Chapter 16:
The Holy Spirit is the 3rd Person of the Trinity. He is more than a “Force” to be with you, He is God who lives inside every believer. 12 times in verses 7-15, “he” or “him” is used because the Holy Spirit is a person – not your conscious, not a force, but a person. What are some things he will do? “He will be our Advocate…….. He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment….. He will guide us into all the truth….. He will not speak on his own…..He will speak only what he hears…..He will tell us what is yet to come…..He will glorify Jesus…..He will make know to us stuff from Jesus” And He doesn’t have far to go ‘cause He lives in us!!!
Next, Jesus explains He is leaving to His disciples and how eventually it will lead to joy. I can’t imagine having spent 3 years in intimacy with Jesus (GOD) only to hear He’s gonna’ leave – this must have been heartbreaking and Jesus knew that. So He gives comfort, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Jesus often spoke in parables & stories so that only those who truly wanted to seek Him would understand. BUT someday He will speak plainly & simply to us and we’ll get it – I am TOTALLY looking forward to that day because I’m usually one of the dense ones whom Jesus has to clearly explain things to!
Then Jesus ends with this, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
SO WHAT?!
*Ever called the Holy Spirit an “it”? Yeah, me too. We must remember HE is a REAL person who REALLY lives inside every believer! So next time you feel outnumbered, under educated or unqualified, remember God is in you and one plus God is always a majority!
*Right now, if you’re a believer, Jesus is getting a room in heaven ready for you and me. Until then, he wants us to, by His Holy Spirit’s strength, live a fruitful & meaningful life for Him! Take some time today and write down what your weekly schedule looks like and then ask: “Lord, how can I organize my life so You can spend my time, talents and treasure for You, not me?” (Thanks D-Gray for this one!)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
John 15 DEVO: Jesus – The True Vine
Chapter 15:
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Resurrection and The Life, The Way, The Truth and The Life, and here in chapter 15, The True Vine (Yep - 20:31 again!).
This is an amazing chapter that uses a vine metaphor to explain a believer’s connectedness to Jesus & how their fruitfulness is directly related. Jesus is The Vine, God is the Gardener and true believers are the branches. Basically here’s the deal – those not connected (dead, fruitless branches), God cuts off, even throws into the fire (an illusion to judgment). And those who are connected (live branches), He prunes so they will produce even more. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Those not connected to the LIFE in the Vine are dead and dying and can’t do a thing. “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Jesus goes on to explain how this looks: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love……..Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends………..I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit………Love each other.”
To finish the chapter, Jesus explains to His disciples that they will be hated! They hated & persecuted Jesus and the world will do the same to His followers. “Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.” Why? Because Jesus IS God! But take courage, God is sending His Advocate, The Holy Spirit to those who hate us to testify about Jesus! Kinda’ like a big brother who sticks up for his siblings!
SO WHAT?!
*Ok, so I’ll ask the obvious, are you connected with Jesus? I’m not talking about knowing things about Him, or going to church or being involved in your student ministry. A relationship with Jesus begins by acknowledging you’re a sinner & that can’t make yourself right with God. But by grace through faith, you believe Jesus took the penalty for your sins when He gave His life on the cross and you received that free gift of forgiveness. THEN you become connected forever. If you haven’t yet – believe & receive today! If you have already – whoohoo – let’s be producin’ fruit for Him!
*Pruning hurts. The stuff God allows us to go thru is pruning in our lives is His pruning. This is done NOT to pick on us but to make us more fruitful for Him! Is there anything you are going through right now where you think God is being unkind? Spend some time in prayer asking God to give you strength and to help you see what He is doing. Most likely, He is preparing you for even greater things!
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Resurrection and The Life, The Way, The Truth and The Life, and here in chapter 15, The True Vine (Yep - 20:31 again!).
This is an amazing chapter that uses a vine metaphor to explain a believer’s connectedness to Jesus & how their fruitfulness is directly related. Jesus is The Vine, God is the Gardener and true believers are the branches. Basically here’s the deal – those not connected (dead, fruitless branches), God cuts off, even throws into the fire (an illusion to judgment). And those who are connected (live branches), He prunes so they will produce even more. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Those not connected to the LIFE in the Vine are dead and dying and can’t do a thing. “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Jesus goes on to explain how this looks: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love……..Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends………..I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit………Love each other.”
To finish the chapter, Jesus explains to His disciples that they will be hated! They hated & persecuted Jesus and the world will do the same to His followers. “Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.” Why? Because Jesus IS God! But take courage, God is sending His Advocate, The Holy Spirit to those who hate us to testify about Jesus! Kinda’ like a big brother who sticks up for his siblings!
SO WHAT?!
*Ok, so I’ll ask the obvious, are you connected with Jesus? I’m not talking about knowing things about Him, or going to church or being involved in your student ministry. A relationship with Jesus begins by acknowledging you’re a sinner & that can’t make yourself right with God. But by grace through faith, you believe Jesus took the penalty for your sins when He gave His life on the cross and you received that free gift of forgiveness. THEN you become connected forever. If you haven’t yet – believe & receive today! If you have already – whoohoo – let’s be producin’ fruit for Him!
*Pruning hurts. The stuff God allows us to go thru is pruning in our lives is His pruning. This is done NOT to pick on us but to make us more fruitful for Him! Is there anything you are going through right now where you think God is being unkind? Spend some time in prayer asking God to give you strength and to help you see what He is doing. Most likely, He is preparing you for even greater things!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
John 14 DEVO: Jesus – The Way, The Truth & The Life
Chapter 14:
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Resurrection and The Life, and here in chapter 14, The Way, The Truth and The Life (Again 20:31!).
The news of the previous chapter had made the disciples anxious. And since Jesus is the Good Shepherd, He gives them comfort, both in the future, because he’s gonna come back for them (1-14), and in the present, by giving them His Holy Spirit (15-31).
God’s house apparently has many rooms and Jesus is going there to prepare the ones for His kids. (I remember preparing rooms for each of our kids before they came into this world it was fun!) The disciples don’t get it (again) or how they would get there, so Jesus tells them “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In doing so, Jesus is claiming the authority to determine who comes and how one gets to heaven. Yep – He said He is THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life. In other words, heaven is MY home, I determine who comes there and if you know God you know Me ‘cause we’re one and the same!
Then Jesus says He is going to give believers an advocate, a representative for us – “The Spirit of Truth.” This Holy Spirit will live in us and be with those who are His! And how does Jesus describe those who are His? ”If you love me, keep my commands…… Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me….. Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” And again, Jesus sets the example, “I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”
SO WHAT?!
*I remember my dad telling me about Chicago when I was a kid and then one day taking me there and it was as great as he told me it was! The Bible gives us glimpses of what heaven will be like and some day Jesus is gonna’ come back and take His kids there and it’s gonna’ be great! Are you excited? We should be!
*The way to heaven is exclusive: One Way = Through Jesus! There can’t be many ways. Allah, Buddha, Joseph Smith or even your friends may say their ways lead to God but that would go directly against the words of Jesus in verse 6. Why only one way? Read 20:31 again and you’ll see.
*The Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter. Jesus wanted us to have peace about our future because of what He did for us so He put Comfort inside each believer – how cool is that!?~ “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Resurrection and The Life, and here in chapter 14, The Way, The Truth and The Life (Again 20:31!).
The news of the previous chapter had made the disciples anxious. And since Jesus is the Good Shepherd, He gives them comfort, both in the future, because he’s gonna come back for them (1-14), and in the present, by giving them His Holy Spirit (15-31).
God’s house apparently has many rooms and Jesus is going there to prepare the ones for His kids. (I remember preparing rooms for each of our kids before they came into this world it was fun!) The disciples don’t get it (again) or how they would get there, so Jesus tells them “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In doing so, Jesus is claiming the authority to determine who comes and how one gets to heaven. Yep – He said He is THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life. In other words, heaven is MY home, I determine who comes there and if you know God you know Me ‘cause we’re one and the same!
Then Jesus says He is going to give believers an advocate, a representative for us – “The Spirit of Truth.” This Holy Spirit will live in us and be with those who are His! And how does Jesus describe those who are His? ”If you love me, keep my commands…… Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me….. Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.” And again, Jesus sets the example, “I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”
SO WHAT?!
*I remember my dad telling me about Chicago when I was a kid and then one day taking me there and it was as great as he told me it was! The Bible gives us glimpses of what heaven will be like and some day Jesus is gonna’ come back and take His kids there and it’s gonna’ be great! Are you excited? We should be!
*The way to heaven is exclusive: One Way = Through Jesus! There can’t be many ways. Allah, Buddha, Joseph Smith or even your friends may say their ways lead to God but that would go directly against the words of Jesus in verse 6. Why only one way? Read 20:31 again and you’ll see.
*The Holy Spirit is also called the Comforter. Jesus wanted us to have peace about our future because of what He did for us so He put Comfort inside each believer – how cool is that!?~ “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
John 13 DEVO: Jesus’ Ministry to His Disciples
Chapter 13:
John has been writing and showing that Jesus is the Christ. The first 12 chapters have centered on those who rejected Jesus. Now 13-17 will focus on those who believe in Him, His disciples. Last night, a good friend gave me a great reminder when he said, “Ministry is hard, messy and inconvenient.” This chapter kinda’ goes that way: Ministry (1-20), Pain (21-30), Ministry (31-35), Pain (36-38).
MINISTRY (1-20): Jesus is about to head to the cross. He knew His time was short and yet he wanted one more time with His disciples – Amazing Love! He makes a profound statement: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” How could Jesus love Judas knowing what he would do to Him? Yet, He continued love & offer Judas a chance to repent! Then I thought, how can God love ME knowing how I’ve treated Him?!~ So Jesus serves them by washing their feet – a lowly and humiliating job. Foot-in-mouth Peter tells him no way until Jesus says he can’t go to heaven unless he does. Peter’s reply? “Then wash all of me!” Ya’ gotta’ love His zeal! Why this example? Because “no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” They needed to see servanthood.
PAIN: (21-30): Then the shocking word from their Master: “I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” What amazes me is as they looked around, none of them had a clue to who it was until Jesus revealed it was Judas. This is a good reminder that our outward acts can fool people but never God! Then we read one of the most horrifying lines in the Bible: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” It’s one thing to be demon-possessed, it’s a whole different situation to have Satan Himself enter. How painful it must have been for Jesus to reveal the heart of one He poured 3 years of His life into.
MINISTRY (31-35): “A new command I give you: Love one another.” To love others was not a new command, but to love them sacrificially like Jesus did was revolutionary! To love other this way will bring people to Jesus, unite believers and benefit society as well.
PAIN (36-38): Now it’s Peter’s turn as Jesus tells Him “before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” Judas betrays and now Peter denies – both brought pain to our Savior. But don’t confuse the two, Judas had a heart issue, Peter’s heart was right and he was forgiven!
SO WHAT?!
*Jesus calls all of His kids to serve Him. He set the example. How are you & I involved in regularly serving Jesus? If you’re not, take some time today and ask God How you could be. Maybe check with your pastor or youth pastor and ask them.
*Is there anyone whom you feel as if you’ve let down? Someone to whom you’ve broken a promise? Why not give them a call and ask forgiveness and allow God to heal that hurt?! Restoring relationships is why Jesus came!
* Finally, I’ll end with the words of our Savior in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
John has been writing and showing that Jesus is the Christ. The first 12 chapters have centered on those who rejected Jesus. Now 13-17 will focus on those who believe in Him, His disciples. Last night, a good friend gave me a great reminder when he said, “Ministry is hard, messy and inconvenient.” This chapter kinda’ goes that way: Ministry (1-20), Pain (21-30), Ministry (31-35), Pain (36-38).
MINISTRY (1-20): Jesus is about to head to the cross. He knew His time was short and yet he wanted one more time with His disciples – Amazing Love! He makes a profound statement: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” How could Jesus love Judas knowing what he would do to Him? Yet, He continued love & offer Judas a chance to repent! Then I thought, how can God love ME knowing how I’ve treated Him?!~ So Jesus serves them by washing their feet – a lowly and humiliating job. Foot-in-mouth Peter tells him no way until Jesus says he can’t go to heaven unless he does. Peter’s reply? “Then wash all of me!” Ya’ gotta’ love His zeal! Why this example? Because “no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” They needed to see servanthood.
PAIN: (21-30): Then the shocking word from their Master: “I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” What amazes me is as they looked around, none of them had a clue to who it was until Jesus revealed it was Judas. This is a good reminder that our outward acts can fool people but never God! Then we read one of the most horrifying lines in the Bible: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” It’s one thing to be demon-possessed, it’s a whole different situation to have Satan Himself enter. How painful it must have been for Jesus to reveal the heart of one He poured 3 years of His life into.
MINISTRY (31-35): “A new command I give you: Love one another.” To love others was not a new command, but to love them sacrificially like Jesus did was revolutionary! To love other this way will bring people to Jesus, unite believers and benefit society as well.
PAIN (36-38): Now it’s Peter’s turn as Jesus tells Him “before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” Judas betrays and now Peter denies – both brought pain to our Savior. But don’t confuse the two, Judas had a heart issue, Peter’s heart was right and he was forgiven!
SO WHAT?!
*Jesus calls all of His kids to serve Him. He set the example. How are you & I involved in regularly serving Jesus? If you’re not, take some time today and ask God How you could be. Maybe check with your pastor or youth pastor and ask them.
*Is there anyone whom you feel as if you’ve let down? Someone to whom you’ve broken a promise? Why not give them a call and ask forgiveness and allow God to heal that hurt?! Restoring relationships is why Jesus came!
* Finally, I’ll end with the words of our Savior in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
John 12 DEVO: Love & Hate, Belief & Rejection
Chapter 12:
The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, brought mixed reactions in Jesus’ day and still brings those mixed reactions today! Here are a few in this chapter:
LOVE: Mary pouring out a years wages worth of perfume on Jesus.
HATE: Judas’ reaction towards Mary “wasting” the perfume. The chief priests planning to kill both Jesus & Lazarus.
BELIEF: “Many of the Jews were going over to Jesus & believing in Him.”
REJECTION: The Pharisees upset that the “whole world has gone after Him.”
LOVE: Jesus’ sacrifice – “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
REJECTION: When hearing God’s voice, instead of worshipping said “it had thundered.” And “Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.”
BELIEF: “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.”
Jesus finishes up with these words: “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
SO WHAT?!
*What is your reaction to the Gospel? The good news begins with bad news: You & I are sinners that DESREVE eternal punishment in hell forever for our sins against a Holy God. Do you agree with this? We must if we believe in the good news of the good news – that Jesus took MY penalty for MY sins when he gave His life in MY place. So, we either believe & receive eternal life or reject & expect eternal punishment. The choice is ours.
*If you have believed & received, Ephesians 5:8 says “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Does your life shine the Light of Jesus or do you still love dark living? God help us to Live in Your Light!
The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, brought mixed reactions in Jesus’ day and still brings those mixed reactions today! Here are a few in this chapter:
LOVE: Mary pouring out a years wages worth of perfume on Jesus.
HATE: Judas’ reaction towards Mary “wasting” the perfume. The chief priests planning to kill both Jesus & Lazarus.
BELIEF: “Many of the Jews were going over to Jesus & believing in Him.”
REJECTION: The Pharisees upset that the “whole world has gone after Him.”
LOVE: Jesus’ sacrifice – “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
REJECTION: When hearing God’s voice, instead of worshipping said “it had thundered.” And “Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.”
BELIEF: “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.”
Jesus finishes up with these words: “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
SO WHAT?!
*What is your reaction to the Gospel? The good news begins with bad news: You & I are sinners that DESREVE eternal punishment in hell forever for our sins against a Holy God. Do you agree with this? We must if we believe in the good news of the good news – that Jesus took MY penalty for MY sins when he gave His life in MY place. So, we either believe & receive eternal life or reject & expect eternal punishment. The choice is ours.
*If you have believed & received, Ephesians 5:8 says “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Does your life shine the Light of Jesus or do you still love dark living? God help us to Live in Your Light!
Monday, November 8, 2010
50 Things I Love About Jean!
'Tis the season of Gratitude!
I was challenged this past week to make a list of 25 things I appreciate about my wife. As I started to list them, I couldn't stop at 25. And since I'm always up for a challenge, here are my first 50!
50 Ways to Love Your Lover...
Babe - You're the Best because...
1. You love the Lord Jesus Christ!
2. You love me and have stuck with me since July 27th 1990!
3. You love Drew & Jessica!
4. You desire to be the best mom you can to both Drew & Jessica.
5. You make me absolutely PROUD to be your husband!
6. When you hold me I feel 100% at peace.
7. You have a sensitive spirit towards the hurting, the bummed and the outcasts.
8. Your smile – I love to see it and see it often!
9. Your willingness to manage the finances and with excellence!
10. You have mad organization skills! Your keeping of records and filing have paid off tons already.
11. You forgive me – 700 x 7……….…this is NOT a misprint!
12. You have been a faithful and supportive youth pastor’s wife!
13. Your emphasis on family.
14. You work REALLY hard all day long - not a lazy, bon-bon eating girl……ok, maybe chocolate!
15. You didn’t marry me for my money but for my love for you and Jesus.
16. For making our home a safe place to be.
17. You truly compliment my weak areas – and there’s a lot of them.
18. Your Bible is your guide for life and you look there for answers, comfort & encouragement.
19. The MANY sacrifices you have made for God, for me and for our family!
20. For knowing me – you truly do.
21. The traditions you work at making with our family.
22. You challenge me in my walk with Jesus.
23. You ask me about my day.
24. You always have a way of surprising me with your comments!
25. You never give up! A Freund value.
26. Your curves! You have taken care of yourself physically & you’re still my Babe!
27. Carrying Drew & Jessica for 9 months each and all that your body had to endure during those times.
28. Your cooking – even though I don’t tell you enough.
29. You still have spunk – and I love it!
30. Your cleaning – seriously, I like a clean house & it would be rough being married to a slob.
31. You let me know when you’re upset at me and why. Honestly, I’d hate to have to guess!
32. You make our house a home – you so added color to my black & white lifestyle.
33. You knew you were marrying a nerd and did it anyway.
34. You stick up for me & don’t allow people to speak bad of me – Always & Everywhere!
35. You value people over stuff and it shows every day!
36. The amount of time you spend helping Drew is phenomenal – and needed! You’re the best!
37. For decorating our home with cutsie stuff every season. I’m a guy and I just said this.
38. You never speak bad about me in public.
39. You’re a GREAT lover!
40. Loyalty is one of your best qualities.
41. You still laugh at my corny jokes & comments.
42. You have opened up your home to hundreds of students & families, still do weekly and are an amazing hostess.
43. The way you make birthdays & Christmas special for our family.
44. Your laugh is the best – and I love to hear it!
45. You are an incredible steward of the finances God has entrusted to us. You more than double & triple our ability to use His money!
46. You have always accepted & loved my side of the family.
47. You still go on dates with me and you still hold my hand when we do!
48. Who you ARE is what I love about you more that what you do.
49. You always make sure I look ok before I leave home ☺
50. YOU are the reason that God has allowed me 20+ years of impactful ministry in Katy!
So ok guys - why not sit down and make a list and give them to YOUR wife to let her know how much you appreciate ALL she IS and DOES!~ You'll be glad you did!
I was challenged this past week to make a list of 25 things I appreciate about my wife. As I started to list them, I couldn't stop at 25. And since I'm always up for a challenge, here are my first 50!
50 Ways to Love Your Lover...
Babe - You're the Best because...
1. You love the Lord Jesus Christ!
2. You love me and have stuck with me since July 27th 1990!
3. You love Drew & Jessica!
4. You desire to be the best mom you can to both Drew & Jessica.
5. You make me absolutely PROUD to be your husband!
6. When you hold me I feel 100% at peace.
7. You have a sensitive spirit towards the hurting, the bummed and the outcasts.
8. Your smile – I love to see it and see it often!
9. Your willingness to manage the finances and with excellence!
10. You have mad organization skills! Your keeping of records and filing have paid off tons already.
11. You forgive me – 700 x 7……….…this is NOT a misprint!
12. You have been a faithful and supportive youth pastor’s wife!
13. Your emphasis on family.
14. You work REALLY hard all day long - not a lazy, bon-bon eating girl……ok, maybe chocolate!
15. You didn’t marry me for my money but for my love for you and Jesus.
16. For making our home a safe place to be.
17. You truly compliment my weak areas – and there’s a lot of them.
18. Your Bible is your guide for life and you look there for answers, comfort & encouragement.
19. The MANY sacrifices you have made for God, for me and for our family!
20. For knowing me – you truly do.
21. The traditions you work at making with our family.
22. You challenge me in my walk with Jesus.
23. You ask me about my day.
24. You always have a way of surprising me with your comments!
25. You never give up! A Freund value.
26. Your curves! You have taken care of yourself physically & you’re still my Babe!
27. Carrying Drew & Jessica for 9 months each and all that your body had to endure during those times.
28. Your cooking – even though I don’t tell you enough.
29. You still have spunk – and I love it!
30. Your cleaning – seriously, I like a clean house & it would be rough being married to a slob.
31. You let me know when you’re upset at me and why. Honestly, I’d hate to have to guess!
32. You make our house a home – you so added color to my black & white lifestyle.
33. You knew you were marrying a nerd and did it anyway.
34. You stick up for me & don’t allow people to speak bad of me – Always & Everywhere!
35. You value people over stuff and it shows every day!
36. The amount of time you spend helping Drew is phenomenal – and needed! You’re the best!
37. For decorating our home with cutsie stuff every season. I’m a guy and I just said this.
38. You never speak bad about me in public.
39. You’re a GREAT lover!
40. Loyalty is one of your best qualities.
41. You still laugh at my corny jokes & comments.
42. You have opened up your home to hundreds of students & families, still do weekly and are an amazing hostess.
43. The way you make birthdays & Christmas special for our family.
44. Your laugh is the best – and I love to hear it!
45. You are an incredible steward of the finances God has entrusted to us. You more than double & triple our ability to use His money!
46. You have always accepted & loved my side of the family.
47. You still go on dates with me and you still hold my hand when we do!
48. Who you ARE is what I love about you more that what you do.
49. You always make sure I look ok before I leave home ☺
50. YOU are the reason that God has allowed me 20+ years of impactful ministry in Katy!
So ok guys - why not sit down and make a list and give them to YOUR wife to let her know how much you appreciate ALL she IS and DOES!~ You'll be glad you did!
John 11 DEVO: Jesus – The Resurrection and The Life
Chapter 11:
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Good Shepherd and in chapter 11, The Resurrection and The Life! (Again 20:31!)
Imagine getting word that your closest friend is dying and is going to die, and you’re not gonna’ be there. That’s just the situation Jesus was in. He loved Lazarus & his family. So he tells his disciples that He, and they, are going back to see Lazarus. The disciples are scared because last time there the Jews tried to stone Jesus. He assures them that God will be with Him as long as He is doing His Father’s will (9-10). Then Jesus has to explain to his dense disciples (likewise with me) that Lazarus has died and He is going to resurrect him. And why? 20:31 again: “so that you may believe.”
Up to this point, 6 miracles have been presented but NONE of them compare to raising Lazarus from the dead! Jesus arrives and Martha tells Jesus “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus tells her Lazarus will rise but she’s thinking the last day and Jesus is thinking TODAY! Then comes one of the most powerful statement ever by our Lord, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God…” (20:31 again). She then takes Jesus to Lazarus. Looking at His friend causes Jesus to cry. Then Jesus tells Lazarus to come out of the tomb AND HE DOES! There’s a first – an obedient dead man!
What was the result of this? It caused the Holy Heavies to get ticked because people were following Jesus and not them! From that day forward they plotted to arrest & kill Him!
SO WHAT?!
*What makes Christianity the ONLY way and the RIGHT way? The fact that Jesus is ALIVE! The leaders of all other religions – Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Buddha, Allah, etc… are ALL DEAD. Jesus is alive! We serve a RISEN Savior who is with us today and every day – what a huge reminder!
*And hey, if God can cause a dead man to obey Him, he can help us to do the same. Lord help us to obey YOU and not our own selfish desires!
Jesus is God – The Living Water, The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Healer of Blindness, The Good Shepherd and in chapter 11, The Resurrection and The Life! (Again 20:31!)
Imagine getting word that your closest friend is dying and is going to die, and you’re not gonna’ be there. That’s just the situation Jesus was in. He loved Lazarus & his family. So he tells his disciples that He, and they, are going back to see Lazarus. The disciples are scared because last time there the Jews tried to stone Jesus. He assures them that God will be with Him as long as He is doing His Father’s will (9-10). Then Jesus has to explain to his dense disciples (likewise with me) that Lazarus has died and He is going to resurrect him. And why? 20:31 again: “so that you may believe.”
Up to this point, 6 miracles have been presented but NONE of them compare to raising Lazarus from the dead! Jesus arrives and Martha tells Jesus “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus tells her Lazarus will rise but she’s thinking the last day and Jesus is thinking TODAY! Then comes one of the most powerful statement ever by our Lord, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God…” (20:31 again). She then takes Jesus to Lazarus. Looking at His friend causes Jesus to cry. Then Jesus tells Lazarus to come out of the tomb AND HE DOES! There’s a first – an obedient dead man!
What was the result of this? It caused the Holy Heavies to get ticked because people were following Jesus and not them! From that day forward they plotted to arrest & kill Him!
SO WHAT?!
*What makes Christianity the ONLY way and the RIGHT way? The fact that Jesus is ALIVE! The leaders of all other religions – Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Buddha, Allah, etc… are ALL DEAD. Jesus is alive! We serve a RISEN Savior who is with us today and every day – what a huge reminder!
*And hey, if God can cause a dead man to obey Him, he can help us to do the same. Lord help us to obey YOU and not our own selfish desires!
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