The Self Focused Crowd (John 6: 22 to 27)

Now we'll look at John 6: 22 to 27 and focusing in on verse 26...."you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled."

Jesus and the disciples had their day of refuge from the self focused crowd. I call them "self focused" because they approached Jesus so they could satisfy their own need of food and they wanted more free food. If you have ever been around famous or wealthy people, there is always that groupie crowd that is looking for hand outs. They see someone who has a means to provide. These people tap into the life of a wealthy or famous person like a leech stuck to your leg sucking blood. They are only there for themselves and they offer nothing in return. These people seeking Jesus wanted more food. Could you imagine being alive during the time Jesus walked the earth and be able to learn from His wisdom! But all these people were not seeking wisdom. All they did was to ask for more food! They totally missed the point Jesus was conveying. The selfish crowd is saying "hey, my father is sick", or "I have lost everything, please help me" or "my neighbor wronged me, please condemn them!" The kept asking Jesus to do stuff. If we believe Jesus is who he says he is, then we would not approach Him like some faith based vending machine. He would be the Lord of our lives. Just being in His presence, listening to His direction for our lives and studying about who He is and how He lived should be enough to impact our lives. But the natural result of loving Jesus and having a relationship with Him is Him caring for you and directing you to the right way of living. It is important to not just treat Jesus like a genie who will provide us with our material and physical needs. In contrast, we really need to look at our overall relationship with Jesus as follows:

1. Are we communicated with Him? (Prayer)
2. Are we listening when he communicates to us? (meditation)
3. Are we studying who He is and how He lived? (Studying the Bible)
4. Are we applying how he lived to our lives? (Following God's promptings for our lives)

It's OK to seek need from Jesus. But if that is our only dimension of our relationship with Him, then we are none-other than a groupie to a famous person.

Dear Jesus, It is important to just pause and think of who you are!!................................................................................................, Thank you Jesus, Amen!

He Ditched Them? (John 6: 20 to 27)

It's been a while since my last post. Peggy's and my grandfather passed away. He was a great grandpa to me, my sisters and my brother. A farmer by trade. We always looked forward to seeing him and spending time with him on his farm when we were kids. I was able to be with him when he passed. Right before he died we prayed for him and gave him God's word, that seemed to be enough spiritual food for him to complete his journey and he died 20 minutes later. We felt a peace that he went into the arm's of Almighty God. I look forward to seeing him driving up to the "pearly gates" on his John Deere tractor. Heck maybe Peggy will be riding on the back of it, like the old days. Anyway good times, good memories and a great grandpa. See you up there Grandpa!

As we continue our study through John chapter 6, we look at verses 20 to 27 and focus on v. 21 "Then they willingly received Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going."

The crowd was pursuing Jesus. But Jesus knew their hearts, they wanted food, not spiritual revival in their heart. Looking at the circumstance, Jesus was showing an unbelieving crowd his supernatural ability, but then He wanted to get out of there and spend time with His core group, His disciples. In a way Jesus ditched the crowd, much like a famous person, or a rock star or the President of the United States would leave a crowded scene. They would go and get whisked away in a limo or a plane and go back to their core people.

Instead of a limo, or a Gulf Steam Jet or Air force One; Jesus removed himself from the crowd with two miracles, one well know and one little known. It is well known that Jesus walked on water, but notice that once Jesus stepped into the boat, it was supernaturally placed at their intended destination. This gave Jesus a chance to spend time with His disciples while the crowd caught up to Him. So in a way Jesus ditched the crowd, so he could be in His own element with his core believers.

Was that wrong or impersonal for Jesus to "ditch" these folks. I don't think so. Remember the crowd was seeking Jesus for physical food not spiritual revival. They missed the point of his miracle creating food for the masses out of five loaves and two fish. Plus, Jesus was focused on teaching the 12 to carry His message after He was gone. The 12disciples with the help of the Holy Spirit would spread the gospel to the masses in a big way.

The example we can take is that Jesus valued "time away". We often need that as well. Whether you are at work, home, school or around people, the pressures of life and people always wanting something from you can be taxing and distracting. The point is that we do need to "ditch" our surroundings and take the back door out to get our minds set on God and take a breather. That is what Jesus did and also helped his disciples do.

Lord, thank you for those quiet times when we can be away from our surroundings and pressures of life so we can seek spiritual energy for our soul from You! Amen

Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16 to 20)

John 6: 16 to 20 ...focus on v. 19..."they saw Jesus walking on the sea"

Years ago I went on a water skiing trip with my wife, Lori and her family. We would all take turns skiing. On this particular day, my brother-in-law, Jason, was up. He grabbed his ski, put on the life vest, picked up the tow rope and jumped in the water. When he was ready we "hit it" and he was up skiing back and forth behind the boat. We circled around the west end of the lake and Jason fell. We turned the boat around to get him and encircled the rope behind him, so he could grab it. We slowed to an idle and watched Jason in the water. He reached over next to him to get the ski floating and then, much to our amazement, he stood up and walked to the boat across the water. We stared for a moment and could not believe our eyes. Now we had a choice to make...Either Jason was 1.)the modern day Messiah walking across the water at Lake San Antonio or 2.) He had just fallen off his ski in very shallow waters. Well, knowing Jason, you knew for sure it was the latter. We all had a good laugh.

Jason was near the shore in shallow waters, but looking at John 6: 16-20, you can see Jesus was off-shore by three or four miles!! Jesus was not in shallow waters, in fact he was defying gravity and showing his disciples another validation of His identity. He showed that He is God in human form, still fully in control of natural forces such as gravity. This comes on the heels of showing His power over a.) giving masses of people provision of food; b.) healing the chronically sick; and c.) power to know the background and life of someone He never met. Jesus continues to prove that He is who He said He was....., The Messiah!

Jesus revealed His abilities to the disciples. They initially could not believe their eyes. But, then they continued to get educated about the miraculous powers of Jesus. Jesus may at times be more subtle than walking towards us on water, but He does reveal His wondrous abilities to us. We need to recognize those times He is trying to get our attention.

Dear Jesus, Continue to show us your amazing abilities and have them influence our lives. Amen.

Confused Crowd (John 6:15)

Just the next verse further validates the crowd's flawed perception of who Jesus was. John 6:15 "They were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king."

The desires of the population at the time is much like the uprising in Egypt today. The people want a righteous ruler to take care of them and give them more rights and prosperity.

The Jewish population looked at Jesus as a "prophet" and someone who could be their earthly leader. Think of the prestige associated with gaining "grass roots" support and leading a coup to take over a corrupt regime. Risky but, wow if you pulled it off, you would be in the history books! Christ would have a good life leading these people and he would have the masses supporting him. He could be their earthly king and enjoy all the royalties associated with being a ruler on earth.

But remember, Jesus had focus and was here to do the Father's will. He was here to forever change the hearts and minds of His followers. That change would be more than leading the crowd as king on earth. It was a change that would go deeper and in the core of every one's spiritual being. The change Christ offered was not some hollow campaign promise. It is real. It is a formula for spiritual change for all mankind. Even us.... over 2,000 years later, are benefiting from the promised change. How futile is the mentality of thinking the people back then wanted Christ to be their earthly king. He is so much more than a king or a president. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, God of the Presidents....He is Almighty God.

At first blush when you see that the crowd saw Jesus as a "Prophet", one might think, finally the Jewish people are getting it! But with critical though and reading the scripture in the context of the setting and seeing other verses, you can see the people were WAY OFF on their perception as to who Jesus was. It's important to apply critical thought when you are reading God's word and don't just stop at initial perceptions. If you do you might miss what God is trying to show you.

Journaling, studying and research of God's Word is so interesting and necessary for spiritual growth. I've heard it said, " the Bible is shallow enough for a baby to wade and deep enough for a theologian to drown." The Bible is available to us no matter what level we are at, for deep understanding and for times of spiritual meditation. We need to cease those moments to dive in deep on God's Word.

Lord, thank you for your Word. Please continue to reveal more layers to us so that we may have a deeper understanding of your plan for our lives and wisdom to light our path, Amen.

Five Loaves, Two Fish (John 6: 1-14)

Now let's read through John 6:1-14 and focus on v.2 "a great multitude followed Him"; v. 9 "there is a lad here who has five loaves and two small fish"; v.10 "five thousand"' and v.14 "this is truly the Prophet". The story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people comes at a time of ministry when there is a lot of focus on Him. People started flowing Him in the masses. But Jesus continues to set Himself apart and bestows blessing on the people. Here he blessed the masses by feeding them miraculously with only five loaves and two fish. But notice in v.14, even when he did this miracle, they continued to downgrade and misread is status from the Messiah to a Prophet! Jesus was more than a Prophet! He was the Messiah they had all been reading about. If you read and had objective thought you would know Jesus was there not only to provide physical comfort and food to some, but even better.............. a spiritual restoration to God Almighty! He is the Messiah!!

Many witnessing Jesus' miracles lacked faith. Faith is something to enact when do not have all the facts, but our spirit knows to move forward. You might have faith in a car to start and the brakes to work. But do you have actual knowledge or facts that they will. No, but you place faith in the car and the brakes. Similar to now, it's a fact, having Jesus in your life can do amazing things. Do you know the detailed working components, as to why that is the case? Not really but some choose to trust what Jesus is doing and other stand on the sidelines and observe, never taking a step of faith. Back in Biblical times, those people saw even more amazing miracles and they still did not have faith.

So looking at our own lives, we need faith to be enacted. Miracles could be going on around us and we choose to ignore them or justify them as a coincidence. Christ was who He said He was, THE MESSIAH...THE SAVIOR FOR ALL MANKIND! You can wait to see a miracle performed to decide to follow Him. Or prescribe certain circumstances to occur before you commit. But really, the time is now to enact your faith in Jesus. That faith is either praying your first prayer to accept Jesus into your life or taking the next step on a journey that has already begun.

Dear Lord Jesus, Let me continue my walk with you. Show me the next steps I need to make. Let me have the faith to move forward. Amen

Clean the Lens (John 5:39-47)

It's now 2011! Happy New Year. I am looking forward to the year ahead, with anticipation of challenges at work, new ministry opportunities at Church, vacations with the family and the multitude of activities of sports and school functions with the kids. This is the first year we have three kids at three different schools, elementary, Jr. high and high school. I pray that 2011 is a blessed year for you.

We continue our study in John and we are now going to look at John 5: 39 to 47, with focus on verse 46..."For if you believe on Moses, you would believe me..."

Jesus is continuing His interface with the Jewish leadership. They all knew the Old Testament very well. They and the society in general had the utmost respect for those writings. In fact, to show deep knowledge about the writings of Moses was very prestigious. They wanted to appear to have high knowledge and strict adherence to those writings so they could maintain their stature in society. So the Old Testament was what gave them the power they had. But it was a flawed power that Jesus was exposing. They were enraged by Jesus, because His extremely high knowledge of God's Word threatened them. They would call Jesus out on some legalistic violation of the Mosaic Law and then Jesus would "trump" them with a deeper line of logic. Their own status and prestige was being undermined.

Jesus was using their own respect of the Old Testament to show them how blind they are! They maybe smart, but very unwise!

You can have all the smarts in the world, but if you don't continually seek the truth in God and have full humility, you will be diverted into a flawed purpose for your life. The Jewish Leaders of the time were highly educated. But they used God's Word to control the masses with their stature and legalistic rules. Jesus showed up with comprehensive understanding of God's Word, but applied heart and love to the truths of God's Word. These truths turned the society upside down. God's truths continue to go against the norms of today.

There are people in our society today that have all the knowledge (so they think), but are so blinded by their own passions and arrogance, they cannot see truth. It is because of a lack of humility. One needs to embrace how we are fallen and we have limited abilities. Then we need to realize God is perfect. He is the source of all wisdom and truth. He alone can sustain and expand our wisdom. Wisdom starts with our view of God. Do we fear Him or no? If we do, God will start to instill much wisdom in our lives.

As believers in Christ we are much like a lighthouse, shining God's truth to others. Think of a lighthouse and the truth it represents. It is a beacon preventing vessels from shipwreck and guiding them to safe harbor. If the lens is not clear and clean, the light will be hard to see. Arrogance will fog the lens of a believer and will blind someone seeking the truth.

Dear Lord, I think of these fallen men in the Book of John, talking to Jesus, and still being so blinded by their own arrogance. Lord clear the spiritual lens for me so I might only represent truth and having no blind spots. Amen.

My Works (John 5:36-38)

Jesus continues to push forward on God's plan for His life. Look at John 5 - 36 to 38 with focus on v 36b..."the very works I do - bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me."

Looking back, God allowed His light to shine through John the Baptist for a time. John the Baptist said there is one coming who is greater than I. Then Jesus came on scene and to ministry to another level. John the Baptist happily stepped aside. Here Jesus did things that were counter to what was normal and sometimes did things that were not believable. He caused an up roar in the temple, because He found people ripping off the Temple-goers. He healed people from long standing illnesses. He even raised people from the dead and also know things about people He never met. It was clear that Jesus was someone special and the Jewish society was really talking about Him.

With all of the things that Jesus did to shake up the culture at the time, many were amazed and saw them as works of God Almighty. Others were blinded by their owner arrogant and self focused ways, that they did not see God in the works Jesus was doing. Even though they saw the miracles, they discounted them to a "fluke" or something demonic. Jesus know that their own minds were so controlled by their own lives and comforts that they choose not to recognize God's only Son.

God is always working and unfolding His plan around us. Our focus can be on ourselves and then we can miss the amazing things God is doing. In my own life, I can remember accepting Jesus as my personal savior when I was away with the Marines. When I came back, I told family and friends about the change of focus in my life. Some saw that this was a real change of focus for me and were happy for me. Others looked at me and listened, but had a blank-stare and then changed the subject. Some even came out and said what happened to you will fade away because you were in an unfamiliar place. It was just a "odd thing" that happened because you were in an unfamiliar place.

So looking here in the Book of John, even Jesus was facing the nay-sayers and showing them His amazing works. But even all that Jesus did, would not help them turn the corner. Even though some may not acknowledge our faith or even be opposed to it, we can gain comfort in the fact that Jesus saw this opposition as well. It didn't slow Him down. He continued to pursue God's plan for His life.

Dear Lord God, my story and walk with You is my works. Whether people embrace it or not, it is my story with You. While some may not care, other may come to know you. Thank you for being in my life and letting be be apart of Your great plan.

Merry Christmas from Peggy!

Hi everyone,

Here is an image of one of the best Christmas movies. Our family watches it every year.

I was just looking back at some old posts. Peggy wrote a brief note at end of one of her December 2008 posts...............I thought this sums up the whole Christmas season!

From the December 11th, 2008 post............"Thanks for all the prayers. Merry Christmas to you all. Remembering our Savior this time of year means so much to me. I suffer yes, but nothing like He did for us. What a beautiful Savior. It is my hope that He is alive in every heart that reads this!!

I love you all, Peggy"

The Forerunner (John 5: 31-35)

Have you ever been to a concert and they have some lesser known bands warm up the crowd for the feature band. Or how about a play, where the scenes of the play all tie into the dramatic "final act". John the Baptist was the "warm up band" or the "forerunner" so-to-speak... for Jesus. He was nearly the same age as Jesus and born to the aged Elizabeth. John the Baptist's father, Zacharias prophesied about him and said "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest, For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,..." (Luke 1:76). John the Baptist started his public ministry of moral reform and preacher of messianic hope immediately prior to the start of Jesus' public ministry.

Look at John 5:31 to 35 and focus in on verse 32b..."I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true." There is a reference from Jesus about John the Baptist here. Jesus didn't just go it alone in ministry. He had many followers and was endorsed at the start of His earthly ministry by someone who was respected in the culture since birth. (See Luke 1:66) Also see my post from December 30, 2009 called "Reflection of the Light" which gives more depth on John the Baptist.

It was strategic of God to seek such an endorsement from someone who had established a "foothold" or following in the Jewish Community. Here Jesus uses this endorsement by John the Baptist, which shows that even someone respected in the community has agreed that Jesus is the Messiah and is the Son of God.

We can see in these verses that Jesus was backed by influential people in the time. These people attested to the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, did miracles and was God's only Son. This causes those following Him to draw closer, those thinking of following Him to start and those rejecting Him are being driven further away.

This all makes me think of my life. Who are my supporters? Who really knows me and what I stand for? Jesus had 12 that were very close to him and others in the community who knew Him and witnessed what He did. As we go through our life with Christ we need to surround ourselves with people who will partner with us on what we stand for, people with similar ideologies, people who will support us when we face the risks offered by our world.

Lord, Help us to remember this key passage in Christ's strong case of who He is!...Amen

Open Seas (John 5: 29-30)

Jesus continues to focus on the will of the Father. As it says in John 5:29 to 30..focusing on v30b...Jesus said "I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me."

Jesus' example to us continues to be shown. He says that He is not just going about life the way He wants to, but He is following the will or the plan of God Almighty.

The word "will" is used in the Bible often.... "The will of the Father". A will in our modern language is one that lays out a plan in a written legal instrument. It states the wishes of someone after they die. A will is a PLAN. The point is that God has a will or a plan for my life and yours. The decisions we make, big or small need to be purposed in God's plan for us. Something as small as, should I buy this book to read...... or rent this movie to watch? Or something as life changing as...What career should I choose?; Who should I marry? or; What church should I attend?. All of these things need to be brought before the Lord to seek his direction. We need to seek His will for our lives. God's purpose in our life is paramount in an effective spiritual life.

In seeking God's will for our lives often many questions come up. Why am I here? What is God's purpose for my life? These are normal questions to ask yourself in certain stages of one's life. God does have a will/plan for you. It's a matter of getting closer and closer to Him so you might walk on the right path. The book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is one of the best books I've read that helps you understand your God given purpose in life. Having the Bible open for reference while reading this book will give you tools to start a journey on unveiling God's purpose for your life. God has an adventure waiting for us if we choose to step out of our safe and secure lives. Our faith in God is shown in the open seas where there is a vast world to explore. A safe harbor is needed at times, but it is not a place where faith is realized. When we move to discover our purpose, God will ask us to step out of our save and comfortable lives and go into the unknown, the ever-changing open sea, where we will need to rely on Him to show us the way, just like Jesus does!

Heavenly Father, Jesus sought to do your will. Give me the courage, strength and perseverance to do Your Will. Amen.

Laser Focus (John 5:22-28)

It's been a year ago yesterday that my sister, Peggy, crossed over from this life, to her eternal life with Jesus. Sometimes it seems like a few days ago and other times it seems so long ago. Life sure can be mysterious. We have our tangible lifes and we have the Bible to help us navigate the mystery. I always need to remember God is all we need, and He has blessed us with what we NEED to know, but not ALL THERE IS to know. But, I know that I want to live life to the fullest, and in His name. It's the only way! God has blessed Peggy's precious family so much. God has given them a great year and has transitioned them to their new life without Peggy. I am sure Peggy is very proud.

As for this blog, I have been blessed over the past year to be posting through the Book of John. I have a deeper understanding of the life of Jesus and the challenges He faced here in this dark world. The trouble He faced compares well to issues we can and will face in our lives. My plan, if God allows me to, is to continue a trek through John with several posts per month. I know Peggy would be proud that her Blog lives on, but she would want to make sure if God has called me to do it. And for now, I feel God has given me the passion and ability to continue.

So moving forward in the Book of John 5: 22-28 and focusing on v. 24..."Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life."

The image here shows a laser in focus. It is so concentrated that is cuts a hard surface with precision. It also illuminates the subject. Christ continues to exectute God's plan with the precision. Someone with a hard unyeilding heart can either be improved by the light or can resist the light and follow a path to distruction.

Jesus continues His discussion with his opposition with laser focus. He is showing God's plan. At this point, some might be thinking He is for real or a complete lunatic! Jesus isn't concerned about what they will think of Him, but I know He hopes they will listen and follow Him. But, many who have heard Him would not believe and they would continue their carnal death walk to Judgement Day. Christ is making an appeal to accept or reject him. The light Jesus brings into the world will shed exposure to their ugly fallen ways and also light a path to forgiveness, redemption with God and eternal life! Jesus is confronting His enemies while at the same time masterfully reaching out to them!

At times when we share our faith, it will be conveyed to those strongly opposed to it. But with a delivery of confidence, balanced with gentleness and respect, those who God calls.... will consider what you have to say and be saved. Those listening to our reasoning for Christ may utilize our acclaim to take steps closer to know God. They may listen with respect or they may be very rude. But in any event, we need to share when called upon to do so and make no apology for who we are in Christ. Be confident of who you are as a follower of Jesus, but share your faith with the respect.

Lord, expose us to settings where we are challenged to share our faith. Give us the words, the confidence and gentleness to convey what you want us to say. Amen.

No Apologies (John 5:17 to 21)

Today is November 10th. A special day for me. On this day in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia a committee of the US Continental Congress met and formed a militia to fight against Great Britain's oppressive reign over the new world, the US. This militia was the United State Marine Corps! Having served in the Corps for 12 years, we as Marines call this our Birthday. Today I received a call, as I do every year, from my good friend and fellow Marine, Luis Jimenez. We both served together in the Marines and met in boot camp. We formed a brother-like bond that will last a life time. I check in with him and he with me all the time. He called me and said, "Happy Birthday Marine!". I'm really am proud to have served in the Marines.

Initial recruitment in the Marines was established to create two battalions of warriors to battle against Great Britain. In contemplation of the next few verses we will look at, the early formation of the Marines has "mild" similarities to what one Man/Savior did 1775 years earlier to take-on an oppressive regime! Jesus is the ultimate warrior who courageously confronted a corrupt ruling power, single handedly I might add, for the benefit of all mankind. I can say I am proud to be a Marine and I have even more pride to be a follower of Jesus!

John 5:17 to 21 shows the courage Jesus showed. Focus on verse 20b "and He (the Father) will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel."

Jesus is in a hostile environment. The Jews against Jesus are ready to haul him away for being disruptive. They are probably sick and tired of all the attention He is getting and concerned about the great number of people who are influenced by His refreshing approach to living. They cornered Him by saying He violated the rule of "working on Sunday". Most would say ok, I have pushed the envelope enough. But in typical Jesus fashion, He took it to another level. Jesus said He is God's son and was doing the work of the Father. Jesus indicates He has the capabilities of the Father. Now in this verse Jesus cites the Father will raise the dead and so will Jesus! This statement embroiled the opposition. The tension grew and God's plan was unfolding.

Even in fierce opposition, Jesus made no apology about who He was. He just conveyed the truth and let God's plan roll out. His boldness is a testimony to how we should boldly proclaim God's truths. We need to trust God in those circumstances where we feel we are being questioned or even when we are persecuted. Proclaim God's truth with bold acclaim! It needs no defense.

Jesus, thank you for your example of boldness and bravery. Let this Marine and all of us emulate your courage and focus. Amen!

The Smoking Gun (John 5:10-16)

The next few verses to look at are John 5: 10 to 16....focusing on the v.16 " For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on Sabbath."

The story of Jesus' trial later in the Book of John is often told. The movie Passion of Christ goes through the trial, conviction and crucifixtion of Jesus. But what is tough to track is what is Jesus' crime? What exactly did He do? Well.... these verses tell us the event that pushed the Jewish officials over the edge. Jesus was arrested and brought forward to be put to death because of His so-called "illegal acts". Well here is the evidence they had on Jesus. This is the basis for their case....the "smoking gun"!...............Jesus healed a paralyzed man on Sabbath!..... You see, I guess they thought Jesus was one who healed people for a profession. On Sabbath you aren't suppose to work, so He violated the rules when He healed this man and He needs to be put to death???? Ok is that corrupt or what! Those against Jesus really thought they had Him now. They could build a case on this and take it to the government. Herod and Pontius Pilate even heard the case and felt Jesus did nothing wrong. But the masses still wanted Jesus put to death.

Man can take things to ridiculous extremes. The case against Jesus was completely bogus. It is important to realize that Jesus led a perfect life. Yes, He was convicted of a crime He did not commit. He was helping a paralyzed man on Sabbath!

The story shows how brave and unwaivering Jesus was! He would stir up the culture and power structure at the time, while risking His own life. It also shows how gravely corrupt man can get. They will twist and contort God's laws to support thier dark and self focused ways. To think they put someone to death for this is deeply troublesome. But for masses of society to agree to put our Messiah, God's only begotten Son to a torchurous death is sickening and beyond comprehension! The culture was dark and sucked in by satan's self focused plan. I sometimes wonder if Iwould have been in the crowd yelling niavely, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!". Only by God's grace would I be on the right side of the crowd.

We need to watch our lives so that we do not drift into dark ideologies of society. There are many dark areas in our culture today. Look around. We could be supporting something totally contrary to God, if we are not careful.

Heavely Father, protect me from the masses. Protect me from the evil plots of man. Let me know when I need to counter my culture. Keep me in Your righteous way. Amen.

Steadfast Focus (John 5:1-9)

Moving forward in our study of John, Jesus now is in Jerusalem. Read John 5 verse 1-9, giving particular focus on 3a "In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame and paralyzed."


Jesus went to an area called Bethesda. It is an area with several porches and a pool area. People would go to this area and seek to be healed from their sickness. If you notice, these were serious ailments...paralyzed, blind....not just a common cold or a sprained ankle.



Now one would think Jesus would go here to heal everyone ailing, but He didn't. He fore-knew all the sick and their ailments. He selected one man who had been ill for 38 years. The man needed assistance getting from where he was to the pool. Then Jesus asked him to "Rise, take up your bed and walk!" Jesus healed him. Jesus could have healed others that day, but it was not discussed in John's writings. Why is that? I think Jesus was not on earth to heal the sick. He was going deeper! He was developing an antidote or a cure for the soul.... This is much more important. He choose to draw attention to Himself strategically, so not only a few, but millions...even billions over time would be exposed to God's way of living through Jesus' earthly ministry. He choose this man to heal because everyone who knew him as a sick man and they would see his amazing healing.



There is a lot of sickness and hurt in our world. Some people can get miraculously healed and others are not healed. But the bottom line is that Christ is in focus. My sister Peggy was like one of those people on the porches of Bethesda. She wanted to be healed. But Christ did not heal her physically. But I can say that my sister's focus on Christ did not waiver all the way to death's door. She is on the other side cured and enjoying life with the Lord. What we all saw in my sister's death was a stead-fast focus and a drawing close to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Seeing this "stead-fast focus" is possibly more profound than if we had seen her healed physically. Following Christ will always take priority over a cure of our physical ailments. The medicine Christ offered is a cure for chronic illness of our soul...death! He gives us life everlasting.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the life we have and I praise you for the life I have in following You!!

Christ: Your Helper or Your Leader?

Take a look at John 4: 43 to 54 with focus on verse 49 "The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

Jesus has now left Samaria and traveled into Galilee. He is now back in an area with rich Jewish culture. One would think He would get a more welcome reception from those of the Jewish culture, but He didn't. Early in Jesus' public ministry it was here where he turned water into wine. He showed the people of Galilee that He was the Messiah. But even with the miracles and public ministry many looked at Jesus in disbelief. Many continued in their ways and choose not to follow Him.

Jesus was seemingly frustrated with those in Galilee when your read these verses. I found it interesting that the nobleman referred to Jesus as "Sir" and not "Rabbi". His disciples and followers would identify Him as "Rabbi", a leader. But this man refers to Jesus as a mere acquaintance. It is clear that Jesus knows this man's unbelief. The man seemingly knows Jesus has special abilities, but has no intention on following Him. But even while this man did not believe, Jesus shows enough compassion to save this guy's son. The result was this man and his family became followers of Christ.

This makes me think of my own relationship with Christ. How do I look at Him? Do I ....A.) Approach Him in prayer asking Him to do things I want? or B.) Do I submit my requests to God with respect and full acknowledgement that if I do not get what I want, I will continue to follow Him no matter what? My plan is "B", to make my relationship with Jesus not contingent upon what I want. I do not want to be like this man, asking for Jesus' to help, when I had no real intention of following Him to begin with. Christ wants committed followers, who are willing to walk a life of faith in Him, even when things are not going our way. We need to trust that Jesus knows our needs more than we do. It is fine to put up our requests to God, however we should temper our requests in such a way that we accept what He gives us.

Dear Lord, thank you for your provision. I acknowledge that you hear my requests, but at times you may lead me in another direction. Give me the courage and faith to follow your lead, Amen.

Against the Social Norms

One of my favorite plays is "The Fiddler on the Roof". It showcases many things about life that we often need to contemplate. It involves the struggles of a father in a Jewish culture who would like to choose the mate of his daughter. However, without him knowing, the daughter falls in love with a man who is not of his choosing. He is saddened that his job in finding a mate may not come to fruition and he makes appeals to his daughter on why she should not marry this man she loves. His reasoning? "Tradition". The Jewish father reasons with himself by saying why he must find a mate for his daughter because of "TRADITION!!!" Then he asks himself, "And why do we have TRADITION????.............." he concludes, "I don't know."

Many times traditions are there, but they may have outlasted their usefulness. They are either obsolete and possibly not God inspired. Many times we need to question the traditions of our modern culture and ask ourselves if we really need to abide by them. Jesus did just that!

John 4:39-42....focusing on 39a "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him...."

Jesus choose to go against traditions of the time and go through Samaria. Remember, Jews traveling to Galilee would take a longer route around Samaria to avoid this "unclean" society. Well, Jesus thought otherwise. He went straight through Samaria. Then he spoke to a woman at a well in mid-day light, another "no-no" in the Jewish culture. Then He has genuine concern for a woman's sole, a woman who is living in sin. He really crossed multiple barriers of culture in that day and the end result was many sought to hear the Word from Jesus and become his followers. There was a spiritual "pilot light" lit by Christ in the dark and unclean culture of Samaria.

Then the question goes to us in our modern culture, what social barriers do we need to cross so we can share our story or help someone realize they need to accept Christ? Does God give us opportunities and we say, "not right now" or " it would be awkward" or " I am busy" or "what would people think" or "that would not be politically correct".

Is there a group of people that you have identified that "we" need to stay away from? Is there someone who you know leads a very dark life and you avoid them? Sometimes these are the people who are most hungry for interacting with someone who brings hope. A Christian is sometimes prompted by God to talk to someone out of the normal course of life. This is a Christian who is being asked to mimic what Christ did in Samaria. The results can be profound.

"Dear Lord, where do you want me to go today and who do you want me to talk to? Please lead the way. Amen"

Reaper or Sower (John 4:35 to 38)

Are you a story teller or are you someone who looks people in the eye to peer into their being to grasp what makes them tick? Or are you both. The first is a sower and the latter is a reaper.

Look at John 4: 35 to 38 and focus on v. 36b "...he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." Jesus here is talking to His followers. He is asking for you to open your eyes and see all that there is in your world from a spiritual perspective. The "fields" are our society, the people that we interact with day-to-day. The harvest are those people ready to turn from their sinful ways and make Jesus their Lord and Savior. But then He talks about "one who sows" and "one who reaps".

The one who sows is someone who is always willing to share God's Word or share how God has impacted their lives. They do this openly and freely. They prepare the soils just like a sower would before he plants seeds. He develops relationships with people and shares his life with them. And then in an easy and natural way he will share his experience with God, thereby planting seeds for eternity.

On the other hand, the harvester (reaper) is one who knows there is fruit on the tree and watches it and times it just right to pull it from the tree for the harvest. In a spiritual sense this is someone who has a gift of peering in the sole of people and knowing when the Lord is prompting them to ask about a person's relationship with God. They will confront a person who has heard the truth from a sower. Then he leads them to the Lord.

Both of these believers have very important roles in evangelism in the world we live. We need to look at ourselves and identify if we are the sower, one who has gifts of sharing stories, either from the Bible, from other people or their own experiences. Are we good at offer up provoking thought to both unbelievers and believers alike? Or are we a reaper is one who has gifts that are strong relationally and have a clear, but respectful way to encourage people to make a step of faith toward Jesus. Some people have both gifts. But Jesus says that both roles can rejoice together and alludes to the fact that they are equally important.

Dear Lord Jesus, show us the way to sow, show us the timing of your harvest. Give us the courage to share our truths and give us courage to lead others to You. Amen.

Happy Birthday Peggy

Yesterday was Peggy's 46th Birthday. I guess when people have passed away you should say "it would have been Peggy's 46th Birthday". But do we really need to say that? As I have said before Peggy "is" alive with Christ. She "is" enjoying her victory with Jesus today! Peggy was born into this world 46 years ago and that is something to celebrate. The only thing is the guest of honor cannot be with us in physical form. But we have the memories, the stories, the tears and the laughs we shared with her. The more we talk about her and those memories, the more we can embrace a celebration of her life.

That is what goes on in the Wolf home. I was up there with Larry and the kids yesterday. They have constant memories of Peggy and she is brought up in conversation all the time and all so naturally. It is not this taboo topic in their home. The past year has been a difficult one, but one of perpetual celebration of Peggy. I was in the car, driving over to the cemetery with Larry and Josh. I had a cd playing in the car. Having listened often to the song that was playing, Larry said, "Josh, remember Mommy use to turn the volume up right at this point, all the time when we would sing it!". Larry is very naturally bringing up memories of Peggy with the family. We do the same. It is so refreshing and so healthy. The Lord continues to give us peace as to where Peggy is. The Wolf Family is doing great. Things are not easy, the future is not clear, but Larry is navigating the future one step at a time, with the Lord's direction. Above is a photo taken yesterday at Peggy's memorial.

Our celebration of Peggy's birthday can be for Peggy and our memories with her. Also, imagine this is her first birthday celebration in heaven. Will Grandma Duax, Grandma Tobin and Grandma Wright be there? Will some of Peggy's Friends who have passed away be there?" Heck, will our childhood dog Pepper be there? Will she feel the love and hear our thoughts and conversations about her? Not sure...but.... I can say that the Lord will make it a perfect day for her!!

Happy Birthday Peggy!!

Glow Amongst the Ruins (John 4:31-34)

Read John chapter 4 verses 31 to 34. I focused in on verse 34 ...."Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish his work."

At this point the disciples were with Jesus and must have realized His physical condition. Remember as Jesus approached the well in Samaria to draw water He was weary from His travels. So the disciples felt Jesus needed physical nourishment. But again Jesus' focus was elsewhere. He was concerned about the heart of man. He even said that His focus in the "Spirit" and His work for the eternal kingdom is more important than physical food. Notice that the work of the things for the Lord are always going to give us focus and stronger ability even in our physical state.

Jesus' concern for a Samaritan woman living a life of sin caused her to go back to town and share her spiritual experience with others. The passion must have been there, because the result was many went to seek Jesus. This is the effects and influences on man from Jesus' focus on spiritual needs of others rather seeking His own physical needs. What an example for us to follow! Does this world need more people who are focused on others than their focus on their own needs?

We need to remember our nourishment for living comes from God first. All the things of physical life: Food; Clothing; Shelter; Toys; Gas for the car; Water; Wii; X-box; Vacations; Family; Friends; Work; Money; Pets; Television; Movies; Music; Mountain Bikes; Skateboards; Anniversaries; San Diego Chargers winning; Birthdays; Leading a ministry at church; sleep...even the air we breathe..... it is ALL second to our No. 1 focus.... the Lord Jesus as believers in Christ. Our interaction with all of those things in life will be in balance if our focus is on Jesus. We need to gain wisdom from the way He lived and how proper living in "the spirit" is done.

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:3..."man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

We sustain from our focus in the Spirit, studying God's Word, the Bible, by seeking deeper application in living in the spirit and the things of eternity. If our focus is not on the Lord we will wilt like a flower without water. Our vibrancy in the Spirit will make us glow amongst the ruins and darkness of our world.

Dear Lord, keep me focused on Jesus and let me learn of deeper ways to live in the "spirit" and have focus on Your eternal Kingdom. Allow me to show Your glory through me into this sometimes very dark world. Amen!

My Experience - (John 4:26-30)

Now look at John 4 vs. 26 to 30. The woman at the well said in v. 29 "Could this be the Christ?". Jesus made a bold claim while talking to the woman..."I who speak to you am He". Here in the front of this lady and his disciples who just arrived, Jesus makes a profound statement that He is the one they have been awaiting, the Messiah!

It is clear there is much focus in the region at that time about the coming of the Messiah. Now Jesus was very selective in choosing when he would proclaim who He was. So in this instance he choose to tell this woman about who He was. The result was (and I am sure Jesus knew it would be) the woman went back into town to let people know she spoke to a man that she never met, who knew about the darkness in her life. Jesus didn't demean her, He rejected her sin and showed genuine concern for her soul. Jesus so moved this woman's spirit, that she went back into town to tell people to go and see Him. The people she told obviously had thirst for truth. They went out to see Him, as it says in verse 30. The point here is that the woman at the well had an encounter with Christ and felt prompted to tell people she knew. It must have been a compelling account. The people she told, wanted to go find out for themselves if it was the Messiah.

When someone has interacted with the Lord Almighty it ends up being a very special moment and an experience worth telling others about. I know when I first accepted Jesus in Millington, Tennessee I felt a strong sensation to mention what I had experienced with others. I never felt more of a spiritual presence of God in all of my life. I was very unique to me and it is my encounter. It doesn't matter if the experience was a woman meeting Jesus in person at a well 2000 years ago or a young Marine in Millington, Tennessee praying to receive the Holy Spirit...they both are encounters of the living God. They are both authentic and both worth sharing with others. Just like the woman at the well, if we have been saved by Christ and have embraced Him as our personal savior, we have had an encounter with God. It is our story and worthy of a bold proclamation.

Our experience with God is authentic and can be very unique. It is our story and no one can take it away. It is our witness. Those times with God are so special to us, that they are worthy of sharing to those around us. God touching our lives is a profound and encouraging time. The woman at the well experienced it, the disciples experienced it and so did I in 1985. It is up to us to share it, no matter what reaction others have. It is our authentic story of God touching our lives!

Lord, Thank you for touching my life. Thank you for the story you and I have! It is hard to comprehend that you have time to personally impact my life. No matter what people think, give me the courage to share our story, so that people will go out of their way to see You!...Amen.