Tag Archives: Jesus

The vine and Christian character (John 15:1-17), August 13, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 15:1-17

Set – Jeremiah 13; John 15

Go! – Jeremiah 13-15; John 15

John 15:1-17
Jesus: 1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2 My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit; 3 already you are clean because you have heard My voice. 4 Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me.
5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is like a branch that is tossed out and shrivels up and is later gathered to be tossed into the fire to burn. 7 If you abide in Me and My voice abides in you, anything you ask will come to pass for you. 8 Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father.
Jesus: 9 I have loved you as the Father has loved Me. Abide in My love. 10 Follow My example in obeying the Father’s commandments and receiving His love. If you obey My commandments, you will stay in My love. 11 I want you to know the delight I experience, to find ultimate satisfaction, which is why I am telling you all of this.
12 My commandment to you is this: love others as I have loved you. 13 There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends. 14 You celebrate our friendship if you obey this command. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer; servants don’t know what the master is doing, but I have told you everything the Father has said to Me. I call you friends. 16 You did not choose Me. I chose you, and I orchestrated all of this so that you would be sent out and bear great and perpetual fruit. As you do this, anything you ask the Father in My name will be done. 17 This is My command to you: love one another.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You’re probably familiar with the metaphor I’ve used about the vine and branches. Let Me expound on it a little today. In an agrarian society where I first gave the metaphor, the people understood clearly what I shared with them. Today, the lesson may not be quite as clear since so many live in cities and your produce comes from the grocery store and you know so little about growing things.

Growing grapes for both fruit and wine was an important part of life for the people of Jesus day. Wine was a part of meals since often sources of clean cool water were scarce. They also understood what was necessary to care for vineyards. Branches that didn’t produce grapes just sucked nutrients and water from the soil needlessly and the smart caretaker cut those branches from the vines to maximize the production of grapes.

Vineyards, like any crop takes care and attention to allow them to produce in an optimum way. They will grow wild or will grow with little attention, but the grapes they produce when given little or no attention are not conducive to producing good wine. The owners of vineyards know these principles well and so take care to tend to their crops to make sure everything they can do gets done to grow the best clusters of grapes possible.

That’s just what the Father does with those who follow Me. He wants My followers to produce fruit. My word describes that fruit. My fruit comes in the form of changed hearts, changed lives, changed character. The character the Father looks for in My followers Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit include unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When My followers do not show evidence of growing these characteristics in their lives, they obviously have disconnected themselves from Me. My Father prunes them from the vine and they have no part in Me.

Are you producing fruit? Is your character changing to reflect the fruit of the Spirit? Can you take an inventory of your character and see spiritual fruit growing in your life? Do others see a change in you since you accepted Me as your Savior? If not, something is wrong. It’s time to get into My word and learn what I want from My followers. It’s time to be more than a hearer of My word and do what I ask of you. It’s time to follow My commands. I don’t want you to stay the same as when I found you. I want you to become like Me. I want to transform you and make you unlike those in the world.

The metaphor was clear to those who heard it years ago. It may need a little more clarification today, but the truth is no less real. I expect My followers to become more like Me every day. Grow in your likeness or expect the Father to cut you from our presence.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

A servanthood lifestyle (John 13:1-17), August 11, 2017

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 13:1-17

Set – Jeremiah 9; John 13

Go! – Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

John 13:1-17
1 Before the Passover festival began, Jesus was keenly aware that His hour had come to depart from this world and to return to the Father. From beginning to end, Jesus’ days were marked by His love for His people. 2 Before Jesus and His disciples gathered for dinner, the adversary filled Judas Iscariot’s heart with plans of deceit and betrayal. 3 Jesus, knowing that He had come from God and was going away to God, 4 stood up from dinner and removed His outer garments. He then wrapped Himself in a towel, 5 poured water in a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with His towel.
Simon Peter (as Jesus approaches): 6 Lord, are You going to wash my feet?
Jesus: 7 Peter, you don’t realize what I am doing, but you will understand later.
Peter: 8 You will not wash my feet, now or ever!
Jesus: If I don’t wash you, you will have nothing to do with Me.
Peter: 9 Then wash me but don’t stop with my feet. Cleanse my hands and head as well.
Jesus: 10 Listen, anyone who has bathed is clean all over except for the feet. But I tell you this, not all of you are clean.
11 He knew the one with plans of betraying Him, which is why He said, “not all of you are clean.” 12 After washing their feet and picking up His garments, He reclined at the table again.
Jesus: Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and truly, that is who I am. 14 So if your Lord and Teacher washes your feet, then you should wash one another’s feet. 15 I am your example; keep doing what I do. 16 I tell you the truth: a servant is not greater than the master. Those who are sent are not greater than the one who sends them. 17 If you know these things, and if you put them into practice, you will find happiness.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Some get turned off by the example I gave you while I lived alongside you. When I washed my disciples feet at My last passover with them, it showed an example of My humility and servant attitude. It’s much easier to believe in a religion that lets you progress to a position of high status. People enjoy gaining authority and stature in their faith just as much as they do in their job.

The problem with religions that create positions of power and prestige, though, they have a tendency to make you think you have more importance than you should. You suddenly think you should have the center of attention in some circumstances. But you should never have center stage in your faith. I should. I’m God, after all, not you.

I served you since I created you. I gave you life, then provided everything you need to sustain you. I give you the need for relationships with each other and with Me and the opportunity to fulfill that need through good, honorable, authenitic means. Your adversary, the devil tries to lure you into meeting those needs in perverse ways. Ways that will tarnish your reputation and make you no greater than the other animals around you. I created you to become more than just an animal fighting for survival, though. I created you to remain in a consistent, loving relationship with Me.

I want that relationship for you. It means you must live the kind of life I showed you. It means a life of servanthood. It means accepting the menial tasks in life. Not because you’re not ambitious or cannot do more, but because in doing good for others, nothing is beneath you. You accept the tasks I give you without complaint and do it because of love for each other and love for Me.

I taught you the life of servanthood by living the life of servanthood in front of you each day. My faithful followers replicate that lifestyle in seeing something that needs to be done for others and doing it. They don’t ask questions about whether someone else should take up the task or if it is beneath their dignity to complete that mission. They just roll up their sleeves and get to work.

That’s the lifestyle I want from you. I want your willingness to work for Me. Work as if our life depended on your excellence in action for Me. Work as if the lives of those around you depended on the excellent completion of your next task. Give and then give some more. Always be ready to help your brother in need in whatever way you can so you can show My love to others through your action.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Jesus, the Great Shepherd (John 10:1-21), August 8, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 10:1-21

Set – Jeremiah 2; John 10

Go! – Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

John 10:1-21
Jesus: 1 I tell you the truth: the man who crawls through the fence of the sheep pen, rather than walking through the gate, is a thief or a vandal. 2 The shepherd walks openly through the entrance. 3 The guard who is posted to protect the sheep opens the gate for the shepherd, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When all the sheep have been gathered, he walks on ahead of them; and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 The sheep would not be willing to follow a stranger; they run because they do not know the voice of a stranger.
6 Jesus explained a profound truth through this metaphor, but they did not understand His teaching. 7 So He explained further.
Jesus: I tell you the truth: I am the gate of the sheep. 8 All who approached the sheep before Me came as thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not listen to their voices. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be liberated, will go in and go out, and will find pastures. 10 The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep in His care. 12 The hired hand is not like the shepherd caring for His own sheep. When a wolf attacks, snatching and scattering the sheep, he runs for his life, leaving them defenseless. 13 The hired hand runs because he works only for wages and does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. 15 As the Father knows Me, I know the Father; I will give My life for the sheep. 16 There are many more sheep than you can see here, and I will bring them as well. They will hear My voice, and the flock will be united. One flock. One shepherd. 17 The Father loves Me because I am willing to lay down My life—but I will take it up again. 18 My life cannot be taken away by anybody else; I am giving it of My own free will. My authority allows Me to give My life and to take it again. All this has been commanded by My Father.
19 When He spoke these words, some of the Jews began to argue.
Many Jews: 20 He has a demon and is a raving maniac. Why are you people listening to Him?
Other Jews: 21 No demon-possessed man ever spoke like this. Do demons give sight to the blind?

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Few today understand the life of a shepherd and his sheep. Most today live in cities and the only sheep they see are in books or on television. You don’t know the days and weeks a shepherd will spend out in the weather with his flock to make sure the sheep have good pasture land, good water, are kept free from predators, and a thousand other responsibilities to keep them healthy.

Sheep certainly don’t rank as one of the more intelligent animals in the world, nor are they the most obedient. But they do follow their shepherd because they understand the shepherd leads them to food and water and keeps them from being eaten by their enemies. They listen for their shepherds voice and follow no one else because they have learned to trust in their shepherd and in no one else.

One of the important things I told the crowd that day, though, in talking about the shepherd is My willingness to lay down My life for you as the shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. The other very important point is no one can take My life from Me. If you look carefully at the description of My arrest in the Garden of Gethsemene by John in chapter 18 of his gospel, you’ll find when the guards first approached Me they fell back unable to come near Me. It wasn’t because of Peter’s tiny sword. These were trained guards against twelve mostly unarmed and all untrained men. But none could arrest Me. I freely gave Myself into their hands.

Only I can give up My life and only I can take it up again as I showed with My arrest, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. I have the power of life and death. And I want to give you life…everlasting life. I have told you how to receive it. Believe in Me and you will have life everlasting instead of certain destruction because of your sin. Just ask and then follow Me, your great Shepherd.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Jesus, the I AM (John 10:1-21), August 6, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 8:31-59

Set – Habakkuk 3; John 8

Go! – Habakkuk 1-3; John 8

John 8:31-59
Jesus (to the new Jewish believers): 31 If you hear My voice and abide in My word, you are truly My disciples; 32 you will know the truth, and that truth will give you freedom.
Jewish Believers: 33 We are Abraham’s children, and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say to us, “You will be set free”?
Jesus: 34 I tell you the truth: everyone who commits sin surrenders his freedom to sin. He is a slave to sin’s power. 35 Even a household slave does not live in the home like a member of the family, but a son belongs there forever. 36 So think of it this way: if the Son comes to make you free, you will really be free.
37 I know you are descendants of Abraham, but here you are plotting to murder Me because you do not welcome My voice into your lives. 38 As I speak, I am painting you a picture of what I have seen with My Father; here you are repeating the things you have seen from your father.
Jews: 39 Abraham is our father.
Jesus: If you are truly Abraham’s children, then act like Abraham! 40 From what I see you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that comes from the Father. This is not something Abraham would do, 41 but you are doing what you have learned from your father.
Jews: We were not born from adulterous parents; we have one Father: God.
Jesus: 42 I come from the one True God, and I’m not here on My own. He sent Me on a mission. If God were your Father, you would know that and would love Me. 43 You don’t even understand what I’m saying. Do you? Why not? It is because You cannot stand to hear My voice. 44 You are just like your true father, the devil; and you spend your time pursuing the things your father loves. He started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth because he is void of anything true. At the core of his character, he is a liar; everything he speaks originates in these lies because he is the father of lies. 45 So when I speak truth, you don’t believe Me. 46-47 If I speak the truth, why don’t you believe Me? If you belong to God’s family, then why can’t you hear God speak? The answer is clear; you are not in God’s family. I speak truth, and you don’t believe Me. Can any of you convict Me of sin?
Jews: 48 We were right when we called You a demon-possessed Samaritan.
Jesus: 49-50 I’m not taken by demons. You dishonor Me, but I give all glory and honor to the Father. But I am not pursuing My own fame. There is only One who pursues and renders justice. 51 I tell you the truth, anyone who hears My voice and keeps My word will never experience death.
Jews52 We are even more confident now that You are demon-possessed. Just go down the list: Abraham died, the prophets all died. Yet You say, “If you keep My word, you will never taste death.” 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died; remember? Prophets—are any of them still alive? No. Who do You think You are?
Jesus: 54 If I were trying to make Myself somebody important, it would be a waste of time. That kind of fame is worth nothing. It is the Father who is behind Me, urging Me on, giving Me praise. You say, “He is our God,” 55 but you are not in relationship with Him. I know Him intimately; even if I said anything other than the truth, I would be a liar, like you. I know Him, and I do as He says. 56 Your father Abraham anticipated the time when I would come, and he celebrated My coming.
Jews: 57 You aren’t even 50 years old, yet You have seen and talked with Abraham?
Jesus: 58 I tell you the truth; I AM before Abraham was born.
59 The people picked up stones to hurl at Him, but Jesus slipped out of the temple. Their murderous rage would have to wait.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

You would think those who claim to know Me so well would recognize Me by My words and actions. When I lived along side you, though, the ones who claimed to know Me best wanted to kill Me. In fact, they picked up stones to execute Me for blasphemy. Of course, it didn’t work because I came to act as your sacrificial lamb at Passover, not served up as a criminal for blasphemy before an arrogant crowd.

It’s still that way today. Often, those who claim to know Me best seem to do their best to destroy Me and the works My servants do for Me. Their efforts are futile, though. I cannot fail, because I AM. As I told those assembled at the temple that day 2,000 years ago, I was before Abraham, am now, and will be forever. I AM. They understood the words and took it as blasphemy. But it’s only blasphemy if it isn’t true.

My followers know by their relationship with Me and the power of My Spirit in them it wasn’t a blasphemous statement. I only spoke the truth that day. I AM. That’s all you need to know to understand the rest of the story.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Five groups of people (John 7:25-52), August 5, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 7:25-52

Set – 2 Kings 23; John 7

Go! – 2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7

John 7:25-52
Some People of Jerusalem: 25 There is the man they are seeking to kill; surely He must be the one. 26 But here He is, speaking out in the open to the crowd, while they have not spoken a word to stop or challenge Him. Do these leaders now believe He is the Anointed One? 27 But He can’t be; we know where this man comes from, but the true origin of the Anointed will be a mystery to all of us.
Jesus (speaking aloud as He teaches on the temple’s porch): 28 You think you know Me and where I have come from, but I have not come here on My own. I have been sent by the One who embodies truth. You do not know Him. 29 I know Him because I came from Him. He has sent Me.
30 Some were trying to seize Him because of His words, but no one laid as much as a finger on Him—His time had not yet arrived. 31 In the crowd, there were many in whom faith was taking hold.
Believers in the Crowd: When the Anointed arrives, will He perform any more signs than this man has done?
32 Some Pharisees were hanging back in the crowd, overhearing the gossip about Him. The temple authorities and the Pharisees took action and sent officers to arrest Jesus.
Jesus: 33 I am going to be with you for a little while longer; then I will return to the One who sent Me. 34 You will look for Me, but you will not be able to find Me. Where I am, you are unable to come.
Some Jews in the Crowd (to each other): 35 Where could He possibly go that we could not find Him? You don’t think He’s about to go into the Dispersion and teach our people scattered among the Greeks, do you? 36 What do you think He means, “You will look for Me, but you will not be able to find Me,” and, “Where I am, you are unable to come”?
37 On the last day, the biggest day of the festival, Jesus stood again and spoke aloud.
Jesus: If any of you is thirsty, come to Me and drink. 38 If you believe in Me, the Hebrew Scriptures say that rivers of living water will flow from within you.
39 Jesus was referring to the realities of life in the Spirit made available to everyone who believes in Him. But the Spirit had not yet arrived because Jesus had not been glorified.
Some of the Crowd: 40 This man is definitely the Prophet.
Others: 41 This is God’s Anointed, the Liberating King!
Still Others: Is it possible for the Anointed to come from Galilee? 42 Don’t the Hebrew Scriptures say that He will come from Bethlehem, King David’s village, and be a descendant of King David?
43 Rumors and opinions about the true identity of Jesus divided the crowd. 44 Some wanted to arrest Him, but no one dared to touch Him.
45 The officers who had been sent by the chief priests and Pharisees to take Jesus into custody returned empty-handed, and they faced some hard questions.
Chief Priest and Pharisees: Where is Jesus? Why didn’t you capture Him?
Officers: 46 We listened to Him. Never has a man spoken like this man.
Pharisees: 47 So you have also been led astray? 48 Can you find one leader or educated Pharisee who believes this man? Of course not. 49 This crowd is plagued by ignorance about the teachings of the law; that is why they will listen to Him. That is also why they are under God’s curse.
50 Nicodemus, the Pharisee who approached Jesus under the cloak of darkness, was present when the officers returned empty-handed. He addressed the leaders.
Nicodemus: 51 Does our law condemn someone without first giving him a fair hearing and learning something about him?
Pharisees (ignoring Nicodemus’s legal point): 52 Are you from Galilee too? Look it up for yourself; no real prophet is supposed to come from Galilee.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

What you heard today mimics conditions today. Some listen and believe in Me because of My words. Some wait until they see physical evidence of My actions before they will believe. Some remain ambivalent about Me regardless of what they see or hear. Some discard My teachings despite the truth they see and hear. And some wish to destroy Me even though the evidence points to the truth that I am God, their Creator and their only hope of salvation.

You stand in one of those groups of people. My hope is your faith in Me is enough to put you in the first group. You hear My word and you receive it gladly believing in Me. It doesn’t take much faith. Less than it takes to put the key in the ignition of your car and believe turning it will start it. Because you see, one day your car will fail to start, but I will never fail.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Jesus knows how to party! (John 2:1-12), July 31, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – John 2:1-12

Set – Psalms 107; John 2

Go! – Isaiah 63-64; Psalms 107; John 2

John 2:1-12

1 Three days later, they all went to celebrate a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was invited 2 together with Him and His disciples. 3 While they were celebrating, the wine ran out; and Jesus’ mother hurried over to her son.
Mary: The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests, and there is no more wine.
Jesus: 4 Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived.
5 But she turned to the servants.
Mary: Do whatever my son tells you.
6 In that area were six massive stone water pots that could each hold 20 to 30 gallons. They were typically used for Jewish purification rites. 7 Jesus’ instructions were clear:
Jesus: Fill each water pot with water until it’s ready to spill over the top; 8 then fill a cup, and deliver it to the headwaiter.
They did exactly as they were instructed. 9 After tasting the water that had become wine, the headwaiter couldn’t figure out where such wine came from (even though the servants knew), and he called over the bridegroom in amazement.
Headwaiter: 10 This wine is delectable. Why would you save the most exquisite fruit of the vine? A host would generally serve the good wine first and, when his inebriated guests don’t notice or care, he would serve the inferior wine. You have held back the best for last.
11 Jesus performed this miracle, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee. They did not know how this happened; but when the disciples and the servants witnessed this miracle, their faith blossomed.
12 Jesus then gathered His clan—His family members and disciples—for a journey to Capernaum where they lingered several days.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

So many people think Christians have sour dispositions and must keep this down-in-the-mouth look about them all the time. Nothing could be further from the truth. My followers should know real joy. I did. I knew what life was all about. In fact, my first public miracle happened at a party! If you’ve never been to a Jewish wedding feast, I can tell you, they know how to throw a party! Food, music, dancing, laughter. Everyone has a great time celebrating the beginning of new family with the bride and groom.

Naturally, when My mother saw the host ran out of wine, she didn’t want him embarrassed in front of his family and friends and came to Me to do something about it. She knew I was the Creator. If anyone could help him out, I could. She wasn’t sure how, but knew I could do something.

Of course no one would expect Me to use the water used to wash the guests feet as they came in from the street to fix the situation, but I’m known for doing the unexpected. The servants were certainly surprised I asked them to fill those pitchers full of water instead of the wine casks, but they did it. I’m sure they didn’t tell the host where they got the wine until after the party, though.

If the host and his guests knew they were drinking from the jars reserved for footwashing they wouldn’t understand. But My act of service for My mother is tied to My last act of service for My disciples. I took water from jars similar to those at that wedding in Cana to wash My disciples feet. You see, it’s not about how good the wine tasted or how clean the water might or might not be, it’s about living a life of servanthood for those around you.

Look for ways you can serve in little ways. You’ll find dozens of things you can do for others if you just open your eyes with My eyes. Instead of jars of dirty water, you’ll see the best wine. Instead of a muddy street, you’ll see the material to make new eyes. Instead of a leper shunned from society, you’ll see a friend who needs a hug. You’ll see opportunities all around you to do the unexpected.

I came and turned organized religion upside down. I changed the somber, sour, burdensome rules to a life of joy and contentment and peace. One that attracted children wherever I went. And you know that children will not follow a sour-puss. Even My disciples scoffed at the fun I had with the children around Me until I rebuked them for trying to push them away. They they joined in on the games and the fun. I enjoy life! That’s why I grant you life in the first place. That’s why I want you to accept eternal life with Me so the joy never has to end.

I’m ready to party with you in just a little while. I’ve been getting the banquet hall ready. We will have a grand time of it. Get ready. I’m coming soon.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

He came with grace and gifts (John 1:1-28), July 30, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready -John 1:1-28

Set – Isaiah 62; John 1

Go! – Isaiah 60-62; John 1

John 1:1-28
1Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking.
The Voice was and is God.
2 This celestial Word remained ever present with the Creator;
3 His speech shaped the entire cosmos.
Immersed in the practice of creating,
all things that exist were birthed in Him.
4 His breath filled all things
with a living, breathing light—
5 A light that thrives in the depths of darkness,
blazes through murky bottoms.
It cannot and will not be quenched.
6 A man named John, who was sent by God, was the first to clearly articulate the source of this Light. 7 This baptizer put in plain words the elusive mystery of the Divine Light so all might believe through him. Some wondered whether he might be the Light, 8 but John was not the Light. He merely pointed to the Light. 9 The true Light, who shines upon the heart of everyone, was coming into the cosmos.
10 He entered our world, a world He made; yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 Even though He came to His own people, they refused to listen and receive Him. 12 But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God; 13 He bestowed this birthright not by human power or initiative but by God’s will.
14 The Voice took on flesh and became human and chose to live alongside us. We have seen Him, enveloped in undeniable splendor—the one true Son of the Father—evidenced in the perfect balance of grace and truth. 15 John the Baptist testified about Him and shouted, “This is the one I’ve been telling you is coming. He is much greater than I am because He existed long before me.” 16 Through this man we all receive gifts of grace beyond our imagination. 17 You see, Moses gave us rules to live by, but Jesus the Anointed offered us gifts of grace and truth. 18 God, unseen until now, is revealed in the Voice, God’s only Son, straight from the Father’s heart.
19 The reputation of John was growing; and many had questions, including Jewish religious leaders from Jerusalem. 28 So some priests and Levites approached John in Bethany just beyond the Jordan River while he was baptizing and bombarded him with questions:
Religious Leaders: Who are you?
John the Baptist: 20 I’m not the Anointed One, if that is what you are asking.
Religious Leaders: 21 Your words sound familiar, like a prophet’s. Is that how we should address you? Are you the Prophet Elijah?
John the Baptist: No, I am not Elijah.
Religious Leaders: Are you the Prophet Moses told us would come?
John the Baptist: No.
Religious Leaders: 22 Then tell us who you are and what you are about because everyone is asking us, especially the Pharisees, and we must prepare an answer.
23 John replied with the words of Isaiah the prophet:
John the Baptist: Listen! I am a voice calling out in the wilderness.
Straighten out the road for the Lord. He’s on His way.
24-25 Then some of those sent by the Pharisees questioned him again.
Religious Leaders: How can you travel the countryside baptizing people if you are not the Anointed One or Elijah or the Prophet?
John the Baptist: 26 Baptizing with water is what I do; but the One whom I speak of, whom we all await, is standing among you; and you have no idea who He is. 27 Though He comes after me, I am not even worthy to unlace His sandals.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Many are familiar with the description of My Son John gives in the opening verses of his gospel. It’s good to hear it every once in a while, though, and just be reminded of what He did for you in coming to live among you. I know it’s difficult to understand how I can exist as three persons in one godhead, but I do, Father, Son, and Spirit. Here since the beginning of time and I will exist as a triune godhead throughout eternity.

For you I gave up the splendor of the heavenly realms and wrapped myself in human flesh to live alongside you. I wanted you to see Me and know Me. I wanted you to experience My grace and gifts first hand from hands of flesh and blood. I had tried to let you experience those gifts from My godly presence, but you rejected Me. I hoped by living among you, I would be accepted by you. Few of you did. Few of you do today.

Many today still baptize with water. I still baptize with My spirit and will fill you to the full if you will let Me. I haven’t changed. I remain the same from before time began until time finally comes to an end. For a short time I took on a physical body so I could share your pain and suffering in physical form. I am both your savior and your judge.

I still want to give you My grace and My gifts. You must accept them, though. An unaccepted gift just sits, useless, unopened, given but of no value to the receiver. You must accept the gift and with it My Spirit that guides you through your days. I will lead you where you should go if you will let Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

The Son, the Anointed One, God! (Hebrews 1), July 4, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Hebrews 1
Set – Hosea 1; Hebrews 1
Go! – 2 Kings 15–16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1

Hebrews 1
1 Long ago, at different times and in various ways, God’s voice came to our ancestors through the Hebrew prophets. 2 But in these last days, it has come to us through His Son, the One who has been given dominion over all things and through whom all worlds were made.
3 This is the One who—imprinted with God’s image, shimmering with His glory—sustains all that exists through the power of His word. He was seated at the right hand of God once He Himself had made the offering that purified us from all our sins. 4 This Son of God is elevated as far above the heavenly messengers as His holy name is elevated above theirs.

5 For no heavenly messengers have ever heard God address them with these words of the psalms:
You are My Son.
Today I have become Your Father.
Or heard Him promise,
I will be to You a Father,
and You will be My Son.
6 Now, when the Son, the firstborn of God, was brought into the world, God said,
Let all My heavenly messengers worship Him.
7 Concerning them, God said,
I make My heavenly messengers like the winds,
and My servants like a flame.
8 But to the Son He said,
God, Your throne is eternal;
You will rule Your kingdom with the scepter of justice.
9 You have loved what is right
and hated what is evil;
That is why God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness and lifted You above Your companions.
10 And God continues,
In the beginning, You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth
and set the skies above us with Your own hands.
11 But while they will someday pass away,
You remain forever;
when they wear out like old clothes,
12 You will roll them up
and change them into something new.
But You will never change;
Your years will never come to an end.
13 Did God ever say to any of the heavenly messengers,
Sit here, at My right hand, in the seat of honor;
and I’ll put all Your enemies under Your feet?
14 No, of course not. The heavenly messengers are only spirits and servants, sent out to minister to those who will certainly inherit salvation.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

My Son, fully human, fully God. It’s something you cannot understand if I tried to explain it. There at the beginning of time, yet alive in human skin for a mere 33 years. Lived among, died a cruel death, rose from the grave, lives eternally. The human mind cannot comprehend how it happens except that My Son is God and is Man. I came to you to show you how to live. I came to show you how to love. I came to show you who I am.

Hebrews gives a discourse on the supremacy of My Son as worthy of worship because He is God incarnate. The Hebrews couldn’t understand it. Jesus in the flesh ran counter to much their religion evolved into over the course of time. Their religion became a list of rules and traditions. Rituals that adherants must perform at certain times in certain ways. Religion without heart or real devotion or worship.

I came to them as I come to you to remind them I am a God of love. I am alive. I care about you because I created you. I want a relationship with you. But I am still a holy God and abhor sin. It cannot dwell in My presence. So I had to make a way to bridge the gap between us. My Son, God incarnate, Me in the flesh as the perfect sacrifice for the redemption of sin was My plan from the very first act of disobedience in the garden.

There was never anything you could do to bridge the gap. Only I could do it. So I came to you and became one of you. I gave My life for you so you could have life. This book, these few chapters written centuries ago still hold the same solid arguments as they did when penned. As you read them, let them move you like they never have before. Let the author of Hebrews help you understand why I came and what I offer you as My followers.

The opening verses tell you Jesus, My Son, is worthy of worship. He is part of Me. He stands above all others. He participated in creation and will stand at the final judgment. He is eternal as I am eternal. He is God as I am God, part of the triune Godhead. All will bow at His feet and call Him Lord one day. It’s best to start now.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Don’t let the cross be in vain (Matthew 25:32-56), May 10, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – Matthew 27:32-56
Set – 2 Samuel 18; Matthew 27
Go! – 2 Samuel 18; Psalms 56; Matthew 27

Matthew 27:32-56
32 As they were walking, they found a man called Simon of Cyrene and forced him to carry the cross. 33 Eventually they came to a place called Golgotha, which means “Place of the Skull.” 34 There they gave Him a drink—wine mixed with bitter herbs. He tasted it but refused to drink it.

35 And so they had Him crucified. They divided the clothes off His back by drawing lots, 36 and they sat on the ground and watched Him hang. 37 They placed a sign over His head: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.” 38 And then they crucified two thieves next to Him, one at His right hand and one at His left hand.

39 Passersby shouted curses and blasphemies at Jesus. They wagged their heads at Him and hissed.

Passersby: 40 You’re going to destroy the temple and then rebuild it in three days? Why don’t You start with saving Yourself? Come down from the cross if You can, if You’re God’s Son.

Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders (mocking Him): 41-42 He saved others, but He can’t save Himself. If He’s really the King of Israel, then let Him climb down from the cross—then we’ll believe Him. 43 He claimed communion with God—well, let God save Him, if He’s God’s beloved Son.

44 Even the thieves hanging to His right and left poured insults upon Him. 45 And then, starting at noon, the entire land became dark. It was dark for three hours. 46 In the middle of the dark afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice.

Jesus: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani—My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Bystanders: 47 He’s calling on Elijah.

48 One bystander grabbed a sponge, steeped it in vinegar, stuck it on a reed, and gave Jesus the vinegar to drink.

Others: 49 We’ll see—we’ll see if Elijah is going to come and rescue Him.

50 And then Jesus cried out once more, loudly, and then He breathed His last breath. 51 At that instant, the temple curtain was torn in half, from top to bottom. The earth shook; rocks split in two; 52 tombs burst open, and bodies of many sleeping holy women and men were raised up. 53 After Jesus’ resurrection, they came out of their tombs, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and showed themselves to people.

54 When the Centurion and soldiers who had been charged with guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw the rocks splitting and the tombs opening, they were, of course, terrified.

Soldiers: He really was God’s Son.

55 A number of women, who had been devoted to Jesus and followed Him from Galilee, were present, too, watching from a distance. 56 Mary Magdalene was there, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

“Good Friday.” Good for all humankind. But what a horrible day for Me. I gave up all the glory of heaven and walked with you for 33 years. I tried to teach you My ways. I tried to show you My love and guide you to a life based on a right relationship with Me. But I was misunderstood by so many, even those who were suppose to teach you about My love.

All around Me rules and regulations became substitutes for love. You had to follow this law or that rule. You couldn’t do this activity on the Sabbath or perform that act for your fellowman because he was from another country. My love for all of humankind got lost somewhere and when I tried to show you what it was like, I was rejected by those who should know best.

After thirty years in the flesh, when My formal teaching ministry began, I knew what the end result would be. I knew the only way to bring salvation to humankind was to become the sacrifice for you. I understood My mission, but I didn’t want to go through it. The human part of Me didn’t want the suffering. Not so much the pain of the cross, though, that was torturous. That pain lasted only a short time.

The most dreadful suffering came from knowing I would bear the sins of the world on My shoulders. Knowing I must become the sacrifice to atone for all the evil ever committed by all humankind throughout history, past and future. I knew the load. I saw the evil. I felt the crush of the burden. I understood the isolation from the Father, separating Myself from Myself.

You cannot understand the agony of God sacrificing God for humankind. Touching evil with an absolutely holy and pure being. You cannot understand it because all of you are born with the sinful nature passed through the seed of Adam. I did not inherit his seed. I was born pure and righteous, born of God. I am God from the beginning of time. And to touch the evil of men and women on the cross was pure agony.

I could not allow My Father to rescue Me, though. I had to remain. I had to die. I had to become the perfect, unblemished sacrifice so you could be justified. It was the only way. It fulfilled the plan put in place so many centuries before. I wanted you to learn love, but you could only learn it through My demonstrated love despite your hate. I paid your price. I was your sacrifice. All you need to do is believe. Accept My gift to you. Follow Me. Don’t let My sacrifice be in vain. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

He’s coming back (Matthew 24:1-22), May 7, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Matthew 24:1-22
Set – 2 Samuel 14; Matthew 24
Go! – 2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24

Matthew 24:1-22
1 Jesus left the temple. As He was walking away, His disciples came up to Him and asked what He thought about the temple buildings.

Jesus: 2 Look around you. All of it will become rubble. I tell you this: not one stone will be left standing.

3 Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately.

Disciples: We don’t understand Your predictions. Tell us, when will these things happen: When will the temple be destroyed? What will be the sign that You are returning? How will we know that the end of the age is upon us?

Jesus: 4 Take care that you are not deceived. 5 For many will come in My name claiming they are the Anointed One, and many poor souls will be taken in. 6 You will hear of wars, and you will hear rumors of wars, but you should not panic. It is inevitable, this violent breaking apart of the sinful world, but remember, the wars are not the end. The end is still unfolding. 7 Nations will do battle with nations, and kingdoms will fight neighboring kingdoms, and there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But these are not the end. These are the birth pangs, the beginning. The end is still unfolding.

9 They will hand you over to your enemies, who will torture you and then kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me. 10 And many who have followed Me and claimed to love Me and sought God’s kingdom will turn away—they will abandon the faith and betray and hate one another. 11-12 The love that they had for one another will grow cold because few will obey the law. False prophets will appear, many will be taken in by them, and the only thing that will grow is wickedness. There will be no end to the increase of wickedness. 13 But those who do not waver from our path and do not follow those false prophets—those among you will be saved. 14 And this good news of God’s kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, a testimony to all people and all nations. Then, beloved, the end, the consummation of all things, will come.

15 You will remember that the prophet Daniel predicted this—predicted the abomination that causes desolation—when you see the prophesied desolation of the holy place. (Reader, take notice; it is important that you understand this.) 16 When you see this, let those in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 If you are relaxing on your rooftop one evening and the signs of the temple’s destructions come, don’t return to your house to rescue a book or a pet or a scrap of clothing. 18 If you are in the field when the great destruction begins, don’t return home for a cloak. 19 Pregnant women and nursing mothers will have the worst of it. 20 And as for you, pray that your flight to the hills will not come on the Sabbath or in the cold of winter. 21 For the tribulation will be unparalleled—hardships of a magnitude that has not been seen since creation and that will not be seen again. 22 Indeed the Lord God your merciful judge will cut this time of trial short, and this will be done for the benefit of the elect that some might indeed be saved—for no one could survive the depravity for very long.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Well, I told you a long time ago that I would begin to show you when the end would begin to unfold. When I walked with you in the flesh, My disciples asked Me when the Temple would be destroyed. I used their question to give a broader answer to the end of time using all the scriptures and My knowledge to give them a peek into the future. What you are experiencing are the birth pangs.

I told you about wars and rumors of wars. Look around you at the nations of the world. There is little doubt of the hatred against My chosen people. If you think that has been true throughout history, you’re right. But never has the hatred escalated to the point it has today. Now nuclear weapons point to the cities of My people. But do you think I will let My chosen people be destroyed? Better think about who is on their side and remember what I’ve said in My word. “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

To the other nations of the world, I’d say, “Don’t try it.” But there will be wars and My people will suffer in them as will other nations.

Look at the famines, the droughts, the wild weather patterns that defy explanation, earthquakes. Many will say, “It’s just nature doing its thing. There are explanations if we just look hard enough.” I say, “Listen to what I told you 2,000 years ago.” You are in the birth pangs that show the beginning of the end. I’m coming back and it won’t be much longer. Look at the signs and know that I can return in the blink of an eye.

As I told My disciples 2,000 years ago, I tell you now. Be ready. You never know when I’ll be back.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.