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Showing posts from June, 2023

From Mourning to Faith

Summer in John Day 22 Read Scripture Here  🌞 Today's passage takes us on a journey from grief and mourning to faith and hope as we witness the extraordinary resurrection of Lazarus. Throughout the passage, we uncover a powerful lesson about the sovereignty of Christ, the significance of faith, and the promise of eternal life.  Let's dive in... 1. The Compassion of Jesus: In this passage, we witness Jesus' deep compassion for Mary and Martha as they mourn the death of their brother, Lazarus. Jesus Himself, moved by their sorrow, weeps alongside them. This poignant display of empathy reminds us that our Savior understands our pain and stands by our side in our darkest moments. It is comforting to know that Jesus is not distant or indifferent but actively cares for us. 2. The Power of Faith: Mary and Martha's faith in Jesus is tested when He arrives at Lazarus' tomb, four days after his burial. Martha expresses her belief that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus' d...

Summer in John: The Resurrection and the Life

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Summer in John Day Twenty One Read Scripture Here "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." John 11:25 👉🏻 In John 11:1-28, we witness the powerful account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This miraculous event not only displays Jesus' authority over death but also reveals profound truths about His identity and the promise of eternal life. Let us explore this passage and draw inspiration from the spiritual lessons it holds for us. A Cry for Help: 🟠 Jesus receives news that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. Despite their close relationship, Jesus intentionally delays His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die. This delay serves a greater purpose: to demonstrate God's glory through the resurrection of Lazarus. ➡️ At times, we may find ourselves in situations where we cry out to Jesus for help, longing for His intervention. Yet, His timing may not align with our expectations. In those moments...

Summer in John: The Gift of Eternal Liffe

Summer in John Day Twenty Read Scripture Here "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:28 👉🏻 In John 10:22-42, we find Jesus engaged in a discussion with the Jewish leaders in the temple. This passage explores the theme of Jesus' identity as the Messiah and His offer of eternal life to those who believe in Him.  Let us dive into the significance of this conversation and reflect on the profound gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Seeking Assurance: 🟠 The Jewish leaders approach Jesus and demand that He plainly state whether He is the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. They are looking for a clear answer to their doubts and uncertainties. Jesus, in response, reminds them of the works He has done in His Father's name, pointing to the evidence of His divine identity. ➡️ Like the Jewish leaders, we may also seek assurance in our faith journey. We may have questions or doubts that arise from vario...

Summer In John: The Good Shepherd's Voice

Summer in John Day Nineteen Read Scripture Here "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11 👉🏻 In John 10:1-21, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a beautiful analogy between Himself and the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. This passage reveals His love, care, and sacrifice for His followers. Let us explore the depths of this analogy and reflect on the profound truths it holds for our lives. The Shepherd and His Sheep: 🟠 Jesus begins by describing the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. He explains that the shepherd enters through the gate, calling his sheep by name, and they recognize his voice. The sheep trust the shepherd and follow him because they know he will lead them to green pastures and protect them from danger. ➡️ As followers of Jesus, we are the sheep in His care. He knows us intimately, calling us by name and guiding us along the path of righteousness. When we tune our h...

Summer In John: Blindness and Spiritual Sight

Summer in John Day Eighteen  Read Scripture Here "Jesus said, 'For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.'" (John 9:39) 👉🏻 In John 9:21-41, we witness the continuation of the account of the man born blind. This passage delves deeper into the spiritual implications of the miraculous healing and highlights the contrast between physical sight and spiritual blindness. Let us explore the profound truths conveyed in this passage and apply them to our own lives. Blindness and Spiritual Sight: 🟠 The healed man's parents, when questioned by the Pharisees, affirm their son's identity but fear the repercussions of acknowledging Jesus as the source of his healing. The Pharisees, unable to accept the reality of the miraculous healing, interrogate the man and accuse Jesus of being a sinner. ➡️ Jesus approaches the man and engages in a conversation, revealing Himself as the Son of Man. He contrasts physical ...

Summer in John: Light of Healing

Summer In John Day Seventeen Read Scripture Here "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) 👉🏻 In John 9:1-20, we encounter the powerful story of Jesus healing a man born blind. This miraculous event not only demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power but also serves as a profound illustration of His role as the Light of the world. Let us explore this passage and draw inspiration from the spiritual truths it reveals. The Encounter with Darkness: 🟠 Jesus and His disciples come across a man who was born blind. The disciples inquire about the cause of the man's blindness, questioning whether it was due to his own sin or that of his parents. Jesus responds by stating that the man's blindness was an opportunity for God's works to be displayed. ➡️ In our lives, we may encounter various forms of darkness—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Like the blind man, we may question the reasons behind our struggles and difficulties. However, we c...

Summer in John: Abiding in the Truth

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Summer in John Day Sixteen Read Scripture Here "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:31-32) 👉🏻 In John 8:31-59, Jesus engages in a profound dialogue with the Jews who believed in Him. He speaks about the importance of abiding in His word, the significance of knowing the truth, and ultimately reveals His divine identity. Here are a few things... Abiding in His Word: ⏺ Jesus addresses those who believed in Him, urging them to abide in His word. He sets a condition for true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of remaining connected to His teachings. To abide means to dwell, remain, or continue in something. Jesus calls us to an ongoing, intimate relationship with His word, allowing it to shape and guide our lives. ➡️ As we abide in Jesus' word through reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures, we open ourselves to ...

Jesus the Light of the World

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Summer in John Day 15 Read Scripture Here   "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." -John 8:12 👉🏻 In John 8, we encounter a powerful and transformative encounter between Jesus and a woman caught in adultery. This passage showcases not only the grace and forgiveness of Jesus but also His role as the Light of the world.  Confronted by Darkness: The passage begins with religious leaders bringing a woman caught in the act of adultery before Jesus, seeking to trap Him. In their eyes, this woman was engulfed in darkness, trapped in sin, and deserving of punishment. However, instead of joining in their condemnation, Jesus responds with grace and compassion. He does not deny the reality of sin but offers a way out of darkness into the light. 👉🏻 Like the woman caught in adultery, we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). We too have experienced the weight of darkness in our lives. But...

Summer in John: The Authority of Jesus

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Summer in John Day 14 Read Scripture Here 🌞 In John 7, we find Jesus teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. The people were amazed at His teaching because He spoke with authority and wisdom. Some were puzzled by His origins, questioning how a man from Galilee could possess such knowledge and authority. In the midst of their confusion, Jesus declared His divine origin and the authority of His message. Divine Authority: ➡️ As Jesus spoke, the religious leaders sought to challenge Him, dismissing His teachings as mere opinions. However, Jesus reminded them that His authority came from God the Father. He proclaimed that those who seek to do God's will would understand the origin and truth of His teachings. Jesus' authority was not derived from human wisdom or position; it came directly from the Father. ⏺ As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has the ultimate authority in our lives. His words carry divine weight and can guide us in every aspect....

Summer in John: Divided Opinions & His Perfect Timing

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Summer in John Day 13 Read Scripture Here John 7:17 - "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." 👉🏻 In John 7:1-27, we find Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, where opinions about Him are all over the place. This passage highlights the significance of God's timing and our willingness to align our hearts with His will. 👉🏻 Let's dive into this passage, and explore the wisdom of God's timing and the importance of seeking His will in discerning truth. ⏺ The Timing of God's Wisdom: Jesus' brothers encourage Him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles and publicly reveal Himself. However, Jesus knows that it is not yet the right time. He operates according to God's timing, for He understands that the Father's plan unfolds perfectly . This reminds us that God's wisdom surpasses our own, and we can trust His timing, even when it seems contrary to our desire...