Month: August 2021

The Plan God Doesn’t Want You To Know About

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

8-20 “I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. The world will no longer see me in just a little while, but you’re going to see me because I am alive, and you’re about to come alive. At that moment, you will know absolutely that I’m in my Father, and you’re in me, and I’m in you.

21 “The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.”

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said, “Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?”

23-24 “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word, and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.

-John 14;18-24 The Message.

Verse 18: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Verse 18 study: Jesus meant the words, “I will come to you.” He went to heaven but made sure the Holy Spirit lives in believers

Verse 19: After a little while, the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.

Verse 20: In that day, you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Verse 21: He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.

Verse 19-21 studies: Why do we want to know the future? To prepare? Well, this is one of a few things God doesn’t want us to know about. But, nevertheless, God knows our lot, so we should have faith in him to guide us.

Verse 21 study: How can you prove you love God? Obey him. It shows you are committed to him.

Verse 22: Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?”

Verse 23: Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him

Verse 24: He who does not love Me does not keep My words; the word you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.

Verse 22-23 studies: The disciples found it hard to understand why Jesus didn’t tell the world he is the Messiah, even though they expected Jesus to confirm an early kingdom and overthrow Rome. But a lot didn’t understand Jesus’ message. Since the Pentecost, the gospel of the kingdom was proclaimed in the world, but people are hesitant. So Jesus saved his most profound revelations of himself for those who love and obey him.

Father, I pray for us to be obedient to you. I pray that we can better understand you when we are obedient and faithful to you. Thank you for today’s lesson. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

“The Helper”!

Monday, August 30, 2021

11-14 “Believe me: I am in my Father, and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. Whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.

The Spirit of Truth

15-17 “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another friend to always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you and will even be with you!

-John 14:11-17 The Message.

Verse 11: “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

Verse 12: “Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will also do; and more outstanding works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

Verse 13: Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Verse 12-13 studies: Jesus didn’t want people to grasp that his disciples will do more miracles; he wanted the disciples to work in power with the Holy Spirit to bring the gospel of God’s Kingdom out of Palestine and to the whole world. There is no better miracle than raising the dead.

Verse 14: If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Verse 14 study: Jesus said we can ask for anything. Keep in mind that it has to be aligned with his beliefs and following. We can’t ask for something out of selfish greed and expect him to be the “answer” to it. If it doesn’t align with his beliefs, then you are asking for the wrong reason. See 15:16, 16:28.

Verse 15: If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Verse 16: I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

Verse 15-16 studies: To me, this seems like Jesus already prepared his will. He knows what was going to happen and who will take care of his disciples after leaving Earth. “The Helper” combines the purpose of the Holy Spirit. That is an influential person on our side, constantly working for us. The regenerating power of the Holy Spirit happened before Jesus’ ascension (20:22), and all the believers poured out at the Pentecost (Acts 2) when Jesus went to heaven. The Holy Spirit is well alive of God’s helping the believers build Christ’s church on Earth. That’s our faith with the Spirit’s power every day.

Verse 17: that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Verse 17 study: There are more truths to the Holy Spirit, and the Bible is full of it. Check out the following verses as a refresher course:

  1. He will be with us forever (14:16)
  2. The world at large cannot accept him (14:17)
  3. He lives with us and in us (14:17)
  4. He teaches us (14:26)
  5. He reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26, 15:26)
  6. He convicts us of sin. Shows us God’s righteousness. Announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8)
  7. Guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13)
  8. Brings glory to Christ (16:14)
  9. The Holy Spirit being active among people from the beginning of time, but after the Pentecost in Acts 2, he came to live in all who believe.

Most people probably don’t realize the Holy Spirit’s activities. He is always busy making sure we are in the right direction when we allow him inside of us to live. The Spirit gives us a different way of living life. Enjoy it!

Father, thank you for continuing to let us learn about the Holy Spirit and its purpose. I pray we take what we know and keep it in mind as we spread your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Plan Your Eternal Life

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

(14) 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus the Way to the Father

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. Therefore, how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

-John 14:1-10 The Message

Verse 1: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, also believe in Me.

Verse 2: In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Verse 3: If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.

Verse 4: And you know the way where I am going.”

Verses 1-3 studies: Jesus’ words show us the way to eternal life. It is as secure as it can be. The only issue maybe is your willingness not to believe.

Verses 2-3 studies: We know that we have eternal life with Jesus when we believe in him. There are a ton of promises, and although we don’t know what eternal life looks like, that’s the planning Jesus is doing for us, so we don’t have to fear.

Verse 5: Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”

Verse 6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Verse 7: If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on, you know Him and have seen Him.”

Verse 8: Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

Verse 9: Jesus said to him, “have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Verse 10: Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

Verses 5-6 studies: It is the most important verse, as introductory as this verse is. The only way to God is through Jesus. As he is man and God. Because we unite with Jesus, we also connect with God. Therefore, continue to trust Jesus to take you to the Father.

Verse 6 studies: This Bible verse may sound limiting, but it is not. It is not narrow. Instead, it is so broad that anyone can see it and fit through it if you let yourself see it. You don’t have to argue if you let yourself understand the only way to God is through Jesus. Thank God for providing a way to get to him. The way to Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, he’s the reality of God’s promises. As life, he is divine life now and eternally.

Verse 9 study: Jesus is a visible, tangible image of someone we can’t see as God. He is the revolution as Jesus explained to Philip that if anyone that wants to see the Father will have to know Jesus to know God. The search for God for the truth and reality and Christ (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:1-4).

Father, let us continue to plan our Eternal Life by following you and knowing you more. We know you are doing one side, but we have our side we have to do for all of this to work. Thank you for your instruction and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Acting on Mental Love

Saturday, August 28, 2021

28-29 No one around the supper table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas was their treasurer, Jesus was telling him to buy what they needed for the Feast or that he should give something to the poor.

30 Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.

A New Command

31-32 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God saw for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God’s glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he is glorified—glory all around!

33 “Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I’m telling you: ‘Where I go, you are not able to come.’

34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

36 Simon Peter asked, “Master, just where are you going?”

Jesus answered, “You can’t now follow me where I’m going. You will follow later.”

37 “Master,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow now? I’ll lay down my life for you!”

38 “Really? You’ll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.”

-John 13:28-38 The Message.

Verse 28: Now, no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him.

Verse 29: For some were supposing because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor.

Verse 30: So, after receiving the morsel, he went out immediately; and it was night.

Verse 31: Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;

Verse 32: if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself and will worship Him immediately.

Verse 33: Little children, I am with you a bit longer. You will seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, now I also say, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’

Verse 34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Verse 35: By this, all men will know that you are My disciples if you have a love for one another.

Verse 34 study: What is a way to bring non-believers to Christ? Love is an answer. The commandment about loving is not new (Leviticus 19:18). The revolutionary loves as Christ love others. When you love, you will bring non-believers to Christ, and it also keeps believers strong and together against a hostile world.

Verse 34-35 studies: If you belong to a church, ask yourself a question. How often do you see bickering, jealousy, or division in your church? How would people see the light in you?

Verse 35 study: The Bible keeps talking about love the way Jesus does. That includes giving when it hurts, giving energy to others, helping when it is not convenient, our own welfare, and having to absorb the hurt from others without complaining or fighting back. Let’s be honest; this is a complicated kind of love to perform. But when you practice that kind of love, it shows you have empowered a supernatural source that is special.

Verse 36: Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”

Verse 37: Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

Verse 38: Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.”

Verses 37-38 studies: Remember the saying “don’t make promises you can’t keep”? That’s the theme of these two scriptures. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Jesus already knew that Peter wouldn’t die for Jesus because he would deny Jesus (18:25-27). We may have good intentions and a good attitude, but Paul reminds us not to think of ourselves (Romans 12:3). Instead, use your faith, commitment one step at a time to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word in your faith.

Verse 27-38 studies: In summary of these verses, Jesus knows about the hurt that Peter and Judas had ahead of time. The one thing Jesus does is love unconditionally. Jesus didn’t change the situation. He let it be. Judas or Peter didn’t understand, but their lives ended tragically for different reasons. Judas is because he never understood Jesus’ mission. Peter is because he understood but didn’t let go of his faith in the One who loved him.

Father, I pray for love, understanding, and patience. Today, people all over the world are struggling for peace. From civil war in Afghanistan to weather-related disasters to hate. Let us keep them in our hearts and prayer. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Attention to Meditation

Friday, August 27, 2021

18-20 “I do not include all of you in this. I know precisely whom I’ve selected so as not to interfere with the fulfillment of this Scripture:

The One who ate bread at my table

Will stab me in the back.

“I’m telling you all this ahead of time so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I say I am. Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me.”

21 After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. “One of you is going to betray me.”

22-25 The disciples looked around at one another, wondering who he was talking about on earth. Finally, one of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, “Master, who?”

26-27 Jesus said, “The one to whom I give this crust of bread after I’ve dipped it.” Then he dipped the crust and gave it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. As soon as the bread was in his hand, Satan entered him.

“What you must do,” said Jesus, “do. Do it and get it over with.”

-John 13:18-27 The Message.

Verse 18: “I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen,’ but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.’ 

Verse 19: From now on, I am telling you before it comes to pass so that you may believe that I am He when it does occur.

Verse 20: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Verse 21: When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I tell you, that one of you will betray Me.

Verse 22: The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss knowing which One He was speaking.

Verse 23: There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Verse 24: So Simon Peter gestured to him and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.

Verse 22 study: People in your life are in it for a reason. But the reason sometimes is not apparent. Some are in your life for a short time or a long time. Some are there to give you a life lesson or to be the backbone you need. Judas served the purpose of keeping the expenses, but he wasn’t an obvious betrayer. People in your life are not prominent either. We will have lessons to learn about people who enter your lives.

Verse 25: He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Verse 26: Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

Verse 26 study: This is Jesus’ way of singling out people. He singled out Judas by dipping the morsel and gave it to Judas. A morsel is a small piece of food, a mouthful. Do you single out people in your life? Is it a good or bad idea, and why? For me, it depends on the situation. There is a time and a place for it. I haven’t recall doing it. Singling out people can bring people down. But Jesus does it to identify a betrayal.

Verse 27: After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What do you do, do quickly.”

Verse 27 study: Let’s look at this from life’s perspective. You want something from Jesus so bad that you pray, and then start doing things to make what you wish a dream come true. The patience stops there. The problem is that God got other plans, and you feel that he abandoned you when you don’t get what you want or is not patient enough for the plans he has for you. These are misunderstandings, just like Judas had. He was trying to force Jesus’ hand to make him use his power to prove he is the Messiah. Judas didn’t understand Jesus’ mission, or he may not have believed he was God’s chosen one. We never know what God has planned if we don’t listen to him. Judas assumed everything about Jesus, and it’s the wrong one. Satan didn’t know Jesus’ death is part of God’s plan, which is why patience and meditation are needed to hear him and understand where he is taking you. Amen?

Father, thank you! You are good to us. Let us continue to hear you and have the patience to continue to follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Serving

Thursday, August 26, 2021

10-12 Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

12-17 Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

-John 13:10-17 The Message

Verse 10: Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

Verse 11: For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason, He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Verse 12: So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you?

Verse 13: You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.

Verse 14: If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”

Verse 12 study: Jesus didn’t do this for all the disciples to be friendly. He did it to extend how to serve after Jesus left the earth. The disciples got a mission and people to help.

Verse 15: “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

Verse 16: Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one, who is sent more significant than the one who sent him.

Verse 17: If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

Verse 1-17 studies: This is how Jesus set an example for us to be servants. He is the perfect model servant. He does precisely what the servants do by wrapping a towel around his waist and washing and drying his disciples’ feet. Jesus is serving; why don’t we have the same attitude? Who can you serve? It’s a blessing to serve. It’s a blessing to help because someone needs your gift to support.

Father, let us be quick to help others when we see it. My weakness is jumping to help those who need help because of my selfish deeds. I pray we can all take the example of Jesus to do good work for everybody. Thank you for the lesson. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Lessons and Respect

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

13 1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.

3-6 Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?”

7 Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.”

8 Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!”

Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.”

9 “Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!”

-John 13:1-9 The Message.

Verse 1: Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

Verse 2: During supper, the Devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him.

Verse 3: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God,

Verse 4: got up from supper, and laid aside His garments, and taking a towel, He girded himself.

Verse 5: Then He poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them with the towel in which He was grided.

Verses 1-3 studies: Let’s highlight who Judas was. We learned Judas betrayed Jesus, one of the biggest mistakes he ever made. We can’t forget the other disciples that abandoned Jesus as well. Judas has good points and bad points. His good points are:

  1. He was chosen as one of 12 disciples, the only non-Galilean.
  2. He kept the money bag for the expenses of the group.
  3. Judas recognizes the evil in his betrayal of Jesus.

His weak points are:

  1. He is greedy (John 12:6).
  2. He betrayed Jesus.
  3. He committed suicide instead of seeking forgiveness.

Judas learned in his life that evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by Satan for greater evil. The consequences of sin are so devasting that even small lies and wrongdoings have serious results. And that God’s plans and purposes are worked out even in the worst possible events.

Verse 6: So He came to Simon Peter, He said to Him, Lord, do You wash my feet?”

Verse 7: Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.”

Verse 8: Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

Verse 9: Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, then wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.”

Verse 6-7 studies: If you haven’t been in some form of leadership, you probably don’t understand the purpose of what Jesus is doing. Simon Peter didn’t understand. He is confused as to why his Master is acting as a slave. It is more than Jesus and his title. It’s about how he is treating others. You treat all people with respect and love. This is not comforting for leaders to read these two verses, mainly to serve those beneath you. How do you treat others? How do you treat your employees as a supervisor, manager or entrepreneur?

Father, thank you for our study today. I pray we learn the lesson of Judas that we do not take you for granted, and we don’t take the easy way out when we are being disciplined. I pray we handle the lesson of Jesus to treat others with respect when we are above them. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Study If You Don’t Know

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

44-46 Jesus summed it all up when he cried out, “Whoever believes in me, believes not just in me but in the One who sent me. So whoever looks at me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent me. I am Light has come into the world so that all who believe in me won’t have to stay in the dark anymore.

47-50 “If anyone hears what I say and doesn’t take it seriously, I accept him. I didn’t come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I’m saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last. I’m not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That’s all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you.”

-John 12:44-50 The Message.

Verse 44: And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me.

Verse 45: He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me.

Verse 46: I have come as Light into the world so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

Verse 47: If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Verse 45 study: What is the purpose of studying? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition is careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or a question. Like what we are doing right now. Jesus doesn’t make himself visible. He is in spirit. If you want to know more, you take time to study. When you learn, you do it because it’s something you need to know and understand.

Verse 48: He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the Word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.

Verse 49: For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to tell.

Verse 50: I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father told Me.”

Verse 48 study: Jesus’ first mission on earth is to get people to join him. The second coming is to judge those people who don’t believe. There are consequences if you don’t follow him or you do. You will have to make the right decision. First, read about those who accept Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:51-57, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, Revelation 21:1-8). Next, read about those who didn’t believe in him (Revelation 20:11-15).

Father, thank you for allowing us to make decisions. What we do to stay obedient to you is better than living in the dark. I pray that studying your Word will make us stronger in your teaching and more confident. Thank you for our study today. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Not Being Afraid to Speak Up

Monday, August 23, 2021

35-36 Jesus said, “For a brief time still, the Light is among you. Walk by the Light you have so darkness doesn’t destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don’t know where you’re going. As you have the Light, believe in the Light. Then the Light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You’ll be children of Light.”

Their Eyes Are Blinded

36-40 Jesus said all this and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them, and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:

God, who believed what we preached?

Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?

First, they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:

Their eyes are blinded,

    their hearts are hardened,

So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes

    and perceive with their hearts,

And turn to me, God,

    so I could heal them.

41 Isaiah said these things after he got a glimpse of God’s overflowing glory that would pour through the Messiah.

42-43 On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didn’t come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place. When push came to shove, they cared more for human approval than for God’s glory.

-John 12:35-43 The Message.

Verse 35: So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.

Verse 36: While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of the Light.”

Verses 35-36 study: Jesus is always the Light. Therefore, he teaches us to be the Light. We are the Light by following Jesus and obeying. When people see you, they should see the Light. Are you following Jesus to where the Light shines off you? How bright is the Light?

Verse 37: But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they did not believe in Him.

Verse 38: This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?”

Verse 37-38 studies: I believe that Christians struggle with these two verses. We are responsible for doing as followers of Christ to get people to believe is different from people who make their own decisions. In these verses, there have been so many signs of miracles Jesus performed in the book of John alone. Jesus can perform miracles, and people still will not believe. If you don’t get a follower, it doesn’t mean that you did something wrong; the people can make their own decisions. Stay encouraged to continue to get more followers. It’s not based on how many followers you can get to follow Jesus; it is about quality. Amen?

Verses 39: For this reason, they could not believe, for Isaiah said again,

Verse 40: “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM.”

Verse 41: These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.

Verses 39-41 studies: There comes the point in our lives where we have to say, “that’s enough.” You’ll eventually start cutting certain people out of your life because they don’t align with your beliefs. So you have to cut them off, love them from a distance. God did this with people who still didn’t believe in him. He had to harden their hearts. It doesn’t mean he prevented them from believing in Him; many people are stubborn and stuck in their ways. So like us, you start to cut people off. God confirms their choices. Hardened hearts are found in Exodus 9:12, Romans 1:24-28, and 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12.

Verse 42: Nevertheless, many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees, they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;

Verse 43: for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

Verses 42-43 study: We all know right from wrong. We know what to believe and what not to believe. Assuming people should be considered carefully to make sure you are not accepting people over Jesus. If someone doesn’t think so, be careful. If someone knows the truth about Jesus but won’t admit it, be cautious with these people. We must believe in Jesus, not people. Matthew 10:32-33 reminds us that 32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth will also deny before my Father in heaven. If you believe in materialistic things or being afraid to speak up, fearing something will be taken away, this is just as bad. Take control and continue to believe in Jesus.

Father, thank you for starting the day right, reading and meditating on your word. I pray that we will continue to be honest with you, not afraid to speak in your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Powerful Satan of the World

Sunday, August 22, 2021

27-28 “Right now I am shaken. And what am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.'”

A voice came out of the sky: “I have glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again.”

29 The listening crowd said, “Thunder!”

Others said, “An angel spoke to him!”

30-33 Jesus said, “The voice didn’t come for me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.” He put it this way to show how he was going to be put to death.

34 Voices from the crowd answered, “We heard from God’s Law that the Messiah lasts forever. How can it be necessary, as you put it, that the Son of Man’ be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

-John 12:27-34 The Message

Verse 27: Now My soul has become troubled, and what shall I say, “Father, save Me from this hour?” But for this purpose, I came to this hour.

Verse 28: Father, glorify Your name; then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

Verse 29: So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

Verse 30: Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come from My sake, but for your sakes.

Verse 27 study: Jesus had it hard before his crucifixion. Jesus didn’t want this, and because he was human then, he can feel that way. But Jesus knows God sent him to make sure Jesus saved us from our sins. So Jesus had to get away from his human desires and do what God said. It is not something we have to deal with, but we will have to be ready when God tells us to do something he wants us to do if we’re going to or not.

Verse 31: Now judgment is upon this world’ now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

Verse 32: And I, if I am lifted from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”

Verse 33: But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.

Verse 34: The crowd then answered Him, “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of man?”

Verse 31 study: Question to think about. Do you have someone in your life that tries and successfully overpowers you? Especially when it is a wrong kind of destroy? Like cheating on a test you studied hard? Or being slick trying to get rich but hasn’t got caught yet? Here’s the important thing. Satan has power. He is not fake; he is real. He was once an angel. So he has power. The more people are drawn to the darker power, the more Satan’s forces rule the earth. That’s why it is so vital to share the Good News of Jesus. The things he did to save you. Show how grateful he can be. Remember that Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). But Satan’s power is not mighty over Jesus, and that’s because Jesus was resurrected (Colossians 1:13-14). So keep your faithfulness to Jesus to get Satan’s power weaker and weaker.

Verse 32-34 studies: Celebrating an entrance to only find out some shocking things that Jesus said about the Messiah sets a different tone. When reading other scriptures, most people thought the Messiah would never die (Psalms 89:35-36, 110:4, Isaiah 9:7). But then some scriptures show that the Messiah would die (Isaiah 53:5-9). The words Jesus was saying didn’t grasp with them. Jesus had to suffer and then die, then set up His eternal kingdom. So be mindful of your thoughts about the Messiah. It probably won’t fit the narrative.

Father, thank you for today. We are all thankful every day you wake us up and start us out on our day. I pray we understand your words and not what we think. If we don’t understand, let us ask and better understand instead of painting a different picture. In Jesus’ name. Amen!