Category: John

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I AM I Said

Today is a day of victory!

There’s a verse in the psalms that really touches me. It says that God has honored His word above His name. Do you see why we need to be reading His word, meditating on it and making it the final authority in our lives? His word contains the greatness of His name!

We have the written word, and we have been given the living word, Jesus, to change our lives. The name of the Lord represents all of God, who is the I AM, and this verse says He considers His word of greater than His reputation.

“I give you thanks with all my heart. Not to idols, but to you I sing praise. 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your grace and truth; for you have made your word [even] greater than the whole of your reputation.3 When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and strong.” Psalm 138 CJB (Complete Jewish Bible)

When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him to lead His people out of Egypt Moses asked who he should tell the people he was called by. This is what the Lord God said.

” Moses answered, ‘I will tell the people of Israel that the God their ancestors worshiped has sent me to them. But what should I say, if they ask me your name?’

14-15  God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:13-15 CEV

I AM, period. Nothing more needs to be said.

I AM God.

Whoever you think you need – I AM. Wherever you go – I AM the Way. If you are hungry – I AM the bread of life. Are you distressed? I AM peace. If you are sick – I AM the healer and the great physician. If you need answers – I AM truth. Need to know what happens after death – I AM the resurrection and the life.

For whatever situation or challenge that the Israelites were going to face God said, “I AM!” He excluded nothing – I AM.

Now, do you see the importance of Jesus making all those proclamations to the disciples and the multitudes who followed Him? I am the way, the truth, the life; I am the bread of life and the living water; I am the Good Shepherd and the door. I am the resurrection and the life; I am the light of the world.

God has not changed. God’s word has not changed.

In and through His name we have all that we need, we need nothing more because we belong to I AM.

These are some of the final words that Jesus’ disciples heard from Him before He was taken to be crucified.

“ And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. 14 [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].” John 14:13-14 AMP

Jesus told them to pray using His name because it represented all that I AM. They had seen the miracles, witnessed the healings, personally experienced deliverance from the storms. Jesus said ask, using my name and all that I AM.

Our God and heavenly Father is the same. His word is the same. Jesus is the same. This is His name forever and He has given us the right to ask in His name also.

I AM, He said!

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Seek Jesus

This morning started with a song and then a verse. The song: In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, Give me Jesus!

Yes, Father let me see Jesus in His glory and His love. That’s my desire.

Then the verse:

“Turn to the Lord! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near.
7 Give up your evil ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the Lord our God.
He will be merciful and forgive your sins.” Isaiah 55:6-7 CEV

Seek is an old-fashioned word. In this translation they use the word turn, in others they use search. The meaning is the same – look for the Lord.

When we rise each morning, we should be looking for the Lord. Great things happen when we seek Him. Let me give you just a few examples.

Of course, the most publicized seeking came from the wisemen. Their journey of searching lasted months, even possibly a year or two. (Matthew 2)

Nicodemus, the religious leader, came to Jesus at night. He was concerned about his reputation. (John 3 spiritual healing)

The woman who had a blood disorder braved the crowds coming to Jesus. (Mark 5 physical healing)

The man with leprosy did the same thing. (Matthew 8)

Then there was the army officer with the sick servant. (Matthew 8)

Let’s see who else sought to be in the presence of Jesus – the man whose daughter died, the demon possessed(emotional healing), the blind and the lame, those who had all kinds of diseases and sickness. They all came seeking Jesus.

Then one of my favorites is Zaccheaus. (Luke 19 healing from greed and dishonesty)

“Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. 3-4 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree.

5 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.’” Luke 19:1-5 CEV

Not once did Jesus turn any of them away. Not once did he say, “You’re not worth it. Go away you’re bothering me”. Jesus came to “Seek and to save the lost”. Luke 19:10

I hope you are saying with me, “in the morning when I rise, I seek You Jesus”. I can promise that when you seek Him, He will find you and life will never be the same.

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In Times of Trouble

I want to take you back to the words that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, spoke in the book of John.

“ The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

We see destruction and death on a daily basis. What do we do, how do we replace fear with trust in times of trouble?

“ God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-3 NLV

I think of the Israelites when they were escaping Egypt. They were so excited to be leaving a land of bondage and heading toward the land God had promised them. But in short order, fear set in. There was the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army was closing in from behind.

“10 When Pharaoh came near, the people of Israel looked and saw the Egyptians coming after them. And they were filled with fear and cried out to the Lord…13 But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid! Be strong, and see how the Lord will save you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is keep still.’” Exodus 14:10-14 NLV

The recurring theme throughout all the Bible is fear not, be not afraid. Why? How? The Lord will save you! In times of trouble we are never alone; God’s presence is always with us.

“I will give You thanks with all my heart. I will sing praises to You in front of the gods. 2 I will bow down toward Your holy house. And I will give thanks to Your name for Your loving-kindness and Your truth. For You have honored Your Word because of what Your name is. 3 You answered me on the day I called. You gave me strength in my soul.

4 O Lord, all the kings of the earth will give thanks to You when they have heard the words of Your mouth. 5 And they will sing of the ways of the Lord. For the shining beauty of the Lord is great. 6 For even if the Lord is honored, He thinks about those who have no pride. But He knows the proud from far away. 7 Even if I walk into trouble, You will keep my life safe. You will put out Your hand against the anger of those who hate me. And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will finish the work He started for me. O Lord, Your loving-kindness lasts forever. Do not turn away from the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138 NLV

Focusing on God’s goodness, giving thanks, trusting His word builds trust and quiets fear.

The words in verse 7 are very similar to the words in Psalm 23 verse 4.

“Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLV

“ I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

Keeping our hearts strong and free from fear comes when we have hope and know that the Lord is with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

In times of trouble, we put our hope and trust in the Lord.

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It’s All Good

Yesterday I had a regular check up with the doctor. When we came to the end of the exam he said, “It’s all good, I won’t need to see you for another year”. I like those words.

It’s All Good.

Yet, this morning as I sat here thinking about the second part of that phrase “I won’t need to see you for another year” it made me sad. Not sad because I won’t be seeing the doctor, I’m glad of that, but sad because that’s how so many think of their relationship with the Father.

When He walks us through the tough times and we find ourselves on the other side of the adversity some find it easy to go back to their regular routine which doesn’t include as much time with the Lord. It’s that time with the Lord that brings us to the good life.

“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan.” Romans 8:28 ERV

Yesterday I ended with Jesus telling his disciples that He is the good shepherd. Amen!

“The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. 4 When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice…14  I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15  Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep.” John 10:3-4,14-15 CEV 

I love this analogy. Sheep following a shepherd. King David used it as well when he wrote Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lay down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.”

A good shepherd, our Good Shepherd leads us and feeds us. He brings us to a place of rest, and he also cares for us in the presence of our enemies. It’s a daily leading. If sheep are left to themselves in a pasture they will eat the grass to the ground and then colic because they ingest the soil. They need to be led each day, making sure they are still well fed and safe.

“Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands! 9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies. 10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground.” Psalm 143:8-10 ERV

It’s wonderful to know that the Father is there every morning to show us His love. Every morning. He protects and leads. Holy Spirit is a good leader.

I was so pleased to hear my doctor say all is good, I’ll see you next year but I am more delighted to hear my Father say, “all is well and I’m here to show you my faithful love this morning and each day that follows”.

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Oh My Goodness

When I was a girl I got to watch Shirley Temple movies on television. They were such fun and the story lines were always wholesome. I remember hearing her voice her surprise or excitement with the phrase “Oh my goodness”. This was followed by the cutest expression on her face and twinkle in her eyes.

I think God would like to hear us use that expression a little more often.

Oh my – goodness!

We need to be more mindful of the goodness of God in our lives.

The beauty of the sunset, the coolness of the breeze, flowers in bloom, the majesty of a waterfall. Nature points to the eternal goodness of God. His goodness can also be seen in the touch of a friend’s hand, reassuring us that things will be ok, a miraculous recovery or divine intervention in a dangerous situation.

Oh my – The goodness of God.

“ Don’t be fooled, my dear friends. 17 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. 18 He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.” James 1:16-18 CEV

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. We are His children, and He provides for us. Long before these words were written by James, Moses gave this instruction to the Israelites while they were still in the desert.

“He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey! 10 And now, O Lord, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’ Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and bow to the ground in worship before him. 11 Afterward you may go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.” Deuteronomy 26:9-11a NLT

God is a giver of good things. Jesus told us this about the Father’s heart.

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:9-11 NLT

Then Jesus said this about himself.

“I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture.10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:9-11 CEV

God, the Father, wants to be involved in every facet of our lives – spirit, soul and body. He wants us to receive His gift of eternal life. He gives us peace and He provides for us as His children.

Oh my! The goodness of God!!

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A New Start

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently that those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless the beginning has a solid foundation.

Going to take you to two verses this morning.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best was to start this new year is to have God in your beginning!

God the Father and His creative power is here to fill your beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

Oh and one more verse.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God the Holy Spirit has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day!

May your New Year be filled to overflowing the love and peace of God!

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Friendship

This morning, I started reading in I John again. John was one of Jesus closest friends. John had been with Him from the beginning, and it was John that was standing with Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of His cross. He loved Jesus.

In the first few verses of this letter John reveals his purpose for writing it.

“We are telling you what we have seen and heard, so that you may share in this life with us. And we share in it with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing to tell you these things, because this makes us truly happy.” I John 1:3-4 CEV

That’s how I feel each morning when I share my thoughts with you. I write this so that you will be truly happy. The joy found in friendship/relationship with Jesus is indescribable, complete and will sustain us even in the toughest times.

Jesus is the one who invested in us; He’s the one who developed the friendship.

” I no longer call you servants, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. But now I call you friends, because I have told you everything that my Father told me.” John 15:15 ERV

Maybe it’s been a while since you just sat and shared your morning coffee with Him or talked through things that are on your heart but He’s there waiting. Take Him with you on your camping trip, your next ride or hike; let Him go with you wherever that may be.

“ Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 CEV

Jesus wants to be involved in our everyday life. He met people in their routine and made life better.

“Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son. 11 And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.” Romans 5:9-10 CEV

Friendship with the Lord is definitely worth cultivating.

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The Gift Exchange

Yesterday we had a wonderful time with family. All three of our children were here and our three youngest grandchildren were too!

We were missing the older grandchildren, their spouses and our two great grands.

A neighbor came and took some pictures, Dave grilled burgers, and we sat around the fire laughing and loving. It was the best gift exchange ever.

There were no boxes to open. Everyone shared the same gift – the gift of love for family.

Isn’t that what God the Father and Jesus did that first Christmas?

“ God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

God loved and He gave his Son. Jesus loved and He gave his life.

“ Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you were healed. 25 You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” I Peter 2:24-25 ERV

This was an amazing exchange. He took our sins and gave us His life. He took on hell so we could have an eternal home in heaven. He took our grief and carried our sorrows so that we could have His peace and be filled with joy.

“This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him. 10 True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins.” I John 4:9-10 ERV

Let’s not lose sight of the importance of that first, most wonderful, exchange that God initiated on our behalf. He gave what was of greatest value – His Son.

“We love Him because He loved us first.” I John 4:19 NLV

So now let’s exchange gifts with the Father. Let’s give Him our undying love!

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Peace, Wonderful Peace

I want to go back a couple days to the reference I made on Jesus, Prince of Peace. In light of all that is going on around the world today there is definitely a need for the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. 9 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.”

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace!

Notice the words – all of a sudden, brightness flashed and suddenly there were more! This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with angels. That would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

But their message is for us as well. What is it you’re facing – a bad medical report, a failing marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…

Then listen to what Jesus said

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 CEV

and then just a bit later

““I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

and finally one of my favorites

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

This morning as you are looking out on your world, be still and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

The Prince of Peace came to reign in our lives!

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Prince of Peace

15 days to Christmas…shopping, wrapping, baking, cards to write, parties to attend, dinners to cook, family to prepare for and the list goes on.

Are you feeling the faster pace, the hustle and bustle? It’s something I have to resist every year. Time to put the brakes on – slow the roll, take a deep breath, spend a few more minutes in prayer and breathe in peace.

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace. What a wonderful name, what an amazing kingdom to rule – the kingdom of peace.

His path was set, His course was laid hundreds of years before His birth and then it was announced by angels.

“Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 12 There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed.”

13 At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, 14 “Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him.” Luke 2:11-14 NLV

Christ came to bring peace on earth, not the kind of peace we think about with no wars or conflicts but peace with God.

“ Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:10 CEV

This child, the Son of God, came as the Prince of Peace. He’s the one who said “Peace, be still” and the winds and waves ceased. He’s the One who rescued a prostitute from stoning and brought soul peace to a man named Saul, who had been arresting and persecuting Christians.

This Prince of Peace has invited us into His kingdom to experience this amazing peace.

“ I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 CEV

Take a few more moments. Let the peace of God wrap around you like a soft blanket. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and make a silent prayer of Thanksgiving. “Thank you Lord for bringing me to a place of peace with You. Let my heart rest, knowing you are in control of my day and show me how to be an ambassador of peace to others. In Jesus name.”

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