I was recently tagged in a #ScriptureChallenge where you post a verse to your wall every day for 10 days and tag someone new to do the same. The only caveat is that I had to [because I love to] write about how it speaks to me. --And well that's a problem when you're verbose with little time! haha. It sounded like an opportunity to use a little video for the message. I really want to push myself here, mostly because it's uncomfortable.
I practiced in my office on a break. Then when I got home I did a Live Video on Facebook. People we're calling and the kids were walking in the door. I wanted to do it without my notes and I did-- YAY!! -But I got distracted and forgot a point that I really want to include. --If you watch the Live Video, when I talk about the growth, please know that you should see growth in your spiritual life too! -In your prayer life, knowledge of scripture, service to others, etc. I hope that inclusion is a given but just in case... now ya know.
The video below was my first effort when I was still in the office and I just think I said it better here. So, I pray that it speaks to you! --Be blessed.
-This is day 9.
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
When you lift the son of man | Day 8
Day 8 of the #scripturechallenge
I remember when it used to frustrate me to hear others talk about their faith. How they ‘knew’ God, or that they heard from him, or that they were SURE that they were saved. I couldn’t understand how or why they felt like they could and yet I couldn’t not. Was there something wrong with me? Was there something wrong with them? What was the difference?
It’s many years later, and I can finally say that I KNOW…
I share a lot of things here on the steps that I took (and am taking) that got me from there to where I am now. I can admit that as I’ve learned to have MY testimony, it has sometimes felt ‘braggadocious’ and sadly, I know that it has come out that way at times as well. [open to feedback or discussion here.] But I assure you that it is not because I think that I am a guru. I am not. It’s not because I want you to follow me. Please don’t. My only and sincerest hope is that something that I might share encourages YOU to dig deeper into your own faith as well. --Not only is a salvation available to all but so is a relationship. Follow Him!
But did you also know that Mat 10:27 says to share publicly, what the Lord tells you private Mat 10:32 says that if you acknowledge him, he will acknowledge you. Rev 12:11 says that your testimony helps to defeat the devil. But one of my favorite verses about our testimony is found in Philemon 1:6 and it reads: I pray that YOU may be active in sharing YOUR faith so that YOU WILL HAVE A FULL UNDERSTANDING of every good thing we have in Christ.
I can’t tell you what sharing my testimony has done for me and my faith over the years. The same is true for reading scripture, journaling, prayer, worship, obedience, repentance, forgiveness—and so many other components. Before you get overwhelmed—know that many of those things began over a span of 20 years, little by little. And every single piece is still a work in progress. Don’t delay your own progress. Start now. Go deeper. I assure you of THIS verse.
When YOU LIFT the Son of Man, YOU will know... John 8:28
Sunday, June 12, 2016
It's Okay To Ask For Thirst
It's okay to ask for thirst…
When the Samaritan woman came out to the well Jesus told her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
If you don’t yet know God that passage might not make sense to you. Sometimes it just doesn’t occur to us to ask for basic things… Maybe you don’t like to read your Bible. –You don’t get it. How is it relevant? Reading it is like torture. You don’t like to pray. –Why ask for something he should already know? You don’t even know who you’re talking to so what exactly are you supposed to say? You don’t like to go to church. You hate to sing. You’re not even sure you want to be bothered with a God or the people that surround him.
But IF YOU KNEW the gift of God, YOU WOULD ASK him and HE WOULD GIVE it to you. So maybe today start smaller. Ask him to simply make you thirsty. Go ahead and try praying today; but this time instead of making it sound like a prayer, just tell him the truth about how you feel about all of the things pertaining to him. (He knows it anyway. So, go ahead and admit it to yourself and be honest.) Then ask him to not only make you thirsty but to help you love it. Ask him to give you an appetite for more of him in the place you need it now.
If you don’t yet know God that passage might not make sense to you. Sometimes it just doesn’t occur to us to ask for basic things… Maybe you don’t like to read your Bible. –You don’t get it. How is it relevant? Reading it is like torture. You don’t like to pray. –Why ask for something he should already know? You don’t even know who you’re talking to so what exactly are you supposed to say? You don’t like to go to church. You hate to sing. You’re not even sure you want to be bothered with a God or the people that surround him.
But IF YOU KNEW the gift of God, YOU WOULD ASK him and HE WOULD GIVE it to you. So maybe today start smaller. Ask him to simply make you thirsty. Go ahead and try praying today; but this time instead of making it sound like a prayer, just tell him the truth about how you feel about all of the things pertaining to him. (He knows it anyway. So, go ahead and admit it to yourself and be honest.) Then ask him to not only make you thirsty but to help you love it. Ask him to give you an appetite for more of him in the place you need it now.
Then take a drink anyway.
Then come back and do it again.
Because “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
I know because I've been there.
Photo Credit: Found on GregToDiffer.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Tuesday Challenge #32 | Scripture
Last week you had to include God in your conversations. This week, you need to incorporate a scripture! How much more can we glorify him than by including his own word?!
If you're not used to doing this, it might feel awkward at first. You might even find that as soon as you get the opportunity to do it, the conversation is over. Don't let the Devil condemn you for that. There will be another conversation. If you're not sure how to start it, you can talk about this challenge and let it pave the way. Then you can explain what the verse you're sharing means to you!
This week's verse: How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! -Psalm 119:103
Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Tuesday Challenge # 14 | Scripture
This week's challenge: This week take a moment to SOAK in the word! That's right, SOAK! This is a method used by Women Living Well Ministries.
How to Use the SOAK Method to Study Scripture:
S – Write out the scripture that speaks to you from the passage.
(I actually find that writing out the whole scripture helps me absorb more of the passage.)
O – Write down one or two observations from the passage.
A – Write down one or two applications from the passage.
K – Kneel and Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Scripture for the week: Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. -Psalm 86:11
Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!
Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/
Saturday, April 25, 2015
For God's Glory
Updated 4/25/15
I've found so many verses lately that have said specifically that when Jesus performed miracles or when God answered prayers, it was an opportunity to reveal [or witness] God's glory.
That is a nugget that we know as Christians or Believers but seeing them written out changed the intensity for me. I've needed to reference them several times lately, so I started a list of those verses. I only had a few when I first posted this. I've gone back and added more today. It has deepened the point of what he is speaking to my heart! May it also be a blessing to you.
When he saved me - 1st Timothy 15-17 - Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
When Jesus healed the blind man - John 9:3 - Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be manifest in him.
When Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead - John 11:4 - When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
Even when you read through this chapter, there are so many nuggets but verses 41 & 42 jump off the page to me. The stone has been rolled away. Lazarus is getting ready to walk out of the tomb. Just before calling him to life, Jesus himself, prays to God and says (in front of the many witnesses):
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
When he gave traditions to the Jews - Psalm 78:5-7 - He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
When he made a promise to his people - Jeremiah 29:10-14 - This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
I mean there's a whole section in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 called "Do All to the Glory of God". I know our purpose is to give glory to him but your circumstance and his purpose is also to for that same reason. BAM!
Everything that HE does is to help us see him; to deepen our faith in him; to draw even closer and to cause us to give attention to him.
It's funny, even as I write this, I am like DUH.... isn't that the whole purpose of the Bible and not just a few scriptures? But again, writing it out just changed the intensity.
Where ever you're at and what ever you're doing, don't just try to reflect him, look for [even more of] him in it and what you can learn about him.
Photo Credit: 123rd.com
I've found so many verses lately that have said specifically that when Jesus performed miracles or when God answered prayers, it was an opportunity to reveal [or witness] God's glory.
That is a nugget that we know as Christians or Believers but seeing them written out changed the intensity for me. I've needed to reference them several times lately, so I started a list of those verses. I only had a few when I first posted this. I've gone back and added more today. It has deepened the point of what he is speaking to my heart! May it also be a blessing to you.
When he saved me - 1st Timothy 15-17 - Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
When Jesus healed the blind man - John 9:3 - Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be manifest in him.
When Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead - John 11:4 - When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
Even when you read through this chapter, there are so many nuggets but verses 41 & 42 jump off the page to me. The stone has been rolled away. Lazarus is getting ready to walk out of the tomb. Just before calling him to life, Jesus himself, prays to God and says (in front of the many witnesses):
"Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
When he gave traditions to the Jews - Psalm 78:5-7 - He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
When he made a promise to his people - Jeremiah 29:10-14 - This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
When he reminded them of the promise - Isaiah 44:21 - “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. [So you can] Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.
Even in all of the Jews failures, tragedies and growth. [In everything we go through, learn and do] - Isaiah 60:21-22 - Then all your people will be righteous and
they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have
planted, [for] the
work of MY hands, for the display of MY splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the
smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord;
in its time I will do this swiftly.”
I mean there's a whole section in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 called "Do All to the Glory of God". I know our purpose is to give glory to him but your circumstance and his purpose is also to for that same reason. BAM!
Everything that HE does is to help us see him; to deepen our faith in him; to draw even closer and to cause us to give attention to him.
It's funny, even as I write this, I am like DUH.... isn't that the whole purpose of the Bible and not just a few scriptures? But again, writing it out just changed the intensity.
Where ever you're at and what ever you're doing, don't just try to reflect him, look for [even more of] him in it and what you can learn about him.
AMEN!
Photo Credit: 123rd.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tuesday Challenge #11 | Bible
This week's challenge: Buy 5 extra bibles and then commit to giving them away this year. Keep one with you at home, one in the car and one at your office, etc. When someone asks you what kind of bible you have or makes a comment about needing one; you know it's your queue to hand one over. It doesn't matter if it's a friend or stranger. Pick out the one that you like to read and tell the new owner all of the reasons why you love that one! In fact depending on the situation, you might just want to crack it open and read it together right there! Be encouragers in the Word and give someone the gift of hope!
Scripture for the week: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!
Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Tuesday Challenge #8 | Bible
Challenge: If you do not have a Bible that YOU love, your challenge this week is to FINALLY go and get one.
Maybe you are still using the first one that you were given and it's hard to understand. Maybe you don't remember where it came from. Maybe you sit with a list of things you'd like to have in your next one. Thumb index, Commentary, Biographies, Red Letters for the Words of God, Chronological Order, Leather Cover, Another Translation, Large Print, etc...
Go and get it. The more you like it, the more you will be inclined to read it!
Here's my pick (ISBN: 0310434807). The Life Application already includes great commentary, biographies and maps. The simple version with out "bells and whistles" is around $40.00. However, I prefer these extra features: Thumb Indexed, Large Print, Red Letters. Usually the cost is around $89.00 for all of that but it looks like it's on sale for $49.00 right now at this site. Note: The Large print will make your book heavier! But I wanted mine to last a looooong time!
It's easy to spend money on things that fade or get used up. Why not spend money on something that is eternal and will feed you for years to come?
Tips: If you're not sure what you're looking for and you want to compare them; You can peel the plastic on every book in Lifeway. So, plan on spending some time in there! They also have great coupons!
Here's a guide to the different translations in case you'd like to look at that piece before you even get there!
Scripture: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/
Go and get it. The more you like it, the more you will be inclined to read it!
Here's my pick (ISBN: 0310434807). The Life Application already includes great commentary, biographies and maps. The simple version with out "bells and whistles" is around $40.00. However, I prefer these extra features: Thumb Indexed, Large Print, Red Letters. Usually the cost is around $89.00 for all of that but it looks like it's on sale for $49.00 right now at this site. Note: The Large print will make your book heavier! But I wanted mine to last a looooong time!
It's easy to spend money on things that fade or get used up. Why not spend money on something that is eternal and will feed you for years to come?
Tips: If you're not sure what you're looking for and you want to compare them; You can peel the plastic on every book in Lifeway. So, plan on spending some time in there! They also have great coupons!
Here's a guide to the different translations in case you'd like to look at that piece before you even get there!
Scripture: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!
Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Samaritan Woman
[Updated 7/4/19]
The Samaritan
Woman is one of the more well-known chapters in the bible. If you haven't heard about her, grab your Bible and follow along in John 4. For those of you who read the end of a book first, I'll give you a quick recap before we start.
The Samaritan woman is an outcast not only because of her race but because of her past and maybe even current lifestyle. When most women travel to the well in the morning and evening, she goes at noon to further avoid the crowd that you would expect to find her in.
While there
she meets Jesus at the well and they have a very short discussion and she
comes to believe in him. She then goes back to tell the people in the town
about her experience. The simplicity of this chapter might make its truth too easy
to overlook but I’d just like to point out a few things that I gleaned from it.
I'm just going to jump right into verse
6 where Jesus is already at the well when she
arrives. In verse
7, the dialogue starts with him asking her for a drink. Whether or not she
is socially unacceptable, she further changed her schedule to avoid dialogue
with others. So I’m going to guess that she is startled by the
conversation. Instead of granting his
request, she replies by describing unworthiness.
“You
are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a
drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans).
Now stop
right there-
Women (self-included) are particularly guilty of this. We're either putting ourselves down or reminding others of our past, status or limitations. “I can’t do that because I don’t know how”. “You wouldn’t want me because I am no good at that…”
Women (self-included) are particularly guilty of this. We're either putting ourselves down or reminding others of our past, status or limitations. “I can’t do that because I don’t know how”. “You wouldn’t want me because I am no good at that…”
The conversation seems a little cryptic. Jesus replies in verse
10 “If you knew the Gift of God
and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would
have given you living water.”
I mean what does that have to do with the well? Didn't he just ask her for a drink?
But it’s
not really cryptic at all. He’s responding to who she is in that moment. She's the one who pointed out her issues. I
think what he’s really saying, is that if you knew the gift of God, you
wouldn’t struggle with feeling less than and you wouldn’t worry about what you
can’t do. You would be able to rely on me and have confidence about where
you’re at.
I reflect,
on how many times, even though we think we “know” God, we still don’t go to him
or even trust him with our needs. We might ask ourselves what talking to God is
going to do about our current situation. It sounds too simple. I need a solution!
Sometimes, we
think we are giving our problems to
God because we beat ourselves up with
scripture or exhaust ourselves by trying to work it out with him and around others. …Like the Samaritan woman who was rearranging her
own schedule, around her limitations.
However,
his word says don’t
be afraid, just believe. You don’t have to argue or wrestle. If you can
just focus on me, then your problems will not weigh you down. (Literally- STOP obsessing over your issues and just worship me.) If you can trust that I am who
I say that I am, you will find yourself letting go of what you’re struggling
with. It is so easy but at the same time, such a hard cycle to learn and put into practice.
Even in
saying all of that, he never mentions
her Samaritanship or her gender or any of those specific things that she might be worried about.
In verse
11, she reminds him again of another limitation… “You have nothing to draw
with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?” Then in verse
12 she asks him if he’s greater than Jacob, who built the well. He replies
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks the
water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become
in them a spring of water, welling up to eternal life.”
Now I
imagine for a moment what he might be saying between the lines of what he hasn't said. Would it sound like this? Yes, you do have a physical
need for the water from this well to satisfy your fleshly thirst. But something
else is parched... Is it your mind,
because you stay up at night wrestling with thoughts? Is it your spirit
because this life just seems too complicated and too hard. Is it your heart because it's too worn out from trying? If you can just come to me, the water [word] I will give you will
become a spring of water bubbling up to eternal life. You might still have a physical thirst and you might still have problems but your spirit will be satisfied. You will get rest. You will feel refreshed. Not only that but my one word will be
one that you will want to share many times to encourage others. …welling up, bubbling
over…
Who doesn’t
like the sound of that, right? So, in verse
15 she asks him where she can get that
water but you can tell she’s not quite getting it because she is still thinking
about how this well for the real water makes her keep coming back.
Then he
says in verse
16 “Go call your husband and come back”. To which she
replies, “I have no husband.”
He continues, you’re right when you say that you have no husband. The fact is that you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you said is quite true.”
He continues, you’re right when you say that you have no husband. The fact is that you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you said is quite true.”
Now you
might read that and think, ooooh snap- he
just called her out! And in a way he did. -But not to condemn her. If he
was going to do that, he would’ve done it when she first questioned why he, a
Jew, was talking to her if she was a Samaritan. He wanted her to know, he sees her. He knows her name. He
knows who she is and her private thoughts. And all of this living water that
he’s been talking about is for her too. He knows
who he’s talking to.
Of
course you might wonder why he called the 6th guy her husband if he
wasn’t… Why would he do that if he knew her…? Personally, I think he was trying to be courteous to her. --To give her dignity by not calling her out. He lets her confess it to him. THEN he lets her know that he already knew.
And if God sees hearts, who’s to say she hadn’t already committed to marrying him in her heart. But either way, again, he is the gentlemen. He accepts her status and acknowledges her where she is right now.
And have you ever had one of those encounters, either before you have committed your life to Christ or in the early days of your faith, where you bump into someone that brings up church or God and it makes you squirm and or straighten up a little? You want to acknowledge your experience with it. Maybe you talk about your parent's faith. Maybe you talk about why the church doesn't work for you. Yet, you either don't know the details or you don't want to get too deep in the conversation, so you try to change the subject a little.
Well, I think that's exactly what we see in verse 19 when she says, “I can see that you’re a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
She's making a statement. She’s heard of him and had some family that “went to church”. But is she also asking a question? Where do I worship? I mean speed up to our time. Is it this church or that one? -This denomination or service or ritual? WHERE can we find this God and what are we supposed to do?
And if God sees hearts, who’s to say she hadn’t already committed to marrying him in her heart. But either way, again, he is the gentlemen. He accepts her status and acknowledges her where she is right now.
And have you ever had one of those encounters, either before you have committed your life to Christ or in the early days of your faith, where you bump into someone that brings up church or God and it makes you squirm and or straighten up a little? You want to acknowledge your experience with it. Maybe you talk about your parent's faith. Maybe you talk about why the church doesn't work for you. Yet, you either don't know the details or you don't want to get too deep in the conversation, so you try to change the subject a little.
Well, I think that's exactly what we see in verse 19 when she says, “I can see that you’re a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
She's making a statement. She’s heard of him and had some family that “went to church”. But is she also asking a question? Where do I worship? I mean speed up to our time. Is it this church or that one? -This denomination or service or ritual? WHERE can we find this God and what are we supposed to do?
He responds
to her by telling her that one day she won’t be in any of those places to
worship. As for right now, none of
that really matters. You’re going to a church and going through the motion but
you’re really missing the whole point. You don’t know what you need to know. –or who you need to know rather. BECAUSE-
If you don’t know God (and his gift), you won’t really be able to fully worship him anywhere. And if you do know God and his gift then you can worship him everywhere! -On the mountain, in Jerusalem, and at the grocery store!
If you don’t know God (and his gift), you won’t really be able to fully worship him anywhere. And if you do know God and his gift then you can worship him everywhere! -On the mountain, in Jerusalem, and at the grocery store!
He goes on to say in verses
23-24 that we should worship in spirit and in truth. What does that even
mean?
Well, let me tell you that a one on one relationship with Jesus will free
you where legalism and following the law will bind you. You need religion. You
need the Bible. ‘The rules’ are there to show you the things that can cause you and others pain or harm. However, sometimes we can stick so close to ‘the law’ that we
dismiss how it impacts the spirit of those involved, causing greater harm.
We
each were given a spirit for a reason- personal encounters with God and others! Your spiritual practice(s) (like meditating on the word, still meditation, journaling,
prayer, talking to God/listening to God, listening to yourself, feeling your
feelings- whatever you apply to develop your personal spirit) is JUST as
important as knowing what the Word of God says.
John
8:32 says that the TRUTH will set you free. Whether that is the
truth of your confession or learning His truth. Both can set you free.
You must worship and practice your faith in both because what is born out of the center of those two, is the personal plan and will for your life.
In verse 25 we see that she doesn't really have knowledge of either side. She's still talking about him. Not to him. when she says “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
She’s heard of him. She just doesn’t know him personally to be able to recognize or identify him.
The devil will condemn you for that and you might be tempted to give it [this faith thing] up because it’s just too confusing. But even Mary –his own mother- had trouble recognizing Jesus after the resurrection because she was so consumed in her grief. See John 20. She didn’t expect to see him.
What about us- do we expect to see God? Would we recognize him if we were at that well? Would we even give a little credit to that whisper in our heart and test it?
So
just when she starts thinking about
God and what he might do, you know what happens…? See verse
26.
He makes himself known.
Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
Gosh, and there is such a timeliness to
that. I mean consider it. If he
announced that he was the Messiah when they first met at the well, she wouldn’t have
given him the time of day.
I mean, she’s avoiding everyone else because of her weakness. She would have run as fast as she could, either because he was a crazy man or because who wants to let God see all this bad stuff.
So, he does as he always does. He meets us where we are. He acknowledges her “junk” first and then introduces himself. She won't have anything to be ashamed of after she finds out who he is. Because he already knows it!! But he doesn’t reveal himself until we start to give him a little possibility. <3
I mean, she’s avoiding everyone else because of her weakness. She would have run as fast as she could, either because he was a crazy man or because who wants to let God see all this bad stuff.
So, he does as he always does. He meets us where we are. He acknowledges her “junk” first and then introduces himself. She won't have anything to be ashamed of after she finds out who he is. Because he already knows it!! But he doesn’t reveal himself until we start to give him a little possibility. <3
So
then in verse
27 the disciples come back and let’s read verse
28 together because there are a few more things that I
want to point out.
"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
The
first thing that I want to point out is that she left her water jar. I mean, did she
even fill it up? What he had was so good; her other needs seemed less important ...kind of what like he promised, huh?
Then she
went back and told people that the man “told her everything that she ever
did.”
What struck me about this line was that he only told her about 6 relationships of hers. Something personal. Something that she was most likely ashamed of. Something that made her feel separate. Ponder that thought for a moment.
I know part of me thought; Gosh we’re so dramatic at times. "that was everything...?"
What struck me about this line was that he only told her about 6 relationships of hers. Something personal. Something that she was most likely ashamed of. Something that made her feel separate. Ponder that thought for a moment.
I know part of me thought; Gosh we’re so dramatic at times. "that was everything...?"
But look deeper.
How many things do we let define us and be our everything? This can be good or
bad. Is it past sin, failures as a parent or partner,
accomplishments, what others say, being the one to fix everything, etc? God see’s everything about us but his gift goes to work, right where we
need it most! In our heart. In what we
hold and what others may or may not know.
Second, let’s just talk
about Transformation. Not only did she
leave her jar at the well. –The thing she came after was suddenly not as
important as telling others about him. But this is a woman who
avoided people. And suddenly she
couldn’t help herself from going back to tell others.
If you continue
reading, in verse 39 the chapter says that many came to believe because of her
testimony. All she said was “He told me everything that I ever did”. Don’t we worry that we have to have the right
words or the correct answers or some crazy, profound experience in order to talk
to someone else? We don't! We just get to talk about what he means to us
and how, why, etc. No embellishments. No grand finales. Simplicity. The truth… He will do the rest.
But I do believe that God does want to be crazy profound with each of us! And isn't there a little bit of the Samaritan woman in each of us too?
If you circle back to the very first verse; Their dialogue started when God asked her for the very thing that she was after… What is it that we're after? And how do we give it to God?
But I do believe that God does want to be crazy profound with each of us! And isn't there a little bit of the Samaritan woman in each of us too?
If you circle back to the very first verse; Their dialogue started when God asked her for the very thing that she was after… What is it that we're after? And how do we give it to God?
Well, it starts by first letting it go.
Not only does his gift work for whatever your 'it' is; his gift was made to replace our "everything…" He does it collectively and individually. He does it daily and he does it again and again. Every time, we are willing to put our pot down (tasks, desires, etc.) and just listen to him. He acknowledges us right where we are and refreshes our spirit and gives us the courage to do more than what we ever thought we could.
Will you stop today and offer him your truths, in exchange for a drink of his water? Will you let it replace what you are after?
Sunday, November 9, 2014
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]
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.
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!
Photo Credit : http://www.ellopos.org/
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.)
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!
Photo Credit : http://www.ellopos.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)