The King

John 19:15b “‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered.”‘ The world certainly thinks differently than any Christian.  As Children of God, we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and King.  The  world acknowledges Jesus as a man who lived, influenced a few and died.  What a privilege it is for you and me to know the real Jesus, His purpose for His living, dying and rising and to have a tight relationship with Him which will last through all eternity.  There is a sadness we all have for those who live on this earth and never realize the truths of our loving Heavenly Father.  Thank God for His loving hugs for you.

Truth

John 18:37b “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Jesus’ words are 100% truth.  God speaks.  How can we do anything other than listen.  The world is so confused with its own thinking it has come to believe there is no truth.  How can one be so foolish as to ignore a so easily recognized abundance of truth which, when followed guarantee a contented, joyful and peaceful life?  We love to hear and tell the greatest story man has ever and will ever hear.  Study His truth.

Truth is not a secret

John 18:20 “‘I have spoken openly to the world, ‘Jesus replied, ‘I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together.  I said nothing in secret.”‘ The truths of Christianity are available for everyone to hear or read.  Jesus has hidden nothing.  No one wherever the Bible is available has any excuse to ignore Truth.  Unfortunately, man’s pride instead of a wiser choice of humility has become his downfall.  Man has mistakenly turned to himself for solutions and in so doing has created more problems.  Beyond any doubt Jesus is the solution for all of man’s problems–accept that truth and live with the complete confidence given by our living Savior.

The Peter problem

John 19:17 “‘You are not one of his disciples, are you?’ the girl at the door asked Peter.  He replied, ‘I am not.'” Each of us has to thank God that He has not recorded our betrayals in Scripture.  How often have you and I denied our Savior by our thoughts, words or/and actions?  Have we ever stood in silence when His truths were denied?  Have we ever participated in activities not becoming of a child of God?  Have we ever agreed with a group instead of expressing His truths?  Has God placed this story in the Bible as a mirror for each of us?  I think that is exactly why this story is in Scripture.  Lesson learned? Have a great weekend.

Jesus finished praying

John 18:1a “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples…” Jesus is our Example.  Jesus talked to His Father and then in total submission did what He came to earth to do.  Jesus had a purpose to accomplish–the purpose His Father determined many years prior.  Before you or I came to live on this earth, God knew the purpose of your and my life.  Are you and I praying that we are accomplishing God’s intended purpose?  Have we placed our lives in His hands to accomplish His purpose?  When we meet Him we will hopefully hear Him say to each of us–Well done.

Extremely deep thoughts

John 17:26 “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Just before Jesus was led to the cross He prayed to His Father.  As you can read, His prayer was in appreciation and His prayer was for you and me.  The love God has for you and me is beyond measure.  His love for us has to be the motivation which governs our lives and which sparks the fire within each of us to be His mouth piece as we live our lives on this earth.  All of us pray that we represent Him well.

Jesus prays for you

John 17:20 “My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” Jesus talks with His Father.  He not only talks to His Father about you, He talks to His Father about those you talk to.  You plant seeds.  You water those seeds and the Holy Spirit makes those seeds of life grow.  It is not just by chance your friends learn of the true God, it is the will of God.  Isn’t it another wonder of our Savior that He talks to His Father about YOU.

Be like Jesus

John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” For you and me to be like Jesus we have to know Jesus.  We cannot know Jesus by getting our car washed or by buying groceries.  There is only one way to get to know our Savior and that way couldn’t be more obvious.  We have to search the Scriptures for therein is the absolute truth of life and Life.  All of us need to crave learning of the Truth.

Your thinking is unique

John 17:16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Jesus is speaking.  They is you.  I is Jesus.  You and Jesus are identical in that you and Jesus do not follow the thinking of this world in its lack of respect for the true God.  Man’s thinking does not include —what does God say?  Man’s thinking is very self centered and conclusions are drawn based on one’s desires even while suffering dire consequences.  Your and my thinking is totally based on–what does God say?  That is why we so enjoy studying His Word.  Be a unique thinker! Have a great weekend.

The time will come

John 16:16 “In a little while you will see me no more, and then in a little while you will see me.” Jesus always known exactly what He is talking about.  He knew He would ascend into Heaven.  He knew He would return.  The first happened while the second coming is about to happen.  The most important truth you and I can gather from this absolute truth of our Savior is—-be prepared!  A lack of preparation could not be worse.  Study His Book—know who He is—grow in faith.  All of our eternal lives depend on it.

Our Counselor

John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” God had a plan.  Everything our God chooses for us is orderly, consistent and beneficial to those whom He loves.  You and I need the Counselor–that is our Comforter, the Holy Spirit who lives within each of us. Jesus knew and knows we need help.  That’s right–you need help.  I need help.  Without that help we are lost—and who wants to be lost?  Praise God for having the Counselor living within each of us—we can live in the comfort, peace and security only He provides.”

Listen because…

John 16:1 “All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.” You and I are influenced by both the thinking of society and the thinking of our Savior.  If we don’t read our Bibles and learn what our God has to tell us about life and death and Himself and His expectations we can do nothing less than be influenced by the fallible thoughts of society.  Nothing could be more damaging.  Society destroys family and individual stabilities.  God thinking produces strong families and individual security.  We all make a choice.