Simple Example

Simple Example

John 13: ¹² So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. ¹⁶ Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

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There was something different about this particular leader that I liked. I could not pick out one thing that set this person apart. When I arrived to work, there the person was, greeting me. When I had an issue with something, there the person was to listen. I saw the person making coffee for everyone. The list went on. I wanted to be like that person.

• Some people have impressed me with the way they acted.
• Some people have shown me what true leadership looked like.
• Some people have served me even though I was supposed to be the servant.

JESUS makes HIS actions clear by explaining the foot washing. HE wanted the disciples to understand that it does not take elaborate measures to serve GOD. HE gave them a simple example of serving one another so they would go out and do the same.

• GOD wants me to serve people.
• GOD wants me to reduce how I think about myself and increase servanthood to others.
• GOD wants me to see people as opportunities, not projects or problems.

GOD, with HIS infinite power and wisdom, decided to step off the high throne to wash HIS creation’s feet. HE did not find this as humiliating, rather a prize to be had. HE gets excited about serving me and doe so every day. HE gets more excited when I follow HIS example. I am glad to follow HIS teaching.

• Do you get angry at others quickly?
• Do you feel certain people do not deserve to be served?
• Do you think in order to serve GOD, it has to be something hard or exhausting to do?
• Will you look at JESUS’s example and be simple about serving others today?

Not Understanding It

Not Understanding It

John 13: ⁶ Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

⁸ Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

⁹ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”

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Finally I ran into a group of leaders I appreciated being around. When an opportunity for advancement came open, I scheduled a meeting to ask for the position. It had nothing to do with my skills or accomplishments, I just wanted to be with that group. “Don’t worry” they said to me. “We have something for you too.” What were they talking about? I pondered.

• There were times when I did not understand my benefactors.
• There were times when I did not understand when people had good plans for me.
• There were times when I was suspicious of allowing someone else to look out for me, so I had to look out for “myself.”

Peter, not understanding what JESUS was doing, tried to stop HIM from washing his feet. JESUS tried to tell Peter that he would understand later. Peter went further in his misunderstanding by telling JESUS to wash his entire body. Peter had great intentions.

• GOD understands that I will misunderstand HIM.
• GOD understands that I will think I know what HE is doing, but I will be grossly wrong.
• GOD understands that I will try hard to please HIM, even though HE is already extremely pleased with me.

JESUS needed to serve humans so we could see a real example. I mean, GOD lowered HIMSELF to the point of washing grime and stench off of our feet. I believe HE was telling us that we may step in sin but our feet can be cleaned. But there was one who’s heart was not clean, therefore foot washing would have no effect.

GOD wants my heart. HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness as long as I give HIM my desires. I am grateful HE can clean me up when I sin.

• Do you want to be clean?
• Do you want to be with GOD in HIS quest to save humanity?
• Will you allow HIM to clean you up the way HE wants to so you can serve many people?

Internal Drive

Internal Drive

John 13: Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

² And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, ³ Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, ⁴ rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. ⁵ After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

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As anger bubbled over, I was determined to make this person pay. I went and found a very large “friend” and confronted the person who called me the name. I was ready to have a fight because something inside of me was furious. It was eight of them and two of us.

• Many times I was driven to react with anger.
• Many times I was driven to react with hatred.
• Many times I was driven to react with a response that most people would say I was justified in doing so.

JESUS knew it was time to be murdered by HIS own creation. HE also knew that one of HIS closest disciples would betray HIM to the jealous church leaders. BUT JESUS acted in a strange way that HE had never done before. HE washed their grimy, dung laced feet.

• JESUS shows me just how much HE loves me by forgiving me.
• JESUS shows me HE cares for me daily.
• JESUS shows me HE wants the best for me by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT.

“HE loved them to the end” are words that I cannot understand. I mean HE never sinned and only wanted the best for HIS creation, yet we accused HIM of trying to get over on us. We slandered HIM and made HIM out to be a criminal. BUT HE loved us to the end. I am grateful JESUS was and is driven by love. I want to do the same.

• What are you driven by?
• Do you easily fall into sins of hatred, lust, envy, pride, or something else?
• Will you allow JESUS to transform you first before HE sends you out to help transform others to love HIM?

Legalese Corrected

Legalese Corrected

John 12: ⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. ⁴⁵ And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. ⁴⁷ And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. ⁴⁸ He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

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“You have to be dressed in your best clothes” I was told. Also, “You should not hang around with people who do ‘those’ things.”  “Give to the building fund.” And another thing… “Wait a minute” I thought to myself. It was too many rules just to go to church. I tried to follow them but became exhausted. I stopped going.

• I remember trying to make GOD into a strict disciplinarian.
• I remember looking at GOD as a strict warden, imprisoning me in rules I could not possibly follow.
• I remember seeing church as a place that upheld a bunch of man-made rules that seemed powerless.

The people had just expressed their dissatisfaction with JESUS saying HE would die. ”The CHRIST cannot die” were their legal words, implying HE must have been a fake. JESUS explained why HE came. HE also explained that if they did not believe in HIM, the very words they use would speak against them.

• JESUS wants me to learn about HIS difficulty with church leaders who place too many rules on people.
• JESUS wants me to be a follower of HIS life.
• JESUS wants me to teach the love of the FATHER, that is often overlooked.

Everlasting life is the FATHER’s desire. The only way to achieve this is to believe in JESUS. HE has given us a way back to HIM, but we must believe that we were lost. GOD wants me to understand that one prideful being decided he wanted to be GOD.

The plot against humanity led to introducing sin into it. This could enable every human to be taken away from GOD. BUT GOD decided to become a human and live a perfect life, tempted in every way. HE died without committing a sin and rose as the Most High. This is where I place my belief.

• Are you following a lot of man-made rules?
• Have you twisted what GOD says to humans in the Bible to control them into following you?
• Will you release your hostages and give them to GOD by pointing them to JESUS and HIS compassion today?

Political Suicide

Political Suicide

John 12: ⁴² Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

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“Will you say a brief word of encouragement about GOD to a large group of employees?” someone asked me. Thinking this would be political suicide, I declined. I mean, people possibly know I believe in GOD and that should be enough, right?

• I have hid my belief in GOD, in the past.
• I have been bold about GOD when no one could see or hear my words, in the past.
• I have gone to church and felt that was enough, in the past.

There were some who believe in JESUS, but were too afraid of their political or social standing among the crowd. For some, their titles were more important than speaking boldly about GOD, Mine was. BUT GOD wanted something different from me.

• GOD wants to say “well done” when I follow HIM.
• GOD wants to give me heavenly rewards for serving those HE sends me to.
• GOD wants to praise me like when all of heaven rejoiced when I accepted CHRIST as my Savior.

All powerful, all knowing, all seeing and everywhere are a few attributes of GOD. Yet, this incredible being wants to praise me. HIS only desire is that I mention that JESUS decided to become human and take my punishment of death. While it seems easy, it isn’t.

The social status and political praise of humans can sometimes get in the way. GOD wants my whole heart and sometimes I have to decide whether I will serve HIM or men. I choose GOD.

• Who are you serving?
• Are you afraid to tell people you fully believe in GOD?
• Will you drop your façade today and tell someone about your belief in JESUS?

Alarm Clock

Alarm Clock

John 12: ³⁷ But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, ³⁸ that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

“Lord, who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

³⁹ Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:

⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”

⁴¹ These things Isaiah said ^[f]when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

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After placing my child in the baby carrier, I performed my daily ritual. I loaded important papers and other work items in the back seat. I got in the car and started to drive off. When I looked in the back seat, I noticed the baby was not there. I got out of the car and went into the house. There was my child, sitting in the carrier, smiling. Oh, and I noticed my coffee was sitting on top of the car.

• There have been times when I was distracted.
• There have been times when I had so much on my mind that all I could do was concentrate on what was causing stress.
• There have been times when I was awake, but could not remember how so much time had passed.

JESUS had healed blind people, cured people of extreme diseases, and raised people from the dead. This was the beginning of a list that is too long to write. Unfortunately, the longer the list, the more the people would not believe in HIM. They were distracted by their desires and could not “see” or “hear” HIM.

• GOD wants me to wake up and see what HE made me for.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to those around me who need HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand in my heart what HE wants me to do.

 ““HE has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts” are the words that scare me most. I mean, if I want something that GOD does not want me to have, HE may give it to me, in abundance. HE will then blind me to think “I” did this. HE will also harden my heart to think HE does not exist or HE no longer heals.

GOD wants my full attention. HE wants me to believe in HIS healing, saving power. HE can do whatever HE wants, whenever HE wants. Fortunately, HE wants to do things with love in HIS heart. I am glad HE pursues me.

• Are you distracted away from GOD’s power?
• Are you just going through the motions, not knowing why so much time has passed?
• Will you wake up and see GOD in your life so you can understand with your heart how much HE loves you today?

Way Off Somewhere

Way Off Somewhere

John 12: ³⁴ The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”

³⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. ³⁶ While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.

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“Hypocrites!” I cried out at the churchy kind of people. I mean they talk a good talk but when it came down to it, they were doing more sin than folks who did not go to church. I stopped going. I might as well party and fulfill my lusts as much as the next person. I placed my hope in “fun.”

• There was a time when I gave up on GOD.
• There was a time when I based “my” relationship with GOD on what the group around me was doing.
• There was a time when I rationalized GOD away, thinking I must have been fooled into believing because things were not going the way “I” wanted them to.

The people heard JESUS tell them HE was going to die. “How in the world can GOD die?” they questioned. JESUS did not answer them directly. HE gave HIS final warning. “Believe in the Light while you have the Light.” JESUS was referring to HIMSELF.

• JESUS wants me to base my belief on what HE did and still does.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM while I still can.
• JESUS wants me to use as much of “my” time to serve HIM, communicate with HIM and watch HIM be amazing.

When I am led by darkness, I can feel the complaints grow. Everyone around me becomes wrong and I become discontent with more situations. BUT GOD wants me to see the light while I still can. HE opens my spiritual eyes to see the light in people HE sends me. JESUS is my light.

• Are you wandering in darkness?
• Are you discontent with more and more?
• Can you place your hope in JESUS and trust that HE is the only way to fix “that” situation?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 12: ³⁰ Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

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As I sat in the seat, I could feel it hug me. When I gripped the steering wheel, it felt different than the jalopy I was driving. I was influenced. I have got to have one of these. When I grew older, I noticed some of the owners of this brand of car would lie, cheat and steal regularly. “I wonder if the lifestyle is worth it”, I thought to myself.

• There were times when I felt that nice people finished last.
• There were times when I felt the rich and powerful were “winning.”
• There were times when I felt discouraged by following GOD because it seemed like most of HIS true followers were broke and powerless.

JESUS proclaimed victory over the battle over humanity. All of humanity could be lost “if” JESUS was not murdered on the cross. BUT humanity was not lost. JESUS knew what HE had to do and knew HE was the only one who could draw all peoples to HIMSELF.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look beyond the things of this world so I can see HIM.
• JESUS desires that I place HIM first then everything else will fall into place.

Being rich is not the problem. But when I gain the whole world and lose my soul, riches become the main problem. In other words, when I will do anything for money, it is the root of all kinds of evil. JESUS knows my needs and knows my limits.

HE knows exactly how much money and power I can handle before I get blinded and think “I” did everything without HIM. I am grateful for JESUS, for without HIM, I am nothing.

• What worldly thing are you chasing?
• Do you seek power, wealth or something else?
• Will you be a servant to those around you so JESUS can “be JESUS” by providing salvation and eternal life to them?

Scared

Scared

John 12: ²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

²⁹ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

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“I’m not going down there!” I said in terror. With fears of the “Boogey Man” being in the basement of our home, I refused to go downstairs unless someone was with me. All the lights had to be on.

• Sometimes I get scared of the unknown.
• Sometimes I get worried about situations people have told me about.
• Sometimes I get filled with fear over a huge situation facing me.

Death was facing JESUS and HIS humanity showed. HE expressed HIS fear out loud. THE FATHER heard HIS voice and responded with assurance. JESUS accepted the responsibility.

• GOD is there when I have fears.
• GOD is there when I have doubts.
• GOD is there when I worry about big situations.

Worry easily creeps in when the answer to a problem is out of my control. I mean when I cannot do something to resolve the situation, my mind spins, trying to come up with a solution. BUT GOD knows the outcome.

HE wants me to trust that HE has the situation under control and HE can use the circumstance for HIS glory. HE rewards me greatly for obeying HIS plan and for this I am grateful.

• Are you worried?
• Is there a very large situation in front of you that seems too big to handle?
• Will you ask GOD to not only give you strength, but comfort as well?

Grasping

Grasping

John 12: ²⁰ Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. ²¹ Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

²² Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

²³ But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

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Tickets were mounting as I let the car sit. It was no longer working, nor worth fixing. I don’t know why I held onto it, but I did. “Let it go” someone said to me. I heeded their advice and sold it to the junkyard. I got enough to pay for some of the parking tickets.

• I have held onto things that I should have let go of.
• I have had things in my grasp that I should have freed.
• I have grabbed on tight to things I should have released.

Notoriety of JESUS spread way outside of the Jews. Greeks came to see HIS marvelous works, so they approached HIS disciples. JESUS told Philip and Andrew something different than expected. HE gave a parable about a seed needing to die in order to produce.

• JESUS wants me to let go of my life and give it to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to open my hands and allow HIM to remove what I am holding onto so tightly.
• JESUS wants me to release my grasp of situations and watch HIS power take control.

Giving my life to JESUS was easy at one point. I mean when things were easy, it was easy to believe in HIM. But when the winds of life blew against me, I found myself, trying to execute “my” plan to fix things. JESUS wanted something better to put in my hands, but HE couldn’t while I was holding onto things HE did not want me to have.

GOD wants me to release my grasp and open my heart to whatever and wherever HE has for me. HE gives my life purpose and I seek to serve HIM by serving others.

• Are you holding onto your life?
• Is your life full of blame and disappointments?
• Will you let go of the things that keep you from having a solid relationship with HIM today by seeking those HE wants you to serve?  

Security

Security

John 12: ¹⁷ Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. ¹⁸ For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. ¹⁹ The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

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Looking around at the other seniors, I could see they had nice clothes. I started rationalizing why I would not get the job. I mean I was wearing the same suit I wore at my high school graduation. “And they probably cheated to get through college” I said to myself. “And they probably lied in their interviews.” I don’t like those people.

• There were times when I was very insecure.
• There were times when my insecurities led me to protect myself by not trying.
• There were times when I thought negatively of others not knowing I thought negatively of myself.

Jealousy ignited amongst the church leaders as they were losing their crowd. “The whole world goes after HIM” were their words. But they were said in anger, not in praise. They were not feeling secure, and desired to get that security back. They made a plan made from hatred.

• JESUS wants me to place my security in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM for my validation.
• JESUS wants me to trust in HIS decisions and not worry how I look.

GOD wants me to give my desires to HIM. HE can take my dreams and do what HE wants in the time HE wants. HE says to me “If you feel lonely, insecure or protective of yourself, then come to me and I will help you.”

JESUS can take my negative view of others and make me see people as HE sees them. HE values when I feel secure in HIS promises towards me. I am grateful HE holds onto me and will never let me go.

• Are you insecure?
• Do you speak negatively of others, not knowing how you feel about yourself?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS grace for you and “those” people today?

Entitlement

Entitlement

John 12: ¹⁴ Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written:

¹⁵ “Fear not, daughter of Zion;

Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

¹⁶ His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.

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“Could you tell that person they are sitting in ‘my’ seat?” I said to the flight attendant.  I wanted to say “How dare you sit in ‘my’ first class seat” to the person, but figured it would come out wrong. I had flown a lot so I “deserved” this upgrade. The flight was two hours.

• There were times when I liked rules that helped me get what I “deserved.”
• There were times when I got excited about programs that awarded me privileges that I could complain to someone about if I didn’t get them.
• There were times when it was exciting to travel first class, even when it was a short trip.

JESUS had walked miles and miles to get to the city. Once people saw HIM they cheered and threw palms down so HE would not continue to soil HIS feet. HE then got on a small donkey and rode a very short distance into Jerusalem. This was the entry of a King?

• JESUS wants me to see HIS humbleness.
• JESUS wants me to see HIS restraint.
• JESUS wants me to see HIS control over HIS power.

Entitlement creates rage. I mean when I think I “deserve” something better from someone and don’t get it, I get enraged. BUT JESUS showed me a different example. HE deserved everyone bowing down to HIM, yet HIS announcement that HE is King, was celebrated by some, but not all.

HE is GOD. HE is all powerful, all seeing, all knowing, yet HE took the lowest position as a human and was blamed by the church leaders for the sins of all mankind. I am grateful HE is the one who saved me. I am entitled to nothing.

• What do you think you are entitled to?
• Do you get enraged when someone is not acting the way you think they should?
• Will you take time to observe the humility of JESUS today?

Recognition

Recognition

John 12: ¹² The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”

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“Want to attend this event?” was a question posed to me by a co-worker. “Sure” I said, not knowing what the event was. When we arrived, there was a red carpet for us to walk on. People took pictures of me as I was walking into the entrance. “Who do they think I am?” I thought to myself. When I got in, there were stars and professional football players. It was one of the athlete’s birthday and he put on a star studded event.

• I have seen people who get a lot of attention.
• I have been in a position where people recognized me.
• I have attended events where only those who had “special” access could get in.

JESUS came into town after performing many miracles that were seen by huge crowds. There could be no denial, this was and is THE KING. People recognized HIM and made sure no mud would get on HIS feet. There were also some who waved the branches in celebration!

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to make HIM the celebrity of my life.
• JESUS wants me to get excited about HIS presence, each and every day.

Focusing in on JESUS is something that should be done daily. But sometimes work, or worries or winsome things distract me from celebrating GOD. HE wants me to shout HIS name and say “Thank YOU!” JESUS deserves my praise. I am glad to give it to HIM.

• What celebrities are you following?
• Do you know more about them than you do about JESUS?
• Will you reduce your elevation of other humans and elevate JESUS to GOD of your life today?

Measured Competitiveness

Measured Competitiveness

John 12: ⁹ Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, ¹¹ because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

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After working hard on “my” project, I wanted to see “us” win the team award. I did my own social poll to see where we stood. I heard another project was being considered along with ours. I hoped their project will fail. I mean it was a stupid concept anyway.

• There were times when I was highly competitive.
• There were times when I desired to see someone else lose so I could win.
• There were times when I viewed life as a competition.

Seeing Lazarus alive made the church leaders furious. I mean they wanted the spotlight and were losing it quickly. How could they follow the act of someone who raised a person from the dead? They couldn’t, so they came up with a plan to kill the evidence.

• JESUS wants me to drop my competitiveness so others can be drawn to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to see HIM as the owner of the flock.
• JESUS wants me to value those who are lagging behind so I can be part of the plan to raise people up, instead of putting them down.

Healthy competition promotes the best in me and those around me. But when I desire to see someone’s demise, I am headed into a world of hatred. GOD wants me to drop words like “those people” and add words like “forgive us.” I am grateful HE brought me into HIS family. With GOD, there is no competition. No one can match HIS power.

• Are you competing with people?
• Do you feel someone must lose in order for you to “win?”
• Will you reassess your competitive desire to be the center of attention and allow GOD to gently guide you to bring others to HIM?

Saying the Right Things

Saying the Right Things

John 12: ⁴ But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ⁵ “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” ⁶ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

⁷ But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. ⁸ For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

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Laughing at what was said by another classmate, I was signaled by the Sunday school teacher to give the answer. “Um, JESUS?” I said, knowing it was a safe answer. I mean, it was either HIM, or Noah or Daniel. “JESUS was not Abraham’s wife, it was Sarah” was her reply. Okay, the reply was a joke, because I could not remember the actual question, but the situation was true.

• There were times when I mouthed the name “GOD” without any meaning.
• There were times when I said “JESUS” because it was the right thing to say.
• There were times when I prayed with others because they were praying and I just went along with it.

Judas the betrayer tried to show concern for the poor by saying the expensive oil used on JESUS’s feet could have been sold and given to them. JESUS did not expose Judas at that time, rather HE explained that her actions were SPIRIT led and would be used to prepare HIM for HIS death.

• GOD wants me to speak about HIM from my heart.
• GOD wants me to say the name of JESUS, knowing it has true power.
• GOD wants me to express HIS love without doubt or manipulative motives.

Saying GOD or JESUS may sound like the right thing, but if said without the heart believing in HIM, the words are worthless. GOD wants me to say what I believe. Whatever is in my heart will be exposed. I am grateful JESUS fills my heart with HIS SPIRIT.

• What are you saying?
• What do you truly believe when no one is looking?
• Can you ask GOD to fill your heart so HIS words will flow through you today?

Today’s Plan

Today’s Plan

John 12: Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. ² There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. ³ Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

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Ask, “What are you going to do today?”, to your team so they can become more productive. I thought this was a great question so I not only asked them, I asked myself. The answers I got were highly ambitious, yet productive. “I am going to get more done using this simple question” I thought to myself.

• Some days I filled the hours with “being productive.”
• Some days I woke up working all the way until I went to bed.
• Some days I had no time for anything else but work.

JESUS went back to see Lazarus. Martha served JESUS as this was one of her gifts. Lazarus, being GOD’s example, sat with HIM. Mary saw JESUS’s dirty feet again. She remembered HIS reaction to the Pharisee who did not offer any water. I supposed she said, “Not in this house” as she used expensive oil and her hair to wipe away the mud.

• JESUS wants my attention.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM.
• JESUS wants my highest honor.

Since I am not omnipresent, I can only be in one place at one time. When I plan my day so full of “being productive” I sometimes miss out on doing what GOD called me to do. HE allows me to be busy, but there are times when HE wants me to quiet down and just be with HIM. I am glad part of GOD’s work is simply just being with HIM.

• What are you going to do today?
• Are you going to fill your day up so full that you cannot hear GOD?
• Will you add GOD to your plan today and quiet down to listen to what HE wants to say?

Meanwhile

Meanwhile

John 11: ⁵³ Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. ⁵⁴ Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

⁵⁵ And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. ⁵⁶ Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” ⁵⁷ Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

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After observing what everyone was doing, I could see the flaws. I quickly assessed what to do and began to tell them the corrections. When things were going as “I” expected, I took a break. Someone came to me with “suggestions” on how I could have handled things better. I did not notice “my” mistakes.

• There have been times when I wanted to see people act like me.
• There have been times when I desired to see the results of what “I” told people.
• There have been times when I paid so much attention to what other people were doing, that I forgot to do the things I was supposed to be doing.

The church leaders had taken their hatred of JESUS to the final level. They banded together to kill HIM using legal technicalities of the Bible. They spent their time, in which they should have been preparing for the Passover, spying for JESUS in a quest for murder. Meanwhile, JESUS prepared to save the world.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love every day.
• GOD wants me to sing praises to HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS every day.

When I sing, praise and speak highly about JESUS, there is no room for hatred in my heart. Unfortunately, it holds true for the opposite. When I try to control others, or get mad at them easily or speak slanderous words, I am not filled with GOD’s SPIRIT and am acting on my own.

GOD wants me to bring people to HIM and let go of them. I can only run one life, which is mine, and most times I do not do that very well. BUT GOD forgives me and I am delighted to tell others HE can do the same for them.

• Are you busy thinking what someone else should be doing?
• Do you easily see the flaws in others and not yourself?
• Will you take a step back and allow GOD to grown them and you in HIS own way today?