Lenten Readings: John 21

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 31, 2018
READ John 21
MEDITATE on John 21:24, "This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true." What is encouraging about knowing that John is giving his own personal testimony about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

REFLECT
The day between Good Friday and Easter must have been excruciating. Hope had died and been buried and they were supposed to be worshiping (it was the Sabbath) but they were very confused about everything that was happening. They knew Jesus personally. They heard him speak about things that were happening and going to happen, but they did not know how to sort it all out.

God did not leave them in the darkness. Jesus came back and spent weeks ministering to the disciples to restore their faith, strengthening and teaching them, so that they would be able to understand and share this Gospel with others. We have their testimonies. So when Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles were able to carry on the ministry that Jesus commissioned them to do.

Still, Peter needed some special counseling. He had risen high and fallen far, denying Jesus three times around that campfire during Jesus' trial, just as Jesus had told him it would happen. As much as Peter felt that he had betrayed Jesus, Jesus still loved him. And He restored Peter and renewed Peter's call.

There may be times when we are confused or times when we fail, but God is gracious and is still calling us to follow Him. He's given us Christ, His Word, and His Spirit to guide us and help us. Let this weekend be a time for renewal, refreshing, and revival in your relationship with Jesus. Happy Easter!

PRAY

Pray for refreshment in the message of Easter and the love of Jesus Christ for us! Pray for a renewed commitment to follow and for revival in your affections for Christ above all other things! He is risen! He is with us in His Spirit! And He is calling us to follow Him!

Lenten Readings: John 20

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 30, 2018
READ John 20
MEDITATE on John 20:9, "for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead." This description of the disciples post-cross but pre-resurrection describes many people. Without the resurrection is there true hope in the world?

REFLECT
Today is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus died, and we just read about His crucifixion. The arrest, the trial, the mocking, the torture, and the crucifixion - none of this was done without God allowing it and ordaining it. We see that God was in control, and John, as he wrote the Gospel, understood it.

But when the disciples were experiencing the first time, they did not have the privilege of hindsight. And their confusion and turmoil was deflating: there was no hope left. Mary's tears and Thomas' doubting confirm just how hopeless the disciples felt. There was not coming back from this.

The resurrection changes all of that, but we have two options here. One, we may think the resurrection softens the blow of the cross. "It's okay that Jesus suffered because He came back." But I do not think that is appropriate. Healing and restoration do not negate the suffering that occurred. It's history. It happened. And it was real.

So, the second option: the resurrection does not negate Christ's suffering. It does not even validate it. But it does demonstrate God's goodness and power, both in Christ enduring the very real and very necessary suffering for our sins and in Christ overcoming the gravity of that suffering through the love and grace of God.

It's only when we acknowledge the fullness of the suffering that the resurrection has power. So today, remember Christ suffered. The disciples' responses reflect this weight of this. And remember that God is good.

PRAY

Pray in thankfulness for Christ's suffering. Pray for all those suffering today (including yourself) to find comfort in knowing Christ really did take on our suffering. And then pray for hope for all those who are suffering...because Sunday does come.

Lenten Readings: John 19

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 29, 2018
READ John 19
MEDITATE on John 19:8, "When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid." Of whom or what was Pilate afraid? He had Jesus flogged, crowned with thorns, and mocked. Yet when the crowd told him Jesus should die for saying He was the Son of God, Pilate was afraid. He claims he had authority to release Jesus, yet he was afraid.

REFLECT
There are times when we are called to take a stand for justice, or for righteousness, or for truth. It can be as simple as objecting when co-workers say something mocking religion, to more large-scale working with an organization that addresses human trafficking or abuse. In any case, it requires for us to take a stand and to place our welfare, reputation, and achievements in God's hands. Pilate could not do that: he didn't know God.

But Jesus was standing right in front of him. How ironic! But Pilate refused the truth and tried to wash his hands of guilt, but he could not ignore the truth. He was torn up over it.

Jesus faced all the punishment, injustice, and mockery, the ugliness and vileness of man's sin and its systemic fruit. He took it all.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and the group of women honored Christ. They did not understand, but they still followed. They had laid aside fear in their relationship with mankind because they had been able to lay aside fear in their relationship with God. They knew Jesus. And though they did not know what good was coming out of the crucifixion, they would soon thereafter. Until then, they had a tiny bit of faith still. Let us have faith as well.

PRAY

Pray for a heart for truth, justice, righteousness, and mercy. Pray for churches to be purified and to stand with Jesus in faith.

Lenten Readings: John 18

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018
READ John 18
MEDITATE on John 18:6, "When Jesus said to them, 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground." Why did Judas' group who came to arrest Jesus fall to the ground before Jesus?

REFLECT
This entire chapter is comical: a mob comes to arrest Jesus but at the confirmation of his identity, they fall down. God shows how powerful He is over people, and it is a reminder to us that Jesus went to the cross by His own will and under His own power. This mob can only arrest Jesus...because he lets them!

And they can only crucify Him because He lets them. The trial is a mock trial - Jesus is innocent! - but Jesus is sent to the cross anyway. It's not His sin; it is our sin that nailed Him to that cross.

Remember, God saved us this way because it was required. A holy God cannot not punish sin somehow, so the resolution to the tension between His love toward us and His holiness is the grace of the cross. So Jesus goes and gives His life that a holy God would be able to live in restored relationship with a redeemed sinful humanity.

This Passion Week let the love of Christ come through and remind  you that God willingly sacrificed His own Son for us.

PRAY

Pray for recognition of God's sovereignty and Lordship over our lives. He loved us willingly. Pray for us to respond to God's love. And pray for three people who do not know Christ as Savior.

Lenten Readings: John 17

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018
READ John 17
MEDITATE on John 17:15, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." Why did Jesus leave us in the world?

REFLECT
Jesus' prayer for his disciples is very illuminating, regarding His identity, God's plan of salvation, and our hope going forward. God the Father and the Son are one God, and His plan includes God's choice of us and His faithfulness in securing salvation through Christ's work. And verse 15 teaches us two things: that we are intentionally placed on this planet and that there is an enemy.

There are times when things get difficult and we wonder why Jesus left us. But in His prayer, He explains that it is because others will come to believe in Him through our words (v. 20). And while we are carrying on the work of Christ, God is watching over us and helping us through His Spirit.

So, let me ask you, is this purpose guiding you today? How are you following God through this Passion Week? What is it that is on your daily prayer list?

PRAY

Pray for at least three people in your life today who do not believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray for yourself and your ministry to others. Pray for this mission for your life.

Lenten Readings: John 16

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Monday, March 26, 2018
READ John 16
MEDITATE on John 16:20, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." What will we be sorrowful about? What are you sorrowful about now?

REFLECT
Jesus issues sobering words to the disciples before heading to the cross. It wasn't just his looming death that spurred this on, but it was a forecast of future difficulties that the disciples would encounter. We are encountering this. There is injustice, there is persecution, and there is evil in the world. Christians are suffering. There is sorrow.

But we have hope. Jesus promises that our "sorrow will turn into joy." How is this possible? Because God is working through His Spirit and His church to build the Kingdom. We experience God's grace and His goodness. The Kingdom has already come in part, and though not yet complete, it will be fulfilled when Jesus returns. Our sorrow will turn into joy.

The disciples experienced this in what was then the near future: when Jesus died they mourned, but when Jesus was resurrected, they rejoiced. That is the pattern for God's work in bringing revival to us. Let's pray for more revival, even as we deal with the difficulties of life today.

PRAY

Pray for whatever it is that is bringing you sorrow: injustices, lostness, and death. Pray to experience more of the good work that God is doing to bring life where death had reigned.

Lenten Readings: John 15

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Sunday, March 25, 2018
READ John 15
MEDITATE on John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." What does God supply for us when we abide in Him?

REFLECT
We have a pine tree in our backyard that I have to have taken down - it's no healthy. There are pine needles at the top of this 35-foot tree, but there are no pine cones. If this tree is not doing anything to produce fruit and to reproduce trees, then it is not healthy and will eventually fall down on its own because it is compromised.

A person who claims to be Christian but is not producing fruit is unhealthy - something has gone wrong in his or her relationship with Jesus. How can we become healthy again? By abiding in Christ. How do we abide? Jesus says we follow his commands. When we are regularly in his Word and regularly praying, when we are submitting our hearts and minds to his Spirit, we are abiding. The Spirit reminds us of Jesus' words, secures us in his grace, applies the work of Christ in our lives. Really, God makes the growth happen if we would only be present with him.

When we abide we will bear fruit. God will bear fruit in our lives. How does your life look when you are bearing fruit for Christ?

PRAY

Pray for fruitfulness for yourself and for other Christians around you. Pray for those who are not bearing fruit, that God would revive them!

Lenten Readings: John 14

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 24, 2018
READ John 14
MEDITATE on John 14:17, "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." How often do you think of the Holy Spirit? How often do you count on the Holy Spirit being with you?

REFLECT
Jesus tells his disciples some pretty straight warnings about what is to come. Our path through much of the trials to come is revealed by the Word of God. We are taught right from wrong, and we are given God's Word to guide us, as long as we obey it.

But along with that Word, is the Helper, the Holy Spirit! This makes Christianity different from other religions. We're not just given a rule to follow and then judged by how well we follow. God dwells within us to help us to know the Word and to follow it.

This transforms us, and gives us an intimate relationship with God. The challenge and question for us is this then: are we paying attention to this Helper who is with us? Or are we ignoring God's very presence with us.

PRAY

Pray for attentiveness and openness to how the Spirit is at work in your life. God reminds us of right from wrong, and how to receive and share God's love. Pray for daily sensitivity to God's leading. Pray for a will to follow!

Lenten Readings: John 13

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 23, 2018
READ John 13
MEDITATE on John 13:37, "Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.'" Peter made a bold statement of commitment, but he had just failed even to wash Jesus' feet. How do we sometimes think more of our own spirituality than we ought?

REFLECT
Before reading this chapter, God was already convicting me of a prideful thing that I had done. It was pretty clear in hindsight that the attitude I had was wrong. I looked down on a brother and treated him poorly. The guise was that my words were good for him to hear but my spirit was not aligned.

It is a struggle. To really walk the way Jesus walked requires humility and a willingness to serve others while dying to self. This love of Jesus is so otherworldly and comes from outside of us. Once we grasp how much God loves us though, He bears fruit through His Spirit's work in us.

He loves us so much that Jesus did all this. This picture of Christ's love from John 13 includes not only washing his disciples' feet, but also sending Judas away to initiate the rest of the weekend's events, starting with Jesus' arrest later that evening. Jesus knew what was coming, and he knew what needed to be done, for our sake. He did all this for us, and for his glory.

PRAY

Pray for humility to serve others. Pray for a Christ-like attitude toward others.

Lenten Readings: John 12

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 22, 2018
READ John 12
MEDITATE on John 12:4–5, "But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 'Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?'" There are many people who claim to endeavor for good, but some of these do not honor Christ. Can someone be good without a relationship with Jesus?

REFLECT
Sometimes evil disguises itself as good, but the test is how one responds to Jesus. If you have not dealt with your sin, the temptation is to see the good you do as merit. But there is never enough merit to offset the bad that you have done. That's the trick and the test: evil hides or minimizes sin, but those who know Christ are humbled by sin and turn to Christ for salvation.

Judas disagreed with Jesus. His objection to Mary's honoring of Jesus was an attempt to cover over his thieving ways. But Jesus knew. This story scares me a little bit. How many people are there today who are around Jesus but who do not actually love him? How many people attend church each week but who are there for themselves or for the good vibes but who do not honor Christ above all? The test comes when we're called to worship and to sacrifice for Christ. Judas was exposed.

But he was the only one. The other eleven were not. They failed Jesus, and they struggled, but they were humbled by Christ's Spirit and turned to Jesus to receive salvation.

As we approach the end of Lent, would you die to yourself, hear Jesus' call, and put him first above all other things?

PRAY

Pray for God's work on your heart. Pray for the Spirit to shake you from idols. Pray for humility before God and man. And thank God for loving us despite our struggles.

Lenten Readings: John 11

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018
READ John 11
MEDITATE on John 11:33, "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled." What does this verse teach us about Jesus? Why would he be "greatly troubled"?

REFLECT
That Jesus was deeply moved in his spirit, this shows us that Jesus was compassionate and loving. His love was demonstrated through his acts of mercy, but here is something beyond his actions and teaching. We get a sense of his emotional turmoil. He felt the sadness and pain that hits him when people he loved were in trouble. We experience that today.

My friends in Austin are experiencing turmoil. Package bombs have gone off throughout the city and they do not know when the next one will blow up. It's like something from a movie or TV show, except it's real life. I'm praying for Austin and the people there. I'm praying for a resolution.

Jesus knows what we experience as human beings. And because of his great love for us, Jesus wept along with his friends, and then he did the one act that could take away all their tears of sadness. He defeated death, sin and its curse through his sacrifice on the cross.

If you are in trouble, Jesus knows what you need. Turn to Jesus.

PRAY

Pray in gratefulness for Jesus. Thank God for his compassion toward us.

Lenten Readings: John 10

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018
READ John 10
MEDITATE on John 10:9, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." What does it look like when someone tries to get blessings but does not want to deal with Jesus?

REFLECT
There is only one way to heaven - you have to go through the door. And the door is Jesus. He is the one who gives us entry into heaven but dealing with our sin on the cross and overcoming sin's curse through the resurrection. If you do not go through Jesus, you will not get into heaven.

But going through Jesus is more than just lip service. Knowing Jesus means having a relationship with a holy God! God cannot bear sin, so this requires what Jesus said: dying to self, picking up our crosses, and following Jesus. If we do not confess, repent (turn away from sin and toward God), and follow, we will not get there.

Jesus calls his sheep. And when he calls, his sheep follow. His voice calls his sheep to safety, comfort, and blessings. If a sheep does not come, it is not his.

PRAY

Pray in gratefulness for Jesus. Pray in a way that shows your reliance upon Jesus. Really, pray like your life depends upon Jesus.

Lenten Readings: John 9

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Monday, March 19, 2018
READ John 9
MEDITATE on John 9:38, "He [the formerly blind man] said, 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshiped him." Now that you see who Jesus is, do you worship Jesus?

REFLECT
Jesus encountered many people who were unsure of what to think of him. There are many today that say the same thing, that they believe he was a good man and a teacher, but doubt he was actually God. There is a sense of separation between heaven and earth that is hard to cross.

But that is the point - only God could cross such a separation. Not only did sin render us blind to God's goodness and our sin, but it also rendered us dead to God. No man could cross that separation. Only God could and did.

Now, do you see God's goodness? Do you see Jesus' deity? Do you see God's goodness in your own life? Are you growing in awareness of who He is, in His majesty, His glory, and His being? Do you see His holiness and love, so that He would also mix justice and mercy in the body and blood of Jesus?

And now seeing, do you worship Him?

PRAY

Pray for fresh eyes and corrected vision to daily see God in His glory and us in our need. Pray for corrected vision for others around us. And as part of your prayer, worship, sit, enjoy, listen, and learn!

Lenten Readings: John 8

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Sunday, March 18, 2018
READ John 8
MEDITATE on John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Are you free?

REFLECT
I stopped by the library today and I read a little information on the autobiographical work 12 Years a Slave. Solomon Northup was born free in 1808 and lived in upstate New York, until he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. There is a sense of the Gospel in this: we were created for freedom, but we fell into bondage to our sin. Christ came to set us free.

Are you free? What does that mean? It's not only free from the guilt of our sin, but free from its power as well. What does this mean? We can walk with our Lord and live by His Spirit.

Christ suffered for our sake. Our Lenten observations are meant to include this recognition - Jesus sacrificed to set us free.

PRAY

Pray for freedom from sin's guilt and power. Pray for strength in your walk with Jesus. Pray for understanding of what this freedom really means.

Lenten Readings: John 7

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 17, 2018
READ John 7
MEDITATE on John 7:15, "The Jews therefore marveled, saying, 'How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?'" The people impressed with Jesus' teaching and power, but were confused by his identity. How is that still true today?

REFLECT
Today is St. Patrick's Day, and many are happy to be considered Irish (whether in fact or in fiction). What does it mean to be Christian today? If you tell people you are a Christian, what do they think of you? The people in John 7 did not want to be associated with Jesus, but they believed in him, in his authority, his teaching, and his power. But many still were afraid of "the Jews," meaning those in authority.

But Jesus' identity hasn't changed. And popular opinion may never be in a Christian's favor, though it felt that way in this country for a time. In academic circles, in pop culture, even just among your peers, if you follow Jesus' teachings, if you pursue holiness, righteousness, justice, and mercy, if you go to church, read your Bible, and pray faithfully, you may not be popular.

But when someone has trouble and is in need of help, you know the One who offers words of life, grace, hope, and love. We all need Jesus. A Christian lives acknowledging that need and gives us false hopes and idols to walk with the God who saves us.

PRAY

Pray for humble acknowledgement of who Jesus is and who we are in him. Pray for three people today who do not know Jesus. Pray for your witness to them.

Lenten Readings: John 6

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 16, 2018
READ John 6
MEDITATE on John 6:35, "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'" In what ways does Jesus satisfy our hunger and thirst?

REFLECT
Jesus drew a crowd. With his healing, casting out demons, even performing miracles for people to drink and eat - who wouldn't want to be near Jesus? But the question is what motives did people have for coming to Him?

Jesus told people that the Father had to draw people to him. So out of the many that were following Jesus, many turned away when the going got tough. They were willing to follow Jesus for the good things, but when it became a challenge to follow Jesus, they bailed. How is this true in today's times? What does this mean about all the people who may be going to church?

We must give sober consideration to our relationship with God. Are we really following Jesus on his terms, or are we trying to change the terms to something we can stomach more easily? If the latter is the case, then we may not be dealing with Jesus in spirit and in truth. To eat the bread of life from heaven, we have to receive it with thanksgiving, humility, and openness.

PRAY

Pray for yourself, but also pray for your friends - are we really living for Jesus? How can you encourage those around you to grow in their relationship with God? Pray for your friends regularly, and pray for yourself to be an instrument for God's work in their lives.

Lenten Readings: John 5

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 15, 2018
READ John 5
MEDITATE on John 5:39, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” Have you ever read the Bible but missed Jesus?

REFLECT
John's Gospel was written very differently from the three synoptic Gospels. John highlighted much more of Jesus' identity and John 5 is an example of how Jesus revealed his identity as God to all who heard. But he also explained to the Jews in his audience that their reliance on Moses caused them to miss Jesus in their reading and study. They were looking at the Law to try to save themselves through it, but the point of the Law was to show God's holiness and demonstrate our inability to save ourselves and need to rely upon God's provision of a Savior, a perfect man who would fulfill the Law.

Many today read the Bible hoping to figure out life, but the Bible is actually a biography that shows us Jesus Christ and God's identity. When we read to see how God loves us through sending Jesus, we see how the Law is not supposed to be our focus, unlike the Pharisees who were aghast that Jesus healed on the Sabbath. When we see how Christ embodies God's holiness and love, we are humble by the grace and the Law and find and embrace Jesus.

Do not read the Bible and miss Jesus!

PRAY

Pray for a clear goal in your spiritual life - to meet and give glory to God! He is the One who saves us and loves us. Pray for a spirit of celebration in knowing Jesus through the Gospel of John.

Lenten Readings: John 4

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
READ John 4
MEDITATE on John 4:24, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Have you worshiped God in spirit and in truth?

REFLECT
Jesus and his disciples were baptizing and many were professing faith, but were they worshiping Jesus truly? Later, in John 6, many who were following him desert him. Was their commitment genuine? Was their faith shallow?

Cutting through all of this is the word of God, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). The truth humbles us because of our sin and because of God's grace, and we worship God genuinely and humbly at that point. The Holy Spirit reinforces the grace of God to us, applying our union with Christ, and we worship because of the Gospel of grace that saves us and brings us into a relationship with God.

The Samaritans hear the woman's testimony and many believe. Later in John 4, the official whose son was sick believes in Jesus. They know they cannot save themselves and turn to the Messiah sent from God.

We worship because He alone saves us and is glorious and gracious. Let God have all of your worship today and every day.

PRAY

Pray for a refreshed view of yourself and of your Savior. Pray for a simple heart of worship.

Lenten Readings: John 3

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018
READ John 3
MEDITATE on John 3:6, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Think about this verse all day long. How has and is the Spirit giving birth to things in your life?

REFLECT
If you are Christian, then you will notice the Holy Spirit at work in your life. The clearest indication of the Spirit's presence is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If someone claims to be a Christian but these traits are not evident in their lives, then we would wonder if they genuinely turned away from sin and turned to Christ for salvation.

Some people try to live with one foot in the world and one foot in heaven, meaning that they want to still indulge in the desires of the flesh or the desires that bring temporary pleasure but lack heavenly character while also trying to claim the promises of heaven. Nicodemus was trying to make sense of what it meant to believe and to follow God. He was not yet ready to go all-in; he came to Jesus at night so as not to negatively affect his reputation as a Jewish leader. Later in the Gospels, he identifies himself more freely with Jesus; after Jesus' death, he helps Joseph bury Jesus in the tomb.

How are you feeding the flesh? How are you giving the Spirit reign over your life? Is it time to go all-in with Jesus? Reading the Bible and praying daily, singing praise songs throughout the week, talking about Jesus with others - these are ways which you can feed your spirit with the Spirit's food for us. God's Spirit will give birth to fruit when you come to Jesus wholeheartedly.

PRAY

Pray for honesty with how you're feeding the flesh versus feeding your spirit. Pray for an awareness of how great God's love and mercy are for you. Pray for help from the Spirit to follow.

Lenten Readings: John 2

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Monday, March 12, 2018
READ John 2
MEDITATE on John 2:18, "So the Jews said to him, 'What sign do you show us for doing these things?'" John records seven miraculous signs of Jesus and seven "I am" statements (e.g. "I am the light of the world"). And still some did not believe Jesus. Do you believe? What does it mean to believe?

REFLECT
The combination of the water being turned into wine and the cleansing of the temple began to show the disciples that Jesus was powerful over the nature of things and that he had authority to teach them. Jesus was the real Messiah, and the Lord or authority over all things.

But my eleventh grade counselor told me I had a problem with authority figures. But here we are going from the explanation of Jesus' identity in John 1 to seeing how that actually transforms relationships. So the challenge today is for us to recognize and submit to his authority. There is more that God wants to do in us and through us. Are you following Jesus?

PRAY

Pray for a growing awareness of Jesus' identity and presence in our lives, and of his plan to use us to transform the lives of others. Pray for submission to his Lordship in your life.

Lenten Readings: John 1

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Sunday, March 11, 2018
READ John 1
MEDITATE on John 1:41, "[Andrew] first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ).” Andrew was following John the Baptist and was excited to meet Jesus. He has faith to know Jesus was God's sent Savior, but how much do you think he really understood what Jesus was going to do? What do you know and what do you not yet know about Jesus?

REFLECT
Oh, there are times when I think I have a pretty good grasp on God and God's place in my life. I've read the Bible, and I've prayed, and I've been leading and doing things for a while now. But I must beware when I feel like I've wrapped my mind around who God is and what God is doing.

God has revealed Himself to us, but we have not really exhausted all there is to learn and know about God. This doesn't mean we cannot know Him. Jesus' arrival meant that all mankind has been invited to know God the Son and to have a relationship, a friendship, with Him. But what is exciting is that we get to keep exploring and marveling at how good God is. There should never be a time when we are not in awe of God's glory or not humbled by His greatness. Finding the Messiah is just the beginning.

So if you feel like you're not growing in your relationship with God, it's not that you're done growing. More likely, we're not seeing God right. So look again at the Scriptures and pray for fresh eyes and a humbled heart.

PRAY

Pray for a child-like awe before the Lord. Pray for humility. John clearly states Jesus' identity several times through John 1, but we need to pray to remember again, Jesus is God's Son, the Messiah, the Word, God, Creator, Sustainer, True Light, King of Israel, life-giver, source of grace upon grace.

Lenten Readings: Luke 24

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 10, 2018
READ Luke 24
MEDITATE on Luke 24:45, "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Have you ever had a moment when God made certain things clear to you about your life and His work in the world?

REFLECT
The moment we become Christian, a genuine, Christ-loving, Gospel-believing, convicted Christian, we are able to see our sin clearly and the gracious sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ covering over it. You cannot and do not want to hide or ignore things anymore, because doing so would simply prevent you from seeing how God's love addresses your brokenness and need.

And then you see the world more clearly, too. Temptations are...not so appetizing anymore, because you tasted and experienced the goodness of God! Things of this life have different value compared to the cross of Christ. Paul wrote, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8a). The disciples were initially confused and then Jesus opened their eyes, minds, and hearts to understand life differently. This is what happens when we encounter Christ!

PRAY

Pray for your time with God during Lent to be meaningful and to give you clarity of mind and spirit as you look at the things going on in this world and in your life. Pray for wisdom from Scriptures and a heart to know and love God more.

Lenten Readings: Luke 23

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 9, 2018
READ Luke 23
MEDITATE on Luke 23:31, "For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” The audacity with which people confronted Jesus and shouted for his death was terrible. But since the Son of God is not visible how, how has evil become bolder? How does the persecution of Christians make you feel?

REFLECT
The crucifixion of Jesus came after neither Pilate nor Herod wielded their authority for justice. The people's bloodthirst prevailed and Jesus was crucified. But after his death, people turned away and beat their chests. They had been so bold to ask for his crucifixion, and then their guilt after his death was too much to bear. But bear it they must if they do not come to God for forgiveness and to ask for reconciliation. How ironic that the one they ordered crucified was actually God's provision to cover over our sins!

Jesus died willingly. He suffered for us. Sometimes the chapter's description of the events of that Good Friday do not affect  us the way they ought. What emotions should we feel? How can we recover a fuller picture of what Christ did actually means?

We must continually submit ourselves to the message of the cross, to humble ourselves, and to let God convict us and save us. Christ really did suffer for us. He faced the evil. He overcame. Preach the Gospel to yourself again - Jesus died for me!

PRAY

Pray thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice, but also pray that God would give you a meaningful reaction to His sacrifice beyond thankfulness, including sadness and joyfulness, as appropriate.

Lenten Readings: Luke 22

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 8, 2018
READ Luke 22
MEDITATE on Luke 22:51, "But Jesus said, 'No more of this!' And he touched his ear and healed him." No more of what, Jesus? He immediately healed the wounded guard's ear, showing love to one who was his enemy in that moment. To what exactly was Jesus putting an end?

REFLECT
We strive after much in this life. You don't have to live long to see the difficulties of life. You can choose to ignore them, insulate against them, or embrace them. Jesus does more: he overcomes them and puts and end to them.

He initiates the Kingdom through his death, a Kingdom of peace, love, and glory. This is in-process during our day, but God has a plan to consummate all His promises. The way to get there ran through the cross. The way for us to get there also runs through a cross, not of punishment, but of union with Christ and refinement and sanctification to be like Jesus. It's surgical, not fatal. And on the other side, we realize we do not have to fight like Peter thought he needed to when he cut off the guard's ear. So Jesus even fixed that.

There is a love that overcomes, a peace that transcends, and a glory that blesses us with hope and faith. Jesus, show us the way!

PRAY

Pray for less reliance on the ways and tools of the flesh and more reliance upon the work of Christ and the Spirit. Walk by faith, not by sight - ask God to show us what that means.

Lenten Readings: Luke 21

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018
READ Luke 21
MEDITATE on Luke 21:34, “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap." Jesus' words here are stern and strong. What distracts you away from our relationship with Jesus?

REFLECT
What is the Christian life supposed to look like? Go to church (some weeks), half-heartedly listen to a sermon, sing some songs, see some folks, and then get on with your week? Jesus' words come like a defibrillator, shocking our hearts back to life. Don't get sidetracked! Don't get so caught up with the pleasures or pursuits of this world that you forget that Jesus is coming back?

There was a song I heard in college titled "I'm going to live like heaven is a real place." To live like heaven is real means that we want that future reality more than we want the present status. We live for heaven. It's like sparingly nibbling on a mildly interesting appetizer because we're really waiting for the entree we've heard so much about and sampled before.

So what does this actually look like? I think of each day as a running conversation with God. Pray all day long. Ask God what He thinks about your boss, or your workload, or how you're supposed to plan your day. Ask God to bless the person driving in front of you. Complain to God if you want, but also be ready to listen for God to convict you of sin. Give Him your cares and wrestle over tough decisions in His presence, not just your friends'. And thank God everyday that there's something to look forward to.

Purify your life because God's in it. Walk with Him anticipating more. Read the Bible, sing, and pray. Enjoy God as you glorify Him.

PRAY

Pray for a fuller relationship with God. Thank God for His invitation to you to walk with Him!

Lenten Readings: Luke 20

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
READ Luke 20
MEDITATE on Luke 20:25, "He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" It's tax season so we get a sense of what belongs to the government. But what are the "things that are God's"?

REFLECT
It's noteworthy that Jesus actually acknowledges the earthly kingdom of Caesar and the tax system in place. He submitted himself fully as a man in order to then fully take on the burden of our sin and to gift to us his righteousness earned through his perfect obedience.

We pay our taxes. Sometimes we participate in the governing of this land. When it comes to rendering to God what belongs to Him, we may not even think about what this means. All we have and all we are belongs to God. So how do you render to God what is His?

PRAY

Pray for surrender, that your entire life would be open and available to how God wants to work. Pray not to hold onto your lifestyle, reputation, or desires so tightly that they keep you from following God's lead. And pray for God to lead you!

Lenten Readings: Luke 19

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Monday, March 5, 2018
READ Luke 19
MEDITATE on Luke 19:41, "And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it." Have you ever wept over someone's estrangement from God? Have you ever wept over your own sin? Have you cried over the sins of others hurting you?

REFLECT
Jesus had "set his face toward Jerusalem" back in Luke 9 and now finally makes his entry into Jerusalem for his passion week ending with the cross and the resurrection. Our Lenten observance is about half over as we anticipate Easter.

The ritual of Lent is supposed to make us more aware and sensitive to our spiritual state. How are you doing? We are trying to grow in awareness of God's presence with us all the time and to interact with God throughout the day. Meditating on a bit of his Word in the morning is something that is supposed to stay with us throughout the day (and throughout the week following our Sunday worship services). After all, God is always with us. The Spirit is leading us. His grace is over us. And His Word calls us to "pray continually" and to "abide" in Him.

When our relationship with God is filled with more distance than intimacy, when it is "managed" by infrequent occasional chilly dates, we're missing out. And when people don't know God, Jesus weeps. People who are without God are missing out on His love, joy, peace, and grace. Pray for your own intimacy with Christ to grow, and hurt over the ones around you who do not know Jesus.

PRAY

Pray for God's help to "pray continually" and to acknowledge God's presence and love over you throughout each day. And pray for three people around you who do not know Jesus. (Maybe you can do this one daily, too!)

Lenten Readings: Luke 18

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Sunday, March 4, 2018
READ Luke 18
MEDITATE on Luke 18:39, "And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'" I think there are some people in our society that we want to be quiet and out-of-sight, but they really need Jesus. Meditate on what attitudes compelled these people to shush the blind man calling out to Jesus.

REFLECT
There is a nearby Christian school with a tremendous academic reputation. But they do not have any students with special needs. How does that fit with a Christian mission?

There are megachurches in our city but they do not have in-house counseling ministries. People with counseling needs are sent outside the churches to get their counsel. How does that fit with a Christian mission?

There were plenty in Jesus' day who needed God's help, but temple leaders and sometimes Jesus' disciples all seemed to want them to just go away. And maybe when it comes to today's unwanted, we include politicians, murderers, abusers, thieves, and bullies, but are there some that God might turn to display His great grace? Maybe we need to make room to welcome those who seek God for help instead of trying to keep them away.

PRAY

Pray for a broader sense of the mission of grace that God wants us to pursue. How would this look personally (individually) or corporately (as a church)?

Lenten Readings: Luke 17

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Saturday, March 3, 2018
READ Luke 17
MEDITATE on Luke 17:10, "So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’" Much of popular sentiment would say you should never consider yourself "unworthy," but in the presence of God, have do you feel about that?

REFLECT
So many issues in our lives find their root in the same sin that Eve and Adam fell into: pride. The serpents appeal back in Genesis 3 was that if they ate the fruit, they would become like God. The battle for universal supremacy could be said to be between man and our God.

Jesus brings home both the fact that we are NOT on God's level and the fact that we are in relationship with Him. Our relationship should be as Creator God to created man. He is over us. Start with this and then how does the rest of our lives take their meaning and shape?

And when you add in that God so loved the world that He gave Jesus for us, it's not meant to boost our ego, but rather to affirm His goodness and grace. What should result is a sense of awe and thankfulness...that engenders an attitude of service to Him.

PRAY

Pray for a renewed sense of the proper orientation to God. Give Him glory today, and find your meaning and worth after that.

Lenten Readings: Luke 16

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Friday, March 2, 2018
READ Luke 16
MEDITATE on Luke 16:14, "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him." What kind of person would ridicule Jesus?

REFLECT
There are a lot of comments here about rich people and wealth. Luke's Gospel account noticed the social implications of the Gospel, and we'd certainly understand the call to be honest and faithful in managing affairs and finances. There are too many stories today of people who lie, cheat, and steal, and hurt too many people by their dishonesty and unfaithfulness.

But what was it really like in Jesus' day? The first pericope in this chapter always confused me: why would the rich man praise the dishonest manager, and why was Jesus seemingly doing the same? Well, each parable is used to tell one point. Over-analyzing the parable can lead us to unintended conclusions. Jesus was not praising dishonesty. He was praising leveraging the things in this life, which do not last, to gain future rewards and security. It's helped to also consider how corrupt systems were in that day. Those who owed money may have very well been victims of injustice already, so the rich man didn't mind the changing of debts. In any case we're being called to re-value our possessions and wealth in light of Kingdom concerns. The Bible is consistent in pointing out that wealth, power, and position are meant to be tools for us to use for God's greater purposes. We are not to love money, and we are not to look down on others.

How has money affected your life and your walk with God? What lessons did your parents teach you? Do you pray about managing your finances for God's glory? Or is wealth an idol that, as it did for the Pharisees, blinds you and makes it impossible to really see and understand Jesus' life and death and resurrection.

PRAY

Pray for a humble heart and an openness to the Spirit's leading.

Lenten Readings: Luke 15

Lenten Readings: The two-year Bible reading plan puts the Gospel accounts of Luke and John right between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you're doing the reading plan or not, you can follow along on the blog and read daily meditations based on the accounts of Jesus, whose life and death we remember and cherish during this season of Lent. Check back every day starting on February 14 and until Easter Saturday.

Thursday, March 1, 2018
READ Luke 15
MEDITATE on Luke 15:32, "It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” The older brother was resentful because his father did not reward him for his faithfulness, but his heart attitude was unfaithful to his father's. How is this so?

REFLECT
There are two ways that I feel like we read the Prodigal Son parable. The most common way is we relate to the younger son, admitting we've been wasteful and foolish but thankful that our father welcomes us back, forgives us, and restores us. If we revel in this story of redemption, we may be taking God for granted. A second common way of reading the story is to focus on the older brother's heart attitude where he held judgment toward his younger brother and upholds his own sense of righteousness in comparison. He cannot see the beauty of grace that welcomes his brother home.

Every parable has a certain goal. Jesus' goal, as  he was confronting selfishness in people, was to point out the heart attitude of the older brother. My question today is, do I desire to see and rejoice to celebrate the welcoming and restoring of sinners back to our Father God? The older brother could not celebrate because he did not seem to care about a lost brother/son being brought back into the fold. Maybe he was worried about money and his inheritance. Maybe it offended his sense of principles. In any case, he was cold.

The restoring of a sinner to God is actually our God-given mission. It is something we ought to be excited to witness.

PRAY

Pray for a heart that loves what God loves, sharing your faith and getting excited when lost are found.