Category: John

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Super Saints

So often people think that they need to be super saints to be used by God.

Not so…God is looking for people who are available. You don’t have to be someone who has been a Christian for a long time – someone who has been to Bible school or seminary – or even someone who has lived an exemplary life.

God is looking for the willing and obedient!

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” Isaiah 1:18-19 KJV

Remember the marriage feast in Cana? Jesus’ mother told him that they were running low on wine. She expected Jesus to do something and then she said to the servants standing nearby, “whatever he tells you to do, do it”. They did and a miracle took place.

If we will just “do” what we hear from God, He will work the miracles. We don’t have to know great amounts of Scripture, but we need to be willing to do what we hear.

“Mary then said to the servants, “Do whatever Jesus tells you to do.”

6 At the feast there were six stone water jars that were used by the people for washing themselves in the way that their religion said they must. Each jar held about twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants to fill them to the top with water. Then after the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now take some water and give it to the man in charge of the feast.”

The servants did as Jesus told them, 9 and the man in charge drank some of the water that had now turned into wine. He did not know where the wine had come from, but the servants did. He called the bridegroom over 10 and said, “The best wine is always served first. Then after the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. But you have kept the best until last!”

11 This was Jesus’ first miracle, and he did it in the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus showed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” John 2:5-11 CEV

These servants only claim of greatness was they did what Jesus told them to do.

Lord, today, I desire to be willing and obedient!

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More Peace

As I was praying this morning only one word kept coming to mind – peace.

I said “Lord, I’ve just finished several blogs on peace. Do you want me to continue?” The answer was clear. “Yes, continue teaching on peace as long as I tell you”.

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

We get very little news coverage in the mountains but we aren’t completely uninformed either. I’ve heard of the hurricanes, earthquakes, increase in COVID cases and the unrest in Afghanistan. It’s enough to make hearts sick and knees weakened.

That’s why we need God’s peace!

“5 Only God gives inward peace,
and I depend on him.
6 God alone is the mighty rock
that keeps me safe,
and he is the fortress
where I feel secure.” Psalm 62:5-6 CEV

Our Father wants us to be as confident in His power to protect and provide through the storm as we are when there is no storm.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.” John 14:1 CEV

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

I know some reading this have recently been through some near-death experiences, lost loved ones, have loved ones in dangerous circumstances and been through terrible storms. I have prayed that God’s peace would wrap around you like a warm blanket, controlling your thoughts so that you can be at rest in His care.

Keep your focus on the Father’s unbreakable promises and live in His peace!

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He Did It Again!

It amazes me how my Father, my God, delights in ending my day! Last night He gave me this great display as I was getting off work!

Spectacular!!

I went to sleep last night with an old song running through my mind. I’ve shared it with you before but it was so appropriate.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.”

Oh, and He is certainly that! Amazing and awesome!!

Then this morning as I gazed at this picture from last night’s sunset another song came to mind. I really can’t think of a better way to start any morning than in song of praise to the Father.

“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God that is who You are“

Isn’t it mind boggling that God wants us to know Him in such a dramatic way. Each one of those characteristics of God are spelled out for us in Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy!  Fearsome and glorious!
Miracle worker!” Exodus 15:11 CEV

Do you need to know the right way to go or to depend on Someone who will never lie? Do you feel you are groping around in the darkness? Maybe you just need a miracle. If any of those apply, come to Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, in Him you will find all you need.

He did all this for those in the Bible as an example for us and He will do it again!

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A Hurting Heart

As parents, we all know what it’s like to have our hearts ache for our children.

When they are little and run a fever, break a bone or even go to bed hungry we hurt. As they grow and encounter their first bully or insensitive comment that causes them to cry and question their self-worth, we immediately speak words of love and healing but our hearts ache.

Then there are the times they work so hard and fail to make the team, the choir, the squad; they fail to advance in some academic, artistic or agricultural competition and we hurt. All the time reassuring them that they did their best and we are proud of them. There maybe times when they face overwhelming sickness and we volunteer to take their place.

Oh my, God understands!

When His son was here on earth He lived among a hostile people. Many people were drawn to Jesus, they followed Him and learned from Him but those who seemed most vocal were the ones who hated Him and plotted His death. They were relentless.

I can only imagine how the Father must have felt when He heard Jesus praying in the garden. His Son was in such anguish, the pain was almost unbearable. Jesus had never been separated from the presence of His Father’s love, it was something He considered inconceivable but it was about to happen and He was in great turmoil. Jesus had to make the decision to be obedient to the Father’s plan, for our salvation, which also meant He would be separated from the Father because He was carrying our sin.

His heart ached and so did the Father’s.

“When Jesus had said these things, He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come! Honor Your Son so Your Son may honor You. 2 You have given Him power over all men. He is to give life that lasts forever to all You have given to Him. 3 This is life that lasts forever. It is to know You, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.” John 17:1-3 NLV

How the Father’s heart must have ached! He saw His Son die so that we could have a restored relationship with Him. We are welcome in His presence; we are invited to come with our broken hearts and with our tears for our children. He promises to give us the help and comfort we need.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Mothers, Fathers, never hesitate to bring your heart for your children to God’s throne. He knows the anguish and He promises to give us undeserved kindness and help in our time of need.

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Building Friendships

I missed sharing with you yesterday morning. It was one of those “no signal” days and as hard as I tried throughout the day I was still unable to get any internet connection. But even though I was unable to put words to screen I prayed for you all to have an amazing day, recognizing the Lord’s presence.

Two days ago, we were having one of those socked-in raining afternoons. It isn’t like that very often, so Dave and I found one of our favorite cowboy movies, a two-part, three-hour feature and made an afternoon of it. This movie is all about friendship, “Buffalo Girls”.

The eight main characters have years of friendship. Sometimes, they fight with one another, actually come to blows; sometimes, years go by and they never see one another but each reunion is sweet and filled with joy. There are rousing confrontations when faults are exposed. Friendship is built on honesty and trust. You find that in the lives of these characters.

There is heart ache and sadness. These friends help one another deal with the pain. At the end, two of our main characters die and they share their grief.

As I watched my eyes filled with tears. My thoughts were of friends we hold dear. Some we haven’t seen in years. We miss them dearly and love them deeply. Their lives have intertwined with ours for years and years.

The key to good friendship is not finding people you agree with in every situation. The key is to love without judging, allowing them to be who God made them to be and not who we want them to be. Friendship comes from living life together, sometimes its messy, and being committed to bringing out the best and not dwelling on the worst.

“You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye. 4 How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don’t see the log in your own eye? 5 You’re nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5 CEV

It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict of wrong doing. We, as true friends, speak the truth in love and know that we are just as susceptible to fault as they are.

Jesus said the world would come to know Him because of the way we love one another. Let’s make that our goal.

“Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. 13 The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. 14 And you are my friends, if you obey me. 15 Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.

16 You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. 17 So I command you to love each other.” John 15:12-17 CEV

Be a Jesus-kind of friend!

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Pass the Biscuits

What makes you smile?

This morning it is the aroma of sausage. Normally, this time of day the only thing I smell is the coffee brewing but today is different. There’s a distinct odor of sausage coming from the crock pot in my kitchen.

A few days ago, we invited all our fellow camp hosts to a biscuits and gravy breakfast. Just a little gathering before we head back to our respective campgrounds, hopefully, by week’s end.

Our evacuation confinement has given Dave and I the opportunity to get to know some of the other hosts, nice people, who we wouldn’t have gotten acquainted with otherwise. Some live just a few miles from us in Rio Rico, others live full time in their RV’s and travel the U.S. 

The other evening at a gathering one lady came up and asked, “are you Kristi with the blog?”. I laughed and said yes. She told me she is friends with a camp host from last year who had told her about my blog and how much it encourages her.

We never know how the Lord will use us if we are just available.

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:17 CEV

Each day presents us with opportunities to be a blessing.  Today it comes one a breakfast plate in the form of buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy with a side of black coffee.

It reminds me of Jesus. He fixed a breakfast of fish for a group of men who had been out all night fishing. As they returned to shore, they encountered Jesus. He was there to feed their bodies and their spirits.

“Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!” The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.

4 Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. 5 Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?” “No!” they answered.

6 So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.” They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat…

9 When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. 10 Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.

12 Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. 13 Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish.” John 21:3-13 CEV

You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to be a preacher. We all have a story of how God’s love and forgiveness changed our lives. We can share it best by loving the people we encounter and sometimes it can be shared best when we pass the biscuits.

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Stand Tall

I’m praying that you stand strong and tall today.

While reading in I Corinthians, I found the Apostle Paul’s instruction to us. He didn’t want us to be like the Israelites in the wilderness who complained about God’s provisions and who worshipped the idols of Egypt.

“Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 14 My friends, you must keep away from idols.” I Corinthians 10:12-14 CEV

One of the biggest temptations they faced was discontentment.

We are susceptible to the same temptation. Murmuring because we think things should be better; we’re being mistreated; everyone else has it better than us. They also worshipped idols. We face that same temptation as well. No, not the gold and stone statues that they crafted but the idols of fame, success, pleasure, education, relationships.

Any of these can draw us away for serving the Lord.

However the good news is this. God knows about these temptations and He has given us the power to resist them and escape their grasp. Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable – not at all.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV

Our Father promised to provide all for the Israelites as they journeyed to their promise land. He still promises to be our provider. God is always present to provide as we journey to our promises land. He promises to never leave us or abandon us.

When we spend time on our knees in prayer our Father will reassure us of His promises. With confidence in God’s Word we can stand strong and tall just like the Apostle Paul said.

Take the Father at His word!

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Right or Left?

Have you ever been at a crossroads and wonder which path to take? 

It could be a physical spot on a roadway – right, left, or straight head but more than likely that crossroad involves a decision about career path, relationships, monetary commitments and even health choices.

How do we know which choice is right?

It’s important to get good advice but ultimately, at least for me, it comes down to following that inner voice, sense of right/wrong, the peace that I feel in my heart.

Jesus used an analogy with his disciples that they all understood. He talked to them of the way sheep follow a shepherd. They were familiar with seeing bands of sheep out on the hillsides with their shepherd. Jesus said I am the good Shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and follow me.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep…My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14,15,27 ERV

If we are listening, we will hear our Shepherd’s voice and follow the path He takes us on.  Sometimes we start out following the Shepherd and then we get off the path and head out on our own. The attitude of “I can take it from here, thanks for getting me started” can be disastrous. 

When that happens, it is encouraging to know that the Shepherd will come looking for lost sheep. He knows the dangers that can present themselves. He is faithful to rescue us.

“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 ERV

In Jesus’ own words He said he is the “good” shepherd. Some shepherds had been known to leave the sheep in times of peril. Some didn’t properly care for those who had been attacked or injured.

But not the Good Shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for his sheep. He takes His sheep to green pastures beside still water where they can be fed, watered, and well rested.

When He sees danger coming, He protects the sheep and keeps their enemies for attacking. He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He is their comfort.

Which path to take? Follow the Shepherd, He will never lead us astray.

Have a decision to make? At the crossroads?

Pray about it. Don’t be in a hurry. Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and then follow Him!

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Two Become One

This is a tree growing at our campsite. It took me a couple of days to notice it and then I became intrigued. When you look at the image, you will notice two trunks at the bottom but about halfway up you can see where the trees’ trunks become intertwined, and they start to grow as one.

The bigger, better nourished tree has been wrapped by the thinner, weaker trunk. The larger of the two is now supporting the weight of both trees. Look closely and you will see that they are two different species. This seems to be nature’s own engrafting.

Nature is such a great teacher. 

There must have been a storm or wind that caused the two of them to grow in such a way. They were stronger together than separate.

Does that remind you of anything Biblical? Don’t most of us come to God when we’ve been through a storm. He’s there to provide us with shelter and strength.

Jesus told his disciples I am the vine, you are the branches, if you abide or stay connected to Me you will produce much fruit.

“Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. 5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.” John 15:4-5 ERV

This is a promise made to all of us.  If we stay connected to Jesus, our life-giving vine, we will be productive and fruitful. 

The other example that came to mind was Paul’s teaching on marriage. He took these words from God, the Father, in the Garden of Eden.

“In the same way, a husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself. A husband who loves his wife shows that he loves himself. 29 None of us hate our own bodies. We provide for them and take good care of them, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are each part of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” Ephesians 5:28-32 CEV

And the two shall become one!

Jesus assumes the role of husband to those who place their trust in Him. He loves us, nurtures us, protects us as He does his own body. He leaves all other distractions and is totally committed to us.

What do we give Him in return? He asks for our love and devotion. God, who is love, desires our love and fellowship. Is that too much to ask?

As I sat and really studied these two trees my heart’s prayer became “Lord, let me so dependent upon You that it will be hard for people to see who I was before I leaned on You and You became my source of strength, my support, my all in all.

Two become one!

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Bubbling Over

When we lived in Montana we had a pond on our property which was fed by an underground spring. The water was clear and any overflow would run down a small ravine watering the plants in the lower pasture.

But one day the pond began to dry up. No longer was the spring feeding the pond. There was nothing wrong with the spring, it was still flowing underground. However, something had blocked its path and it no longer filled the pond.

To the best of our knowledge that something was two young fillies who decided the pond was the perfect place to romp and play. On a hot summer’s day we would even find them rolling in the shallows. What was fun for them, blocked the flow of the very thing they enjoyed.

One of our friends told us we should get a backhoe to dig out the bottom of the pond and get the spring flowing again. Remove the blockage and the pond would fill, probably more than before. It would bubble over.

Our lives are a lot like that spring.

“The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans. 12 Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:11-12 ERV

The words of good people, honest people, loving people are like a freshing spring on a hot summer’s day. They bring life, strength, health. I’m not referring to words of flattery – those words aren’t true. Words of encouragement, words of godly advice and instruction are healthy and beneficial.

But those words can be overlooked, ignored and stomped on causing the flow of fresh water to become stagnant or even worse to dry up completely.

When we fail to give credence to what the Father has had written for our benefit and ignore or denounce the sound teaching of the Bible we run the risk of blocking the flow of life giving water to our lives.

Some say the Bible is old fashioned, out of date, irrelevant to our lives today. That blocks the flow of the refreshing spring.

Love thy neighbor isn’t a nice thought to be contemplated, it is a command of God to be obeyed and embraced. Love is the refreshing flow that springs up in the life of those who are followers of Christ.

“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38 Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

One of the Old Testament prophets, Jeremiah, tells of the nation of Israel walking away from the well or fountain of living waters, meaning the Lord. Let me assure you, a desert people know the importance of life-sustaining water.

Jesus promises living water to all who have faith in Him.

Let’s determine to have our words be a spring of life-giving water. The Holy Spirit desires to flow out of us to bring refreshing to those who are dry. Don’t let anything block the flow!

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