John 1:29-42, Known & Loved

“I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah”, and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Peter.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭34‬, ‭41‬-‭42‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John the Baptist sees Jesus and tells everyone who Jesus is, the one they have all been waiting for!  Instantly, John’s followers leave him and start to follow Jesus.  The first thing they all do is go to tell everyone they care about the good news: the Messiah is here!

But what blows me away is that last statement, where Jesus is first introduced to Simon and tells him his future.  This must have been very compelling because Peter never left Jesus after this interaction.

What is amazing is Jesus knows me and my future.  Every good and bad thing I have done and will ever do…and He still loves me.  Isn’t that what we all long for!?!  Someone who knows us perfectly, accepts us even with our faults and loves us anyway!

Lord help me to boldly proclaim who You are and allow me to introduce people to You, the One who perfectly knows and perfectly loves everyone!

John 1:19-28, Reflect Christ

“This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?””

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John lived his life in a unique way and people noticed he was different.  It was obvious there was something different about him and his message.  This caused people to go to him to ask the question, what’s the story John?

My life should also look different from the people around me…it should be obvious that I have the hope of Jesus.

Lord, I don’t want to be a freak, but I pray that people would want to know about You because of what they see in my life.  Help me to live vibrantly so that anyone who interacts with me sees You reflected in my words and actions!

John 1:14-18. Grace & Truth

 “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Jesus was full of grace (not treating people in the negative way that they rightly deserved) and truth.  He didn’t lie to people.  He didn’t ignore the things they did that were sinful.  Rather He was kind to them, seeing them with compassion, while at the same time He is still calling us up to live as God created us to live.  

Gods laws (His rules and commands) are given to us so that we can live peaceful, quiet lives, experiencing joy, contentment and peace with those around us.  That all sounds pretty fantastic to me!  The alternative is extreme selfishness, to go after everything that I want…short busts of pleasure followed by enormous regret, frustration, confusion and fear, lived out on repeat.  This is horrible to experience and devastating to watch.

Lord, help me to be like Jesus- filled with compassion, patience and tenderness for people choosing their own way. Yet, able to kindly share the truth without causing more pain or them feeling judged and rejected.

John 1:1-13 True Life

 “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. 

… to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John tells us that true life, thriving life, energizing life…eternal life is found only in Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but that is the life I want.  In contrast, life apart from Jesus is dull, feels empty (or at least seems like there should be more), requires that we look for excitement and constantly seeking another rush of fun or adrenaline. 

Then shockingly he tells us that we can be adopted into Jesus family just by receiving Him, accepting Him, believing Him.  This incredibly simple exchange happens not because we have the right plan or finally figure it out…but because it was Gods will.  

So He desires that we follow Him, and gives us the ability to receive the gift of true life.

Lord, help me to follow You.  I don’t want to throw away this gift You chose to give me!  I want to experience true life to the full!!’

Proverbs 31- Spousal Delight

“Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬, ‭26‬, ‭30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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There is no gift after Salvation, that has more impact on your life.  Marrying a wife who encourages you toward what is truly important cannot be understated.  We all need help and encouragement and having a spouse that is ready, able and full of wisdom is critical for long term joy.

Lord, I have been blessed beyond measure and I want to remain thankful and demonstrate my delight every day.  Help me not to get self focused but to love and protect her daily.  Thank You for the incredible wife and partner in every adventure…

Proverbs 30- Blind to Sin

“Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God. 

There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth. This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.””

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭8‬-‭9‬, ‭12‬, ‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, give me eyes to see myself clearly.  Don’t allow me to be blind to who I am or the impact of my sin.  It is so easy to falsely think that I have things in life handled and I don’t need You, but that is the biggest lie.  I need You every moment of every day or else I begin to move in the wrong direction and cause chaos in my life and those around me.

Proverbs 29- Prides Antidote

“Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. 

A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. 

The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭18‬, ‭23‬, ‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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The fear of what others think, pride and a lack of direction lead to destruction…Humility, obedience and trusting God bring happiness, honor and safety.

Lord, help me to trust You in every situation.  Let me first run to Your word instead of making my own plan.  I want to be ruled by humility, and Scripture!