53:10 "Am I Making it Easy for People to Get to Jesus? John 1:19

John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus. The purpose of his ministry was to tell people to repent, be baptized and prepare to receive the Kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus. Let's look in on John the Baptist's encounter with the Jewish leaders as they began to question his authority:

19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”
21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”

“No,” he replied.

“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”

“No.”

22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’

24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?”

26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. John 1: 19-28

WHO ARE YOU? THE JEWISH AUTHORITIES ASKED JOHN THE BAPTIST.

THEY REALLY WANTED TO KNOW WHERE HE GOT THE AUTHORITY TO DO WAHT HE WAS DOING!
Preaching! Telling People to Repent and be Baptized!

They asked: ARE YOU THE MESSIAH?
NO! He said!

ARE YOU ELIJAH! NO!
ARE YOU THAT GREAT PROPHET! NO!

THEN WHO ARE YOU!

I AM THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS-MAKE A STRAIGHT PATH FOR THE LORD!

Application Question:
Am I making a straight path for people to get to the Lord?
Or am I making it difficult for people to see Jesus either because of my lifestyle or my silence.

Prayer: Father thank you for the boldness of John the Baptist who boldly prepared for your arrival. Forgive me for the times when I have misrepresented you and turned people away from Jesus. Let my light shine so brightly that people will see my good works and glorify you!

52:10" Jesus is God's Amazing Grace! John 1:14-18, NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth .John 1:14

15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John 1:14-18, NIV)

Jesus is God's Amazing Grace!

JESUS (The Word) CAME TO LIVE AMONG US!

WE HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE ONE AND ONLY JESUS!

JESUS WAS FULL OF GRACE (God's Unmerited favor)

AND FULL OF TRUTH (God's Written Spoken Word) God cannot Lie

JESUS WAS GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST - THE GREAT PROPHET!

WE HAVE RECEIVED CONTINUAL BLESSINGS FROM THE FULNESS OF JESUS GRACE!
Salvation...Forgiveness...Mercy....Healing...Restoration...Deliverance...

NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN GOD BUT JESUS HAS REVEALED HIM!

I AM AMAZED AT GOD'S AMAZING GRACE!

Now click above and enjoy "Grace" by BeBe abd Cece Winans!

51:10 "The Power to Become a Child of God!" Wow! John 1:6-13, NLT

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12

6there was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:6-12, KJV)

John Bore witness to the Light

Lord I want to be a witness to Jesus - the Light!

The Word did not recognize Jesus - the Light!
He was rejected by His own people!
Don't feel bad when they don't recognize you.
Just continue to bear witness to the Light because...

Everyone who believes Jesus the Light and receives Jesus the Light
has the power to become a son of God!
A Child of God!
Born Again!
Saved from Eternal Damnation and Punishment!
Redeemed from the curse of the law!

Wow! What a privilege!

Thank you Jesus!

Now Click Above and Enjoy "All I Never Need Is Jesus by James Harris!

50:10 "Jesus: My Creator, My Light and My Life" John 1:1-5

Today, I will begin a new series of devotionals in the Gospel of John. This is a wonderful record of Jesus work on earth as recorded by his beloved discipled.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a]
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5

In this passage, Jesus is introduced as "The Word" We learn that the Word (Jesus):
Was in the beginning With God
In fact, He was God.God created everything through Jesus and He gave Life to everything

This same Jesus who is God and created the world and gave life to it, also brought light to the world and the darkness cannot put it out!

This same Jesus who is God and created the world and brought life and light to the world is now my Savior! Hallelujah!

Let's Pray! Lord Jesus! I thank you that you are both my God and My Savior! Thank you for creating me and for bringing your light into my life. Now let me live my life in such a way that people will see my good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
In Jesus Name! Amen!

49:10 Walking Daily in God's Grace and Mercy! Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8 (Amplified)

Grace is defined as God's unmeritied favor. Giving to me blessings that I do not deserve. Mercy is being spared from the judgement we deserve.
As I read this passage:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

I know that the salvation that I enjoy did not come because I deserved it. In fact, because of my sin, I actually deserved death. Because of the fact that Jesus took the punishment I deserved, I was pardoned of my sin and spared punishment. Now that's Mercy! By his Grace, he lavished favor and blessings on me that I do not deserve. He treats me now as if I had never sinned! He does not hold me at arms length and treat me like the pardoned sinner that I am, instead he actually brings me into his heart as a beloved member of the family of God! I am now a son of God and a little brother of Jesus! Now that's Grace! God giving to me, favor that I do not deserve!

So, in answer to the question: How would my life, perspective and attitude be different if I truly walked in the Grace of God? I would daily walk in humility and gratitude as I remembered God's mercy to me. I would grieve when I sinned and quickly run to the cross to ask for forgiveness. I would be more merciful to others extending them grace because of God's mercy and grace to me.

Let's pray: Lord thank you that because of your mercy, you look at me as if I had never sinned. Now, because of your grace, you lavish blessings on me as your beloved son! Help me to never, ever forget your grace and mercy towards me! Forgive for the times when I fail to extend grace to others, forgetting that you love them just as much as you love me.

In Jesus Name! Amen!

48:10 "Walking in Christ's Peace and Grace" II Thess 3:16 and 18

My friend Dante greets everyone with "Grace and Peace" That's actually not a bad greeting! The Apostle Paul used it often as he greeted or said goodbye to the saints. Such was the case in today's passage as he closes out this letter to the Thessalonians. Listen to his closing:

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." II Thessalonians 3:16 and 18

As I reflect on this passage, I have been overwhelmed with the wonderful implications of walking in the Peace and the Grace of Christ! Let's meditate on that for a couple of days and then I'll share more. In the meantime, I want to encourage you to reflect and meditate on these two questions and write down your thoughts:

Walking in Christ's Peace:
Read this verse and reflect on the question that follows:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

Question: How would my life, perspective and attitude be different if I truly walked in Christ's Peace?

Walking in the Grace of God:
Raad this passage and reflect on the question that follows:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Question: How would my life, perspective and attitude be different if I truly walked in the Grace of God?

I will share more of my reflections in the next devotional. In the meantime, I would be glad to hear your reflections.

Enjoy this song entitled "Grace" by BeBe and CeCe Winans

47:10 Don't Enable Lazy and Idle People! II Thess 3:7,10,14-15

The Apostle Paul had some strong words for lazy, idle Christians...people who are able to work but refuse to do so. Instead they mooch off the resources of others who have worked hard. He said that if they do not work that they should not eat!
Here's the passage: "...we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us....For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat..." II Thess 3:7 & 10

Why was Paul so "hard". First of all, the Apostle Paul was discipling a new church of Gentile believers who had just come into the faith. As a minister, he had every right to be provided for by these believers. Instead, he worked with his own hands in order not to burden them, even paying for his own food as he ministred to them! He was trying to set a good example. In the midst of this, they had Christians among them who refused to work and took advantage of the generosity of the saints! Paul didn't tolerate this and laid down the some "tough love"

His desire for the Thessalonians was that they grow into mature, responsible believers with a good reputation in the community. They could not do this as lazy Christians. In fact he says later in that same passage:
"Point out such a person and refuse to subsidize his freeloading...but don't treat him as an enemy. Sit him down and talk about the problem as someone who cares." II Thessalonians 14-15,The Message.

Let's Pray: Father are there areas in my life where I am lazy, unproductive and mooching off of other people? If so, help me to recognize these areas of slackness and become more industrious. Lord, am I enabling lazy people by doing for them what they should be doing for themselves? Help me to challenge them in love so that they can grow up into maturity and responsibility. In Jesus Name! Amen!

46:10 Walk in Love:Stay in Christ! II Thess: 2:1-5

Somebody has offended you, made you mad and you are ready to throw in the towel! Paul and the Thessalonian believers faced the same challenges in this passage:

1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.5May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:1-5

As an Evangelist and an Apostle, Paul suffered much opposition and had many opportunities for discouragement. That's why he asked the saints to pray for him that the Gospel would continue to spread and be received - just as the Thessalonians had received it so gladly! He also prayed for protection against evil men who opposed the Gospel. Paul encouraged them to continue to follow his pastoral direction and prayed that the Lord would direct their hearts into to God's love and into the perseverance of Christ!

When people offend and abuse us, it's easy for relationships to disintegrated into bitterness, division and hatred rather than love. When life get's hard, it's easy to throw in the towel and say "I can't do this Christian thing"! Or to "lay down our religion" get even and pick it up again.

As we continue to share the Gospel with our friends and neighbors, we need to pray for God's protection and the Lord would direct our hearts into the love of Christ! We don't have the human capacity to love people when they abuse us! We want to strike back!

Lord help us to persevere, to stay strong, to stay in faith and not to give up - even when things get tough!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

45:10 "Lord thank you for your Love, Comfort, Hope and Strength!

As my family deals with the unexpected loss of a dear loved one today, I am encouraged by these verses: "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say." II Thess 2:16-17

I am encouraged by the fact that I am loved by God!
His love for me is deep, unchanging and unconditional!

I am encouraged by God's eternal comfort!
It last's forever and does not stop!

I am encouraged by the wonderful hope that we have in Christ!
Regardless to our circumstances, regardless to our pain, there is always reason to hope in Christ!

I am encouraged by the fact that when I am distraught and weak,God strengthens me!
Isaiah 41:10 says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Lord, thank your for your unconditional love, your everlasting comfort, your eternal hope and your strength which is always available. Lord, make this verse very real to me and my family today and in the coming days. Let us know your unconditional love, your everlasting comfort, your eternal hope, your everlasting supply of strength in deep and abiding ways!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Now click to the left and enjoy "He is Our Peace", a song that encourages me in times like these.

44:10 Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

Happy Easter! Christ is Risen from the Dead!

When my grandson was three, he saw Christ "being crucified" in an Easter play! He later told me he was upset because "they killed Jesus". When he was four, he asked: "Grandpa, Why did they kill Jesus? I was not quite prepared for his question so I had to take a minute to ponder: "now what can I say to a four year old that he would understand" Then I came up with a response: "Jesus took our spanking" His face lit up with recognition, spanking was something he understood!

The fact is that Jesus did take the punishment that we deserved! His punishment was much more severe than one we might receive for taking a cookie out of the cookie jar. That's because, our crime was much more severe; our crime deserved death. Since Adam and Eve's original sin, Adam, man has been "born in sin and shaped in iniquity!" Peterson puts it this way "...we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners... and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us..." (Romans 3:22-24, The Message) We were already doomed to a death sentence and were on our way to hell! Then Jesus stepped in and took our punishment on our behalf. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in Him would not die for their sins but would have everlasting life. (paraphrase of John 3:16) THANK GOD FOR JESUS!

So where does Christ's Ressurection come into the picture? Not only did Jesus die for our sins but He also rose from the dead, declaring victory over, death, hell and the grave! He now sits at the right hand of God-awaiting the time when He will come to judge the world and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lord! Because Jesus rose from the dead and will live forever, we can have the assurance that we will rise again (even after we die) and have eternal life. Paul puts it like this in Romans, "so you see, just as death came into the world through a man(adam), now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man (Jesus). 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back." THANK GOD FOR JESUS SACRIFICE!

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Because of His sacrifice, I have escaped a death sentence. Because He arose from the dead. I too will have eternal life and live with Him forever!

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

HAPPY EASTER!