Eating the fruit

Most of us are fairly familiar with Proverbs 18:21. "The tongue has the power of life and death..." My impression of it has always been contrary to the old sticks and stones rhyme; what you say really does have the power to hurt someone (death) or build them up (life).  Even when we allow that verse to have more meaning, we still might only consider its direct impact on others and not ourselves. 

        But
  did you
          know???

There is another half to that verse. It says "and those who love it will eat its fruit." 

This addition might sound more like a do unto others; if you speak life about someone else then others will speak life about you. Or if you are careless, and/or use your words to hurt others, then they will come back to you the same way.  

While some of that may be true, I'd like to suggest an even deeper meaning...

In 1 Samuel 18:8-10 an evil spirit enters Saul because of Saul's jealousy and anger over David. Because Saul allowed those thoughts, it opened a door for an evil spirit to torment him. 

If that kind of damage enters because of our thoughts, how much more can we open ourselves to life and death by letting thoughts become more? Our verse in Proverbs 18:21 says those who love it will eat its fruit.

Well, I know many (self included) that love to talk but eat...?

To eat does not mean that we give to someone else, or wait to see if you can cover it up, or make it different later. It means to put inside. -That by letting our thoughts manifest into an action or a word, we will put something inside of our own bodies, soul, & spirit in that moment. Opening our mouth, opens us up as well.

In fact the verse immediately before it says From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

In the same way that what you eat determines how well you nourish your body; your harvest of words will nourish your own soul. 

Boy that is literally a lot to chew on. Bad-ump-bump!


So what does that look like in our day-to-day? 

I can't remember where it came from but I once heard the statement that you can't complain and praise at the same time. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head....?  Why not come up with a "go to song" to change your tune in the heat of the moment. The minute that a groan starts to take shape, recall the song and just start singing... Its okay if your don't know a "Praise" to sing. You can look for one. Until then, even singing "Old Mac Donald" would keep you from the groan. ...um, success! Until you learn a praise song. Or just say "Hallelujah" or "Jesus" over and over.  After all, there is something about that name.

If scripture is a weapon why not speak that instead of gossip or possibilities or fears? Hebrews 4:12 says that "The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I don't know about you but I'd like to be and occasionally need to be separated from some of my thoughts! If it will help me separate- YES PLEASE!

But what if we also tried a little role reversal and let the conversations with our friends stay in our mind while talking out loud to God instead? Or how about word reversal, if you need social activity; how about deliberately looking for someone to encourage, compliment or pray with regularly instead of just talking about the weather or the day.

Not to drag this list out but it appears that I'll be finishing this post on Thanksgiving. In honor of that, what if we said more than just "thanks". What if we were deliberate and intentional about who did what, why it was so significant and how that has left us for the better? In fact check out this video. Gosh, why can't we do this every day!?

Lastly, we tell ourselves that less is less but sometimes, it is truly more. Proverbs 17:28 says "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." Meditate on that and see where you might need to hold back a few words, even if they might not all be "bad" ones.

Because of that verse and this theme about the "fruit of words" I think this picture is the perfect finale. When I was a child my parents had fruit trees. I remember them removing buds and smaller fruit before it could fully mature; even when it looked completely healthy or was just beginning to bloom. Yet, this was done so that that the fruit remaining on the tree would become bigger, sweeter and even more nutritious. Not only is it better for the fruit that is produced; but too much fruit could actually damage the tree. 

In both scenarios it is the fruit that can damage the body from which it came. Let us all meditate on this post. I hope the words really marry together in your heart and mind. What words might we keep or let go of; and how would doing so guard not only our health, but also our offering to others and to the Lord? 

I hope this post is a blessing to you. Thank you so much for reading. I wish you safe travels and a beautiful day spent with those you love in celebration of ALL of the Lord's good works!


Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for yet another opportunity to be thankful not just for what we eat of the physical world but also for what is given in nourishment by spirit. Bless not only the fruit of the earth, but also the fruit of our mouths and of our hearts. Forgive us for overlooking the deceit in our tongues. Let even the most private places of our heart be a PLEASING offering to you. Teach us how to apply the "righteous" living that we all crave. Let us discover MORE of your power and glory in our day to day. Let us be awed in love for you and your people. -Then to propelled to give from the thankfulness that overflows within. We love you Lord. Thank you for your many blessings!


If you enjoyed this, you might also like 2 other timely links that I've come across this week. 

• A sermon on how Thankfulness opens us up to God (click the sermon from 11/23)

• An Article on the The 7 evils of a complaining spirit copied from a book, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs

photo credit - Thanks to my sweet, sweet Sophie. :)

Rain Bird

A gentleman waits
nesting inside
the most secret place

of our heart
not in slumber 

or indifference 

but instead listening
for the sound of the storm

humidity, heat rises
our stickiness of words
bind to the air
seemingly trapped by the surface
the messenger finds his cue

he goes before
permeating cracks
reaching in and seeking out
Interceding
and carrying our breath 

up to the heavens

a call for rain

He draws, in sweeps
wherever he pleases
announcing the hush
a sound-
only known as washing

in a whisper

It covers and uncovers
he splashes again,
delighting to whet
       -all- 

that is thirsty
...take a drink

We join him in a new song

As co-messengers of the reign

Glistening ourselves

For his water is not just on us

But within

we precipitate back into pools

of tears and scattering sweat
-The accumulation of bubbles
that must now move.

Spilling over, we let go of form

just to touch-

to linger in his presence

and become drenched in spirit
relaxing as we spread
HIS song
of all that is true

It is HE that holds the power
and the spirit and the life
and it is HE that is revealed
in the evaporation of words

that only long to rise

and

It is HE that perceives 

and carries and catches

and soothes

then returns 

each glory filled droplet 

from which they came

More verses may be added over time... :) May it be a blessing to you.

Photo Credit: http://www.longboardmaps.com/hummers.htm

The Lord directs his steps

Game/Activity: Arrange objects in an area like an obstacle course.  Do not line up any items that go together. Blind fold students and direct them through the obstacle course one at a time. They will have to rely on the director's instructions to move through the course, pick up an object and get it to the item that matches the need.

The idea is to let several students take turns matching items. If you have a large class, you may let students help set up the course and take turns giving the instructions.

Discussion points
You may let students consider how they might get items from one area to another before starting. Through out the game, you may ask them what they are thinking about to show how they can think one thing and still listen to someone else at the same time. The thoughts and directions may go together or may not.

One of the ways that God uses us, is by meeting needs for others.  See Titus 3:14, or James 2:14-26

Main Passage: Proverbs 16:9

You will need:

• Blind fold
• Baby Blanket
• Baby Doll (cold baby)
• Canned dog food
• Stuffed dog (hungry dog)
• Money
• A can for a charity (needy)
• A jug of water
• An empty glass (thirsty)
• Trash
• Trash Can
• Add your own items that pair a need with someone who needs it.
• You may want to include other items, to create a true obstacle course. (Tires, hay bales, cones)
• You may want to have students bring a donation for one of the needs and raise a collection.

Photo Credit: http://childrensministry.com

Write them on the tablet of your heart

Game/Activity: For this activity, students will make a heart shape out of clay. You may use clay that is already made or you can use a recipe and make it together. Using your rubber stamp, form the verses noted below or other words of faith. When the heart shape is made, gently press the rubber stamp into the heart to leave the imprint of the words. Repeat if desired. Depending on the clay that you used, you may need to bake the clay to set it.

I have a lot of different directions and discussion topics for this one. Depending on the size of your group, you could add/remove as many steps or discussion points as needed. But here's how I imagine that it would play out if I led the class, using a recipe.

1. You could let the students feel the hardened heart before starting the project.  Discuss how pliable it is or isn't. Discuss how easy it would be to leave an impression of words on. Talk about a hardened heart. Hebrews 3:7-9
2. As you make the new heart, you may reference the passage Psalm 51:10. Even if we have a hard heart, God can give us a new one.
3. When you add powder ingredients, you may reference Genesis 2:7 and discuss how we were made from dust.
4. When you add water, you may reference how God is living water. John 4:14 Spending time with him keeps our hearts pliable, tender.
5. Spending time in scripture and with God leaves the impression on our own heart.

Main Passage: Proverbs 7:2-3 or Proverbs 3:3

You will need:

• Clay (or ingredients to make clay). If I find a good recipe, I will post it.
• Rubber stamp kits/letters. Depending on your class size, you may need more than one kit. 
• A dried heart that shows the final out come but also shows a hard heart. 
• If you need to bake your heart, you may need access to an oven or a container to carry hearts back in, so that you can bake them later. If you send them home, you may want to include directions for baking.

Please note: I have not made any of these. I am currently looking for material to test. If I need to make adjustments, I will update this post.  If you test it out and have better recipes or suggestions, please share. :) I totally recommend testing before the class.


Picture Credit: http://ichallengeyouproject.wordpress.com/  and http://specsandwings.blogspot.com/

Rejoicing over the found

I've had a few ideas for Children's Ministry. It's actually outside of my comfort zone but after the third or fourth idea, I figured that there must be something to it. Maybe my "lesson plan" will just be prepared when I find myself in a pinch with a bunch of children. haha. Feel free to use them, share them, or in return share your ideas. I'm curious to see how this plays out.... Blessings to you!

Game/Activity - Play the game "Sardines". This is very similar to hide and seek except that everyone covers their eyes to count and one person goes to hide. Then the group disperses to look for the hiding participant. When the person is found, instead of calling them out or making any sound, the seeker joins the person hiding. Eventually, the whole group crams together like sardines...  I am sure the giggles will give away the hiding spot.  And that sounds kind of like rejoicing over the found to me.

Passage: Luke 15 The Parable of the lost sheep then discuss the similarities and contracts in the verse compared to the game or sheep verses people. You might also discuss any testimony or real experiences related to this passage.

You will need: The passage and hopefully some good hiding spots.

Picture Credit: http://ymsidekick.com/

Testimony Challenges

I don’t know about you but when I first sat down to consider my testimony; I didn’t know where to start. Not only did I dislike public speaking but I also didn’t feel like anything that I could say, would really mean anything to anyone else. Nor did I know enough doctrine to back any of it up. None of those excuses stopped the nudging to give one though. So I knew that it was finally time to do it. 

Starting your testimony can be a difficult challenge. The devil wants you to second guess anything and everything that you might use to to glorify God's kingdom. If you have one foot on the power of God and one foot second guessing your ability to share it, you might hold back. So maybe the tips below will help you when you start feeling that nudge for yourself.

Challenge Yourself

If you’re still trying to figure out how to have a testimony or what to say, create some challenges for yourself. Here are some suggestions:

1. With Christmas approaching what better gift can you give him than to completely focus this season on why you love God, how you know he’s real and what awes you about him. Then share it with someone.
2. If you’re in a church or Sunday School Class, ask if you can share it with the group by a certain time. Better yet, see if you can’t get others to do it with you.
3. Start writing about it now. Then keep it in your wallet and pray for someone to share it with.
4. If there are questions that you’re afraid someone will ask you; start writing down what some of them are. Pick three and commit to a time period to get those answers. 
   
5. Accept every challenge to talk about God that is presented.
6. Simply start looking for ways to insert him.
7. Here is a Bible Study on the book of John. This particular study has worksheets to help you write your own testimony. It will help guide you through the process.

Intro | Journal | Guide

John 1 | Part 1

So, I've recently joined a group of friends in studying John 1.  We read the chapter together, asking questions and discussing different areas.  Sometimes it helps to have another study along side to explain the surrounding details.

Either way, in this case we're using this study material. I answered all of the questions. Then in one of my journaling efforts, I rewrote the first chapter because this sometimes helps me go deeper with the application. Then something happened and I began to notice a trend with references to testimony. It almost seemed like a guide to having one...

So, I started another post. A guide to having a testimony and giving one.

I thought about only posting the guidebook since it's more of an outward tool. But for my journaling friends, I thought there might be some value in showing how I got to that point. Not sure why but I will go with it. May one or both of them be a blessing to you.


John 1:1-28 - Scripture & Personal reflection [Part 1]
A guide to having a testimony and giving one. [Part 2]
Challenges for your testimony! [Part 4]

A Guide To Testimony | Part 3

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been reading John 1. It spoke a great deal to me about a testimony. Even the main theme indicates our purpose, "The Word became flesh" by our sharing Jesus. I will use some other scriptures below but I am mostly going to reference this passage verses 1-28. So grab you bible, crack it open and read along. :)

The guide book for Testimony

Start with scripture – The first 3 verses of John starts off with the power of God’s Word. The word that he spoke when he created the earth, healed the sick, and resurrected the dead. It is also a reference to the power in his written word that you and I read.

If you want to develop a testimony start reading scripture, but also start speaking it in your life. Pray scriptures over yourself and others. When you need to make a decision see if there is any scripture that you remember, or seek the word to help you find an answer that will satisfy your question. When you struggle with anger, depression, insecurity, confusion, etc. speak scripture out loud to combat those circumstances. (v1-3)

Proverbs 18:21 tells you that the power of life and death resides in the tongue.

In this passage of John, verses 4-5 state that it is specifically God’s word that is all you need to bring life and light to your situation.

Introduce God to others - John came as a “witness”. This is someone who has seen, heard or who can attest to an event taking place or a person being seen. (v6-7)

Likewise, your testimony confirms how you know God is real. What are the “ahhas” or evidence from your life that confirmed his existence? This helps others identify how he might work in their life too.

It’s not just about you - A testimony is a great way to get more personal with those your see regularly. We have to include details about our life to connect with others.  This usually involves our past, our current setting and our sin.  –But a powerful testimony is not just about you.  Be sure to connect God with each of those prominent points. (v8)

A testimony is good for everyone - Everyone can have one. Everyone can benefit from hearing one. We don’t need to save it for our “God friends”. Nor do we store it up to share with those people that “need Jesus” to make them more agreeable to us. Your testimony is good for everyone, including total strangers. (v9).

It is even good for the person giving the testimony. Check out Philemon1:6 or my post about that verse.

People won’t always recognize what you identify as God - Others might not agree or identify with what we’re saying. My commentary on John 20:10-18 says that after the resurrection Mary was so consumed in her grief that even she did not recognize Jesus because she wasn’t expecting to see him. This world is consumed in grief. Sometimes, even your “best…” will be hard for them to see as you do. Don't give up! (v10)

Even some of your christian friends and church peers might not identify or agree with your experience. (v11) Persevere!

A Testimony is more than just a decision to talk or to receive words – Sure you can have an experience here and there that gives you a testimony about God. But to live a testimony or to receive Christ, means that you are willing to give some things up in order to have him as your father and Lord. This means that you submit to him and his will instead of your own. In doing so, you will be reborn. He will dwell among you and in you. -Allowing HIS spirit to come alive in you. He will move you with new words and, at least for me, it's something that you will have to tell. (v12-14)

The Transformation will make you cry out in belief – When you are transformed, you feel it and others see it. When you KNOW that you are saved- When you KNOW that he is God- You will become less afraid to share the word because you KNOW others need to get to the place that you are getting to. You will cry out in many ways. (And if you are not in any of those places now, I sincerely urge you to go deeper, there is more! You really can be sure!) (v15)

Equal parts Grace and Truth - It’s easy for us to condemn ourselves but a good testimony is part truth and part grace, not condemnation. Write what you are convicted about, use scripture [law] where applicable but also share how it free’d [gospel] you? (v16-17)

Feel free to remind them of the obvious – No one has ever seen God. You’re not God either. You just know the one who is. (v18-20)

Don’t compare your testimony to someone else - You might not be a preacher or know enough doctrine. You might not have a certain speaking style or have had certain life experiences. But trust that God still wants to have a relationship with you that brings revelation about him. Don’t compare yourself to others because you are unique. There is a particular audience that needs to hear your style and your experiences. (v21)

There will always be someone who questions you – It’s plain and simple. You’re testimony might raise more questions or even seem to provoke listeners. They might try to demand more answers or challenge you. There will also be those that still question God. Your testimony might not win them. But consider this- what if they go home and rant about your efforts and the person on the other side becomes intrigued. What if someone else is walking by that needed to hear that word? Never underestimate God's power to move someone through you. (v22)

Rely on scripture – Now check out Isaiah 40:3-5.  Even John used scripture to answer questions. If you can’t recall a scripture off the top of your head to answer the question directed at you don’t make anything up. Be honest, explain that you don’t know. Find a bible and look up answers together. Or set a time to get together with a bible and look the answers up then. (v23)

You and I don’t save people but we can bring others to Christ so that he can save them -  Do not confuse being baptized with water as being the same as being baptized with the holy spirit. Being baptized in water is  a wonderful milestone. It represents a coming to the Lord or a public profession that you desire to deepen or already have a deeper faith. I would encourage you to do it if you haven't already but it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the seeking of his counsel that cultivates a relationship and belief in God. Either way, not only does God change us, he allows us to be a part of his work, his healing and his miracles. (v24-26)

God even gives sinners a testimony – Even John felt like there was something in his life that kept him from being worthy to receive God and his testimony. Most of us are the same way and so we never put that foot forward to try and get to know him. But despite how he felt and whatever it was that he had in his life to make him feel that way, he was part of Jesus’s inner circle. He was the first one chosen, “He was the one whom Jesus loved”, he was known as a son of thunder and chosen to care for Jesus's own mother. (v27-28) Never underestimate the mercy and power of God and the ability of having a real relationship with him.

Each of us are sinners, check out 1 Tim 1:16 (¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.)

Summary

There are still verses 29-50 in this chapter. I haven’t gotten through those verses yet. There may be a part two. But I’d like to leave you with some “Reggie tips” before I close.

Practice makes perfect - It might feel awkward the first 10 times or the first 100 but practice will improve your confidence in him. Do NOT give up because you think the first one was a flop. I’ve been writing for 2 years now and I still struggle with awkwardness. But what I have experienced as a result of allowing a testimony, has far outweighed the hindrances that I felt prior to giving it. So, Press on friend, press on! - Checkout Phil 1:6

Thankfulness - There is a thankfulness that will develop in your heart once you are able to reflect on his evidence in your life. Col 2:6-7

It only has to be one - You don’t have to win a sea of people to have a good testimony. Scripture says “for the least of these”, or “the one lost sheep”. Your testimony might only need to be good for one. And what if that one is you!?

Always Double Check Me – Never take someone else’s word for your salvation! Double check everything that I say; just as you should for your preacher, your friends, etc. It becomes a real message to you, when you confirm the details and consider any personal meaning/reflection in the verses. I encourage you to pray and ask God to help you draw closer and know his will. Ask him to open your heart as you read his word. Then find some quite time and prepare to receive what you asked for!

Blessings to you!

Intro | Journal | Challenge

Photo Credit : http://www.ellopos.org/

John 1 | The Word Became Flesh | Part 2

Scripture in bold from Bible Gateway

Alongside Study by Kathleen Dalton
Rephrased/personal application in plain text

1 In the beginning was the Word,  and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In the beginning God ‘spoke’ things into existence. The Word of God is powerful and evidence. John is writing this chapter. He is the one calling God the word. Indicates the power of speaking the word.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

I’ve never noticed the “HE” was with God in the beginning. This is referencing the trinity. He as in Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit was with God in the beginning because they are all one in the same.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

God’s word created and/or brought life to everything.

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 

In God was/is the life that transcends/creates/fills the light of understanding in every creature. In him and is word is all that you need to bring life and light to everything.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The light shines within and throughout. Light will always remove/overpower darkness.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 

John the Baptist was chosen/sent to “pave the way” and introduce the coming of Jesus. He doesn’t actually meet John the Disciple until later in this Chapter. (This book is written by John the Disciple.) I always thought that they were the same person. Throughout the book of John, all references to that name are pointing to John the Baptist. 

7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 

John came as a witness to testify about God so that we all believe.

Again, reminding us of the power of speaking the word and life, testifying against sin/death/the world and for God/life/light. The power of words.

8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

We are just vessels of the light. To share it, to give it. We don’t create it or need to add/remove anything to/from it.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

Jesus is coming! And The Word, His scripture, his messages, His life is for everyone, not just the chosen (contrary to “predestination”).

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 

Jesus/God was in the world and though the world was made by him, the people in the world, couldn’t/didn’t see him.

This reminds me of In John 20:10-18  Jesus had risen from the dead. My commentary says that "Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first. Her grief had blinded her; she couldn't see him because she didn't expect to see him. Then he spoke her name and immediately she recognized him.” That reminds me of the first few times that I heard God speak.  They were such significantly different experiences from my normal day to day. There was no doubt that it was for me and the conviction behind it was nothing that I could have brought on myself. I didn’t know if I’d recognize him. I didn’t know if he spoke. I didn’t know if I’d hear him. Then suddenly, I did.

11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

He was always right there, as a part of his creation but not everyone chooses to acknowledge that. Just because he created man, doesn’t mean that man will want to be a part of him.

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 

The ones who do choose to acknowledge him, will have the power/ability to have a relationship with him.

Not just acknowledging him but believing him. When you believe God, you become compelled and almost discontented with your previous lifestyle and choices, you will want his desired relationship instead. You will choose his correction as a father to a child, over your “free” lifestyle.

The word “Receive” means to allow him to be life changing. To submit.

13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

He will become your father. Maybe not by the normal birth process or even adoption- and I love that it says, it’s not “just a decision”.

We become “Born again” by spirit (water baptism is just a symbol of public profession – still significant but not life changing.)

God created both births. One into the world and one into the spirit. My commentary says “Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and places you in God’s family.”

Both will have growing pains as you learn/grow in each new way. Both will have challenges but as part of growth to overcome where you’ve been. But both will allow you to communicate regularly and often with your family.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God became Man (Jesus). God has dwelt with us as Jesus and is dwelling as the Holy Spirit.

My commentary from the Study says “When you think about it, it is especially hard to be full of both grace and truth. Usually it is more one than the other. Either you are way to merciful and let people get away with things they shouldn’t or you are way to legalistic and never give anyone any “wiggle room” for their imperfections. But Jesus was both – full of grace- and full of truth. The perfect Man. (Study Pg 15)

15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)

John had a testimony. He testified to introduce Jesus.

That last line that I wrote is an awkward line for me. I started writing [the blog] to force myself to share my own testimony. I was never comfortable talking about God. Maybe not even talking publicly and I just had to decide to do it. Even as I blog I struggle with feeling like I talk too much about myself. I know it’s a comparison that I shouldn’t make [brought on by the devil] but I look to preachers and other people that “share God” and I think to myself, “they write to others, you write about you”. Yet when I try to be “general” or not so personal [not using my own examples and/or testimony instead of just doctrine] people can’t seem to follow me. It seems like my “paraphrasing” becomes a riddle to others.

The truth is, I am not a preacher or anyone else. I am me. I have a terrible memory and what “doctrine” I do know is often quickly forgotten. Even my own experiences are forgotten almost as quickly as they came. Yet I have come to know and truly believe not only that there is a God but to also believe God. None of which started until I was willing to have a testimony. I know that John had more ‘inside’ knowledge, but the use of the word “testified” free’s me up so much to just let it go. Testify only to what you know to be true. (Except that I will have to read it a lot because it’s an ongoing battle.)

I also often think about how to explain how God speaks because for so long, I didn’t think that he did or at least not that often. My response in this last verse, is just one of the many examples of how God speaks in my life. It’s not audible. It’s doesn’t come with a burning bush and a cloud. Yet God is presently speaking to my heart in such a real way, using his written word and only two simply words “John testified”. -In a way that only God can do, it delivers a personal message that just triggers conviction but unfolds power and freedom in my heart.

This whole blog thing is incredibly important to my walk because it allows me to time to reflect and apply but also to go back and find it later when I have forgotten. And I [rebuking the devil] have to trust that God might somehow be able to use my testimony as well for the good of others.

If God wants me to share doctrine like a preacher, he will work that out in me in time but we just have to start where we are and allow ourselves draw closer to him and he will draw closer to us [changing and revealing more] in time.

Finally, in verse 13 where it says it’s not just a decision. It wasn’t just deciding to start talking that grants me a testimony, there is a [continuous] handing over that allows him to work and whittle in order to give me one. I hope that doesn’t sound boastful because WE all have to give up something in order to get what he wants to give to us, in us.

16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Continuing where my last response left off. It is out of the fullness that he puts in us, that we receive that grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

We read the scripture, just like Moses gave the law in the 10 commandments. It is law for us.  But all of it and any part of it is used by God to deliver grace and truth. It’s startling how much that repeats my earlier statement- Reading God’s word “triggers conviction [truth] but unfolds power and freedom [grace] in my heart.”

Another note: that is why reading scripture is so important. I might not think that I remember so much because I don’t repeat it verbatim but it resurfaces again later when I need direction.  That’s why you have to put it in, even when you think you aren’t getting it or aren’t satisfied with it. Don’t stop consuming.

18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Referencing the Trinity. Parts of him are hidden while others are revealed.

John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 

Funny. Here’s that word testimony again but watch what else it repeats but follow it loosely. I couldn’t help but find the irony.

20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”

This scripture shows that John was acknowledging that he wasn’t God. [Truth]

While clearly you and I aren’t God either, didn’t I also say earlier that I was worried about not being a particular “level or type of messenger”.  You and I don’t have to know everything either. We’re free to be ourselves and just speak truth. [Grace]

 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”

Elijah was a known and trusted prophet. (Mainly mentioned in 1^st Kings 17-19) This verse continues the same sentiment that we don’t have to have a particular preaching or prophetic style. John was not God. He wasn’t Elijah or any particular kind prophet. He was John.

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

No matter who you are or how good you are at being you, you will still be questioned and others will still question God.

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness,(AL) ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”[d](AM)

First and foremost, when questioned about his integrity, he didn’t stumble for answers. He simply used [repeated] scripture to answer for him. (Checkout Isaiah 40:3-5)

We are all Heathens in the wilderness. God calls to us in that wilderness to use our voice to testify [revealing and introducing] and make way for him.

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

Because we believe.

26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

1 Timothy 1:15 says There’s a passage in Timothy that says “of Sinners I am the worst”.

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Please note: There are verses 29-50 in this chapter. I may or may not post about those later.

Intro | Part 3

Picture Credit: http://ucoxa.com/