A LIVING GOD LIVING IN US!

Posted on October 9, 2021 by randscallawayffm

An introduction to the book of Acts gives us insight and understanding to “what happened next” after Jesus ascended back to heaven.  The words of Eugene Petersen, (The Message), are as timely now as when he wrote it several years earlier.  He reminds us to “live it” with God living in us, “acting through us” to the next generation because that is what Jesus’ disciples did for us.

“Because the story of Jesus is so impressive—God among us!  God speaking a language we can understand!  God acting in ways that heal and help and save us!—there is a danger that we will be impressed, but only be impressed.  As the spectacular dimensions of this story slowly (or suddenly) dawn upon us, we could easily become enthusiastic spectators, and then let it go at that—become admirers of Jesus, generous with our oohs and ahs, and in our better moments inspired to imitate him.”  (Peterson.)

“It is Luke’s task to prevent that, to prevent us from becoming mere spectators to Jesus, fans of the Message.  Of the original quartet of writers, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), on Jesus, Luke alone continues to tell the story as the apostles and disciples live it into the next generation. The remarkable thing is that it continues to be essentially the same story.  Luke continues his narration hardly a break, a pause perhaps to dip his pen in the inkwell, writing in the same style, using the same vocabulary.”  (Peterson)

“The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus.  It continues in the lives of those who believe in Him.  The supernatural does not stop with Jesus.  Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about were no ore spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God—they are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them.  Which also means, of course, in us.” (Peterson)

In the coming days may we prayerfully and thoughtfully consider these words of Dr. Luke as a letter written directly to us so that we may know Jesus more, not merely be impressed by what Jesus did, by inviting the One and Only to live in us.  May we then see God’s “acts” growing fruitfully in us. 

Ready?  Let’s begin.

ACTS—God’s Acts through His People

Acts 1:1-11, The Message

To the Ends of the World

1-5 Dear Theophilus, in the first volume of this book I wrote on everything that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he said good-bye to the apostles, the ones he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. After his death, he presented himself alive to them in many different settings over a period of forty days. In face-to-face meetings, he talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God. As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but “must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.”

6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”

7-8 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

9-11 These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”

Friends, Jesus IS coming back!  But in the meantime, Jesus comes to live in us who believe, really believe, that He is Savior and Lord of our lives.  As promised to His disciples, and now to us, His Holy Spirit lives and works in us, developing and maturing His character traits in us so we live lives pleasing to God AND so that others can be pointed to Him, too! 

We were created to worship God. The ultimate way to worship Him is in giving our lives to God.  In “living it” to the next generation, we proclaim salvation for all who will listen and believe!  Before ascending back to heaven, this is the mission that Jesus, led by God, passing on full authority of God, tells His disciples,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)

This is our mission today.  Did you get that amazing promise at the end?  “AND surely, I am with you always…to the very end of the age.”

Savior and Lord,

Thank you for saving our souls, living in us, so we may live you out loud to others who need you, too.  Thank you for always being with us.  Thank you for forgiving us when we stray and pulling us back to the real mission.  Thank you for protection and provisions enough to share.  Thank you for life to the full all because of You living in me.  Nothing will separate us, absolutely nothing.  Just knowing this gives me confidence for this, another day on earth to “live it”.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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DO YOU LOVE ME?

Posted on October 8, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As children growing up, we got annoyed when our parents would ask us to do something more than once, right?  “Take out the trash”, “Clean your room” was asked multiple times.  When I became a parent, I also realized that it would take more than one time asking to get the task accomplished.  Why?  A few reasons.  Because as children, we lose focus easily, we don’t want to do what we don’t want to do, we don’t see the reason behind it or the urgency for it.  So, we put off the task until we absolutely have to do it.

Our final passage in John has always been interesting to me.  On the surface, the words might appear as if Jesus is “nagging” Peter, as a parent would nag their kids about how much he loves Him.  Consider this.  Adamant, quick tempered, reckless, shoot from the hip, loving but disobedient at times, Simon Peter is being brought forward from the other disciples for a face to face, eye to eye, conversation with The Master, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is focused on Peter alone.  Only Peter must answer, “Do you love Me?”  But why three times?

Peter was the one who said he would die with Christ earlier, before Jesus was crucified.  But Peter, as Jesus predicted, denied Jesus three times when pushed into a corner of admission and fear, “I do not know Him!” Was this Jesus way of bringing him to repentance for his disobedience?  Maybe it goes even deeper than that.  Jesus forgave Peter and then, as the Master Teacher Jesus is, taught Peter about love and trust.

Each time Jesus asks, “do you love me” He builds a foundation in Peter that will support Peter in later ministry for Jesus.  Remember that Jesus earlier in his ministry on earth told Peter that he would be “the rock upon which I will build my church”.  (Matthew 16:18) Consider then the first question, “do you love me more than these?” Jesus is getting his normally unfocused Peter to focus solely on Him.  Could Jesus be really telling Peter to love Him first, realizing fully how much He loves Peter? Then Jesus follows with “Feed my lambs.”  Introduce My Love to those who are young and need to know my love for them.

When Jesus asks Peter a second time, he focuses Peter on growing those who will believe in Him, “Feed my sheep.”  Once people are introduced to Jesus as Savior, repent of their sins to Jesus, someone (a shepherd) will need to lead them in God’s ways, protect them from the enemy, feed them God’s Word, with reliance on Jesus.

The last time Jesus asks, “do you love Me”, Peter becomes irritated as a child would who has been asked to empty the trash for the tenth time, but Peter listens.  I think Peter is beginning to understand what Jesus is really asking.  Do you love Me, trust me and rely on me even unto death?  Jesus is telling Peter how he will suffer in similar ways as He did.  Is Peter’s love for Jesus strong enough to stand firm?  Jesus verifies His questions of love with, “Follow Me.”  Do what I did for you.  Love people like I love you and help them find and follow me, too.  Freely give them what I have given to you and will continue to give you—Truth to speak boldly.

And Peter does.  Read the book of Acts, the “acts” of the disciples who realized the love Christ had for them and passed on His love to all who would listen and follow.

Do you love Me?  Jesus asks that of me and you every day we live.  How we live out His love to other people demonstrates the depth of our love for Him.  Friends, let us work daily to focus and realize the depth of Jesus’ perfect love for us.  Then love like Jesus, as if our lives depended on it.

Love God.  Love Others.  Two of the greatest commandments, according to our Lord,  are not suggestions, but a way of life for those who love Jesus with all our hearts, minds and souls.

Do you love Me? –Jesus is asking…

John—God’s Love

John 21:15-25, The Message

Do You Love Me?

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”

17-19 Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

20-21 Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?”

22-23 Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You—follow me.” That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you?”

24 This is the same disciple who was eyewitness to all these things and wrote them down. And we all know that his eyewitness account is reliable and accurate.

25 There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.

Lord,

I do love you with all my heart, mind and soul.  Help me even today to love like you love me—relentlessly.  You will never let me go beyond your reach.  You are always with me because of your love.  Thank you.

In Jesus Name, for His glory, Amen.

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BE STILL TO MOVE FORWARD

Posted on October 7, 2021 by randscallawayffm

–And Breakfast is Ready!

Jesus’ friends, his disciples, are reeling from all that has happened over the course of a few days and weeks.  They saw Jesus humiliated, stripped of his robe, beaten and ultimately crucified, the Romans invention of torture for criminals and insurrectionists.  Most of His followers had run from the scene as Jesus had instructed but John and Peter remained nearby.  Peter had disobeyed Jesus’ instructions to leave the scene and then lied and denied knowing him, taking matters into his own limited hands so he could stay near Jesus to see what would happen.  How repentantly remorseful Peter must have felt when His Master Teacher’s eyes fell on him in the courtyard on Jesus’ way to more beatings.  This has to be firmly planted in his memory bank playing over and over in his mind. 

But then, just as Jesus said, He came back to full life, scars and all, and appeared to them as they hid out in a locked room!  He even ate with them to prove He was not a ghost but full flesh and blood.  What was going on in Peter’s mind at that point?  He was ecstatic and full of joy that Jesus, his beloved Master was alive but was he also wondering if, maybe Jesus forgot his sin of disobeying him?  Peter knew better.  He probably has been thinking of a good time to talk this over with Jesus. 

At the beginning of this passage, the disciples seem depressed.  They haven’t been given any other instructions yet.  They might be confused as to what they will do next and how they will do it, IF they do anything at all.  Have you ever been in this predicament?  I have many times!  Then the mood shifts with Peter in the lead.  Not surprising, is it?  Peter jumps up from the melancholy in the air and does what Peter does best—takes action.  “I’m going fishing.”  The fishermen of the group easily follow.  Let’s do what we know—fish! 

It’s as if they are thinking, “we have been still long enough, going over and over this in our minds so let’s move forward with what we know best”.  So, the rest of the group follow because, well, why not?  The disciples stopped long enough for a time to process the events, Jesus appearing to them earlier to prove is resurrection from the dead, and now Peter decides it’s time to move forward.  But then Jesus comes to them again.

Jesus comes to where they are.  Jesus serves his friends a breakfast of fish and bread on some hot coals right there on the beach.  He knows they caught no fish all night.  How Jesus must be smiling at the thought as he prepares his friends a hot meal after working all night for nothing in return.  He knows their broken hearts and what’s on their tired minds.  Can we just camp on these thoughts?  Friends, Jesus appears in our moments of wondering and confusion in our lives when we need Him most.  Why, because He always knows what we need most before we know we need Him.  He comes and “serves breakfast” when we least expect it.  He turns problems in solutions and confusion into clarity which is what I long for most days more than bacon and eggs!  Jesus does this when we are thinking about Him in our stillness. 

“Be still and know that I am God” is not just a placemat, it is a promise to know God and know what He wants next on our journey with Him.  We must be still in our minds to hear Him.  God never disappoints.  As Jesus, Son of God, appeared to his friends on the beach, He appears to us daily as we abide in His Holy Spirit.  When we humbly ask, His Holy Spirit brings peace, clarity, wisdom, insight, and understanding along with serving us a breakfast of unconditional love and forgiveness because of his undying mercy and grace.  Our God is faithful, unchanging, and relentless in His love for us.

BUT, THAT’S NOT ALL!

Along with breakfast, Jesus first provides a memory and a blessing— “cast your net on the other side” (memory) with a haul of 153 fish (blessing) to feed their families!  Think about it.  Take all the time you need.  Jesus told his fishermen to “cast on the other side” when they first met Him.  They followed Him, “leaving their nets behind”.  And now Jesus does it again!! 

Jesus does again and again for us!  Miracles and memories.  Trust Him.  Let’s eat breakfast!

In tomorrow’s passage, Peter will get to “have that little talk with Jesus” to clear the air as Jesus teaches Him once more about His love.  Peter was forgiven and given new instructions that will change the world.  But first, let’s eat breakfast, says Jesus.  Friends, isn’t it just like Jesus to meet our physical, emotional and mental needs and then spiritually fill us with what we really need most—HIM!

John—God’s Love

John 21:1-14, The Message

Fishing

1-3 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.”

3-4 The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him.

5 Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”

They answered, “No.”

6 He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.”

They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.

7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Master!”

When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.

10-11 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn’t rip.

12 Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” Not one of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Master.

13-14 Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.

Lord and Savior,

Thank you for serving me breakfast when I needed it most.  Thank you for saving my soul.  Thank you for picking me up when I am down.  Thank you for your wisdom and clarity when I am overwhelmed with confusion.  Help me to hear your voice above all other voices and “go fishing” by loving others like you love me so they will know you.   To you be the glory forevermore!

In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing… “Have a Little Talk with Jesus”

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
He bathed my heart in love and He wrote my name above
And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin’
And you will know a little fire is burnin’
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

I may have doubts and fears
My eyes be filled with tears
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night
I go to him in prayer
He knows my every care
And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin’
And you will know a little fire is burnin’
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right…

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BELIEVE—DO WE REALLY?

Posted on October 6, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Jesus has a message for you and I that leaps off this page in our passage today.  “Don’t be unbelieving.  Believe.”  Real believing is real life.  So, we must ask ourselves what life are we living?  Is it real life? Do we really believe what we believe about God and His Son, Jesus, really real?

Jesus has a second message for us.  Being Son of God, Jesus had you and I on His mind when He told “must-see-to-believe” Thomas; “Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”  That’s us who believe now!  Jesus is talking about us! Do we really believe? 

Do we believe for a fleeting moment only and then it’s gone when troubles come?  Do we base our whole lives on believing in Jesus and what He did for us?  Do we turn every situation over to Him?  Do we rely on feelings or believing? Do we ask for His will to be done all day long? What is the depth of our belief?  Or is the real question, do we believe or not?  Faith grows only when we believe.  Believing, as child believes with nothing held back, is the first step to maturing our faith and trust in the One and Only who saved our souls for eternity.

John wrote his eye-witness account of seeing Jesus so that we might believe in Jesus.  “These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.”

We have a personal God who desires a personal relationship with His created—you and I.  God delights in the details of our lives.  God is near to all who come near to Him. To those who sincerely seek Him, He will be found.  This is a promise that is unfailing.  Pause to praise, give thanks while thinking through what Jesus has done, is doing and will do in our lives.  Take all the time you need.  I am.  I believe in Jesus.  I believe in an eternity with Him.  Do you believe, dear friends?  I’m praying you do, too.

Believe and be saved.  Live believing.

John—God’s Love

John 20:19-31, The Message

To Believe

19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”

22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”

24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”

But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”

28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”

29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

Lord and Savior,

I believe.  Help me to live a life that begins each day with the act of believing.  Help me to love others like you love me.  Help me to see your glory at work today and be eternally grateful.  Thank you for saving my soul, mending my broken heart and filling my mind with peace as only you can give.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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TELLING

Posted on October 5, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As soon as we know something new, our first thought is to tell someone else, right?  We finally get a newer car that runs.  We go tell others of our good fortune.  In marriage, as soon as we find out our first child is on the way, we go tell everyone who will listen.  Without thinking about who to tell, or about how they might feel in receiving the news, we simply tell, driven by our own excitement and joy.  How they will receive it seems secondary to us at the time. 

Here’s another life stuff issue.  After months of financial challenges due to medical, loss of job, or other life happenings, we learn that we can be free from debt because of a new plan.  We go tell others the plan and the results so the plan can help them.  We LOVE telling good, helpful news!

After years of trying to do life completely on our own, we come to a new understanding about God.  We find out about a love we have yet to experience in this life.  We learn God, the Creator, loves us deeply and wants us to love Him back.  Simple concept, really.  The only thing standing in our way is our sin.  Then we learn that our God of love had a Plan from the beginning of Creation to solve this sin issue.

We learn that God loves us so much that He sent His Son down to earth to born of a virgin in a cave used for sheltering animals.  We learn that His Son grew up as Son of Man and Son of God to reintroduce us to God the Father.  We discover that Jesus helped the humbled, confused masses understand what God’s best is for us.  We learn from Jesus how to live God’s ways which protects and provides for us while we mature with God’s character traits growing in us.  We learn how to live alongside others that God loves (everyone).  We learn that God’s Holy Spirit walks with us, always and forever, as we strive to live life well.  God’s Plan.  God’s Will.  God’s Timing.  God’s Kingdom in us simply from our repentance to Jesus of our sin.  Done.  We are not perfect but we are perfectly forgiven.

HOW?

We learn that Jesus stood in our place and took all the punishment for all the sins of the world, yours and mine.  He did what we cannot—be the One and Only perfect, without sin, sacrifice for sin.  “It is finished” at the cross.  Jesus paid the debt of sin.  John now tells of our hope of eternal life for all who believe, all because of the promised resurrection of Jesus, Son of God!  Just as Jesus said He would.

John—God’s Love

John 20:1-18, The Message

Resurrection!

1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, gasping for breath. “They took the Master from the tomb. We don’t know where they’ve put him.”

3-10 Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.

11-13 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”

13-14 “They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.

15 Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”

She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Sir, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”

16 Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!”

17 Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her.

MARY SAW JESUS

Mary stayed to weep.  Peter and John went back home full of grief and wondering.  But Mary stayed.  Her overwhelming, paralyzing grief held her there.  She couldn’t do anything else.  Then, she looked up to see God’s angels attending the empty tomb.  The speak first to Mary whose vision is probably blurred from tears gushing down her face.  “Woman, why do you weep?”  Interesting question to Mary but reasonable from angels who are full of joy and rejoicing because of the risen Jesus!  They know this is a time of rejoicing because that’s what angel do in heaven!  Their question to Mary is meant to help SEE and understand what has just happened.  But she doesn’t.  It takes Jesus to help her really SEE and believe. 

Mary doesn’t recognize Jesus at first.  The grief and the situation are still in control of her broken heart and confused mind.  Then, at the sound of His voice, she SEES Jesus for who He really is—Risen Savior and Lord!  Grief is vanished instantly and replaced by pure, ecstatic joy.  Mary has just seen Jesus for who He is, who He promised He would be and forever will be—Savior and Lord!

Jesus tells her to go and tell.  Mary doesn’t waste a minute of time.  She runs like she has never run before to get to those who need to know— “I saw the Master!”

Who did we tell when we first saw Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives and understood all He did for us? 

Who needs to know today?  Yes, who do we tell now? 

Are we just as joyful in the telling as the first time we told His story?  I’m thinking about that now and praying for God to restore the joy of His salvation in me because through Mary’s joy, my own joy and excitement in knowing Jesus is renewed!

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe!

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EYEWITNESS REPORT—SO YOU WILL BELIEVE

Posted on October 4, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We believe people who were there to see it, feeling all the “feels”, while observing what was happening around them.  If we can’t be there, we listen to those who were, right?  So, believe John.  He knew Truth, walked with Truth, lived Truth and told Truth…so that we will believe.

Take note of John’s observations of others:

The soldiers, “thinking only of themselves” and what they could get out of the situation, gambling for the coat of Jesus.

In contrast, Jesus, nailed to a cross, is still thinking of others.  He looks down to see his earthy mother weeping uncontrollably then looks to John to accept her as his own mother so she is cared for when he goes back to His Father.

Every detail of the mocking, beatings and crucifixion, foretold in Scripture by the prophets and by Jesus, were completely fulfilled.  Truth verifies Truth.

We talked yesterday of Pilate being “caught in the middle” between the shouting Jews and Jesus who was Truth.  Now Truth is crucified in the middle of two thieves.

Jesus declared the mission complete with “It is finished.”  Only Jesus, for He was in control at all times.  He laid down his life for ours willingly.  He thought of you and I as the nails pierced his hands and feet.  He took the punishment for our sins.  He could have stopped the madness and called down legions of angels—but Jesus did not.

Think about it, friends, probably the greatest pain of all was the turning of God from His Son.  Why?  Because sin and God cannot be in the same place at the same time.  All the sins of the world were placed upon Jesus, the Lamb of God.  His Father turned his face from Him until the deed was done.  Punishment for our sin complete.  Paid in full by the Son of God. 

After three days, that same great, divine power that held Jesus to the cross bursts forth in the tomb to bring Jesus back to life forevermore!  Jesus defeated death for all who believe this eyewitness account of Truth! 

Because Jesus suffered, died and rose again, we can now approach God with boldness, grateful praise and honest humility.  We can now talk to God about anything because of the One in the middle who saved our souls!  Wow.

Believe and be saved.

John—God’s Love

John 19:20-42, The Message

The Crucifixion

They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read:

JESUS THE NAZARENE
THE KING OF THE JEWS

20-21 Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. “Don’t write,” they said to Pilate, “‘The King of the Jews.’ Make it, ‘This man said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”

22 Pilate said, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.”

23-24 When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it up. Let’s throw dice to see who gets it.” This confirmed the Scripture that said, “They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat.” (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)

24-27 While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.

28 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.”

29-30 A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

31-34 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn’t stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.

35 The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.

36-37 These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, “Not a bone in his body was broken,” and the other Scripture that reads, “They will stare at the one they pierced.”

* * *

38 After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.

39-42 Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.

Lord,

There are not enough words to say how grateful I am for what you did for all who believe.  I am so glad that you so loved that you sent Jesus, dear Father.  Amazing love, mercy and grace set us free to love like you.  Help us to love like you today in all we think, say and do.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Posted on October 2, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Have you ever been caught in the middle of an argument?  Has anyone cornered you at work or have family members put you in the middle of indifference?  How do you feel? Uncomfortable?  All you want is peace and another cup of coffee, but the opposing sides are in your face wanting you to decide to come over to their way of thinking so they can get their way—not to better you. They fight hard to manipulate you while seeking your conviction.  Wow.  Is that who Pilate is—the one caught in the middle?

The fact that Herod had found nothing worthy of death in Jesus encouraged Pilate to confront the Jewish leaders and seek to release the prisoner. He summoned the chief priests and rulers and told them that he found no guilt in Jesus, that Herod had found no guilt in Jesus, and that the next step would be to punish Jesus and release Him. The Jews had already made it clear that they wanted Jesus to die (John 18:31), but Pilate was feebly trying to do the noble thing.

Hoping to strengthen this suggestion, Pilate offered to bargain with the Jewish leaders. It was a custom at Passover for the governor to release a prisoner and please the Jews; so, why not release Jesus? Or, he could release Barabbas, but why would the Jews want Barabbas set free? After all, he was a robber, a notorious prisoner, an insurrectionist, and a murderer.

Who would want that kind of a prisoner turned loose? Incredible as it seems, the crowd asked for Barabbas! The people were persuaded by the chief priests and elders (Matt. 27:20), whose religious convictions did not motivate them toward justice and equity. National feelings always increased during Passover, and a vote for Barabbas was a vote against Rome. Even though Jesus had been a popular figure among the people, many of them no doubt were disappointed that He had not led a popular uprising to overthrow Rome. Perhaps they had even hoped that His “triumphal entry” a few days before would be the start of Jewish liberation.

But Jesus came in peace, seeking and saving the lost who did not know God. Pilot, caught in the middle, did not understand and what he did not understand frightened him greatly.  So, Pilate caved in the shouters of “Crucify Him”, not the meek and humble who was destined to save the world of all sin. 

John—God’s Love

John 19:1-19, The Message

The Thorn Crown of the King

1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they greeted him with slaps in the face.

4-5 Pilate went back out again and said to them, “I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime.” Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.

Pilate announced, “Here he is: the Man.”

6 When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate told them, “You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him.”

7 The Jews answered, “We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

8-9 When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?”

Jesus gave no answer.

10 Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?”

11 Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That’s why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault.”

12 At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: “If you pardon this man, you’re no friend of Caesar’s. Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.”

13-14 When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.”

15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?”

The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”

16-19 Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…From Commentator, Warren Wiersbe

Pilate tried to play on the sympathy of the crowd after beating one of their own.  “The failure of Pilate’s plan teaches us an important lesson: it takes more than human sentiment to bring the lost sinner to salvation. There is a view of the Atonement called “the moral influence theory” that would fit right into the governor’s approach. It states that the realization of our Lord’s sufferings moves the heart of the sinner so that he turns from sin and begins to love God.”

“It is purely subjective and has no bearing on the holiness of God or the importance of satisfying divine justice. If any crowd should have been moved by pity, it was the Jewish crowd that waited on Pilate. What nation has suffered more than the Jews? Here was one of their own, a Jewish prophet, suffering unjustly at the hands of the Romans, and the Jews did not repent or even show any touch of pity! If sinners who actually saw Christ in His suffering did not repent, what hope is there for people twenty centuries later who only read about His agonies?”

“The cross involves much more than an exhibition of innocent suffering. On that cross, the Son of God paid the price for the sins of the world and thereby declared the love of God and defended the holiness and justice of God. We are not saved by feeling pity for Jesus. We are saved by repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus, the sinless substitute.”

“If Christ was not actually doing something by His death,” wrote Dr. Leon Morris, “then we are confronted with a piece of showmanship, nothing more.”

“This does not mean that it is wrong for the believer to contemplate the cross and meditate on Christ’s sufferings. The familiar hymn “When I Survey the Wond’rous Cross” helps us realize the price that Jesus paid for us, but we must not confuse sentimentality with true spiritual emotion. It is one thing to shed tears during a church service and quite something else to sacrifice, suffer, and serve after the meeting has ended. We do not simply contemplate the cross; we carry it.” –(Wiersbe)

Jesus, caught in the middle, between God and our sin, died for so that we may be reconciled to God and live forever with Him.

Lord,

I believe.  I’m humbled by what you did for me.  So, I humble seek your will for all of life because you are my life.  Transform me.  Change me.  Help me to hear your voice above the shouting crowds of this world and follow you.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE VOICE OF TRUTH IS TRUTH

Posted on October 1, 2021 by randscallawayffm

TRUTH.  Many people in the world say they want the truth.  Most people in dire circumstances cry out for truth.  But do we really want truth?  Can we handle the truth?    Knowing the voice of Truth who is Truth might upset our normal.  Yes, friends, Truth may upset the apple cart of our lives and tell us to make a complete turn from who we are now to who we were created to be.  Truth includes knocking off all the rough edges until we become more and more like Truth.  Truth is Jesus, the very Person of Truth.  Knowing Jesus is knowing Truth.  Truth cannot be changed or altered to fit into our lives.  Truth changes our everyday lives to be more than we ever imagined!  Truth is Life.  Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”  (John 14:6) The order of these words implies that following Jesus will lead the Way to Truth which gives Life eternal!

Even before Pilate asks the question, (we all ask at the crossroads of our lives), “What is truth?”, Jesus tells him clearly.  “I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”  Read that again.

There we have it.  Believers in Jesus enter a life with Truth by our side.  Truth guides how we live.  Truth gives purpose to our lives.  Truth provides meaning and significance.  Truth is wrapped up with unconditional love, great patience for our imperfections, full of grace, mercy and complete forgiveness.  Truth replaces worries, fears and doubts with joy and peace right in the middle of our uncontrollable circumstances.  How?  Because Truth is in control at all times.  Truth brings assurance of the hope we have in Truth.  Truth saves our souls, makes us right with God, our Creator, grows our character to imitate Truth and fills our being with all of Truth in us.  “Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”  Jesus is Truth.

Whether we choose to believe Truth or not.  Truth just is.  We can’t change it, color it, or delude Truth.  Truth is Jesus.  Jesus is the same yesterday, now and forevermore.  (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus is Truth.  Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation’s cleansing that reconciles us to God and allows us to enter the throne of God boldly.  I choose Truth, how about you?  Truth is the only way to real Life!

John—God’s Love

John 18:28-40, The Message

The King of the Jews

28-29 They led Jesus then from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s palace. It was early morning. They themselves didn’t enter the palace because they didn’t want to be disqualified from eating the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and spoke. “What charge do you bring against this man?”

30 They said, “If he hadn’t been doing something evil, do you think we’d be here bothering you?”

31-32 Pilate said, “You take him. Judge him by your law.”

The Jews said, “We’re not allowed to kill anyone.” (This would confirm Jesus’ word indicating the way he would die.)

33 Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?”

35 Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?”

36 “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.”

37 Then Pilate said, “So, are you a king or not?”

Jesus answered, “You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”

38-39 Pilate said, “What is truth?”

Then he went back out to the Jews and told them, “I find nothing wrong in this man. It’s your custom that I pardon one prisoner at Passover. Do you want me to pardon the ‘King of the Jews’?”

40 They shouted back, “Not this one, but Barabbas!” Barabbas was a Jewish freedom fighter.

THINK ABOUT IT…With grateful praise!

Jesus is Truth who is waiting to save us and help us know God more and more.  Jesus says that believers will hear His voice of Truth.  In the millions of decisions we make each day, from tiny to terrific, may Truth be the source who guides our responses and behaviors. 

Instead of centering on those who refused Truth and ordered Jesus’ death, spend more time thinking on who Jesus is—He is Truth.  Truth laid down His life for ours.  Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.  Choose Truth every hour of every day.

In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.  I believe.

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“THE KISS OF DEATH” LED TO LIFE ETERNAL

Posted on September 30, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We have all heard the phrase “the kiss of death”.  Many people do not realize it comes from this scene in the garden where Judas will deliver the kiss to signal the soldiers of the one to arrest and bring to “justice”.  Unknowing to the army of the enemy, Jesus will certainly provide justice through the salvation of the sins of the world.  Yes, the earthly private ministry of Jesus with His disciples has now ended, and the public drama of redemption is about to begin. Man will do his worst, and God will respond with His very best—Jesus Christ, His Son as the One and Only Savior.

John—God’s Love

John 18:1-27, The Message

Seized in the Garden at Night

Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.

2-4 Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was imploding on him, went out and met them. He said, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

5-6 He said, “That’s me.” The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.

7 Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

8-9 “I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”)

10 Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.

11 Jesus ordered Peter, “Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?”

12-14 Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.

15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.

17 The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?”

He said, “No, I’m not.”

18 The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.

The Interrogation

19-21 Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly in public. I’ve taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I’ve said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a traitor? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard.”

22 When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, “How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!”

23 Jesus replied, “If I’ve said something wrong, prove it. But if I’ve spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?”

24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.

25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?”

He denied it, “Not me.”

26 One of the Chief Priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”

27 Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed.

THINK ABOUT IT…

Human history began in a garden (Gen. 2).  The first sin of man was committed in that garden. The first Adam disobeyed God and was cast out of the garden, but the Last Adam, Jesus, (1 Cor. 15:45) was obedient as He went into the garden of Gethsemane. In a garden, the first Adam brought sin and death to mankind, but Jesus, by His obedience, brought righteousness and life to all who will trust Him. He was “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8).  The amazing love of God is portrayed in His plan to reconcile us and bring us back into His Holy Presence.

Judas had lived with the Lord Jesus for perhaps three years, and had listened to Him teach, yet he knew very little about Him. The traitor actually brought a company of temple guards, armed with swords and clubs (Matt. 26:55)! Just think of the privileges Judas despised and the opportunities he wasted!  Judas didn’t realize that the Lamb of God would meekly submit and that there would be no need to battle.  Judas just didn’t know Him.

Jesus, who was in full control, knew what would happen (see John 13:1, 3, 11; 16:19). Judas expected some kind of deception, so he arranged to identify Jesus by kissing Him (Matt. 26:48–49). But Jesus shocked both Judas and the arresting officers by boldly presenting Himself to them. He had nothing to fear and nothing to hide; He would willingly lay down His life for His sheep. Furthermore, by surrendering to the officers, Jesus helped to protect His disciples. He kept them safe not only spiritually (John 17:11–12) but also physically.  Remember Jesus prayer for his disciples?

Judas’s kiss, which was given repeatedly to Jesus, was certainly one of the lowest acts of treachery recorded anywhere in sacred or secular history. In that day, a kiss was a sign of affection and devotion. Members of the family kissed each other in meeting and in parting, but Judas was obviously not a member of God’s family. Disciples greeted a rabbi by kissing him; it was a sign of devotion and obedience. But Judas was not truly a disciple of Jesus Christ, though he belonged to the group of disciples. In the garden, Judas stood with the enemy, not with Jesus’ friends!  When people today pretend to know and love Jesus, they are committing the sin of Judas.

Oh Friends, can we say, “bless Peter’s heart”.  Peter’s sword symbolizes rebellion against the will of God. Peter should have known that Jesus would be arrested and that He would willingly surrender to His enemies. Peter made every mistake possible! He fought the wrong enemy, used the wrong weapon, had the wrong motive, and accomplished the wrong result! He was openly resisting the will of God and hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish! While we admire his courage and sincerity, it was certainly a demonstration of zeal without knowledge.

Peter’s Mistakes Led to Repentance

  • For one thing, he had argued with the Lord when Jesus warned him that he would deny his Master that very night.
  • Peter had slept when he should have been praying, and he talked when he should have been listening.
  • He imitated the very enemies who came to arrest Jesus, for they too were armed with swords.
  • Peter would discover that the sword of the Spirit is the weapon God’s servants use in fighting their spiritual battles (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). He would use that sword at Pentecost and “slay” three thousand souls!

Peter was resisting God’s will but the Savior was accepting God’s will!

Peter fell to the temptation to deny knowing Jesus—just like Jesus said.  However, think about it, the crowing of the cock was assurance to Peter that Jesus was totally in control of the situation, even though He was bound and being harassed by the authorities. By controlling one bird, Jesus affirmed His sovereignty.

The cockcrowing was also an invitation to repentance! Luke tells us that Jesus turned and looked at Peter (Luke 22:61), and this look of love broke Peter’s heart. Peter had been a witness of Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 5:1), and by his own denials he added to those sufferings.  We have all tasted sin in this way.  But there is a Savior ready to forgive—always.  Keep in mind that the crowing of the cock was also the announcement of the dawning of a new day!  New life in Christ is found in repentance of sin.  It’s a new day, a new life, an eternal life!

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PETER AND JUDAS…

Dear Friends, it is worthwhile to contrast the lives of Peter and Judas. Peter wept over his sins and repented, while Judas admitted his sins but never really repented. Judas experienced remorse, not repentance. When Judas left the Upper Room, “it was night” (John 13:30), but when Peter went out to weep bitterly, there was the dawning of a new day.

This is the contrast between godly sorrow that leads to true repentance, and the sorrow of the world (regret and remorse) that leads to death (2 Cor. 7:9–10). We will discover that Jesus restored Peter (John 21) and enabled him to serve with great power and blessing!

Jesus went into the garden of Gethsemane, surrendered to the Father’s will. He healed Malchus’s ear. He protected His disciples. He yielded Himself into the hands of sinners that He might suffer and die for us.  Mission is being completed all who believe.

PAUSE TO PRAY

Do we really believe? 

Are we merely remorseful or truly repentant?  Repentance brings the dawn of a new day—a new life forever!

Lord,

Thank you for all these words to think about today.  There is so much more but this more than enough to know the depth of your amazing love and grace.  Thank you for saving us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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ONE HEART, ONE MIND

Posted on September 29, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Jesus prayed for God’s splendor and glory to be shown as He completed His mission on earth.  Jesus prayed for His followers to be of one heart and mind as they would carry on the witness of Jesus’ love which led to our salvation.  Then Jesus prayed for all who will believe from the witness of his disciples!  Jesus prayed for you and He prayed for me!  Read and meditate on this prayer for all believers then and now.  Take it personally.  And take all the time you need for this prayer of our Savior to soak into our souls so that we may really know Him.  Knowing and realizing the depth of love Jesus has for us seems to be the measure of our love for each other. Go deep.  May we truly be of one mind, one heart because of Jesus in us—Our prayer daily.

“So that your love for me might be in them exactly as I am in them.” –Jesus

John—God’s Love

John 17

Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers

1-5 Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said:

Father, it’s time.
Display the bright splendor of your Son
So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.
You put him in charge of everything human
So he might give real and eternal life to all in his care.
And this is the real and eternal life:
That they know you,
The one and only true God,
And Jesus Christ, whom you sent.
I glorified you on earth
By completing down to the last detail
What you assigned me to do.
And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor,
The very splendor I had in your presence
Before there was a world.

* * *

6-12 I spelled out your character in detail
To the men and women you gave me.
They were yours in the first place;
Then you gave them to me,
And they have now done what you said.
They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt,
That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,
For the message you gave me, I gave them;
And they took it, and were convinced
That I came from you.
They believed that you sent me.
I pray for them.
I’m not praying for the God-rejecting world
But for those you gave me,
For they are yours by right.
Everything mine is yours, and yours mine,
And my life is on display in them.
For I’m no longer going to be visible in the world;
They’ll continue in the world
While I return to you.


Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life
That you conferred as a gift through me,
So they can be one heart and mind
As we are one heart and mind.
As long as I was with them, I guarded them
In the pursuit of the life you gave through me;
I even posted a lookout.
And not one of them got away,
Except for the rebel bent on destruction
(the exception that proved the rule of Scripture).

* * *

13-19 Now I’m returning to you.
I’m saying these things in the world’s hearing
So my people can experience
My joy completed in them.
I gave them your word;
The godless world hated them because of it,
Because they didn’t join the world’s ways,
Just as I didn’t join the world’s ways.
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.
They are no more defined by the world
Than I am defined by the world.
Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth;
Your word is consecrating truth.
In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,
I give them a mission in the world.
I’m consecrating myself for their sakes
So they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.

* * *

20-23 I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the godless world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.

* * *

24-26 Father, I want those you gave me
To be with me, right where I am,
So they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me,
Having loved me
Long before there ever was a world.
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
But I have known you, and these disciples know
That you sent me on this mission.
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.

Lord,

May it be as you have said.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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