And His Disciples Believed in Him

John 2: 1-11

Today we read about Jesus’ first recorded miracle. It is a familiar story to most of us as Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana. What John wrote in 2:11 was especially significant to me: “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him”.

My study bible notes on this verse state “John always refers to Jesus miracles as “signs”, a word emphasizing the significance of the action rather than the marvel. They revealed Jesus’ glory.”
For me, this is a good reminder that while Jesus certainly performed miracles out of love and compassion for hurting people, he also performed miracles to “reveal his glory”, to tell us who he truly was so that we might believe in him.

Jesus was fully Man, but Jesus was also fully God. This idea can be hard to grasp, but Jesus leaves no room for doubt that he is God. In John 10:30 he states, “I and the Father are one.” Ultimately he was crucified for his claim of Divinity. The Nicene Creed, written in the fourth century, addressed some controversy on this topic. It states that Jesus was “God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made”. Christians have repeated these words for over 1600 years as a statement of faith.

As believers we are blessed to have the testimony of Christians who have gone before us and the written record of Jesus’ words and actions found in our bibles to help us know who he is and to help us believe. And… we live with the benefit of the greatest miracle of all, being made right with God through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

John seems to summarize things nicely in chapter 20, verse 30: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Amen!

My Witness for 2020

John 1:29-34

Have you ever given your testimony?  When I hear that question, I immediately picture a courtroom.  I am holding up my right hand, solemnly swearing to tell the truth, so help me God.  Then I sit down on a straight-backed chair, and face a lawyer who will ask me very pointed questions.  (where were you on the night of the 16th?  What was the victim wearing?  Why did you let him get away? And so on....).

John gives his testimony concerning Jesus in verses 32-34.  Other translations use the phrase "He bore witness."  John is very clear that Jesus surpasses him, even though John came before him.  And what was his clear testimony - that to which he bore witness?

"I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. "

This was what God told John to watch for:  "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." (vs. 33).

And he concludes his testimony with these words:

I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.

John's testimony was certain.  He did not waver.  Upon cross examination in a court of law, John would have remained certain that Jesus indeed was the Son of God.  He paid for his testimony with his life.

What is your testimony?  Do you know the Son of God?  Do you recognize when he is at work in your life?  Do you share this news with others?

A new decade is about to begin.  What will your testimony be?  What will mine be?  Let's ask God to bless our testimony and invite others to join us in His kingdom.

Can I Have Your Attention, Please?

Isaiah 8:11-17

When someone grabs you, they’re trying to get your attention.  They want you to stop and concentrate on them and what they're doing or saying.  The Message translation for today, starts out with “God spoke strongly to me, grabbed me with both hands and warned me not to go along with this people” (v.11).

Have you even felt God’s “strong hands” upon you?  You may not literally feel his hands, but you know he wants you to pay attention.  How many times have we shrugged off that feeling and went on our merry way?

This month we’re focusing on being thankful. Well, I’m so thankful we have a God who doesn’t relent and keeps trying to get our attention, despite our efforts to ignore him.  He’s got some good things to say, if we’re willing to stop and listen.

Isaiah says, “Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples” (v.16).  For me, this points directly to the Bible.  The Bible is a means for “gathering up testimony and persevering the teaching for followers.”  God would love nothing more than to “grab” us each morning and have us listen to His Word.

The conclusion of the reading, verse 17, especially captured my attention, “I will wait for the Lord… I will put my trust in him.”  My pledge for the remainder of this month of thankfulness is to work on listening when God wants my full attention.  Even in the midst of a busy day, I will heed his call and put my trust in Him.

Father, grab me by the shoulders and speak strongly to me, that I may hear your Word and give thanks for your incredible wisdom.  I place my trust in You, knowing you will use me as you see fit.  Amen

Broken but not in pieces

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 

I have been keeping a journal for years now. In fact, I use a special devotional called Streams in the Desert and I often will note the year I am reading a specific devotion which touches me. Recently I realized that so many of my notations were from 2008. I was curious to see what was going on in my life that year to have so many margin notes referencing it specifically.

One of the benefits of journaling is the ability to go back in time and remember or relive some of those precious times by reading my own words. It is also a gift to be able to see what God has done in my life over the years. It turns out, 2008 was a turning point for me spiritually. It all began in the year 2000 when I attended Renewal, a Spiritual Retreat for Women.  God began a new work in me and he used 17 other women to speak into my life.

So, when I saw that Broken was the theme for our preaching series these next four weeks, I was excited. You might wonder why anyone would anticipate a series of this type, but I have discovered over many years, it is that very brokenness that drew me to God. I didn't know it at the time when I was crying out to Him with fists raised, that His plan was in the making. That he would heal my broken heart and use me; use my testimony, to point to Him.

I have sensed God reminding me of late, to live one day at a time. When I finally dug out one of my journals from 2008, One Day at a Time was the theme. It makes sense, as I was two years into our Celebrate Recovery Program and God was doing a mighty work in me and others around me.

1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 


1 Peter 4:12-19

Stories of Hope

Mark 2:12 (NIV)
He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" 

There is nothing more apt to make a believer out of people than a miraculous healing. Some of us have experienced the astounding cure of a loved one who we were sure was nearing their last breath. God stepped in and changed everything! Why? Because He can and He wanted to and maybe He was asked to intervene.

Or, those near death experiences we've all had, some more stunning that others, but each one a testimony to the amazing grace and goodness of our God. During circumstances like these, we feel a close connection to the One who is able to do 'exceedingly more than we ask or imagine'. (Ephesians 3:20)

How many times have you heard someone say, "I've never seen anything like this?" I heard a story the other day of an older woman driving in the country by herself when she lost control of her vehicle. The dreary, rainy day kept many off the roads so no one witnessed it when her car plummeted 50 feet down an embankment.

Careening down the muddy hillside, the car tore through trees and shrubs, landing on the driver side, tight against the trees. As strange as it sounds, the airbags never deployed, and the woman was able to crawl to the passenger door and exit the car.

She survived only bruised and shaken up. The incredible part of this story is how she climbed up the 50-foot mud-covered hill, all by herself. She had her purse and umbrella in one hand and she tells how she got to the top and realized someone had a hold of her free arm and was escorting her to safety. She knows it was an angel.

The Guardian Angel and this testimony point to the hope we have because of Jesus and His amazing love for us.

Mark 2:1-12

Caring Testimony to Love

"But a Samaritan...had compassion...he took care of him..." (Luke 10:33,34)

The story of the Good Samaritan is familiar to most of us and the true picture of care. The Samaritan never met this injured man but felt compelled to help him. What a testimony of love for fellow-man.

As we learn about walking around the block with someone who hasn't met Jesus yet, care is one of our focuses. After inviting someone into a relationship which is subtle and genuine, we begin to care about them as people and as friends.

Once we have prayed about this and have asked God to show us who He is preparing for this journey with us, we can begin. For walking around the block is a journey that begins with an invitation and then becomes more personal. We can begin caring for this person, or these people before we officially meet them. Part of sharing our faith is praying for guidance, wisdom, and discernment. And because God is faithful, He will honor our prayers and start working before we do.

I found it helpful to remember who first walked me around the block. How did they invite me into their life? What did my life look like after that? How did they care for me? One woman, instrumental in my faith development, had the gift of encouragement. I was at a point in my life when I did not feel necessary or valid. This woman took the time to teach me that I was important. She went on to let me know in different ways, how she wanted to spend time with me.

At that point in my life, her care was vital. Her loving care changed my world forever. Now, can you put this example into your story? Is there something to be duplicated? If it worked for me and for you, why not for them?

Luke 10:30-37

Life on Mission - Witness

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ)“is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”(John 4:25-26)

The story of Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well has always fascinated me.  To some degree is frightens me too. Can you imagine talking with someone who, with a matter-of-fact attitude, tells you of your sins? This stranger who talks in riddles about drinking living water just as boldly points out my sinful living arrangements. Are you struck by how well this woman took this?

The story just gets more and more interesting. This same woman leaves Jesus and heads to town and she tells everyone what this man said to her. She is possibly the first witness to tell of Jesus and His teaching. Instead of feeling embarrassed or afraid, she seems to be excited to spread her news.

Now, how can I do the same? What will inspire me to announce to my little part of the world, all about this man who knows everything I ever did, and every thought that ever entered my mind? What will it take?  Why don't I take my witness to the world?

Jesus has certainly made an impact on my life.  He has changed my life, my everyday living. It is Jesus who saved me from myself and saved me from eternal destruction. Why don't I tell my story more? What will it take?
 
Back to the woman at the well. That chance meeting was anything but chance. Jesus set out to change her life if she would just listen and believe. She did and then she spread the word. She wasn't bragging about her sinful life but proclaiming to have heard Good News. She shared her story. She was on a Mission.  I must do no less.

John 4:25-38

John's testimony and ours

Brother John!  Can I have a witness? 

Then John [the Baptist] gave this testimony ... 

“I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him” (John 1:32).  If I were to begin my testimony with what I saw, as John did, it might sound like this: I saw many people change in deeply profound ways.  I saw angry people become joyful people … ‘wasted’ people become wholesome people … directionless people now with wisdom and understanding.  What did you see?  What stirred in your life and awoke you to the possibility that Jesus is real? 

“I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me ...” (John 1:33).  I couldn’t possibly name all the people who told me who Jesus is!  There were so many!  Dave, Barb, Eric, Del, Jim, Cathy, Keith, Gary, Sue, Pat, Ed, Lisa, Mom ... these are just a few of the dozens upon dozens of people who told me of their encounter with the Christ.  And I am deeply grateful for each one who spoke openly of him to me, because I eventually came to know him, too.  Who told you who Jesus is?  Do these people occupy a special place in your heart yet today? 

“I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34).  That’s all we need to do.  That’s all we can do.  Just tell people who Jesus is and how you’ve experienced him.  It is the Holy Spirit who will ignite the spark within their souls, just as he did in us.  He is the one who will breathe life into their spirits, even as we have received from him.  Do you think there’s anyone in your life who has been wanting to know him?  If you also have come to know this Son of God, can you simply tell others when the Spirit is leading you to do so?

* * * * *

A personal note.  One of the great surprises in my life over the past five years is that realization that Jesus’ yoke truly is easy and his burden actually is quite light, just as he said.  It took three things for me to “get” this: 1) understanding and accepting the fact that God loves me very deeply and very proactively; 2) trusting and savoring God’s unconditional favor more than man’s conditional acceptance; and 3) recognizing that God opens ministry doors all around us every day – we just need to watch for them and step through them, and he will do the work through us.  Living in this freedom and love of Christ, we can all testify like Brother John. 

[Click here to see today's reading, John 1:19-34.]

The Chance Encounter

He wants not only us but everyone saved...Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. (1 Timothy 2:4-7)

This past weekend I attended a workshop which taught participants how to share their testimony; the shortened version - the 90 second variety. This condensed version of our story can open doors for deeper conversations.

The telling of our faith journey in a short and concise way could prompt questions which will then lead us to tell Jesus' story. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth. (v.7)

When we put ourselves out there; when we look around and see a hurting world we should recognize we must do something. It all begins with a prayer and a smile. Prayer comes before anything good takes place. For this writer, prayer is my way of talking it over with God before making a move. Prayer clears the path, centers the spirit and prepares the heart to do something.

The smile might open a closed door or provide eye contact with someone who needs to feel acknowledged. This small gesture might make the difference between someone experiencing a good day or a bad day.

Simple things make such a difference in each of our lives. The person we pass on our way to work today might be the same individual we encounter in line at the grocery tomorrow. Relationships are begun in such ways. When God begins to prepare a heart to hear of Him, he also prepares the chance encounter which provides opportunity.

Simple faith and plain truth, will provide that chance encounter; the encounter which will change everything.

1 Timothy 2

Christmas Party time

Paul's arrival in Jerusalem was cause for celebration and for getting together as family. These people were friends and brothers in faith. To get the party started, they went first to visit James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.

After greeting each other, sharing pertinent bits of their lives since last they met, they began to tell the story of what God was doing.

Acts 21:17-20 (MSG)
In Jerusalem, our friends, glad to see us, received us with open arms. The first thing next morning, we took Paul to see James. All the church leaders were there. After a time of greeting and small talk, Paul told the story, detail by detail, of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. They listened with delight and gave God the glory. They had a story to tell, too: "And just look at what's been happening here—thousands upon thousands of God-fearing Jews have become believers in Jesus! But there's also a problem because they are more zealous than ever in observing the laws of Moses.

When we share our story, a testimony of faith and obedience, we are telling the world the Good News.  And pointing to Jesus, our Savior, as the reason for our changed lives and, we give all the glory to God. We know that only God, who loves us, could have orchestrated such a changed heart. Looking back at my story, it is clear that God was working. They listened with delight and gave God the glory.

What's your story?  Have you shared it with someone who needs to hear of a loving and forgiving God? This is called Intentional Discipleship. When we go out of our way, stepping outside our comfort zone, and encouraging someone who has not yet seen the Light of the World. Christmas time is a good time to do this.

The Christmas Story is a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness.






Acts 21:17-26

God at Work in People

                                                                    Acts 8: 26-40

God is consistently vigilant. He works through us. Many are used for His purpose, who have no idea they are a vehicle for the Lord. Our Savior utilizes situations both joyous and devastating to impact the lives of his beloved.

I urge you to search your heart and memory. Depending on your age, you may have more memories than you can recall. That’s ok. We will all be there at some point. When have you been at work for God?

As it states in Matthew 25: 31-36, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on the throne in heavenly glory………..He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the king will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Matthew 25: 40; “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

We are all coming from our own place in this world, and if we are still and listen to the Lord, can be honest about where we stand with Him. Each individual created by God has been dealt their own hand to play, and as Chuck Swindoll is often quoted: “Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we respond to it.” Our circumstances may be difficult, challenging, devastating, comfortable, pleasant, and even euphoric at times, but no matter where we are now, it will not last. Life is a journey of hills and valleys. We are to give, share, and pour out our help to others when we can.

Philip took the opportunity in Acts 8 to explain the scripture reading to an Ethiopian official, and he in turn was baptized and received the spirit. We may not be baptizing and preaching the gospel in the same way Philip did, yet the way we conduct our daily lives is a testimony to who we are and whom we serve.

Read/Listen to Acts 8: 26-40 

The Cornerstone of Christian Living

Acts 4:10-12 (NIV) It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone'.  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Think what our lives would be like had there been no Christmas. If Jesus never came to earth as a child and never matured into an adult with the mission to obtain our salvation, what a shambles our world would be in. Would our world even exist? Thankfully, we don't have to imagine this. But but for those who have not been introduced to Jesus yet or for those who know Him but have rejected the salvation He offers, life isn't worth living.

Psalm 118:22 (NIV)  The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; Jesus is called our cornerstone, the glue that holds us together.  When we are faced with overwhelming circumstances, when everything around us is falling apart, it is Jesus' love and mercy that brings pulls us through and makes us stronger. His grace is the foundation of our future. 

Mark 12:10 (NIV)  Haven't you read this scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; When I look back over my journals from the past three years it is obvious who held my life together. During a season when my world began to crumble, the Cornerstone of Life kept me strong and reinforced the walls of my faith. 

1 Peter 2:7 (NIV)  Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, Without Jesus there would be no church because it wouldn't be able to stand.  Without Jesus I would have no life, I would not be able to stand.  He holds me in the palm of His hand and He shows me how to keep it all together. What's your testimony to the Cornerstone of your life?                         

Acts 4:5-12

Acts 9:32-43

Have you even been on the receiving end of a miracle? Have you ever witnessed one? Miracles are all around us, and Jesus is still in the miracle business contrary to popular opinion. The scripture lesson tells of two such happenings with the healing of a man who was bedridden for eight years and the other example is the story of bringing a disciple, Tabitha back to life.

Have you experienced some fantastic healing? Has someone you have known beaten cancer against all the odds? We all have heard stories and I imagine many could tell some. Miracles are really all around us, we only have to open our eyes, our minds and our hearts to see them. Some are subtle, nothing as obvious as coming back to life, or walking after being lame for many years. 

A little over ten years ago I participated in a weekend retreat called Renewal. As our team prepared to share this gift with another group of women two of us began praying that our husbands would also want to experience what we did.

Of course we both acknowledged it would take a miracle for this to happen. Well, they both did attend this weekend event and they were on the same team and became very close friends because of this. Also, they both drew closer to Jesus and became living testimonies to God's faithfulness and answered prayer in the form of a subtle miracle.

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." (Acts 9:33-35)

Read the Acts 9:32-43 text here.  Listen to the words here.

Keep Telling Your Story - Acts 23:1-11

In the Christian recovery ministry, members often tell their story (lead) or testimony. It is called sharing our experience, strength, and hope with one another. Many times after sharing the story of my recovery journey with folks, they will stop me to say how my talk resonated with them. They will then share some of their journey with me and I can see how God has been at work in my life for many years.

People in recovery who share their story over and over again don’t necessarily enjoy doing it, but we know how important it is for people who are hurting and struggling their way through life to hear the tale of someone who has been there and came out on the other side. Christian recovery is so special to me, as I am able to share the power of Jesus, my personal ‘higher power’, with someone who does not yet know Him.

"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)

Every Christian is on a recovery path. Paul is no different; his journey is one which took him from persecutor to persecuted, from enemy to friend. Jesus revealed to Paul how vital his story is and that others need to hear. Now Paul is on his way to Rome to tell it again. “I love to tell the story, of Jesus and His love…”

Read the Acts 23:1-11 text here.

Tell Your Story - Acts 21:37-22:22

A number of years ago my husband, Dave, served in Kairos Prison Ministry. He was discerned to give a talk on forgiveness during one of the weekend events. For years after, men would approach him to say what an impact his testimony had on them.

Our struggles and pain have a purpose; to grow us and our faith. Difficult times in our lives draw us closer to God and allow God to write our story. It is this story we are to share with others. Our pain can benefit someone else; our faith walk will be a testimony to God’s grace.

"After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” (Acts 21:39-40)

Paul finds himself in a difficult spot. He boldly shared his story with the people, telling of his former life as a persecutor of Christians and how Jesus captured his heart and changed him. Paul knew the words he was using would not be accepted by the crowd, but he had to tell the truth.

Sometimes our story is difficult to tell and sometimes it will be difficult for others to hear, but the truth must be told. That is what Jesus has been preparing us for—telling it like it really is.

Read the Acts 21:37-22:22 text here.

Acts 9:32-43

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Remember hearing that saying before?  In the text for today, two miracles were performed by Peter; the healing of a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years, and bringing a dead woman back to life.  These actions painted pictures which enabled the people to see what God could do for His believers.  These pictures were a strong testimony for the truth.

"This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord." (Acts 9:42)

This tells me that our testimonies are very important tools for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.  It also tells me that my actions are equally crucial.  If I talk the talk but my behavior does not reflect my words, they are useless.

It is obvious to me from reading these verses in Acts that people are watching the disciples.  They are taking in everything they are doing and they are talking about it to each other.  I think that is how it is today too.  People who know we are Christian, expect different/better behavior from us; they are watching and they are talking.

Read Acts 9:32-43 here.

Paul called by Jesus - Acts 9:1-19

It is said most people's worst fear is public speaking.  Many find it disconcerting to get up in front of a group of people and deliver a talk.  But scripture tells us “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15).  This requires some public speaking, sharing of our testimony.

The story in today's reading is a powerful teaching about God using us even when we are at our worst, for His glory.  Saul was imprisoning or killing every Christian he could find.  His goal in life was to halt the spread of the Way; to stop followers of Jesus from talking about His life and His death.  It was this persecution by Saul that actually enabled the Word to spread even faster.

Christians scattered to other parts of the world and they told their story, they told Jesus' story.  Christianity spread world-wide.  Now, in the Scripture today, Jesus wants to use Saul even more boldly. Jesus is claiming him by saying to Ananias "This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (Acts 9:15)

Jesus wanted to use Paul (Saul's new name) and his past to help us recognize there is nothing we can do to make Jesus love us more and there is nothing we can do to make Him love us less.  God will use us as ‘His chosen instrument’ too. All we have to do is tell our story of how Jesus made a difference in our lives.

Read the text in Acts 9:1-19.

John 4:1-42

Lately, when doing morning devotions I am sensing God is saying things to me repeatedly.  This is probably because I need to be told a number of times before I get it right.  I am hearing a message  about life being difficult for a reason; struggles and challenges are ever-present because that is the only way faith will grow.  God seems to be teaching me by using 'tough love', and it really is tough.

It seems He wants to grow me in faith and experiences and encourage me to share these experiences with others.  I am being prompted to share my story, my testimony, with others.  One of the things I do daily is journal my prayers and my thoughts.  I will often use one of these journals to help me prepare my testimony when scheduled to share somewhere.  I am astounded how God wants to use me, my story, to help someone else come to know Him better.  The scripture for today is all about that practice.

"Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers." (John 4:39-41)

Do you know that God wants to use your story, your journey, in the same way?  Are you willing to give it a try?  You will be blessed beyond belief, I have been.


Read John 4:1-42 at Biblegateway.com