described the high number of slides and swings, I just couldn’t believe it. I had never seen such a place that had that many slides and swings. I became skeptical of the whole story. I mean the park near me only had two swing areas!

• There have been times when I did not believe because I could not conceive it.
• There have been times when I have been skeptical because I could not envision what was being told to me.
• There have been times when I denied what was said to me based on my knowledge.

When JESUS said “I AM the bread of life”, the Jews booed HIM off the stage. They immediately became skeptical of HIM because they could not conceive of GOD becoming a human through a virgin. “Joseph and Mary are HIS parents” so HE must be lying, they thought. BUT GOD knew some people would have limited belief.

• GOD wants me to believe in all of HIS word HE gave me.
• GOD wants me to believe in difficult concepts that are above human thinking.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS SON who is GOD, and became human, died because of my sins and is now alive building a place for me to reside with HIM forever.

“What parts of the Bible do I really believe?” I asked myself. Do I really believe that JESUS is GOD? Do I really believe that GOD created everything? Do I believe in demons, heaven, hell, miraculous healing, oceans that can part, life after death, eternal judgment, birth into sin, food that pops out of nowhere or someone who can raise the dead?

At one point I said “no” or “I only believe in parts of the Bible.” BUT GOD laughs at my belief, or lack thereof. GOD opened my eyes to just a glimpse of HIS amazing power. Every miracle that was ever recorded about JESUS did happen and can happen today. I am glad GOD helps me drop the limits I place on HIM.

• What limits are you placing on GOD because you have not “seen” HIM the way you want to?
• Are you skeptical of HIS love, protection, provision or power?
• Will you ask GOD to increase your faith so you can see HIM more and more each day?

Come to Collect

Come to Collect

John 6: ³⁵ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹ This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. ⁴⁰ And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

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Scared to answer the phone, I said “hello.” It was another bill collector asking for their money. Unfortunately, I had none and I told them just that. The next day they called back. I explained that no money had come in from yesterday’s call. The following day they called back and again and again until I paid off the debt. Wow they were relentless!

• There were people who relentlessly pursued what I owed them.
• There were people who spared no cost in trying to collect what was theirs from me.
• There were people who spent their entire day looking for me to give them what I owed.

JESUS reveals HE is the Bread of Life. HE explains that if people would return to HIM, they would never hunger or thirst. HE is a different but necessary source of food. HE then explains what HE was there for.

• JESUS became a human so HE could be murdered for me to pay my debt.
• JESUS knew I must die because I was born into sin so HE decided to be killed in place of me.
• JESUS said if I would come to HIM, HE would never cast me out.

GOD wants to collect those who are willing to be with HIM. HE gave us free will to choose HIM or ourselves. Those who believe that JESUS took care of all their sins will be saved. Those who do not think their sins matter or that they have not sinned at all will perish forever.

JESUS came to do the will of the FATHER which is to gather all those HE has given to HIM. HE is relentless in HIS pursuit. Ever day HE comes after me, loving me and caring for me, even when I blatantly run away from HIM. HE is the great collector. I am glad HE paid my debt.

• What are you distracted by?
• Are you so focused on the debts of humans that you can no longer see GOD?
• Will you focus on your need for everlasting life and praise GOD for clearing your debt of sin today?

Authorization

Authorization

John 6: ³⁰ Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? ³¹ Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”

³² Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

³⁴ Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”

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When I turned in my expense report I was questioned about the amount. While correct, the amount exceeded my span of control and required another signature from someone above me. I was not authorized to spend that much money. The signature authorized the expense.

• Sometimes I need a higher authority.
• Sometimes I need someone above me to vouch for my actions.
• Sometimes I need permission to do the things I do.

“What sign will YOU perform?” and “What work will YOU do?” were the questions asked of JESUS to prove HIS authority. The people then gave a possible example of something HE could do on a “GOD-sized” proportion. “How about producing some bread from heaven?” was the implication. JESUS had more to say about bread.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the bread of life.
• JESUS wants me to know HE volunteered and was sent by the FATHER.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the truth, speaks the truth and lives expecting me to believe in HIS truth.

“LORD give us this bread always” is a statement that pursues GOD. Please give me something that will sustain me for all of eternity, is what I get from this statement. If my physical body dies of hunger, my soul will not. JESUS cares about me entirely but starts with my spiritual health. HE desires a relationship with me and anything after that is HIS.

• Are you questioning GOD?
• Do you get angry and ask GOD if HE has the right to do what HE is doing?
• Will you put JESUS in the place of GOD and know HE has the right, authority and ultimate power to save you today?

One Sided Relationship

One Sided Relationship

John 6: ²⁸ Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”

²⁹ Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

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When I heard the complaint, I started doing an assessment. “Wait a minute” I said to myself. “Didn’t I do all the work?” I mean I looked at all the planning, hard work and late nights I had put into the effort. I even counted every dollar that came out of “my” pocket.

• One sided relationships make me count what “I” am doing.
• One sided relationships make me feel like “I” am being used.
• One sided relationships make me raise “my” expectation that the other person or people should be doing the same.

“What works should we be doing to please GOD?” was the gist of the question the people asked. They had been miraculously fed by JESUS but told not to seek food alone. Immediately their enterprising minds went towards something tangible. They could see and measure “work” so they wanted to be told what to “do” so they could just do it. But GOD had something else in mind.

• GOD wants me to believe that HE took care of all my sins.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE takes care of all my situations.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE is with me every day, especially during the more difficult ones.

Air, water, food, shelter, and clothing all come from GOD. HE gives me talents and creates scenarios for me to use them to bring people to HIM. HE plans, does all the work and spends all that HE has on me. HE loved me so much that HE gave HIS only begotten SON.

Never once does HE say “Wait a minute, I gave you that meal you ate, the car you drove and clothes you are wearing.” HE does say “Love and believe in MY SON.” That’s it. This one sided relationship is totally in my benefit. All I have to do is believe and trust in JESUS. I place my faith in HIM.

• Are you questioning GOD’s love?
• Do you think you need to sin less or do more so you can be closer to GOD?
• Will you stop trying to control GOD and allow HIM to work through you simply by trusting JESUS today?

Food

Food

John 6: ²⁶ Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. ²⁷ Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

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Sitting in the highly decorated restaurant, a number of people waited on our table. We had our own wait staff who promptly brought out any food or drink that we requested. The main course contained a very expensive Kobe beef steak. “This meal is a long way from beans and franks” I thought to myself. “Maybe I should become rich and eat like this more often.”

• I have eaten expensive foods.
• I have eaten at some very high end restaurants.
• I have sought out new foods as entertainment and pleasure.

The crowd sought JESUS because HE fed them when they had no food. JESUS performed a miracle, dividing a boy’s lunch into thousands of filling portions. JESUS saw through their quest to follow HIM. HE warned them not to seek HIM because HE was some sort of food pantry. But what is HE?

• JESUS wants me to seek HIM for everlasting life.
• JESUS wants me to start my eternal life right now by listening to HIM daily.
• JESUS wants me to accept HIS seal that no one can steal or remove, including myself.

Seeking food for pleasure or necessity can distract me from the real food GOD wants to give me. When JESUS said “Man does not live by bread alone” HE was telling me that there is more to life than eating. Preoccupation with staying healthy or gaining new tastes can take up precious time that could be spent with GOD.

HE knows I have to eat and does not mind if I eat a tasty meal, but what about those who have not eaten a meal in a while? GOD wants me to listen to HIS food so I can be nourished with the word enough to execute what it says. HE wants me to share my spiritual and physical food with those in need. I am glad HE feeds me daily.

• Are you hungry for GOD?
• Do you seek physical food?
• Will you take time today and seek GOD’s food which is everlasting?

It Does Not Make Sense

It Does Not Make Sense

John 6: ²² On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— ²³ however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— ²⁴ when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. ²⁵ And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”

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Embarrassed to say my true background, I mustered up the courage to do so anyway. The room was full of people who had stronger credentials than me and I had barely got in wherever I applied. I stated I grew up with not much money and barely graduated from a university. Somehow I was selected to lead a group in a large corporation.

• Looking back on my path I say it does not make sense to where I got to.
• Looking back on my path I would have given up, because I never  would have thought I would be able to reach where I got.
• Looking back on the number of things that have miraculously happened to me, I would never have thought these things would happen to me.

The people tried to understand what happened though human lenses. They “saw” that there was no boat or disciples. They also “saw” JESUS did not leave with them but was gone. They crossed the sea and “saw: JESUS there. It did not make sense. BUT to GOD it made perfect sense.

• GOD says to me “I AM limitless in MY power.”
• GOD says to me “I AM all-knowing and all seeing.”
• GOD says to me “I AM.”

The great I AM can do anything at any time. Since this is a confusing concept, I try to make sense out of GOD by what I can “see.” When I do not like what I “see”, I question HIS power or intent. I mean I told HIM what I wanted in “my” prayer, why didn’t HE just do what “I” said?

GOD does answer my prayers, but HIS purpose for saying “no” or “wait” or “yes” has to include other people that will be blessed in the process. JESUS demonstrated HIS will cannot be stopped, even by a large body of water. HE loved me so much and never stopped HIS mission to rescue me. I am glad HE is all powerful.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you looking at GOD by what you can see?
• Will you stop trying to make GOD small and allow HIS unseen works to speak louder to you to grow your faith?

Fear Decision Remedy

Fear Decision Remedy

John 6: ¹⁶ Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. ¹⁸ Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. ¹⁹ So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

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After breaking the back door window, I was sentenced to my room. A neighbor questioned why I was stuck inside on this sunny day, as we held a conversation from house to house. Beckoning me to break out for a while, I slipped out to play.

When I heard my name being called, I knew I was in deeper trouble because I wasn’t supposed to be outside. I went and hid for hours. The police were called to search for me.

• When I have fear I make poor decisions.
• When I have fear I rationalize based on fearful thoughts.
• When I have fear I decide on things rapidly in hopes of getting the thing that made me fear over and done.

Dark… hurricane like winds and without JESUS, the disciples set out in a small boat towards Capernaum. This tense situation was heightened when they saw someone or something approaching them. Since it was dark, I assume what they saw was bright. It was JESUS. When HE spoke the words “It is I; do not be afraid”, they calmed down.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “Slow down, come to ME and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says to me “Give ME all of your troubles, worries, fears and doubts.”

Fear decisions are the worst decisions. I mean when I am worried, I may not think as rational as I should. GOD wants me to calm down with HIM daily so I can hear HIS guidance.

HE whispers “Do not fear” to me and I can only hear it when I slow down each day. I thank GOD for being there for me when I am scared.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you make fear decisions that puts you in deeper trouble?
• Will you slow down and let GOD fill your heart with HIS peace today?

Successful Roles

John 6: ¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

¹⁵ Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

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Desperate for a promotion, I asked leadership if I could take on the new role that was posted. I had no experience or even exposure to the new position, but I figured I could quickly learn and perhaps perform well. “Let’s put you in a role you can be successful in” they said.

• There were times when I misjudged the importance of roles.
• There were times when I could only see certain roles from my limited way I thought about them.
• There were times when I thought less of certain roles than I should have.

Seeing the miracle JESUS had just performed, the crowd got excited. They desired a leader who could defy all human knowledge and perform miracles “for” them on command. JESUS saw their hearts and slipped away, alone.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as GOD.
• GOD wants me to bow to HIM as the Most High.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS role as GOD who gave up HIS life to save me.

Becoming a limited political placeholder was not what JESUS had in mind when HE became a human. HE wanted to redeem all humans who would believe they needed saving. This was a difficult role as it required HIM to give up HIS own life and accept blame for all of my sins.

HE willingly did this and never once sinned against the rules HE gave to humans in the first place. JESUS did not want to become a political leader like small minded humans desired. JESUS wanted to be my Savior. I am grateful GOD had bigger plans for the world.

• What are you trying to make GOD into?
• Do you try to make HIM so small that HE is powerless?
• Will you allow GOD to be GOD in your life instead of a being you blame your problems on today?

Prove It

Prove It

John 6: ⁸ One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ⁹ “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

¹⁰ Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. ¹¹ And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” ¹³ Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. ¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

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Expecting the answer to be “no”, I reluctantly asked anyway. “Can we have our event?” I asked those in charge. “Perhaps… let me look into it” was one of the leader’s response. Skeptically, I waited. “I’m sorry, we do not have the budget for the event” was the final reply. “See, I knew you didn’t have the power to do anything” I thought to myself about the leader.

• Many times I have been skeptical.
• Many times I have not believed.
• Many times I desired to see what “I” wanted to see so that I could believe.

Andrew told JESUS, “All we have is a boy’s lunch to feed thousands of people.” The boy may have been the only sole willing to give. JESUS saw the crowd had left their homes to follow HIM in order to be healed. Filled with compassion, HE performed a miracle by taking the donated items and stretching them to feed everyone, with much left over.

• GOD wants me to be willing to give what little talents I have.
• GOD wants me to share in making the miracle happen.
• GOD wants me to know HIS power is absolute and I can see HIM perform every day.

Childlike faith is something GOD wants me to have, but my desires sometimes get in the way. I mean, when I want GOD to fix the situation the way I want, at the time I want, I set HIM up for failure when it doesn’t happen. GOD wants me on the other side of the “prove it” kind of thinking.

HE desires that I say “Here is my tiny part, do with it what you will.” Meanwhile, I can expect HIM to do something amazing without having to see the result. GOD does not mind showing HIS power. HE is my source of strength.

• Are you pouting because GOD has not done what you wanted, the way you wanted?
• Do you think GOD is powerless because HE has not bowed down to your request?
• Will you drop your skepticism and believe in GOD as a child by giving HIM your talent today?

Set Up For Success

Set Up For Success

John 6: ⁴ Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. ⁵ Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” ⁶ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

⁷ Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

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Sitting in a high powered meeting, I felt prepared for a change. I had all of my facts and figures memorized and no question could get past me. One of the top executives spoke on my behalf. “We plan to do something different” were the words that shook me. I was not prepared for the change. All I could do was nod my head. To my surprise, it all worked out.

• There have been times when I was set up for success by someone in charge.
• There have been times when I was given credit for someone else’s idea.
• There have been times when I was put into a situation that I was not in control of and it worked out just fine.

JESUS saw thousands of hungry people coming towards HIM and HIS disciples. HE asked Phillip “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” knowing HE was about to perform a miracle. Philip replied “The money we have would only buy crumbs for everyone.” Philip did not know what GOD was going to do.

• GOD shows me big situations so I can see HIM clear them up.
• GOD opens my eyes to some difficult problems so I can see that only HE can fix them.
• GOD allows me to see very large and trying circumstances so I can place my trust in HIM.

From large to small JESUS can handle it all. There is no situation that is too large or too small for GOD. HE is concerned about all of my thoughts and is not bothered when I ask HIM for anything. HE wants me to trust HIM more and more each day. I trust GOD to handle everything.

• What are you going through?
• Do you think you have enough resources to solve all of your problems?
• Will you stop relying on what you can see and allow GOD to open your spiritual eyes to see HIS power today?

Stable Relationship

Stable Relationship

John 6: After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. ² Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. ³ And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

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After receiving a generous raise, I really enjoyed this boss. Finally, I was recognized for my efforts. The next year when raise time came around, I did not get as much, although I had put in a similar amount of effort as the prior year. I met with my boss to find out why.

“You have to do more than you did before in order to get a bigger raise” was the response. “Maybe I don’t like this boss as much as I thought” I said to myself.

• There were times when I based my opinions of people on what they could do for me.
• There were times when I sought to get more from people based on how much they gave me.
• There were times when I felt less thrilled with people who did not meet my expectations.

A great multitude of people followed JESUS near the Sea of Tiberias because they saw HIM heal other sick and diseased people. This made me wonder if they would ever get sick again. Would these people have all of their problems clear up because they were healed? Probably not.

• GOD wants me to see HIS power at work every day so I can praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to base my relationship with HIM as an eternal relationship.
• GOD wants me to stabilize my relationship with HIM so I can keep hope in front of me at all times.

Life can be stormy. When one thing clears up, two more problems pop up. There may be times when the sun never seems to shine on life for weeks, months or even years. BUT GOD is still with me through the storms. HE is there to heal me when I get hurt and clean me up when I get muddy.

GOD’s love for me is constant. HE loved me so much that HE died for me and placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside me. HE cannot get any closer to me than inside me. All HE asks is that I remain inside of HIM. I place my hope in HIM.

• Do you lose hope easily?
• What are you basing your hope on?
• Will you grow spiritually and stabilize your relationship between you and GOD today by asking HIM to give you more faith?

Starstruck

Starstruck

John 5: ⁴¹ “I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

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Nervously awaiting my meeting, all kinds of thoughts raced through my mind. “What will I say?”, “Am I dressed properly?” and “Should I impress this person?” were just a few questions that races through my mind. I entered the president’s office and started our meeting with “What advice do you have for me?”

The reply made me know I asked the wrong question. “What do you do here at the company?” I felt I blew it after staying awake waiting on this 15 minute meeting.

• There were times when I placed people on higher levels.
• There were times when I was very concerned with titles.
• There were times when I looked for popular people to follow and believed their words implicitly.

JESUS tells the church leaders “You believe in famous people who tell their own stories, yet you do not believe in ME, who the FATHER has sent.” JESUS then explains that the words they cherish will be used against them because Moses wrote them about HIM.

• GOD wants me to be excited about JESUS more than any human.
• GOD wants me to lose sleep over meeting with JESUS more than losing sleep over meeting a famous human.
• GOD wants me to trust in the entirety of the Bible and know that it is all about JESUS.

Today, humans use words like “higher-being” or “universe” to speak of actions that come from the Living GOD. Even church leaders place the Bible over GOD HIMSELF by quoting its words without conveying the heart of bringing mankind to JESUS.

Instead of getting excited about what a human is doing or not doing, GOD wants me to pay close attention to the heart of JESUS. I am glad HE sends me to seek those who seek HIM.

• Do you spend a huge amount of time reading about famous humans thinking they could make your life better?
• Do you spend a large amount of time complaining about humans who think they are in charge?
• Will you spend a small amount of time speaking about JESUS and learn how to do so more and more each day?

Overlooking the Obvious

Overlooking the Obvious

John 5: ³⁷ And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. ³⁸ But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. ³⁹ You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

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“Our FATHER who art in heaven… whole bunch of words… amen!” was the summation of my quick recital of the LORD’s prayer. As soon as I finished mumbling the words I would then add “That means I need my bike fixed” or “That means I need more money.” I hoped I could get GOD to listen by saying some words HE would be familiar with first.

• There were times when I wanted to play by the rules so I could get GOD to do what I wanted.
• There were times when I looked at the scriptures as a level of achievement or a measure of my faith.
• There were times when I desired to be like specific people in the Bible, overlooking what the words were really about.

JESUS speaks to the church leaders saying “You do not have the FATHER’s word inside of you because you do not believe in ME, whom the scriptures are written about.” HE said they were overlooking HIM as they developed sermons about buildings, programs and family management. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to believe in all of the scriptures HE as reveled to mankind.
• GOD wants me to believe that every word in the Bible is about JESUS’s love for me.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS as my savior so others can do the same.

Overlooking JESUS is quite easy to do when I am focused on “my” problems. I mean I tear through the scripture trying to see whether it is right or wrong to cut off the person who “I” feel is driving crazy. Soon I make the entire Bible about me and I look at it as a manual to live.

GOD wants me to change my thinking. HE wants me to see a revelation of HIS overflowing love for me. Because of this love, HE wants me to follow HIS example to being those who are rejecting HIM back to HIM. I am grateful that every word is about JESUS.

• Are you making the Bible about you?
• Do you try to twist the words of the Bible to make others act different?
• Will you relook at the Bible and see JESUS’s love for you so HE can guide you by HIS grace?

Shared Memories

Shared Memories

John 5: ³¹ “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. ³² There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. ³³ You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. ³⁴ Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. ³⁵ He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. ³⁶ But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

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Hearing the stories of everyone’s adventures made me feel a bit insecure about my meager summer. I mean the most adventurous thing I had done was to ride my bike more than three blocks away from my house. “Maybe I should make something up to tell people” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to feel special.
• There were times when I wanted to be the center of attention.
• There were times when I was willing to make up stories so I would be seen as special.

JESUS explains the need for a truthful witness to prove whatever is said and done is true. Since humans could understand the testimony of another human, JESUS uses John the Baptist as HIS example of a person who testified that HE was and is the Messiah. BUT JESUS did not need John’s testimony.

• JESUS says to me “I AM the one who saves the world.”
• JESUS tells me “I AM sent by the FATHER who has given ME all authority.”
• JESUS reveals to me by saying “I AM the one who has given you the HOLY SPIRIT who will comfort you, guide you and beg for you when you are sinning.”

Truth comes from witnesses, otherwise a person could make up a story that cannot be substantiated. While JESUS needs no witnesses, HE revealed to the world HIS power in front of thousands of people. HE was sent by the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT agreed in HIS voluntary death sentence. I am grateful the two witnesses agreed on HIS mission to save the me.

• Do you seek attention?
• Do you make up stories in order to make others see you as something special?
• Will you focus your stories on what GOD is doing, in your life and others, so many people will be saved through the words GOD gives you?

Fork in the road

Fork in the road

John 5: ²⁸ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. ³⁰ I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

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Driving around this particular large city was frustrating at best. I mean the signs were confusing and driving by GPS was difficult. When the direction was given to turn onto a street, there I faced a fork in the road. I had to make a decision without help from the GPS. I chose wrong and ended up adding another twenty five minutes onto the trip. We were now close to being late.

• Sometimes I feel lost even with directions.
• Sometimes I want my decisions to be right and yet they end up wrong.
• Sometimes I want to choose the correct path, but wind up on the very wrong path and don’t know how I go there.

JESUS clearly states that everyone will face HIS judgement. There will be two choices, life or death. HE says something strange when presenting this fork in the road. HE says “³⁰ I can of MYSELF do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and MY judgment is righteous, because I do not seek MY own will but the will of the Father who sent ME.” JESUS shows a glimpse of how HE works.

• JESUS says to me “Satan accuses you every day to the FATHER.”
• JESUS says to me “The FATHER forgives those who truly believe in HIS SON.”
• JESUS says to me “I listen to the FATHER and will judge who HE says to judge.”

Every day I have a choice, follow GOD or not. It is that simple. This fork in the road can sometimes seem difficult even when I the directions are being told to me. BUT GOD did not take any chances. HE knew I would make the wrong choice and go down the wrong path.

JESUS saw me sinning and volunteered to take my punishment. The fork in the road is, “Do I believe I deserve to be punished for sin I easily fall into” or better yet “for sin I was born with?” The answer is, YES. I believe I deserve an eternity of separation from GOD, but JESUS rescued me and I am forever grateful. I am glad HE guides me to the correct path.

• What path are you on?
• Do you believe in your fallible instincts?
• Will you stop guessing at life and believe in the One who can save you, namely JESUS?

Game of Life

Game of Life

John 5: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. ²⁵ Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. ²⁶ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, ²⁷ and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 

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With a spouse and a car full of babies, I could see the finish line. After losing so many times, I finally could win this round. When I spun the spinner, I landed on the dreaded spot that takes money away from you, just before getting to millionaire acres, the game winning spot. My dreams of winning were crushed again.

• Sometimes I want life to go as other people have planned for me.
• Sometimes I want life to be without problems.
• Sometimes I want life to be just like the game of life where you can win a large prize just for playing.

JESUS further explains to the church leaders that HE is GOD and has all authority. HE explains that the FATHER has life and so does HE. “Life will be given to those who hear ME” JESUS says. Am I listening?

• JESUS wants me to accept HIS example HE gave me in HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to look to HIM for all of my answers rather than thinking I know it all.
• JESUS wants me to hear HIM when I need comforting, correction and guidance in all aspects of life.

Life is GOD and HE gives it to me abundantly. Sometimes the enemy tries to confuse me into thinking if I am experiencing problems, I must not be living “life.” This is a lie that JESUS wants me to overcome. HE wants me to see that “life” is more than problem free and pleasure filled time.

Life means being with people who struggle, as well as with those who laugh. JESUS wants me to cry with people, smile with people and grow with people. HE wants me to point to HIM who holds life in HIS hands. I am eternally saved because of JESUS.

• What does “life” mean to you?
• Do you think you are not living because things are not going your way?
• Will you stop waiting on things to be better and start celebrating eternal life, through JESUS, before it happens?