Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 506 - 513
November 8, 2023
Week 506
John 6:29
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The Work
For many of us we work, to make a living no matter what our vocation is, retired, or something similar, many of us do something to earn a living. This is the mindset of many people to earn/gain something you have to put the work in. This idea and thought process goes back far enough even to the people in our text tonight, from John 6:28-29:
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
When I was younger my mom taught me this principle, if you want to earn/gain something you have to work for it. My mom taught me this not with words but actions, as I saw mom do so much as a single parent to support mom's 5 kids. Well in the verse above we see that the people during this time followed this same principle. In the verses above Jesus spoke to them and told them, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (v.27). The people understood this as the need to do something as their response was "what must we do to do the works of God" (v.28)
Jesus changes this principle as to what He is referring to here as the works of God, and instead of actually "doing work..." Jesus said that the work of God is "to believe in the one he has sent.”. This is not a call to do something, but the work is to believe. Pondering this it comes to mean that ultimately one must believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This is what sets Christians apart from other religions of the world. To be saved it calls to believe, not to do, but believe in what was already done for us, through Jesus Christ to earn salvation.
As a Christian are you struggling because you are striving to understand the works of God? If so understand that though our faith is based on evidence there will come a time when all of the measures we have done to understand must conclude in believing in Jesus, the One God has sent.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One God sent
Maryanne J. George - Not My Home (From The Original Motion Picture After Death) (Official Video)
Week 506
John 6:29
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The Work
For many of us we work, to make a living no matter what our vocation is, retired, or something similar, many of us do something to earn a living. This is the mindset of many people to earn/gain something you have to put the work in. This idea and thought process goes back far enough even to the people in our text tonight, from John 6:28-29:
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
When I was younger my mom taught me this principle, if you want to earn/gain something you have to work for it. My mom taught me this not with words but actions, as I saw mom do so much as a single parent to support mom's 5 kids. Well in the verse above we see that the people during this time followed this same principle. In the verses above Jesus spoke to them and told them, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (v.27). The people understood this as the need to do something as their response was "what must we do to do the works of God" (v.28)
Jesus changes this principle as to what He is referring to here as the works of God, and instead of actually "doing work..." Jesus said that the work of God is "to believe in the one he has sent.”. This is not a call to do something, but the work is to believe. Pondering this it comes to mean that ultimately one must believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This is what sets Christians apart from other religions of the world. To be saved it calls to believe, not to do, but believe in what was already done for us, through Jesus Christ to earn salvation.
As a Christian are you struggling because you are striving to understand the works of God? If so understand that though our faith is based on evidence there will come a time when all of the measures we have done to understand must conclude in believing in Jesus, the One God has sent.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One God sent
Maryanne J. George - Not My Home (From The Original Motion Picture After Death) (Official Video)
November 15, 2023
Week 507
John 6:47-48
47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.
Truly Living
Last week we talked about what the work of God is and that is to believe in Jesus. This week we expand upon this and talk about the results of believing in Jesus. When I was younger a mindset that I had and a prayer I always spoke, to the Lord was to not let my mom pass from this life. Ten years ago when my mom did pass I was upset and will say angry at the Lord. However, there is something I did not truly know, what truly living was. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 6:47-48:
47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.
Many of us have loved ones, that we cannot or maybe we have not even thought about how life would be here on earth without them. We may think I cannot go on living if this person left this life, and that I would be lost. My mom for me was that person, my mom raised me and took care of me, shielding me from many things in life, but also letting me go out into the world and be who I am. Even when I did my adoration and love for mom remained, and I always remembered to call my mom twice a day.
However, as I bring into remembrance my prayer to the Lord, I realize after my mom passed that living, truly living requires passing from this life to eternal life. This eternal life is given to the one who truly believes in Jesus, for He is everything in life, He is the bread of life.
Today if you have lost someone, let these words offer some console that truly living is knowing Jesus, for when this life passes we enter eternal life, and this is true life, where there will be no more death (Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”)
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is the Bread of Life.
Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas w/ 32 fingers and 8 thumbs) - The Piano Guys
Week 507
John 6:47-48
47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.
Truly Living
Last week we talked about what the work of God is and that is to believe in Jesus. This week we expand upon this and talk about the results of believing in Jesus. When I was younger a mindset that I had and a prayer I always spoke, to the Lord was to not let my mom pass from this life. Ten years ago when my mom did pass I was upset and will say angry at the Lord. However, there is something I did not truly know, what truly living was. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 6:47-48:
47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.
Many of us have loved ones, that we cannot or maybe we have not even thought about how life would be here on earth without them. We may think I cannot go on living if this person left this life, and that I would be lost. My mom for me was that person, my mom raised me and took care of me, shielding me from many things in life, but also letting me go out into the world and be who I am. Even when I did my adoration and love for mom remained, and I always remembered to call my mom twice a day.
However, as I bring into remembrance my prayer to the Lord, I realize after my mom passed that living, truly living requires passing from this life to eternal life. This eternal life is given to the one who truly believes in Jesus, for He is everything in life, He is the bread of life.
Today if you have lost someone, let these words offer some console that truly living is knowing Jesus, for when this life passes we enter eternal life, and this is true life, where there will be no more death (Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”)
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is the Bread of Life.
Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas w/ 32 fingers and 8 thumbs) - The Piano Guys
November 22, 2023
Week 508
Jesus Teaches At The Festival
John 7:14
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Appearances
When I was younger I was that person who would always get picked on a lot. I know one reason for this is that I was short, skinny, and different than everyone else.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 7:14:
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Jesus arrived at a festival and started teaching, when He started teaching people seemed both amazed and confused. When I was growing up my mom taught me about Jesus and led me to Him. My mom taught me that if people don't like you they do not like Jesus (John 15:18), as such I always had in mind that I was accepted because Jesus accepted me. In the book of Samuel (1 Samuel 16:7) God told the prophet when he looked at David that He looks at the heart not the outwardly appearance.
Today in life I tend to carry myself in such a way that I like to see a person's inward appearance not the outward, their inward shines them outward. As Christians, keep that on your heart and mind knowing that a person's appearance does not indicate who they are. Trust God in leading into this truth.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who sees us on the inside.
Rend Collective - My Lighthouse (Lyric Video)
Week 508
Jesus Teaches At The Festival
John 7:14
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Appearances
When I was younger I was that person who would always get picked on a lot. I know one reason for this is that I was short, skinny, and different than everyone else.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 7:14:
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Jesus arrived at a festival and started teaching, when He started teaching people seemed both amazed and confused. When I was growing up my mom taught me about Jesus and led me to Him. My mom taught me that if people don't like you they do not like Jesus (John 15:18), as such I always had in mind that I was accepted because Jesus accepted me. In the book of Samuel (1 Samuel 16:7) God told the prophet when he looked at David that He looks at the heart not the outwardly appearance.
Today in life I tend to carry myself in such a way that I like to see a person's inward appearance not the outward, their inward shines them outward. As Christians, keep that on your heart and mind knowing that a person's appearance does not indicate who they are. Trust God in leading into this truth.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who sees us on the inside.
Rend Collective - My Lighthouse (Lyric Video)
November 29, 2023
Week 509
John 8:6-8
6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
Our Hearts
I had a friend over a week ago and we talked about donating some items for kids at a hospital. I mentioned to her that I wanted to be careful and she was wondering why I was being so careful. My friend asked why not to pick out some toys and donate them.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 8:6-8:
6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
When we were kids we did not have a lot, however, during Christmas, a local Church would come over and donate gifts to us, as well as food in the form of snacks. The Church knew my mom and knew us as well, my mom was always appreciative of this.
As I grew older in the last few years since my mom passed away, we started doing the same and something that struck me was this "is this what God really wants me to do?". I know giving is a part of the Christian walk but what I was questioning was my motives, was I doing something because I wanted to appear to be good to other people, or maybe it was for me to feel good?
Examining tonight's verse, Jesus showed the Pharisees that though they caught this woman in adultery which is a sin, their hearts were too, sinful and full of deceit. When Jesus called them out on this, they examined their own hearts and they each began to walk away from condemning this woman.
I mentioned to my friend that I wanted to make sure that my giving was for the right reason, and not because I wanted it to draw attention to myself.
As Christians it is important, to examine our motives, not just in giving but in every part of life. Our motives should be what God calls us to do and not because we want anything for ourselves.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who we live for
Christmas Medley (Jon Schmidt Christmas) The Piano Guys
Week 509
John 8:6-8
6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
Our Hearts
I had a friend over a week ago and we talked about donating some items for kids at a hospital. I mentioned to her that I wanted to be careful and she was wondering why I was being so careful. My friend asked why not to pick out some toys and donate them.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 8:6-8:
6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
When we were kids we did not have a lot, however, during Christmas, a local Church would come over and donate gifts to us, as well as food in the form of snacks. The Church knew my mom and knew us as well, my mom was always appreciative of this.
As I grew older in the last few years since my mom passed away, we started doing the same and something that struck me was this "is this what God really wants me to do?". I know giving is a part of the Christian walk but what I was questioning was my motives, was I doing something because I wanted to appear to be good to other people, or maybe it was for me to feel good?
Examining tonight's verse, Jesus showed the Pharisees that though they caught this woman in adultery which is a sin, their hearts were too, sinful and full of deceit. When Jesus called them out on this, they examined their own hearts and they each began to walk away from condemning this woman.
I mentioned to my friend that I wanted to make sure that my giving was for the right reason, and not because I wanted it to draw attention to myself.
As Christians it is important, to examine our motives, not just in giving but in every part of life. Our motives should be what God calls us to do and not because we want anything for ourselves.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who we live for
Christmas Medley (Jon Schmidt Christmas) The Piano Guys
December 6, 2023
Week 510
John 9:18-19
18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
When Questions Are Acceptable
This morning I went to the Dentist, and there was a new dentist there, she looked at my teeth and after examining them determined I needed to have three fillings done. However before this was accepted by me I recall that I casually asked the doctor while she was looking at the xrays and my teeth, a few questions:
I asked her:
1. When did she start here?
2. When did she graduate?
3. How long has she been practicing
I didn't realize I was doing this, but her answers made me trust a little more in her professional opinion. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 9:18-19:
18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
The context of the verse John 9 is that Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. When people including his neighbors saw this once blind man they were very skeptical, they wondered if this was the same person who had been born blind, and still others just thought no he only looked like that same man (John 9:8-9).
Well later in the passage this man was brought to the Pharisees and they investigated, asking him questions, they still did not believe, so they asked his parents.
When I was younger I would think I could ask my mom questions that required an answer about the Bible. Mom did not always know the answer and advised that I ask the Pastor. When I did ask the pastors they did not always have the answer that was something I could accept. However later in life as I sought more understanding I began to piece the questions I had together to the point where I could accept.
The Bible commands objective testing of our faith (Acts 17:11), however, once our questions are answered acceptable we must get to a point where we can understand and move forward. As Christians we may have questions what we can do is seek the Lord first He will guide our steps and provide answers through many means. One note is that when your questions become acceptable you, must turn and move on in faith as you continue to trust God in all that He does. Know that not all of our questions will ever be 100% answered and that the acceptance of the answer as acceptable is important as you walk in faith.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who provides.
Winter Wind (Steven Sharp Nelson/Christmas Cello) The Piano Guys
Week 510
John 9:18-19
18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
When Questions Are Acceptable
This morning I went to the Dentist, and there was a new dentist there, she looked at my teeth and after examining them determined I needed to have three fillings done. However before this was accepted by me I recall that I casually asked the doctor while she was looking at the xrays and my teeth, a few questions:
I asked her:
1. When did she start here?
2. When did she graduate?
3. How long has she been practicing
I didn't realize I was doing this, but her answers made me trust a little more in her professional opinion. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 9:18-19:
18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
The context of the verse John 9 is that Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth. When people including his neighbors saw this once blind man they were very skeptical, they wondered if this was the same person who had been born blind, and still others just thought no he only looked like that same man (John 9:8-9).
Well later in the passage this man was brought to the Pharisees and they investigated, asking him questions, they still did not believe, so they asked his parents.
When I was younger I would think I could ask my mom questions that required an answer about the Bible. Mom did not always know the answer and advised that I ask the Pastor. When I did ask the pastors they did not always have the answer that was something I could accept. However later in life as I sought more understanding I began to piece the questions I had together to the point where I could accept.
The Bible commands objective testing of our faith (Acts 17:11), however, once our questions are answered acceptable we must get to a point where we can understand and move forward. As Christians we may have questions what we can do is seek the Lord first He will guide our steps and provide answers through many means. One note is that when your questions become acceptable you, must turn and move on in faith as you continue to trust God in all that He does. Know that not all of our questions will ever be 100% answered and that the acceptance of the answer as acceptable is important as you walk in faith.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who provides.
Winter Wind (Steven Sharp Nelson/Christmas Cello) The Piano Guys
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December 13, 2023
Week 511
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Good Enough
With the Christmas season upon us and the weeks of Advent here, one of my favorite things to do is to watch Christmas movies. One of my favorite ones is Pete's Christmas, if you haven't seen it is about a middle kid who gets picked on by the older brother, is teased by the younger, and for Christmas, his parents forget to get him a gift though everyone else does receive a gift.
In tonight's verse we come to the pages of John 10:11, Jesus is speaking and says:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
When I was younger I remember one day I realized that I was the middle kid, I have two older brothers and two younger sisters. Something interesting as I realized this, my mom always seemed to make things special for me, such as my birthday, and I'm not sure if this was because I was the middle kid. However, one thing was for certain I never felt it. As I got older, however, and my faith increased I realized how special I was to Jesus that He would lay His life down for me (us) His sheep. In the movie Pete's Christmas, he seemingly asked himself if he was "good enough". Many of us can relate to this.
Today if you are wondering if you are "good enough" or if your life matters amongst the business and for many the loneliness of the Christmas and Advent season, look to our verse tonight. God, Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, says that you are good enough so much that He laid His life down for you. He is the greatest gift!
Praise God.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who declares us good enough.
Jill Moran - Good Enough - Live @ Witzend (8-28-13)
Week 511
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Good Enough
With the Christmas season upon us and the weeks of Advent here, one of my favorite things to do is to watch Christmas movies. One of my favorite ones is Pete's Christmas, if you haven't seen it is about a middle kid who gets picked on by the older brother, is teased by the younger, and for Christmas, his parents forget to get him a gift though everyone else does receive a gift.
In tonight's verse we come to the pages of John 10:11, Jesus is speaking and says:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
When I was younger I remember one day I realized that I was the middle kid, I have two older brothers and two younger sisters. Something interesting as I realized this, my mom always seemed to make things special for me, such as my birthday, and I'm not sure if this was because I was the middle kid. However, one thing was for certain I never felt it. As I got older, however, and my faith increased I realized how special I was to Jesus that He would lay His life down for me (us) His sheep. In the movie Pete's Christmas, he seemingly asked himself if he was "good enough". Many of us can relate to this.
Today if you are wondering if you are "good enough" or if your life matters amongst the business and for many the loneliness of the Christmas and Advent season, look to our verse tonight. God, Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, says that you are good enough so much that He laid His life down for you. He is the greatest gift!
Praise God.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who declares us good enough.
Jill Moran - Good Enough - Live @ Witzend (8-28-13)
December 20, 2023
Week 512
Christmas Is Not Just A Day
John 11:27
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.
This year so far I have been studying the book of John. One of the things that strikes me is that the people both proponents of and opponents of Jesus started to understand who He is during His earthly ministry. As I was in a meeting today, someone said Merry Christmas, and then proceeded to also wish the other "holidays". This brings to my mind that Christmas is not just a day.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 11:27
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.
The context of this verse is that Mary and Martha's brother Lazarus had passed away. Martha stated that if Jesus had been here this would not have happened, but knew God would give Him whatever He asked (John 11:21-24). Jesus then stated and asked (John 11:25-26):
"25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha replied "Yes Lord..." (John 11:27). The main part is that Martha stated also in the Christmas message "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
When I was younger my mom made Christmas so special for us, with gifts, traditions, and family. etc. However, I grew up and even now think that having a day set aside is the most important thing. The truth however is that it is not. The Christmas message of the Messiah coming into the world should be on our hearts and minds always. Martha realized this and believed in Jesus as the Messiah.
I know many of us who have families, and then many of us are lonely especially this time of the year. The thing however to keep in mind is that the celebration, the true celebration of Jesus is not about the gifts, the traditions, the family time, etc. It is about one thing in the dark world we live in God shined The Greatest Light on it, by coming into this world and saving us from our impending death which is an eternal separation from Him. This is the true meaning of Christmas, this is what we celebrate, not just on December 25th but every day of our lives. Our role is to believe just as Martha did.
Remember this: Amongst others who have families, traditions, and gifts, for some, this is just a day for a true follower of Jesus this is every day.
Praise God.
Merry Christmas always.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the Light of the World
O come, O come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) - The Piano Guys
Week 512
Christmas Is Not Just A Day
John 11:27
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.
This year so far I have been studying the book of John. One of the things that strikes me is that the people both proponents of and opponents of Jesus started to understand who He is during His earthly ministry. As I was in a meeting today, someone said Merry Christmas, and then proceeded to also wish the other "holidays". This brings to my mind that Christmas is not just a day.
In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of John 11:27
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.
The context of this verse is that Mary and Martha's brother Lazarus had passed away. Martha stated that if Jesus had been here this would not have happened, but knew God would give Him whatever He asked (John 11:21-24). Jesus then stated and asked (John 11:25-26):
"25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha replied "Yes Lord..." (John 11:27). The main part is that Martha stated also in the Christmas message "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
When I was younger my mom made Christmas so special for us, with gifts, traditions, and family. etc. However, I grew up and even now think that having a day set aside is the most important thing. The truth however is that it is not. The Christmas message of the Messiah coming into the world should be on our hearts and minds always. Martha realized this and believed in Jesus as the Messiah.
I know many of us who have families, and then many of us are lonely especially this time of the year. The thing however to keep in mind is that the celebration, the true celebration of Jesus is not about the gifts, the traditions, the family time, etc. It is about one thing in the dark world we live in God shined The Greatest Light on it, by coming into this world and saving us from our impending death which is an eternal separation from Him. This is the true meaning of Christmas, this is what we celebrate, not just on December 25th but every day of our lives. Our role is to believe just as Martha did.
Remember this: Amongst others who have families, traditions, and gifts, for some, this is just a day for a true follower of Jesus this is every day.
Praise God.
Merry Christmas always.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the Light of the World
O come, O come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) - The Piano Guys
December 27, 2023
Week 513
New Year, New Understanding
John 12:17-19
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
Well, we are coming to the end of another year, for some, it is met with dread, and for some with excitement. However, let me offer this as a thought, with the New Year, as Christians think about something different, why are you a follower of Jesus? In tonight's verse, we come to John 12:17-19
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
When I was younger I remember how mom would save each week, go to the store, and get groceries for us and though mom at times was very tired and down, each evening, I would see mom's shadow coming down the stairs to make dinner for us.
I love my mom very much and it was out of this love that I did my best to listen, and not be a burden, but was this based on what mom would do for me? Well as I examine this I am reminded of tonight's passage. The people followed Jesus because of what He could do, and in turn perhaps what He could do for them (John 12:18).
It is important to gain a greater understanding as we grow as Christians of the Lord. Are we following Him because of what He could do for us, or do we follow Jesus because we love Him, and want to honor Him?
As the New Year, begins I encourage you to examine why you are a follower of the Lord, is it because of what He can do, or do you love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). If it is because of the former, this may not be genuine this may be more surface level and temporary.
Amongst any dread or excitement you may have, reflect on this in the coming year. Then pray as the new year rings in that your trust in Him, becomes more evident in your life.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who first Loved us
Auld Lang Syne - The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin
Week 513
New Year, New Understanding
John 12:17-19
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
Well, we are coming to the end of another year, for some, it is met with dread, and for some with excitement. However, let me offer this as a thought, with the New Year, as Christians think about something different, why are you a follower of Jesus? In tonight's verse, we come to John 12:17-19
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
When I was younger I remember how mom would save each week, go to the store, and get groceries for us and though mom at times was very tired and down, each evening, I would see mom's shadow coming down the stairs to make dinner for us.
I love my mom very much and it was out of this love that I did my best to listen, and not be a burden, but was this based on what mom would do for me? Well as I examine this I am reminded of tonight's passage. The people followed Jesus because of what He could do, and in turn perhaps what He could do for them (John 12:18).
It is important to gain a greater understanding as we grow as Christians of the Lord. Are we following Him because of what He could do for us, or do we follow Jesus because we love Him, and want to honor Him?
As the New Year, begins I encourage you to examine why you are a follower of the Lord, is it because of what He can do, or do you love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). If it is because of the former, this may not be genuine this may be more surface level and temporary.
Amongst any dread or excitement you may have, reflect on this in the coming year. Then pray as the new year rings in that your trust in Him, becomes more evident in your life.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who first Loved us
Auld Lang Syne - The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin
January 3, 2024
Week 514
Serving Others Opportunity
John 13:4-5
4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
A few years ago I was at Church and was asked to be part of the Welcome Team. On this team, I would direct traffic and welcome people as they attended Church. While I was there, there were Sundays when I would arrive late and when I did I would get a talk from the Welcome Team leader. In tonight's verse, we come to John 13:4-5:
4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
When I was younger my mom taught me through actions to have a servant spirit, mom no matter what would always make dinner for us, go to the grocery store, and when the washing machine broke down every Saturday mom would wash all of our clothes for a year until we could afford to get a new one.
As I got older I in turn made sure mom was taken care of as best I could and so were my siblings. When I am out in the world I look for opportunities that God may present me to serve others. Serving is not limited to what we do at Church.
In these verses above Jesus displays service, He was God and He served His disciples specifically. Subsequently, Jesus served all humankind with His life. This was an act of ultimate service. Therefore, we as Christians are never too big or small to serve wherever we are. Look for God to present opportunities to you.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who first served us.
Be Thou My Vision | Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod
Week 514
Serving Others Opportunity
John 13:4-5
4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
A few years ago I was at Church and was asked to be part of the Welcome Team. On this team, I would direct traffic and welcome people as they attended Church. While I was there, there were Sundays when I would arrive late and when I did I would get a talk from the Welcome Team leader. In tonight's verse, we come to John 13:4-5:
4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
When I was younger my mom taught me through actions to have a servant spirit, mom no matter what would always make dinner for us, go to the grocery store, and when the washing machine broke down every Saturday mom would wash all of our clothes for a year until we could afford to get a new one.
As I got older I in turn made sure mom was taken care of as best I could and so were my siblings. When I am out in the world I look for opportunities that God may present me to serve others. Serving is not limited to what we do at Church.
In these verses above Jesus displays service, He was God and He served His disciples specifically. Subsequently, Jesus served all humankind with His life. This was an act of ultimate service. Therefore, we as Christians are never too big or small to serve wherever we are. Look for God to present opportunities to you.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who first served us.
Be Thou My Vision | Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod
