Friday, March 26, 2010

John 16

Today, I am reading John 16. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.


Here is the verse/thought that stood out to me...

John 16

1 I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.


I appreciate the fact that Jesus understands there will be moments when we might want to abandon our faith.


22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.


For us, we rejoice when we discover the truth about Jesus’ death and resurrection. I pray that the joy of that moment is never stolen.


33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.


Again, I appreciate Jesus’ honesty. In terms of our journey as Jesus followers, this might be the most important one we ever encounter. The reality is that we will face some overwhelming, potentially faith-ending challenges on our journey ... when you do, remember that Jesus’ death and resurrection have overcome this world. The phrase I like to use is, “In the end, God wins”.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

John 15

Today, I am reading John 15. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.


Here are the verses/thoughts that stood out to me...

John 15

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.


Beyond saving us, God wants to transform us. Jesus described it here as producing fruit in our lives ... outward demonstrations of an inward change. Paul would later write about this topic and described the fruit as, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23) The key to this transformation is “remaining” in Jesus. The key to “remaining” is learning to trust and obey His teachings more and more every day.


18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.


This is such an important reminder. Your journey with Jesus won’t always be accepted by others with open arms. When that happens, remember that its not about you.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Free* Part 5

This past weekend, we continued the Free* series with a guided prayer experience.


There were a lot of really cool elements to the experience; but one really stood out to me. It was when we talked about “fighting” for the freedom of others. Most of this series has been helping us discover the freedom Jesus came to offer; but freedom like this is too good not to share. So, as in the experience, I would encourage you to take a moment to pray for a friend or a family member or a coworker or a neighbor that has never experienced freedom ... and keep “fighting” for them on a daily basis. Seriously, take a minute and do it right now.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

John 14

Today, I am reading John 14. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.


Here are the verses/thoughts that stood out to me...

John 14

1 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.


Death is a reality; but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming reality or a fearful reality. Jesus offers us a very important promise ... an eternal home with Him in heaven; but it comes with an important requirement ... trust in God and Jesus. If you have never put your trust in Jesus, I would love to talk with you about it. You can email me at jeff@myeastside.cc.


15 If you love me, obey my commandments.


The word “obey” has developed a very negative connotation. We fear it will steal our independence or rob us of some freedom. Jesus’ request is not a response to fear ... it is a response in love. Our obedience to Jesus should flow out of our love for Jesus.


Monday, March 22, 2010

John 13

Today, I am reading John 13. I invite you to open your Bible and read along with me or find it online here.


Here are the verses/thoughts that stood out to me...

John 13

14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.


In the midst of this same moment, Luke writes about an argument the disciples were having, “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.” (Luke 22:24) You can see why Jesus felt the need to provide a visual example of what He wants from us ... service and humility.


34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.


Jesus was raising the stake here. Before, Jesus reiterated God’s command to “‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31, Leviticus 19:18); and now, He is teaching that we should love ... “as I have loved you.” That’s different. My love is corrupted by my selfishness. His love is sacrificial and unconditional.


35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.


It isn’t the number of times we go to church or the number of verses in the Bible we have memorized that prove to the world we are followers of Jesus. It is the way we treat each other. A reminder that actions always speak louder than words.