Reading: John 13

The story of Jesus washing the disciples feet is truly a beautiful pictures of selfless love. We are told that Jesus had unwavering love for his disciples, even with the knowledge of their flaws and imperfections. “...Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (v1) This is the same love that Jesus loves us with as well. It is a love that will be with us no matter what. It is a love that will never end. 

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (v3-5)  Jesus, knowing that he had supreme power and majesty as the Son of God, could have dressed himself in the finest clothes, surrounded himself with the richest earthly treasures and been waited on hand and foot. But, instead, the God of the Universe gave us the example of being a servant. He showed us that we have value. He showed us his greatest desire...to give of himself to us so that we can be purified and have an intimate relationship with Him. 

He even washed the feet of Judas, knowing that Judas would betray him. His love extends to all men, even those who will reject the love He offers. 

Jesus showed us that there is no task of service that should be beneath us. This is something we should remember as we go through our daily lives, being asked to give of our time, our energy and our resources...in our jobs, caring for our families, in the often mundane duties of daily responsibilities and tasks. It is something we should remember when He shows us the needs of others. We are called to be servants to each other.  “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (v14-15)  

Washing the feet of the disciples was an intimate physical cleansing but it also was symbolic of spiritual cleansing. Peter initially didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet because he thought that it was dishonorable for his master to do such a thing. When he realized it had spiritual significance, he quickly jumped to the other extreme and asked for a full body bath. But, Jesus explained that He only needed his feet washed. Spurgeon gives this explanation:

He that believeth in Christ is fully forgiven. He is like a man who has gone into the bath, and washed, but, when he steps out of the bath, and puts his foot on the ground, he often soils it, so that, before he robes himself, he needs to wash his feet again. That is our condition as believers in Jesus; we are washed in his precious blood, and are whiter than snow; but these feet of ours constantly touch this defiling earth, so they need every day to be washed.

If you have accepted the salvation of Jesus you are spiritually washed white as snow. You are 100% forgiven and accepted. You are granted eternal life. But, we live in this fallen, sinful world and we still experience the sinful tainting of living life on this imperfect earth. It is important to daily renew our minds and daily commune with God to keep the grime of life from clinging to us. Daily, we need to let Him wash our feet. 

Scripture Passage for today is John 12: 1-11

“Several days after Mary broke the alabaster box and poured the ointment on Jesus’ head, there were some women who went early in the morning to anoint the body of the Lord. Did they do it? Did they succeed in their purpose on that first day of the week? No, there was only one soul who succeeded in anointing the Lord, and it was Mary, who anointed Him beforehand. The others never did it, for He had risen. Now I suggest that in just such a way the matter of time may be important to us also, and that the whole question for us is: what am I doing to the Lord today?”

 Tuesday, September 29, 2020

 John 11

 I’ve been discussing a difficult situation with a close friend and I admitted to her that I’ve felt like both Mary and Martha when they told Jesus, “If you had not delayed Lazarus wouldn’t be dead.”

 It seems we are very restless as we wait on Jesus.  At least I am.  But there is something I learned while sitting here in Chapter 11.  The New Testament teaches that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4; Acts 2:32).  Just yesterday, we read John 10

Jesus has the authority to raise from the dead whomever He will – including Himself.

 What makes this situation I have been sharing with my friend so difficult is this division of believing in Jesus (v. 5-6).  As unbelief leads us to sin and since sin leads to death, I have a sincere concern for the person(s) involved in this situation.  The sin of unbelief leads to death.

 I have often said I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to believe for some.  Life is tough.  I know I’ve had my own personal hardships.  But faith in Jesus Christ for destroying my death sentence, keeps me going.  I know my own sins place me where I deserve to die.  Some people can try to tell me, “we are all good people”, true, there are a lot of good people out there – but not in heaven.  Romans 5:6-8 tells us this – but we must believe.

 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is written on the front cover of my bible.  I was once told to change the word ‘love’ to God, because we know that God is love.  But on this journey called life, we believers are striving to reflect the love of Christ and if God and Christ are one, then try changing ‘love’ to your name.  Now, don’t beat yourself up here when you don’t measure up.

 ***The Power of Sin is the Law

 Do you believe?  Picture yourself with Jesus standing next to you, like He did to Martha.  “Do you believe?  If you do – I will be your resurrection.  If you don’t – I won’t”.

 In Luke 16, someone pleaded with Jesus to send a Christian who had died back from the dead so that his family would believe.  Here’s what Jesus said, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets {if they do not see enough of my truth and glory and beauty in God’s Word} neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.”

 A few days after Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus came to Lazarus’ house with His disciples to have dinner (John 12:1-8).  Here’s a guy who was dead for 4 days and now he’s sitting across the room – he’s alive and well.  And the disciples had witnessed it!  Including Judas!  Mary takes some expensive ointment and puts it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.  It was a lavish way of saying, “Thank you.  I love you.”  Ladies, this is what believing looks like.  Loving Jesus so much you will give Him everything you believe is valuable.

 But Judas was angry.  Four days ago he saw Lazarus raised from the dead.  He was now having dinner with him.  Why was he so angry?  (John 12:5-7) Because he loved money.

 If you don’t believe in Jesus – if He’s not your trusted Savior – it’s not because you lack sufficient evidence that He is true and glorious and beautiful.  It’s because you love something more.

This one-of-a-kind death.

 This one-of-a-kind resurrection has been carried out by

 This one-of-a-kind Person

 Who is more valuable and more beautiful than anything you could possibly possess (even your children)

 And He offers Himself

Freely to everyone!

 I’m sure we all know someone who doesn’t believe or someone struggling to believe.  Perhaps today we should offer our time to pray for the unbelievers to see the glory of Jesus.

 Perhaps today would be a good day to ask God what may be in the way of loving Him entirely.  Is it money?  Is it your time?  Is it food or a drink?  Is it someone?  Is it your pride?  Are you seeking something for yourself – instead of God receiving the glory?  Everything must be crucified with Christ to experience that complete joy in Christ.

Blessings,

Lisa

Monday, John 10

The timeliness of the Bible never ceases to amaze me. When I reread John 10, the current political climate and upcoming election jumped first and foremost in my mind. With all of the fighting, divisiveness, and false promises made on both sides by those looking to see their party in power, the peace, honesty, and love shown by the Lord shines all the more brightly. For Jesus isn’t some hired hand, nor is He a politician looking for a job. He is our King, our Savior, and the only door

How many times have you heard the word “sheep”, or “sheeple” thrown around as of late? It’s the current term for people that blindly follow their favorite political party, no questions asked. How appropriate since Jesus Himself uses this same comparison. In His parable of the Good Shepherd, the politicians of His time were the scribes and Pharisees. They were the hired hands of the Jewish government; the shepherds mistreating the Lord’s flock. They used the Law for their own personal gain, while burdening the people with added amendments and regulations. They enjoyed the profit, piety and prominence of their positions, while caring nothing for God’s sheep with whom they were entrusted.

Jesus calls these Pharisee sheep herders, thieves who come to “steal and kill and destroy”. (vs. 10) By denying Christ as the only means to salvation, these false teachers were robbing the people of the truth, and leading them on the path to destruction. They cared only for themselves and their own glory, thinking nothing of throwing God’s flock to the wolves, especially if it meant saving themselves. But, “I am the good shepherd.”, declares the Lord. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me.” (vs. 11-14)

Unlike any government, politician, or leader, Jesus not only said He would sacrifice Himself for His sheep, He did it! He willingly laid down His life and shed His precious blood so that every sheep in His flock can spend eternity with Him. And not only does He promise life, but wants us to, “have it abundantly.” (vs. 10) 

“Do you know how Jesus gives us abundant life? He does so by giving us Himself! You could have all the money, relationships, wealth, and power, but you would still have a deep sense of emptiness, because life isn’t found in these things. The only One who can truly satisfy you is Jesus Christ. To live the abundant Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life through us. His love motivates and empowers us, so we obey Him out of joy and thankfulness.”...Dr. Charles Stanley.

The year 2020 sure has been something. And the fact that’s it’s ending with a very contentious election seems almost par for the course. But no matter who is president, or what party is in power, I will be proud to be a sheep in the flock of Jesus. For His is an inclusive flock, a flock gathered by love, and a flock led by the one and only Good Shepherd. He knows me and I know Him. He calls me His, I call Him Master, and I will follow wherever He leads. 

Short Rib Cobbler

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided

1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds well-trimmed boneless beef short ribs, cut into 1-1/2-in. pieces

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

5 cups beef stock

1 cup dry red wine or additional beef stock

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 bay leaf

1 package (14 ounces) frozen pearl onions, thawed

4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

Cobbler:

2 cups biscuit/baking mix

2/3 cup 2% milk

Fresh thyme leaves

Preheat oven to 350°. In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Dip short ribs in flour mixture to coat all sides; shake off excess. In a Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches. Remove from pan. In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onion, chopped carrot and celery; cook and stir until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste and remaining flour until blended. Gradually stir in stock and wine until smooth. Return beef to pan; stir in poultry seasoning, bay leaf and remaining salt. Bring to a boil. Bake, covered, 1-3/4 hours. Stir in pearl onions and carrot pieces. Bake, covered, until beef and onions are tender, 30-45 minutes longer. Skim fat and remove bay leaf. In a small bowl, mix biscuit mix and milk just until a soft dough forms. Drop by scant 1/4 cupfuls over beef mixture. Bake, uncovered, until topping is golden brown, 40-45 minutes longer. Sprinkle with thyme.

Please read John 9:

In today’s scripture we read about the wonderful experience of a man who was blind from birth, and received the miracle of his sight through Jesus! What an amazing and special day this would have been for him if it hadn’t caused so much controversy…

-The healed man was brought to the Pharisees and had to explain how he was healed and if he knew the man who did so

-It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes, so Jesus was accused of being a sinner and also “of nof being from God”

-The man´s parents were also questioned by the Pharisees.

-The man was interrogated by the Pharisees a second time; but this time he answered something they did not like and they cast him out!

“All who have felt the power and grace of the Lord Jesus, wonder at the willfulness of others who reject him. He argues strongly against them, not only that Jesus was not a sinner, but that he was of God. We may each of us know by this, whether we are of God or not…” Matthew Henry

In Verses 35-37 we read Jesus heard what happened to this man, and He went and found him and asked:

“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” ³⁶ He answered, “Who is He, Sir? Tell me so that I may believe in Him.” ³⁷ Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and [in fact] He is the one who is talking with you.” ³⁸ And he said, “Lord, I believe [in You and Your word]!” And he worshiped Him [with reverence and awe]. ³⁹ Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me—to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God], so that the sightless would see, and those who see would become blind.”

Wow the man immediately responded calling Jesus “Lord” and confessing his faith in Him and bowing before Him in worship!

He not only experienced healing but a new life through Christ, and this made him more confident in the one who had healed him, in spite of the persecution and suffering he experienced. He gained not only physical sight but also spiritual sight as he moved from seeing Jesus as more than a mere man. He saw Him as a Prophet sent by God and finally he saw Him as Lord and master of his life!

And then Jesus clearly stated His mission of judgment for which He came to earth. The heart and work of Jesus as He stated was so that the blind may see and those who think they see become blind.

What Jesus was saying is that it is impossible to stay neutral about Him: you either believe and receive spiritual enlightenment, or you don’t and remain blind.

Since my youth I´ve had the opportunity to relate to people who had this same disability: I had a friend from Church that became blind due to a juvenile diabetes and over the years I had the opportunity to care for one special person in my family, who became blind due to Glaucoma until she went home to Daddy.

Both cases had the same issue: physical blindness. But there was a very great difference between them: my friend from Church although he also gradually lost his sight until he became blind, he could “clearly see” a purpose in this situation and in his life. He could spiritually perceive and understand much more than many of us at Church. He was a young man who deeply loved and served the Lord! He took his suffering and gave it over to God!

In the second case, she was an adult woman who also gradually lost her sight, but even though as a family we had witnessed to her, she would not let go of her self -pity and pride which hardened her heart. She knew Jesus as her Savior but not as the Lord of her life, which kept her with a stronghold and also blind from the Truth!

It is true that we as Christians will suffer for the cause of Christ. But the difference is when this suffering is an opportunity to glorify God, for we know He has a purpose and a plan for this and that it will result in our good and the good of others.

As my friend, we should let the suffering shape and mold us. Some people would never choose to suffer the way God allows them to suffer. But –as my friend- they also would not give it up because of how they came to know God through it!

Jesus was “a stumbling block to the Jews” (9:39-41), we should not follow in their steps for it will only lead to death and destruction. Instead, take His light of truth that you have been given and accept it by faith. Then walk in the light of that truth in faith and obedience (John 8:12).

“Father: I thank you for moving into my life and meeting my deepest needs. Thank you for loving me enough to accept me the way I am, and for loving me too much to leave me the way I was. May my changed life be a clear testimony to your  power, grace and love” (iWorship Bible)

Reading For Today:  John 8

 I love many of the quotes from Toby Mac on fb. This one especially resonated with my heart as I reflected on the story of the accused adulterer in John 8.   “To love a person is to see all of their worth and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”

In this well known story, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and he is put in a tricky situation. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”” (v3-5)

Well, the first thing interesting is that only the woman was brought before Jesus and not the man. The 2nd interesting thing is that Jesus initially didn’t say anything at all. He wrote on the ground with his finger. The Bible doesn’t tell us what he wrote but I imagine that it could have been thought provoking. Perhaps it caused those present to check their behaviors and self reflect. Perhaps, even, he was just making a point of not immediately engaging with them to deescalate the  charged emotions of the crowd. But, what is important to know and reflect upon, is what he did say. It was a penetrating statement that took focus off of the woman’s circumstances and put focus on the individual circumstances of every single person present that day. 

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (v7)

One by one, her accusers walked away. When only the woman was left Jesus let her know that she was forgiven and did not have to be forever defined by her transgressions. She could start anew. ““...neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”” (v11)

People don’t throw physical stones today. But, we throw stones nonetheless. We can be quick to pass judgement and hurl accusations at one another. We gossip, backbite and condemn. Perhaps we do so out loud or perhaps we do so within our own minds. But, what if, instead of seeing the sinful behaviors, we looked instead at the value and worthiness of the person that God could redeem and transform. What if we offered grace, just as God offered to us. What if we remembered that we are guilty of sin and only redeemed by God’s mercy and salvation? What if we prayed for that person and rebuked, if needed, in brotherly and sisterly love. What if we extended support and help to those who just need some compassion and opportunity to turn their lives around.? 

I know that I need to remember, when I am annoyed and finding fault with those around me that I need to extend compassion and grace instead of hurling stones of condemnation. I need to remember that only God can change another and I should pray and support instead of criticize or judge. I need to see people through the eyes of Jesus and hate the sin but love the person. I need to remember that I am no different myself from the accused woman for “ all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). How grateful I am that Christ extended the same precious blessing to me as he looked upon the sin that enslaved me....”

“...neither do I condemn you.  Go now and leave your life of sin.” Thank you Jesus for your mercy, extended to me!

Following Jesus can lead you to lonely places at times. Have you ever felt the sting of persecution by those you love; family, friends, or neighbors? Sometimes we're called to take a stand, or step out in faith when no one is willing to stand with us, but take heart, Jesus knows all about that and this chapter is proof, and here in this chapter, He also offers us hope!

 Tuesday, September 22, 2020

 John 6

 It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to dig into these chapters.  John 6 packs some crucial moments.  Jesus is widely popular.  The time frame between chapters 5 and 6 is several months, but John is sticking to his point and purpose of explaining how Jesus Christ is, in fact, God incarnate.

The primary event of this chapter is the feeding of the people with a boy’s small lunch.  This is one of the most public of all of Jesus’ miracles, and it is recorded in all four gospels. 

 It is interesting how the crowd’s need for food provokes different reactions from the disciples.  Some just want the problem to go away.  Some are concerned about money.  Some simply want to bring whatever they can find to Jesus, trusting Him to do the rest.

 Are we like that?  Simply happy to receive a handout.  Don’t we recognize that powerful miracle?  This incident not only allows Jesus to teach important truths about Himself, it also demonstrates some of the spiritual barriers which keep us from properly seeking God. 

 As we follow this chapter, we see people regress from seeking, to complaining and to abandoning Jesus altogether.

 One of the things that some people miss, is how Jesus returns to a place where He quietly returns to His Heavenly Father.  Before His next move, He retreats to be by Himself to seek God.

 And when we see Him again, He is walking on water during a storm.  It is what happens next that amazes me.  When Jesus gets into the boat, they are IMMEDIATELY taken to their destination.  How often do you try to navigate through a storm without Jesus?

 “Do Not Be Afraid”

 And now we find Jesus in a synagogue teaching where the crowd had followed Him because as He said, they only wanted this miracle food and to make Him their miracle King to defeat the Romans.  How often do you want Jesus to defeat some obstacle in your life?

 Jesus made a contrast between material things and spiritual things.  If you put a sign on the door for free food or free money, you would probably draw a crowd.  But how many people will come in if you change the sign to say, “spiritual fulfillment and eternal life”?

 Jesus really wants people to be more impressed with the spiritual food He brings by a miracle.  He goes on to tell them that God the Father has set His seal – His guarantee – on Him (Jesus).

 You have probably heard, “hard work pays off”, possibly you have said it.  And these people were accustomed to working to get their food, so they ask Jesus, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God” – (how shall we labor for this?)  It seems they are basically asking Jesus to “just tell us what to do so we can get what we want from you.  We want your miracle bread and for you to be our miracle king.   Tell us what to do to get it.”  You know - if we do the right thing, it will please God.

 “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”  Jesus first and foremost commanded them (and us), not to do, but to trust.  If we want to do the work of God, it begins with trusting Jesus. 

A parent does not only want obedience from their child, they want a relationship of trust and love.  That is even more important to the parent.  The hope is that obedience grows out of that relationship of trust and love.  God wants the same pattern in our relationship with Him.

 When I began writing this, my question was, why do so many people desert Jesus?  And I believe many people stumble over eating bread from heaven.  And think about this – the Jews thought they were chosen by God by virtue of their physical natural birth.  Jesus made it clear that God must draw them before they can come to God.  Everyone who responds to the Father will respond to the Son.

 We often like to feel as though we “lead” in our relationship with God.  In truth, He calls, and we come.  This understanding of God’s initiative in salvation should make us more confident in evangelism, knowing that God is drawing people and we can expect to see those whom the Father draws come to Him.

Do you have someone or more than one person who isn’t following Christ?  Well, if you are like me and have a huge desire to see your loved one’s follow Jesus, then you need to pull up your big girl pants and TRUST Jesus.  St. Augustine says it far better than I ever could.

 “If a man is drawn, says an objector, he comes against his will.  (We answer) If he comes unwillingly, he does not believe: if he does not believe, he does not come.  For we do not run to Christ on our feet, but by faith; not with the movement of the body, but with the free will of the heart…  Think not that thou are drawn against thy will; the mind can be drawn by love.”

Blessings,

 Lisa

Farm-Style Sausage Bake

6 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

3 to 4 green onions, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 egg yolks

Dash each pepper and ground nutmeg

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1/2 cup cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon dried thyme or rubbed sage

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until tender. Preheat oven to 400°. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large bowl; mash potatoes. Beat in milk, butter, green onions, garlic, egg yolks, pepper and nutmeg until light and fluffy. Stir in sausage, cheeses and parsley. Spoon into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with thyme. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.