In Good Company

I can remember stomping my way into the kitchen where my mom was making dinner and declaring, "Everybody hates me!" Sound familiar? Did you voice the same idea when you were a child? It seemed very real at the time. Of course, mom would simply tell me that it was all in my imagination. And maybe it was back then. Children often feel left out and maybe even hated when their friends seem to gang up on them.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (verse 18)

But, fast forward to adulthood. How does a statement like this go over now days? Have we just moved up from 'my teacher has it in for me', to, 'my boss is so demanding’? As children and then as grownups, we often feel picked on or pointed out. Jesus tells us to expect that sort of treatment.

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (verse 19)

We have been duly warned. The same world Jesus came to redeem, turned its back on Him. They killed him. We are His, we follow Him. Do we really think we will get out of it unscathed? One day they (the people) were singing His praises, they were waving palm branches and giving a hero's welcome. Less than a week later, they crucified Him.

We, His followers, can expect unfair treatment as well. It isn't easy to proclaim our faith in Jesus, but it is worth it. The original disciples experienced persecution, and hatred. It is likely some of their family members deserted them.

My own father called me a holy roller when he learned that I loved Jesus. We should expect this treatment undeserved though it may be. Jesus and His disciples experienced it, and numerous saints were martyred because of this love. We could be too. But always remember, we are in good company.

John 15:18-21

It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Potential Friendships are all around us.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

How can I fulfill the Great Commission in the context of my family? My co-workers? Neighbors? Folks I encounter in the grocery, barber shop, movie theater? I am learning that I need to have my eyes wide open and intentionally looking for those people who were nothing more than wallpaper before. Looking but not seeing.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn't consider any of us as background noise or invisible creatures.  He sees us all in a wonderful and bright light.  Actually He is the light. Moving through life as a Christ-follower I am called to be that same light for others. I am called to see them - everyone in my path - as someone so dearly loved by God.

Once I have those eyeglasses on, I begin to recognize someone who needs to know the love of God; someone who needs to know that they matter.  This is such an easy thing to do, just talk to them, smile at them, come alongside and invite them to get to know you. Nothing fancy, maybe a coffee date or a lunch break.

We are all starved for attention, for friends who can be counted on. Invite someone into your life; share some of your story as you get acquainted. The word 'go' in the verse at the top means, as you go, make disciples. As you move along through your day, find someone who has been in the peripheral of your vision and pull them in closer.

They just might become your new best friend. 

Matthew 28:16-20

Follow my Lead

My grandpa used to jokingly tell us to, 'do as I say, not as I do'. I wonder if he knew this teaching was scriptural.  Jesus pointed to the Pharisees and shared; "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer. (Matthew 23:2-3 MSG)

We are to lead by example and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Our walk must match our talk. As sinners, we will struggle with this, feeling unworthy - which we are. But with practice and faithful study of God's Word, we will be disciples that others will turn to and learn from.

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (Matthew 13:4-6)

Jesus taught using stories. The Matthew text for today is about the farmer sowing seed on the different types of terrain and the pursuant growth or lack of. We also can teach others by our story. Often, it is our own story which will impact others. We need to get accustomed to telling the story that God has been preparing. Our joys and our sorrows are all part of a Disciples' story/testimony.

Matthew 13:1-6

Discipleship Training, Jesus’ Style

Bible reading: Mark 6: 7-13

 

The disciples had been spending much time with Jesus, being … discipled. J  He taught them in many ways, by preaching and teaching, through parables, by healings and other miracles, and most of all, by means of example.  He revealed truths about Himself and the Kingdom of Heaven, as this band of men moved around together from place to place.

 

Now it was time for the 12 disciples’ first practicum of their on-the-job training! They were deemed ready enough to share and serve, as they had observed Jesus doing. He sent them out two-by-two (for mutual support perhaps?) with a list of instructions:

1)      Take nothing with you except the clothes on your backs, sandals, and a staff

2)      Choose only one house per town as your base headquarters during your stay (find people of peace to rest your peace on)

3)      Don’t stick around any place that does not welcome you or listen to you

4)      Remember that I am sending you out in my authority and power

 

What life lessons did Jesus want His disciples to learn through this experience?

1)      Depend on the hospitality of those you minister to (Matt 10:10 – for a worker is worthy of his support); My Father will provide what you need through them.

2)      Work only with those who are open to learning – look for people who want to hear, learn and be discipled. Stay with them for a period of time to give opportunity for them to both observe your life in Me as well as help provide your needs. Allow a give and take relationship to develop between you.

3)      Don’t waste your time trying to convince someone to be a disciple who isn’t ready for commitment to discipleship. Move on to help those eager to grow.

4)      Know that in My power and authority you can do anything: preach such that people repent and turn to Me; cast out demons; heal sick people everywhere you go.

 

This is Discipleship Training at its best, taught by the Master Trainer Himself! We would do well to study more about how Jesus chose, taught, and sent out His disciples – that we may learn to be and to make disciples more effectively.

PLUGGED IN?

Scripture: John 14:15-27

We recently had a heater/air conditioning unit installed in our 3-season room to make the room useful year-round.  We hired a handyman experienced in working with such units.  And after several hours of work, it looked great, was solidly attached through the wall and ready to do its work of climate control in our room.  Only one problem – we don’t have a 220 volt power source to that room!  So it sits there, a bundle of potential but doing nothing to help heat the room.  What needs to be done? We need to have an electrician connect it to a 220 circuit.

As I read this passage in John 14, I thought of our non-working heating unit.  Jesus was with his disciples for one of the last times before he would ascend.  They had sat under his teaching for 3 years, learning what it means to follow Jesus fully.  They were full of potential, ready to work for the Kingdom.  But they had no power to do what was required – it was too big a job, needing greater strength and wisdom than they had as humans.  The resistance to their work would be too great.

So, Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit when he returned to the Father.  “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (or Advocate) to be with you forever (vs 16).”  Further, he gave more description of the Holy Spirit’s purpose: Since he is the Spirit of Truth, he will teach the disciples all things;  and, since he promised to be with and in Christ’s disciples, the Holy Spirit will remind them of everything Jesus said.

These are potential benefits the Holy Spirit has for all disciples – but how do we get plugged in?  Jesus tells us 3 different times in this passage:

·         If you love me, you will obey what I command (vs 15)

·         Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me (vs 21)

·         If anyone love me, he will obey my teaching (vs 23)

Did you get that answer?  Loving God, shown through obedience, connects us to the Holy Spirit’s power. 

The result?

·         All the promises God offers through the Holy Spirit are ours (God’s presence, his truth, his wisdom, his help in trouble)

·         We have the peace of Christ in our hearts

 

Do you want more power in your life to be able to do what God calls you to do?  Get “Plugged In" to the Power Source 

by loving God and obeying him.

 

 

[BTW, we just got power to our heater, and our plants in the 3-season room are happy!]

 

 

Armed with Armor

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. -Mark 3:13-15

In today’s passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve apostles from all the disciple who were following him.  He pulls out of the crowd, a select few, giving them the charge to preach and he gave them authority to drive out demons.

It is no mistake that Jesus did both things.  You see whenever Jesus is talked about, Satan is near.  He will do his best to distract people from the gospel message.  Jesus is not concerned though, he has all authority over Satan and his demons.

The disciples Jesus picked were not perfect men.  We see time and again how they failed Jesus. Jesus does not need perfect people he needs loyal people.  Men who won’t walk away when times get tough, because they were going to get tough.  He picked men who would trust that God had a plan and it wasn’t always going to be what they expected.

Jesus knew that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in our world. Jesus picked men who could be taught to understand where the fight lies.

We all need that same understanding.  If we are going to talk about Jesus, Satan will be near, trying to distract those around us.  Our fight is not with our neighbor though, it is with the devil and his demons. We need to put on the armor of God daily and stand firm against the devils schemes.

SERVE Period

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 41-45


Today’s scripture is one that always reminds me how flawed the disciples were. We see two brothers trying to vie for a place of honor, once they are in heaven with Jesus. James and John have a private conversation with Jesus asking him to set them apart from all the other disciples. Jesus, of course, uses this as a teachable moment, explaining to all of them what it means to become great.

This passage is probably familiar to most of us. Jesus words, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all.” Although the familiarity of the words make it easy to quote, the lesson is much harder to put into action.

For the past two years, my family has served at Coastal Community Church, in South Florida. One of my favorite things our church does is, "Serve Saturday". On the first Saturday of each month we go to the same neighborhood and serve the residence there. The Senior Pastor designed t-shirts for us to wear that simply reads, "SERVE." on the front.

“The Christians are here; the Christians are here!” Those are the excited cries that can be heard from one of the houses on my block, in Collier City. On the first Saturday of every month, while a team from my church serves hot dog, chips, snow cones and provide fun activities for kids, I am fortunate to walk down “my block” and visit the families.

Each month I am blessed with conversations, where I’m able to encourage the residence as I catch up on what has been happening in their lives. I am filled with joy as I pray with them over health, financial, or family struggles; and play with the children who joyfully run out of the homes excited that the Christians are here.

It’s more than mere houses on a street. These are families with stories, stresses, and successes. Walk down any street in America and you will find families in need. In Collier City, though, the stresses seem to outweigh the successes.

That’s where we come in. Knocking on the doors is just the beginning. It’s started with conversations, then month after month I got to know the names that match the faces. Before I knew it when I prayed for Verna, Anna, Luis, James and Maria, Mac and Louise, Jerry and Lily, I not only know their faces, and their stories, I know their hearts.

Collier City is about showing who Jesus is through serving. Period. We expect nothing in return. We share ourselves with no expectations attached. One of the values at Coastal is, Saved People Serve People and serving in Collier City is a beautiful way to show the love of Christ.

In our passage today, Jesus says, “ the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” If we are called to be like Jesus, that is our job too. SERVE. And not just once a month but every day. Start looking today for ways you can serve. Don’t worry you do not have to be perfect. We are flawed just like the disciples were with Jesus, but he can still use us for his kingdom purpose.


Read today's entire passage here Mark 10

Meeting People

Today’s reading is Mark 16:14-18. The resurrected Jesus gives his disciples their final instructions before ascending to heaven.  “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation,” he tells them.

 

The disciples were benefactors of Jesus love while Jesus was alive. Jesus taught them, although they were slow to learn and understand. Jesus kept them safe, and he took care of their needs.

 

Now that Jesus was dead, the disciples had responsibilities. They were to carry on the work of Jesus. They had to go into the world, meet people, and tell them about Jesus.

 

It would have been so easy for the disciples to sit back and rest on Jesus’ laurels. They could have formed a club and discussed Jesus, his work and his philosophies. The disciples were blessed, but they had responsibilities.

 

And the disciples carried out their responsibilities.

 

John went to Ephesus and was an important leader of the region’s congregation. Peter apparently went to Rome and was a leader of the Roman congregation. Some of the other disciples went elsewhere, including Jerusalem. The disciples went into the world and shared the Good News.

 

As believers in Christ, we today have that same responsibility of the original disciples. We are to go into the world and share the Good News.

 

It would be easy for us to sit back and read the Bible and discuss what various passages mean. Bible study is important, but we are also to be people of action.  We are to share the Good News.

 

The only way to do that is to meet people.

Acts 19:1-7

In the name of the Father 
and of the Son 
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We have a vision of who the Father and Son are, but the Holy Spirit seems more mysterious. 

It’s difficult to picture what a Holy Spirit looks like and because of our human limitations

 we seem to need things somewhat concrete to understand.

In Acts 2, the Pentecost took place. Luke writes of a violent blowing wind that came from 
             heaven. What appeared to be tongues of fire rested upon each of their heads and they began              to speak in tongues as the Spirit enabled them. As a crowd gathered these disciples’ words 

were clearly understood by each one in their own native language.

Acts 19 tells of another incident of disciples receiving the Holy Spirit. Perhaps we are those 

disciples. Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he promised the power of the Holy Spirit 

would come. That promise was not just for the twelve chosen Apostles, but for all men.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God here on earth. We are all free to receive it, but we must 

be still and open our hearts to feel and accept it. It need not happen in a great and glorious 

manner with wind and fire. It is a personal experience meant to help us feel and 

understand God’s purpose and our mission.

Might speaking in tongues to us be simply meeting people where they are, identifying

 with their pain, and walking them through it toward the Lord?

We have been given this gift of the Holy Spirit, but it does us no good to simply look 

at the beautifully wrapped package. We must open it, acknowledge its contents,

 thank our God, and use it for His purpose.
"Bringing Faith To Life"

Read/Listen to Acts 19:1-7

He Is Risen!

John 20:1-18

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke’s gospel readings on Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on the angelic appearance of the angels and Jesus, John approached the story of the empty tomb from the human response.

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark and found the stone removed from the entrance. She went immediately to the disciples to tell them.

John and Peter raced to the tomb. John arrived first, stopped, peered inside but did not go in. Peter flew right past John and entered the tomb.  Perhaps Peter was anxious about what Jesus would think of him after his betrayal and wanted to make things right. John responded quite differently. He paused outside of the tomb, possibly reflecting on all that had happened and just what it might mean. John 20:9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Mary Magdalene, though she was the first one there before sunrise and remained after the disciples had gone, did not grasp the meaning of the empty tomb. Though told by two angels and Jesus himself she did not comprehend. Finally when Jesus called her by name she believed, listened to Him, and left to deliver His message to the disciples.

We have many like Peter in our churches, anxious about being there because of past wrongs, or fearful of judgment from others and the Lord. There are others similar to John, keeping their emotions to themselves. Those not so anxious who have a good relationship with God and know they are beloved by Him. Then there are those like Mary, stuck in their faith, though they hear the Good News, are unable to internalize it because of bad things that have happened in their lives.

All of us have been lost no matter where we are now in our faith journey. Think back to when you began a serious walk with the Lord. Was there someone beside you, or in the background cheering you on and praying for you? Do you know someone who is hiding from God or has so much baggage from their past they are unable to feel his love?

Consider this Easter a new beginning for them. With your love and guidance they may finally be able to realize the promise that awaits them in Jesus’ death and resurrection!  Help another come alive in Christ. What an amazing gift!

Read/Listen to John 20:1-18

Luke 19:28-44

Palm Sunday a Prophecy

According to http://bibleistrue.net/prophecy/ the Bible contains 1,817 individual predictions (prophesies) concerning 737 separate subjects found in 8,352 verses.

As Zechariah said the Lord would come some 500 years earlier, “humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). This prophesy came to be in Luke 19.

Isaiah 35:4-6 …say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and stream in the desert.” 

This prophesy from approximately 700 BC came true as well. Jesus performed a multitude of miracles during his time on earth making it clear he was not of this world.

In Isaiah 40 the coming of Our God was proclaimed and in Luke 3 John the Baptist humbly spoke of Jesus making himself known; “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Jesus did indeed come, and you know the rest.

While the crowd (referred to in scripture as disciples) shouted for joy as He was carried into Jerusalem on the colt, Jesus wept over the city and its impending destruction. Those who lined the street knew who Jesus really was and what his coming meant to the world.

Though we read about the second coming of our Lord in many books of the Bible, we cannot understand just what it will be like. We can trust however, that it is right and true, just as all of the other predetermined events of this world. Rest in the words and deeds of Jesus, for He came to sacrifice His life so WE may live. 

 Read/Listen to Luke 19:28-44

Inspired!

I look forward to vacations. The week before a vacation everything seems to go well. It doesn’t really go any better, but my disposition is changed. I know that something I enjoy is just around the corner. For whatever reason, the thought of an imminent vacation inspires me.


Today’s reading is John 14:23-27. Jesus and the disciples had just eaten their Passover Meal and Jesus was discussing many things with his disciples. He tells them one of them will betray him and that Peter will deny him. He also says he is going away, but will return to take them to heaven.


Most importantly, Jesus tells them that he will send the Holy Spirit after he leaves.


The disciples probably were not inspired by this news. More likely, they were confused and depressed. It wasn’t until later, when the Holy Spirit came to them on Pentecost, that they understood Jesus’ words and were inspired.


The Holy Spirit inspires us today. Jesus gave us work to do. We are, after all, his Church, and we bring the Good News of Jesus to the unbelieving world.


Our work includes “loving our neighbors as ourselves”, “making disciples of all nations” and “teaching them to obey.” Without the Holy Spirit, we could not accomplish our task.


God is the only true source of love. Without the Holy Spirit in us, we are void of love. The Spirit enables us to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”


The Spirit also allows us to confidently witness of Christ to others.


We have the Word of God, but it is something we humans cannot understand on our own. Just like the disciples finally understood what Jesus was saying after they got the Spirit, The Spirit allows us to understand God’s Word today. With that understanding, we can teach it to others.


Perhaps most importantly, the Spirit allows us to understand that Jesus will take us to heaven. God’s Word tells us how glorious it will be in heaven.


Vacations inspire me. And so does the Holy Spirit!

Using Our Gifts

Acts 6: 1-7

We are all gifted. Some of us seem to have gotten in the right line and received many more gifts than others, but the fact is, we have all been blessed with the talents God intended for us. At what point we discover, and put these talents to use is our choice.

1 Peter 10:4 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In today’s passage, seven men were chosen because they were known to be “full of the spirit and wisdom.” They combined their energy and together caused the number of disciples in Jerusalem to increase rapidly.

We do not have to be “full of the spirit and wisdom” to be a warrior for Christ (though it might help).  We simply need to make ourselves aware of the grace of God, and what vehicle he has given us to use as a means to serve Him, serve others, and bring honor and glory to Him.

In order to live a life of service, we are not required to be missionaries, pastors, or elders. We must be who we are, growing where we have been planted, and sharing the good news with a sincere heart. 

“Let The Glory Of the Lord Shine Among Us!”

Read/Listen to Acts 6:1-7

Your Word is Truth - John 17:8-19

Do you feel concern over family and friends? I do. When we are apart, or I haven’t spoken to them for a while, I call them.

Jesus is concerned about His disciples. They are His family on earth. He knows God cares about them too. So Jesus prays for His disciples.

Jesus will soon have to leave. His purpose on earth accomplished, He is going to join His Father in heaven. Jesus has protected and kept the disciples safe. He is leaving them in a world that hates them. They belong to God, not the world. Jesus knows he can ask and God will protect the disciples from evil. He knows God will give them the Truth of His Word.

God's Word is the same for us today. We are set apart from the world to do God’s work and to live obediently to Him. We cannot avoid the problems of the world. God doesn't want us overwhelmed and lost. We have God's promise that He will guide and strengthen us in the fight against the evil forces of the world.

Reading, studying and praying His Word daily allows Him to bless us through the Truth of His Word.

Read today's text, John 17:8-19, on Biblegateway. Use the back arrow to return to this page.

Peter Tries to Save Jesus - John 18:1-11

Jesus and His disciples gather in the garden where they have gone many times. Jesus is aware Judas knows they will be there. As Jesus enters the garden with His disciples, Judas brings the Roman soldiers and police.

Jesus goes to meet them. What awesome courage, love, and obedience he displays as He willingly prepares to go to the cross! He presents himself to the crowd and confirms He is the one they are looking for.

At this difficult time, Jesus isn't concerned about Himself. In His endless love and selflessness He makes sure Peter and all His disciples, His own, are protected. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." (vs 8)

Jesus is in charge. He can touch and destroy everyone there, but this isn’t His plan. Peter compulsively jumps in and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the Chief Priest's servant. Jesus tells Peter to stop interfering. There is nothing he can do to keep Jesus from fulfilling God's plan.

Today's text prompts me to consider my own actions. How many times does the Lord say to me, "Stop, get out of my way. Let me do My work?" I tend to jump ahead, take charge, and sometimes mess things up. I am reminded of the wisdom of letting go and allowing the Lord to carry out His plans.

Because of Jesus' unselfish sacrifice on the cross I receive His endless love. He sets me free and protects me every day. I am grateful for His presence in my life.

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Read today's text, John 18:1-11, on Biblegateway. Use the return arrow to come back to this page.

Called to Love One Another - John 13:31-38

"I'll call you, let's go out to lunch." Have you said this to a friend or told someone you would pray for them, but didn't carry through? Usually the offers are sincere and intentions are good, but intentions don't make things happen in our lives. If we are truthful, we don't always commit and focus on following through.

Jesus speaks of the love of His followers for one another as proof of their faith in Him. This will tell the world the truth about Him and His salvation when He is no longer with them. It will show that Christians are different from the world.

The words are barely spoken when Peter proudly asks, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus knows that Peter is sincere and his intentions good, but He also knows Peter will not do it. Jesus tells him the truth of his future betrayal, "…before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"

Peter is reprimanded for failing to love Christ as Christ has loved Him. The world will not be drawn to Christ through a close companion that is a liar and a betrayer. That is how ordinary men live their lives in the world.

We, as Christ's disciples, are called to be different than the world. He asks us to live a life of love for one another as He has shown us; love that will draw the world to Him.

The question on my mind right now is, "How am I doing at living this distinctive life of love?"

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Read today's text, John 13:31-38, on Biblegateway. Use the return arrow to come back to this page.

Are You Listening? -- John 16:5-16

Have you ever had a newscaster start to tell a story of interest, then stop, and not continue the story until after many commercial breaks? They can't tell the story now, but they have gotten your attention and curiosity. You have to wait. If you have experienced this small frustration, imagine the frustration the disciples might have felt at verse 12 where Jesus says: "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear."

Jesus had the disciples' attention. I'm sure they must have been filled with anticipation. What more was Jesus going to tell them? Their curiosity was provoked. It seems Jesus did this as He wanted them to wait eagerly, ready to listen intently when the Holy Spirit came.

Time for listening is difficult amidst the demands and noisiness of daily life. I have found in my faith life that finding time for listening is essential. The Spirit of God will come alongside me and guide me through life. If I'm not listening I will miss what is good for me to hear.

Prayer: Lord God, I'm listening. I want to take time to hear You. Help me quiet my heart, sit back, close my mouth and open my ears so I might hear what you want me to know.

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, John 16:5-16