Mind your own business

John 21:22 “Jesus answered,’ If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”‘ Our human nature often accuses others of doing wrong while justifying all our own activities.  Jesus warns against that thinking.  His advise to each of us is to be careful in our own lives, thoughts and actions.  Be sure our own faith is strong and we follow the will of our Heavenly Father and we will have more than enough to keep ourselves busy.  Have a unique, devout and close relationship with our Savior and be sure that love relationship never falters.

Seems contradictory

John :19 “Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.  Then he said to him,’ Follow me.'” We sometimes think the life of a Christian should be full of roses.  Jesus wants each of us to know that is not the life to expect as you and I represent our God.  The world generally does not consider God and His Bible as the source of absolute truth.  Man looks to himself as an evolutionary being where truth is determined because of man’s unique ability to dominate.  How do you as a Christian prove this mental attitude wrong?  You don’t–no need.  Time is always the winner and in God’s time all He has told us will be proven true.  Serve Him–suffer for Him–live for Him.  Your reward is coming–be confident in that truth.

You don’t have to ask

John 21:12b “…None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord.” All of us have been asked the question—-How are you ?  All of us have answered—-Fine!  The truth is—we can answer that question accurately —–FINE, because of the Lord!    Otherwise, fine is not so fine.  Never stop answering—-fine, but only because of our wonderful Savior!  So, I ask you—how are you? 

Listen carefully and apply

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.

It must have been amazing

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.

You are blessed

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. 

Doubt or believe

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!! 

Are U the same?

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!

A most important emotion

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.

Are you looking?

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.

Why sad?

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.

Jesus’ love for His mother

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!