Keeping Open

Scripture – John 1:43-46: The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! I have sat in Nathanael’s seat many times. I will judge people or programs or ideas based on nothing more than where they come from or who I think they are. Something comes in the mail, and the return address tells me what to expect when I open it – if I open it. Sometimes people will come to me with an idea and I am ready to discount it before they say another word. Philip’s simple response still stands as sound advice today – “Come and see.” That’s something I need to practice.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will open myself to people and possibilities that come to me. I will let them speak for themselves. I will let myself look and see with an open mind.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please help me today. I cannot do this without you. Please free me from the pre-judging I do so naturally I don’t even notice it. Help me recognize when that’s happening, and give me your vision to set it aside. There are lots of good things waiting for me today. Keep me open to receive them – no matter where they come from.