Thursday, January 28, 2016

Knowing What You Really Need


As Jesus questioned the Samaritan woman at the well, he asked her to bring her husband. He, of course, knew of her five marriages and that the man she was with was not her husband.

Did he condemn her?

No, of course not. He knew what she really needed. It wasn't a perfect husband. It wasn't the respect of her neighbors who looked downing her because of her past.

He knew she needed a right relationship with God. He knew she need to drink of the living water.

Jesus freely offered what she needed to the Samaritan woman just as He freely offers it to you.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

If You Had Known


If I had only known, I would have...

Fill in the blank. If you're like me, you've probably said those forlorn words a number of times.

What blessings have you missed out on because you didn't know?

Jesus' offer to you is the same as His offer to the Samaritan woman - living water, restoration of your soul.

Now, you know.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Becoming Less


Heavenly Father, I desire to make Jesus more important in my life. Help me to humble myself and set aside my agenda and make myself less important so that Jesus will be lifted up!

Amen

Thursday, January 21, 2016

This is the way


How did God love the world?

He gave His one and only son.

Do you believe?

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Knowing the Subject Matter


When you talk of Jesus, is it just words?

When you read the Bible, is it just a story?

Dear reader, I pray that God would be alive to you.  That reading the Word would cause you to want to know more - would cause you to want to know Him more!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The Kingdom of God


Do you want to see the kingdom of God?

Or are you content just to see your own kingdom?

It's a matter of perspective...

If you are caught up in the things of this world, you will miss seeing the kingdom of God.

But, if you are born again - born from above - if you let God change your perspective and see things through His eyes, you will see the kingdom of God.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Keeping Secrets


We all have secrets. There are things about us that if someone else were to know them, they might be shocked. This is not so with Jesus. He knows what is in your heart and he knows what is in mine. Dear reader, let's live honestly.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Not Alone


Jesus often went off alone to pray.  But, he also knew there were times to be with others. Even during times like Passover, when the temple would be crowded, Jesus was there.  Don't avoid spending time with others - Jesus didn't.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Saving the Best for Last


Do you sometimes feel like your best days are behind you?  Let it go.  The God who chose you to be his child before the creation of the universe is not finished with you. You've got great days ahead of you! Rejoice and be glad!

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Invited


A wedding. 

The glorious celebration of two become one.

Jesus was invited.

Was he invited to yours?

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

It IS True


Have you ever had a time when you just didn't want to believe something? A time when your doubt or cynicism holds you back from believing? Maybe a gossip has told you something about a friend that can't possibly be true. Maybe you've heard someone else did something and you think there's no possible way they could have played lied that off.

That's where Nathanael was when he was confronted with Jesus.  But Jesus has quickly and easily dispelled his doubt and cynicism. Nathanael joyfully let go and embraced the truth. Will you?

Monday, January 11, 2016

Follow Me


Follow me is such a common refrain today. Follow me on Instagram. Follow me on Twitter.

We want to,have followers. We want to be significant. We want others to think we are important when we ask them to follow us.

On social media, you don't need to do anything other than click to follow somebody. Just click and then you will be able to see everything they do or say.  All without leaving the comfort of your smartphone.

That's not what Jesus was looking for. When he asks you to follow him, it is because he thinks you are important. You must leave the comfort of your smartphone and be willing to give up everything to follow him. When he asks you to follow him, it's not because he wants one more follower, it's because he wants you!

Friday, January 8, 2016

Finding but not keeping


If you have found Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, do you keep Him to yourself?

Go and share Him with your friends and family.

Let those you love so dearly know of the incredible love of Christ!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Expecting


John the Baptist announced Jesus' coming. 

But, Jesus' public ministry had not started yet. 

No disciples.

No sermons.

No miracles.

Jesus had not done anything... yet.

John knew what Jesus was going to do. He knew the promises and he believed them.

Are you waiting for God to work in your life?

Trust His word.

Trust His promises.

Trust that He causes all things to work together for the good of hose who love Him and are called according to His purposes.  Even if you haven't seen it happen... yet.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Humility


Are you humble?

Do you consider others better than yourself?

How far would you stoop to help someone else?

John was humble before Jesus.

Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross for us.

Are you humble?

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Who Are You?


Who are you?

Woman? Daughter? Wife? Mother? Business woman? Student?

The answers are myriad.

Do people look at your life and see Christ?

Or do they see the many hats you wear - one of which is Christian?

Who, dear reader, are you?

Monday, January 4, 2016

Moving In


Do you have visitors coming? Are they staying with you or will they be staying nearby? How long will they be staying?

It may be that if your visitors are staying nearby, you won't actually see much of them during their visit. You'll go about your life as if they aren't even here.

Jesus came not just for a visit. He came to reside with us.  He won't just be nearby, he will be with us. Spend time with him. Enjoy his presence. Le him affect your life.

Friday, January 1, 2016

The Light


Happy New Year!

When looking back on the year that just finished, it may seem like there was a lot of darkness.

The way things are going, it may seem like there's a lot of darkness ahead.

But fret not.  

The light shines on!

Darkness has not mastered it!

Darkness WILL NOT master it.

THE LIGHT will shine on!