Click here to go to today's reading
The fascinating story of Jesus healing the man by the Sheep Gate pool on the Sabbath. Which, of course, leads the Jewish Religious leaders to want to kill Jesus.
What can we learn about the nature of God throughout chapter 5? Or anything else you'd like to share about this passage.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Day 6, January 6, Psalm 3 & 4
Click here to go to today's reading
There are some encouraging verses in these chapters:
I lie down at night and fall asleep. I awake in the morning - healthy, strong, vibrant - because the Eternal supports me. (3:5)
Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe. (4:8)
The devotional book I am using this year from the Psalms tells us about Psalm 3 -
In the 16th century the Huguenots of France were known for their Psalm singing. They sang when they ate, they sang when they worked, they sang when they worshipped. They even sang when they were persecuted and when they went into battle. ... Chanting Psalm 3 signaled danger. Whenever a Huguenot heard this Psalm, he knew an attack by the enemy was imminent.
The One Year Book of Psalms.
There are some encouraging verses in these chapters:
I lie down at night and fall asleep. I awake in the morning - healthy, strong, vibrant - because the Eternal supports me. (3:5)
Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe. (4:8)
The devotional book I am using this year from the Psalms tells us about Psalm 3 -
In the 16th century the Huguenots of France were known for their Psalm singing. They sang when they ate, they sang when they worked, they sang when they worshipped. They even sang when they were persecuted and when they went into battle. ... Chanting Psalm 3 signaled danger. Whenever a Huguenot heard this Psalm, he knew an attack by the enemy was imminent.
The One Year Book of Psalms.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Day 5, January 5 - Psalm 1 & 2
Click here to go to today's reading
From The Voice:
Psalm 1:
God's blessings follow you and await you at every turn; when you don't follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, When you avoid sin's highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. (1)
You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what you do, you prosper. (3)
I love the imagery in verse 3. We are a tree planted by a stream that never dries up. When you think about Jesus and the Samaritan Woman and Jesus talking about being living water and this passage it's a great reminder of what Jesus does for us.
Psalm 2:
There is only one God, the Eternal; worship Him with respect and awe; take delight in Him and tremble. Bow down before God's son. If you don't, you will face His anger and retribution, and you won't stand a chance. For it doesn't take long to kindle royal wrath, but blessings await all who trust in Him. They will find God a gentle refuge. (11, 12)
The picture of God as angry and royal wrath, yet blessings await all who trust in Him as well as a gentle refuge. The contrast between an angry God and gentle refuge.
From The Voice:
Psalm 1:
God's blessings follow you and await you at every turn; when you don't follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, When you avoid sin's highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. (1)
You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what you do, you prosper. (3)
I love the imagery in verse 3. We are a tree planted by a stream that never dries up. When you think about Jesus and the Samaritan Woman and Jesus talking about being living water and this passage it's a great reminder of what Jesus does for us.
Psalm 2:
There is only one God, the Eternal; worship Him with respect and awe; take delight in Him and tremble. Bow down before God's son. If you don't, you will face His anger and retribution, and you won't stand a chance. For it doesn't take long to kindle royal wrath, but blessings await all who trust in Him. They will find God a gentle refuge. (11, 12)
The picture of God as angry and royal wrath, yet blessings await all who trust in Him as well as a gentle refuge. The contrast between an angry God and gentle refuge.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Day 4, January 4 - John 4
Click here to go today's reading
Jesus and the Samaritan woman is a great story. A little background on Samaria:
For Jews in Israel, Samaria is a place to be avoided. Before Solomon's death 1,000 years earlier, the regions of Samaria and Judea were part of a united Israel. After the rebellion that divided the kingdom, Samaria became a hotbed of idol worship. The northern kings made alliances that corrupted the people by introducing foreign customs and strange gods. They even had the nerve to build a temple to the True God on Mt. Gerizim to rival the one in Jerusalem. By the time the twelve are traveling with Jesus, it has long been evident that the Samaritans have lost their way. By marrying outsiders, they have polluted the land. Israel's Jews consider them to be half-breeds, mongrels, and the Jews know to watch out for them or else be bitten by temptation. (The Voice p. 1293).
I love verses 39 - 42. Meanwhile, because one woman shared with her neighbors how Jesus exposed her past and present, the village of Sychar was transformed - Many Samaritans heard and believed. (39)... They began their faith journey because of the testimony of the woman beside the well; but when they heard for themselves, they were convinced the One they were hearing was and is God's Anointed, the Liberating King, sent to rescue the entire world. (42)
The people started believing because of the woman's testimony but they were convinced when they heard for themselves. That's why it's so important for us to tell our story. Our Pastor shared how we can prepare to tell our testimony by answering the following questions:
Jesus and the Samaritan woman is a great story. A little background on Samaria:
For Jews in Israel, Samaria is a place to be avoided. Before Solomon's death 1,000 years earlier, the regions of Samaria and Judea were part of a united Israel. After the rebellion that divided the kingdom, Samaria became a hotbed of idol worship. The northern kings made alliances that corrupted the people by introducing foreign customs and strange gods. They even had the nerve to build a temple to the True God on Mt. Gerizim to rival the one in Jerusalem. By the time the twelve are traveling with Jesus, it has long been evident that the Samaritans have lost their way. By marrying outsiders, they have polluted the land. Israel's Jews consider them to be half-breeds, mongrels, and the Jews know to watch out for them or else be bitten by temptation. (The Voice p. 1293).
I love verses 39 - 42. Meanwhile, because one woman shared with her neighbors how Jesus exposed her past and present, the village of Sychar was transformed - Many Samaritans heard and believed. (39)... They began their faith journey because of the testimony of the woman beside the well; but when they heard for themselves, they were convinced the One they were hearing was and is God's Anointed, the Liberating King, sent to rescue the entire world. (42)
The people started believing because of the woman's testimony but they were convinced when they heard for themselves. That's why it's so important for us to tell our story. Our Pastor shared how we can prepare to tell our testimony by answering the following questions:
- What my life was before I knew Jesus?
- How I came to know Jesus?
- How has my life changed since knowing Jesus?
He encouraged us to get it down to a 3 to 5 minute story, most people will give you that.
Have a blessed Friday!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Day 3, January 3 - John 3
Click here to go today's reading
I guess the most obvious question that this chapter answers is "What does this passage tell us about salvation?" (Feel free to share anything)
God loves us enough to send His son to die for us. (16)
Who ever believes in the Son has eternal life (36)
Of course John reminds us of the flip side of what happens if we don't believe.
Blessings all!
I guess the most obvious question that this chapter answers is "What does this passage tell us about salvation?" (Feel free to share anything)
God loves us enough to send His son to die for us. (16)
Who ever believes in the Son has eternal life (36)
Of course John reminds us of the flip side of what happens if we don't believe.
Blessings all!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Day 2, January 2 - John 2
Click here to go to today's reading
The Wedding in Cana and Jesus then clears the Temple. Jesus first miracle (as recorded by John) and His first statement regarding His "relationship" to God.
Feel free to share anything you want regarding this passage, but if you want to answer this question, "What insight does this passage give in relationship between the church and secular powers?"
Blessings
The Wedding in Cana and Jesus then clears the Temple. Jesus first miracle (as recorded by John) and His first statement regarding His "relationship" to God.
Feel free to share anything you want regarding this passage, but if you want to answer this question, "What insight does this passage give in relationship between the church and secular powers?"
Blessings
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Day 1 - January 1 - John 1
Click here to go to today's reading
As you read the chapter answer the question:
What does this passage tell you about the nature of God?
For me, this passage reminds me that God has always been (verse 1). He has the key to life (v4) and He is the light for all men (and women) (v4). He gave us the power to become His children (v14).
This tells me that God loves me.
As you read the chapter answer the question:
What does this passage tell you about the nature of God?
For me, this passage reminds me that God has always been (verse 1). He has the key to life (v4) and He is the light for all men (and women) (v4). He gave us the power to become His children (v14).
This tells me that God loves me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)