Missing the Point

Scripture – John 7:1-5: After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) What an interesting passage! After a very blunt and pointed confrontation with the Jewish leaders, Jesus moved back north to Galilee. He obviously wanted to maintain a lower profile. But His brothers thought He was making a serious public relations mistake. “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.” Their thinking was He should become more visible around Jerusalem, doing more miracles, so more people would see Him. As John is writing this, he understands this reflects a disbelief in who Jesus is – a misunderstanding of His mission. Jesus was not looking to become a “public figure.” He’s looking to be a personal Savior for anyone who believes in Him.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will keep a clear sense of who Jesus is and what He offers. He’s not a magician or someone that’s going to fix all the problems in life and in the world. He will bring about a new creation in each human heart. And as true disciples, He will change the world through us.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Lord Jesus, please continue to work in our individual lives. And through us, spread your Light throughout this community and this world.

To Whom Shall We Go?

Scripture – John 6:66-71: From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) There comes a point when each person has to make a decision regarding Christ. Will I commit my life to Him or will I choose a different path? These were disciples who “turned back and no longer followed him.” As Jesus becomes clearer about who He is, the implications of following Him start sinking in, as well. There’s a point at which a leap of faith is required – when I say, “Lord, I choose you, and whatever happens, I’ll stick with you.” Peter had crossed that point. His question is ours, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Many people continue searching for answers. I have made my choice, and I’m not tempted to look elsewhere. That’s a decision that’s grown over the years and has been reinforced through a variety of ups and downs. The fact is, at this point in my life and experience, I can’t imagine going with anyone else.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will continue to follow Jesus Christ today. I will trust Him to provide whatever I need to do that. I will encourage others to stay open to Him – to not cut and run without giving Him a real chance to be the Savior and answer He is.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Lord, teach me how to do that – how to communicate your truth – how to invite people to come to you. Thank for your grace. Help me be a bearer of that today.

Hard Teaching

Scripture – John 6:60-65: On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) What do we do with “hard teaching?” I think of that in two ways. First, it may be hard because I have to really think about it. I may need to do some research, read and/or talk with someone else. That takes time and attention, and it’s hard to make myself do that. It’s much easier to watch a video or glance at a web page, and let someone else do my thinking for me. It’s easiest of all just to forget about it and move on to things I already understand. Second, a teaching in the Bible may be hard because, as in this passage, “Who can accept it?” There are truths I would rather avoid because they’re hard to accept – they call for a change I’m not ready to make. (Loving my neighbor, for example.) What will I do with the hard teachings I encounter today?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will make note of them today; including what it is that makes them hard. I will lean into them rather than away from them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Give me discipline and/or courage, Lord, to embrace the lessons from your word as I encounter them today. I have a couple already from Ezekiel 33 and 34. Please continue to teach me and grow within me.

Hard to Explain

Scripture – John 6:53-59: Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) We know Jesus is describing what we call “communion.” That’s the time in worship when we eat a bit of bread, symbolizing Christ’s body, and we drink a small cup of juice, symbolizing His blood. The people listening to Him did not have that experience. This must have sounded very strange to them. There are things Jesus says that make no sense unless we already believe in Him. There are things we do within the context of worship that have meaning only for believers. For example, what would a non-church person think of our communion service? How would we explain it? Why is it important to us?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will write out a brief description of what we do in a communion service, why we do it and the varying degrees of meaning it has for me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Thank you, Lord, for your cross. The sacrifice you made for us is beyond my understanding. Yet because of what you have done, I have eternity to figure it out.

Can We Talk?

Scripture – John 6:48-52: I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Bread continues as a metaphor Jesus is using. I suspect people in the crowd are beginning to get a new sense of who He is – or at least who He says He is. He’s made a pretty natural transition from physical bread to spiritual bread. I find it interesting that the Jews ”began to argue sharply among themselves.” They were not arguing with Jesus. Were some of them getting it? (Remember Nicodemus in chapter three.) Jesus is beginning to effect transformation in personal belief and faith in God at ever wider, deeper levels. How do we handle such change? What leads me to resist?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be open to the ideas of other people today. I will avoid arguing with them. I will look for dialogue.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a sensitive heart today as I speak with people. Open my ears to hear what they’re saying. Lead us to a meeting of meaning in our conversation. Thank you for your continuing transforming work in me and in the life and heart of Bethel.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.

Christ Unlimited

Scripture – John 6:41-47: At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s impossible for us to imagine what it was like for the Jews. They were hearing a man – a human being, like any of the countless people we see each day – standing before them claiming to be God. Even with all the wondrous things they had seen Him do, they still saw a flesh and blood person. I would be skeptical, too. In many ways, it’s far easier for us to believe today than it was for them. For we’ve never known God in the limitations of His human appearance. Personally, I grew up in the church with Christian parents. The stories of Jesus were part of my upbringing. It was not a huge step for me to accept Him into my heart and begin my personal journey with Him. How is it for people who don’t have such a background? What sort of obstacles do they face in coming to Christ and discovering who He is?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to non-believers today. I will look for some of the obstacles they face – the things that stand between them and Jesus.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please keep my eyes open today. Help me see people and love people as you do. Remind me that “everyone” includes every one I see.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

Enough for Everyone

Scripture – John 6:34-40: “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus now brings the crowd to a point of decision. Using the image of food, He declares, "I am the bread of life." He is the One who will satisfy our hunger and thirst in life. In Him we find a deep, soul satisfaction. Then we have this great proclamation, “my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. "Everyone” is inclusive. It’s not just for people like me or people I like. Ultimately, God does the turning of a person’s heart toward Christ. Through the church we can help everyone and anyone move toward Him and give them the opportunity to discover the bread of life for themselves.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be careful not to drive anyone away from Christ today. I will present an authentic witness – staying ready to speak as the opportunity arises.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me understand you better today. Are there some people you would not save? There seems to be a hint of that here. At the same time, “everyone” seems clear, as well. That certainly is your business. May I never assume anyone is beyond your grace.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

A Simple Answer

Scripture – John 6:28-33: Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus is inviting these people into new areas of discovery – new possibilities for their lives. Their question mirrors what most of us ask today – what must we do? That work ethic – the sense that we must earn whatever we get – is ingrained in us. It’s part of our North American culture – part of our human nature. Jesus’ answer is disarming – “believe in the one God has sent.” We don’t have to do anything. Christ comes to us as a gift. Eternal life is free. That is such a hard lesson for us to believe. When I try to earn salvation myself, I’m putting my trust in me and my efforts. When I simply believe and receive the gift God offers, my trust is totally in Him. Which will it be?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live with the gift of eternal life today. For that, I truly give thanks to God.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your love for me is astounding. Thank you so much for touching me through your Son. Teach me to trust you more today. Use me to nudge someone else closer to you, as well.

Going Deeper

Scripture – John 6:22-27: The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The “crowd” is like a separate character in John’s story of Christ. It seems to represent the ordinary people of the day. People untouched by the established religious structures. People still longing to find something to fill the spiritual emptiness in their lives. People like the majority of people today. Jesus moved in their midst. He did some miraculous signs among them to give an idea of who He is. Here, He begins teaching them – nudging them and inviting them to explore a new, deeper level of understanding. There is a different kind of food – “food that endures to eternal life.” Jesus will give that food to anyone and everyone who asks. What might this food be?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) When appropriate, I will add words to my witness. I will look for and take opportunities to help someone move a little closer to Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please help me do that, Lord. Help me see and hear the people I encounter today. Give me an open mind and heart as I speak with them. Teach me to love as you loved the crowd.

Time to Step Back

Scripture – John 6:14-21: After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When the people saw the miraculous sign Jesus did, they formed an idea of who He was. Apparently, they became quite excited and were ready to rally around Him and let Him be their leader. I have the image of a football team trying to carry their coach off the field on their shoulders. It looks to me like Jesus realized their motivation wasn’t right and/or the timing wasn’t right. Maybe He was even tempted to let them do it. For whatever reason, He went off by Himself. I wonder what He did in that time alone. I suspect He spent a fair amount of time in prayer – keeping His mind and heart clear and open to God’s purpose for His life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will spend some time alone today. I will seek God’s clarity for my life and mission. Sometimes I do get confused as to what’s really important.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please speak to me today. Keep me on track to follow you. There are many choices I face as to how to use my time and my life. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4,5)

Uncommon Sense

Scripture – John 6:7-13: Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus had just asked, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (vs. 5) Philip answered that it would cost too much. He didn’t, however, address the simple question Jesus asked. Sometimes my so-called “common sense” trumps all I know of faith. Jesus will open a door for me, but I’ll refuse to go through because I don’t know what’s on the other side and/or I fear I don’t have what I need to face what’s there. In the face of this overwhelming need – feeding these thousands of people – Andrew, at least, found some food. Or, more accurately, he found some one with food, and brought him to Jesus. I think that’s the simple lesson here for me today – to offer Jesus what I have rather than wondering what good it will do.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God has given me several gifts. He has entrusted much to my care. I will let Him use what He wants. I won’t limit myself by common sense.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me boldness today, Lord, to walk as you direct. Teach me to offer up all I have and am to you. I’ll trust you to do what you want with what I have. Remind me that I don’t have to feed the world. You’ll do that as I let go of my loaves and fish.

Who Do We See?

Scripture – John 6:1-6: Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Once again, I imagine the tone of Jesus’ voice changing completely as He looks at the crowd of people coming toward Him. He knows they are following Him because of the miracles He’s performed. He knows their commitment is not very deep at this point. Yet, unlike the Jewish leaders, they don’t know any better. And they are at least open to Him – open to discovering more about Him. He loves people like that. Now He has another chance to reveal more of Himself to them. He knows what He’s going to do. But Philip is given a pop quiz. How often does such a quiz come to us? How do we respond?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let myself love the people I encounter today. That is, I’ll let myself see individuals, not just crowds and drivers and servers, etc. Those are all people for whom Christ came. They are all created by and loved by Him.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please give me your eyes today, Lord. I’m sorry for the way I continually see people as “things” or “background.” Help me see them and hear them as you do. And give me words to speak as we meet.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.

Holy Bluntness!

Scripture – John 5:41-47: “I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I am stunned by the bluntness with which Jesus speaks to these Jews. It’s such a contrast to the way He deals with “ordinary” people – those with honest spiritual questions and concerns. He shows little patience with these leaders because they should know better. How does He speak to us in the church today? We know more than these Jews did. We know who He is. We know what He wants us to do. One writer (I don’t remember who off hand) put it this way: We do no better even though we do know better. What do I/we need to hear and/or change? Do we have the courage to ask Jesus what He really thinks?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I work on tomorrow’s sermon I will listen carefully for God’s direction. I will choose words carefully. With His help, I will speak the truth in love.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I do love Bethel. I love your church universal. And I love you. Speak your words to us. Open our ears to hear. Continue to carry us forward as we continue your ministry in our local community.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

A Strange Gift

Scripture – John 5:33-40: “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this dialogue with the Jewish leaders, Jesus is being exceptionally clear about who He is and the consequences of not believing Him. It must have been very hard for them to hear that they had never heard God’s voice, or that His word was not dwelling in them. I was talking with some other pastors yesterday, and we reminded ourselves how easy it is to study about the Bible while forgetting to actually read the Bible and let it speak personally. Jesus is giving these people a gift. They can accept it and consider how it addresses their life and faith, or they can get defensive and react with anger. Which will I choose?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let the light of the Bible illuminate my life in some new ways. I will let it shine especially in some darker areas where I like to keep myself hidden. Those are a bit too personal to discuss here. However, there are clearly areas in me where I have been resisting Christ’ transforming presence.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me courage and an inner honesty today, Lord, as I grow deeper with you. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Help me take advantage of that light this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

A Deeper Understanding

Scripture – John 5:28-32: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this section of John, Jesus is saying some things I find hard to understand. “All who are in their graves will hear his voice.” What is that about? I can’t say I know. These are the kind of passages I find it easy to skip over and move on to another story about people. Yet this, too, is a story about people. This is part of God’s word to us and for us today, whether it’s clear to me or not. I have a sense I should linger here for a while and see what pops up. At the same time, there are some easier words here. “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” A church can be built on that. And could it be that “another who testifies in my favor” refers, in part, to us today? For we are called to be His witnesses.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look up this passage in some commentaries and spend time mulling it over. I will look for my own clearer understanding.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for your written word. Thank you for your help in understanding. Thank you for the clarity of your main message – that eternal life is ours as we believe in Jesus Christ. Please help me grow deeper in my understanding of you this day.

There's Always Hope

Scripture – John 5:24-27: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) No one is beyond hope. No one is so far away from God that they cannot find their way back. Whoever hears the word of Jesus and believes He is from God has eternal life – it’s a present reality. And even those who are dead – those far removed from any thought of Christ – still can hear His voice and live. God wants everyone to have eternal life. All I have to do is believe.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will not write anyone off today. I will remember everyone I see either has eternal life or has the offer to believe before them. They just might not know that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please, Lord, give me the right words at the right time to reflect your word of grace and hope to someone longing for you. Teach me to be sensitive to the spiritual yearning of people. Use me to help someone move a little closer to you this day.

Hearing Hard Truth

Scripture – John 5:19-23: Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I can see why Jesus got in so much trouble with the leaders of the established faith. Here they’re already upset because He referred to Himself as God’s son. Now He drives that point home more clearly than ever. He pretty much claims all of God’s authority for Himself. He points out that honor due to God (the Father) is also due to Him (the Son). I can’t imagine what it was like to hear such talk coming from a man – even one who had done so many miraculous things. I notice, also, how the “church” people have such a different response to Jesus than those outside the church.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Jesus seemed to save His hardest words for the religious people. He gave them this truth about Himself knowing they would not want to hear it. I will watch my language today. With God’s help, I will speak the truth plainly.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me a clearer understanding of who you are today. Give me your words to share. Give me a gentle spirit from which to speak truth this day. And please, keep my heart and mind open to your truth rather than my own ideas and opinions.

Dealing with Honest Concerns

Scripture – John 5:14-18: Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes it’s hard to be open as I read these Bible stories because they are so familiar, and I know who Jesus is. Yet, if I step back a bit, I find myself sitting with “the Jews” more than I’d like to admit. From their point of view, Jesus had done a couple of very troubling things. He knowingly and intentionally broke the Sabbath law – almost thumbing His nose at it. And He claimed equality with God, which no person can have. So we have a popular teacher/healer who’s gaining in popularity. At the same time, He’s leading people away from the Law, and He’s making false claims about who He is and who God is. I would be wary, too. However, there surely is a more productive way to deal with such concerns than killing someone. Where is the line between maintaining an open dialogue and compromising our faith?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look for examples of what, to me, are questionable teachings. I will identify points of my own faith at which I’m not open to change. I will make sure those are based in scripture rather than tradition.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me a wise and discerning spirit, Lord. Please help me recognize false teaching and confront it. And give me grace to encourage truth when I see it. Show me the difference between defending my faith and acting out of jealousy. Actually, remind me that true faith doesn’t need defending.

Time for Something New

Scripture – John 5:6-13: When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In response to Jesus’ question, the man replies that his previous strategy for healing has not been working. At the same time, he doesn’t know what else to do. Then Jesus gives him what he needs to be healed. Here it’s a simple command which the man obeys. In today’s world, the way we’ve done ministry and outreach in the past isn’t working anymore. And I’m not sure what to do next. What new skills do I need? As I listen, Christ will give us what we need. He’ll equip us for the task. Of that I’m sure. My primary job is to obey – to get up and walk. This man didn’t even know who Jesus was, yet his life was profoundly changed. How can we help people meet Jesus and discover for themselves the profound change He brings?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will remain open to encountering new people today. I will listen for the spiritual threads they talk about in their lives. I will let them know they can explore those safely with me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, teach me to trust you. Remind me that the point of ministry is about the people in the world and not about my comfort. Show me how to walk today. Help me see the people around me and listen to them. Thank you for seeing me and listening to me.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.

A Call to Change

Scripture – John 5:1-6: Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Two things stand out to me here. One – in traveling to Jerusalem from Galilee, Jesus would have passed through Samaria again. I wonder if He saw any of the people from Sychar. What might they have talked about? Two – the simple question He asked this man still comes to me today. I could paraphrase it as, “Do you want to move beyond the limitations with which you’re now living?” As I look at the church and my role in it, that is the question before us. I’m pretty comfortable right now in what I’m doing. At the same time, Christ is calling me to a new experience of ministry and mission. We’ve been hanging around the pool long enough. Are we (am I) willing to do something new?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Yes! I’m not sure just how we’re going to change. I just know we are being called quite clearly to make some adjustments as a church and as member s of the church. I will follow and lead in whatever direction Christ chooses.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I’m a bit uneasy and a bit excited at the prospect of this new mission, Lord. All in all, I trust you to give us direction and to equip us fully. Thanks for your patience with me and us. We are yours this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

Simple Answers

Scripture – John 4:49-54: The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This man wanted more than a magic trick from Jesus. His son was dying, and he was desperate. His request was very clear – “Sir, come down before my child dies.” As He often does, Jesus responded differently than the man expected, maybe even wanted. He simply said, “Your son will live.” Often, God’s word comes to me in such simple language. Usually it’s something like, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” Now, I know that’s all I need to know. Still, I find it easy to fuss and fret because I don’t see how He’ll take care of it. I want specific answers and actions. Yet the man here simply “took Jesus at his word,” and left. I can learn a lot from the unnamed people John describes in his stories.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will practice taking Jesus at His word today. There are a few things I could worry about – personal issues that continually try to work there way into my heart. Yet I’ve heard His voice many times telling me not to worry about them. I’ll trust Him, and choose to live in peace this day.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me peace and focus as I serve you today. Forgive me for being concerned about things you’ve promised to handle. I don’t need to know how you’ll do things. It’s enough to know you are taking care of them even now.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

What's More Important?

Scripture – John 4:43-49: After the two days he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, for they also had been there. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When Jesus gets back to the area in which He grew up, people are glad to see Him. They had seen the miracles He performed in Jerusalem and they were excited about that. At the same time, how excited would they be to hear of the great miracle that happened in Samaria? We don’t know how many people there came to know Jesus as the Christ. Their lives had been changed and were changing because of that. It was far more significant than turning water into wine. Yet how often do I “ho-hum” it when I hear of people coming to Christ in a foreign country or even in one of our Detroit area suburbs – let alone in the inner city? After all, I have a service to prepare for Sunday and meetings for which I need to plan and.....all kinds of other things to do. The saving of human souls – even of those I don’t know or might not like – is the greatest miracle and work Christ does today. How am I part of that? How do I get in the way of it?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I work in the office today, I will be aware of people who don’t know Christ. I will question everything I do there as to it’s value for them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, forgive me for getting excited over some of the trivial things in the church rather than the important work you’re doing and have for me (us) to do! Continue to show me your way today.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve discovered in the Mini-Journal this week, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.

The Power of Personal Discovery

Scripture – John 4:39-42: 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. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a picture! People from the town opened themselves to Jesus because of what the woman told them. They urged Him to stay with them. Through their direct dialogue with Him, “many more became believers.” They moved from belief based on what someone else said to belief grounded in their own experience of Christ. This is our hope in sharing our story with other people – that they would open themselves to Jesus and give Him a fair hearing. It’s not my job to argue with people or try to convince them that Christ is the “Savior of the world.” Rather, I can only tell my story and invite them to come and see what they can discover for themselves.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be ready to talk with anyone about Christ today. I will pay attention to opportunities to do that, and I will use those opportunities to invite people to talk about spiritual matters.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you for being my life, Lord. Give me a sensitive spirit today as I encounter different people. Give me the best words and/or actions when I meet them. Use me as you wish this day.

Open Your Eyes!

Scripture – John 4:34-38: “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) If I find God’s will for my life and do what He wants, I will have all I need. That includes resources for the task to which I’m called, along with all I need for daily life (food, clothes, shelter, transportation, etc.) The same is true for us as a church. The next step in discovering God’s will is simply, “Open your eyes and look at the fields!” It’s far easier than we think to limit our vision of ministry to the church itself – to keep our vision directed inward. Part of our task is to open our eyes, look around at the “field” in which we live and see who is there. More people than we realize are on a spiritual journey – they are “ripe for the harvest.” We can ignore them no longer.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my eyes open today. How many people outside the church will I encounter? How many of them will open the door for spiritual talk? How will I let them know it’s safe to do that?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Walk with me today, Lord. Tap me on the shoulder when I’m not paying attention and help me see people today – people you love – people looking for you. Thank you for finding me and enabling me to find you.

A Simple Invitation

Scripture – John 4:27-33: Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This was a holy moment. It was beginning to dawn on this woman that this man might really be the Christ. I imagine a silence between them as they sat looking at each other. Then the disciples returned and the mood changed. She got up, and left her water jug. Something more important was on her mind now. She went back to town and gave people that simple invitation we still offer today –“Come, see…” She shared her experience with this “man.” That’s witnessing in its purest form. And she raised her question for all of them to consider: “Could this be the Christ?”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) This story is becoming way too full of things to address in this limited space. The simple fact is, we don’t need a lot of answers to share what we know of Christ. As far as we can see, she didn’t even know His name. We can offer the simple invitation: Come and see for yourself – could this be the Christ? I will look for and act on opportunities to extend that invitation this week.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your word is surprising. Reading familiar stories still brings fresh insight. Thank you. Show me how to share what I know of you with someone who wants to know you. Use me as you choose today.

True Worshipers

Scripture – John 4:20-26: Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Worship is the heart of the church. It is an eternal activity in which we consciously participate every so often. As Jesus told this woman, the constant in worship is “spirit and truth.” The places and styles and forms are all up for grabs. The time for those changes “has now come.” In this new day – in this ever-changing culture – we are running well behind the leading edge of change. How can we be “true worshipers” today?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will do something quite different in my experience of Sunday morning worship today. In addition, I will invite some other people to help understand and plan worship experiences for the congregation.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Discovering Jesus

Scripture – John 4:16-19: He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Two days ago, the speaker at the conference I’ve been attending pointed out that people today are open to discovering truth for themselves. When it comes to sharing our faith, it’s not very effective to tell people things. Rather it comes back to our call to be witnesses for Christ – describing who He is and what He’s done in my life. I can point people toward Him and invite them to explore for themselves. In that, I trust the Spirit to lead them to discover who Christ is for them. I see that here in John 4. This woman is beginning to discover who it is she’s talking with. Jesus has accepted her as she is. And He’s slowly letting her see for herself who He is. Is there a model here for faith-sharing today?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look for and be ready for opportunities to share my experience of Christ with other people. I will invite them to explore and discover for themselves who He is.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please work in the lives of people today who are seeking you. Many of them don’t really know what they’re looking for. As they might cross my path today, use me any way you can to help them discover you.

Satisfaction

Scripture – John 4:11-15: “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the things I find in Christ is satisfaction in life. The envy and jealousy that drives so much of our economy is taken away by Him. On my good days, at least, I do not want more stuff. For the thirst of my soul is quenched. And the well from which I drink is a never-ending resource of refreshment and sustenance. Of course, I’m not always there. My human nature keeps pushing me to want more. At the same time, if I stop and focus and give thanks, I begin once again dipping into His living water, and I experience the satisfaction He brings. This woman at the well is beginning to discover this stranger is more than a man.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will thank God, intentionally and consciously, today for all that I have. I will drink from the spring of water He has welling up in me. I will resist the temptation to be dissatisfied.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for satisfying my thirst. Forgive me for drinking sometimes from the wrong well. You are the only one in whom I find fullness. Remind me of that today.

Making Contact

Scripture – John 4:7-10: When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus is open to anyone. There seem to be no boundaries. Based on His Jewish background and the cultural climate of His day, He could have ignored this woman, and she would not have given it a second thought. However, He chose to speak to her, to ask her for a favor and to be willing to drink from a Samaritan bucket. She was surprised and, I think, a bit confused. There are many people throughout the day I ignore. And they expect that. The other day in a restaurant, the busboy brought us more coffee. I made it a point to catch his eye and say, “Thank you.” He smiled as he looked back at me and said, “You’re welcome.” It was a quick moment of human contact in a setting where most people – customers and employees – just act out their roles. This woman at the well had no idea what was about to happen because Jesus initiated authentic contact with her.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look at some people today. I’m off to a conference with other pastors. We can be the worst at not really seeing or hearing one another. I will be intentional about breaking out of that role this day.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me see people today, Lord, through your eyes. Erase the artificial boundaries I tend to establish and observe. Thank you for contacting me.

Our Perfect Guide

Scripture – John 4:1-6: The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) For all the gospels reveal about who Jesus is and the things He did, we get surprisingly few glimpses into His personal life. Here, for example, Jesus was tired. We hardly ever see anything like that. The human form and nature He took on for us was not a costume. He became a human being – experiencing life as we do. When I get tired and need to sit down for a few minutes, He knows what that’s like. That’s something I easily take for granted. God, in Christ, really did live on this earth as a man. There is no experience of life I have that is foreign to Him. That’s another aspect of God’s amazing work. He’s not sitting way off somewhere, removed from human existence. He’s fully in touch with our lives. So, indeed, I can bring anything to Him, knowing He understands.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay closer attention to the personal glimpses of Jesus John records for us. I will live with an awareness that He has walked in the same steps I take today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, walk with me today. I trust you as my perfect guide because you have walked here before. I’m sorry for the times I think you don’t understand. Set me free today to live fully for you as I live with you.