by lighthouse | Mar 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 21:6a “He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”‘ Jesus successfully proved a point for the disciples and you and me. 1. He controls all things–even where fish swim.2. We are to be constantly aware of what we are doing, who we are serving and are we listening to accomplish the purpose God has for each of our lives? 3. Left to our own desires, no matter how thoughtful, educated, experienced and logical–failure will result unless we have our Savior at our side. Aren’t these interesting conclusions gained from a very short time period recorded in His most precious Bible–(Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth). Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Mar 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:30 “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” How much more proof do we need? Jesus is God. No human could possibly perform even one of His miracles. Yet, foolish humans inflate themselves into thinking they have the ability to analyze and determine their version of truth. One cannot be more foolish. As blessed believers, with a firm and trusting faith, we can only praise our God and thank Him for His tremendous love for each of us that He would come for the sole purpose of bring us to Himself for all eternity. There is no greater love.
by lighthouse | Mar 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:29 “Then Jesus told him,’ Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”‘ Have you seen our crucified Savior? Have you seen the effects on Jesus’ body of His crucifixion? Do you believe Jesus had nail holes and a spear piercing? If you believe Jesus experienced the preceding, you are blessed. Much of the world demands proof when a child-like faith without “proof” is the best gift our God has given each of us who believe. Faith is our greatest treasure while proof may be our worse enemy.
by lighthouse | Feb 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:25b “…Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Were you at Creation? Did you see Noah and the ark? Did you watch as Jonah lived in the belly of the whale? Did you watch David kill Goliath? Were you at the manger where Jesus lay? Did you see Lazarus walk out of the tomb? Did you see Mary cry at the empty tomb? Did you watch the two disciples walk with Jesus on the way to Emmaus? Did you see Jesus rise into Heaven? Did you see tongues of fire on people’s heads at Pentecost? Do you believe you will spend eternity with your Savior? Do you believe Jesus is preparing a home for you? If you believe and doubt none of the preceding, God has blessed you abundantly. Thank Him!!
by lighthouse | Feb 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:20b “…The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” Can you, in your mind’s eye, see the disciples in the room as they saw Jesus for the first time after His resurrection? Can you see the joy they experienced as they saw their loved Savior? In your mind are you and I as thrilled as the disciples? How about right now? Are you and I thrilled and overjoyed that we have our Savior as our dearest and closest friend? And He is right be your side!
by lighthouse | Feb 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:19b ‘”…Peace be with you.”‘ The entire Bible is written with this thought in mind. All addictions, all frustrations, all confusion, all anxiety, all depression-the entire gamut of mental sorrow would be totally eliminated if we would believe with all our heart these 4 words coming from the lips of our Savior. Why not enjoy these 4 words of comfort as we live our lives as His cared for, adopted heirs of the greatest blessing of all–Peace and eternal life. Thank you Jesus! Have a great and peace filled weekend.
by lighthouse | Feb 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 20:15b “‘…Who is it you are looking for?'” What is it that drives you and me? Intelligence? Attractiveness? Wealth? Popularity? Power? These are all achievable and they can all be wonderful blessings. What drives you and me? Answer: Our Savior’s love for us and our love for our Savior. All the other desires fade and never produce an enduring satisfaction. Jesus asked Mary the same question He asks you and me. The answer couldn’t have been more obvious, but Mary’s tears blurred the answer. How about you and me? Do we live with blurred or clear vision? Use your God-given talents, but have clear vision.
by lighthouse | Feb 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 19:13 “They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?”‘ Mary was so sad. She did not realize–all is well. Don’t you and I find ourselves in the same situation? We become depressed and think we are facing the worst of times when actually we are in the midst of the best of times. A loved one dies, but really lives. We think bad is happening but really we are learning a valuable lesson. If our attitude is: God is in control, He only wants the best for us, He loves us dearly, He is either holding our hand or walking by our side or carrying us—all is well with my soul—we cannot help but live a contented, peaceful and secure life. Even in our sadness we have joy.
by lighthouse | Feb 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 19:26-27p “When Jesus saw his mother there,…he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman here is your son.’ and to the disciple, ‘here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.'” Jesus was suffering a torturous, humiliating and excruciatingly painful death, yet He knew His responsibilities as a son to care for His mother. Are you and I as attuned for caring for our parents as our Savior example? It is an honor and wonderful blessing my wife and I experience as our children care for us even as they raise their own children/family. God, thank you for wonderful children!
by lighthouse | Feb 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 19:23b&24a “This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another,’ Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”‘ The Son of God was being humiliated and crucified. His earthly life was about over. 1/3 of Jesus’ purpose (His birth, death and resurrection) for the salvation of all of mankind was happening before the soldier’s eyes and they were concerned about ripping a piece of cloth. Can one be more blind? Do you and I ever become blind and live for the purpose of accumulating stuff instead of living to honor our Heavenly Father?
by lighthouse | Feb 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 19:24b “…This happened that the scriptures might be fulfilled…” The history of the world is summarized within the Bible. From Creation to Eternity God tells us His and our story. Nothing predicted by God has not happened exactly as He said it would. The world, just like your and my lives, has a purpose for its existence. It is important for you and me to listen to our God and pray that we live our lives and follow His intended purpose. Because of His love for each of us, nothing but good will be the result.
by lighthouse | Feb 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
John 19:16a “Here they crucified him…” Jesus had to be born. Jesus had to die. Jesus had to rise. Our Savior and Advocate suffered a painful and humiliating death only so you and I could live. There is no greater love. He has made it possible for us to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father as perfect adopted children because our Father demands perfection. We thank Him by living a life of service to Him.
