But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. —John 20:31 As I was swimming along this morning I came into some shallows where I could see the bottom of the lake. A painted turtle was swimming under me and then burrowed itself under leaves. It is amazing how these creatures can live in and out of the water. Gary, a dear brother and friend was telling me how his wife called him one time and told him that there was a large…

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.) —John 18:38-40 There have been times when innocent people were wrongly convicted. The justice system is far from perfect because we live in a fallen, sinful world that is far from perfect itself. It is one thing to sincerely believe, because of the circumstances at…

Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world… I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. —John 17:18 & 20 A soldier that goes into battle with no weapon is neither a threat to the enemy nor a help to his team. So also it is true of a follower of Jesus who goes into the world without spiritual weapons to fight in the battle. Out of our love for God and people we need to be ready to use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of…

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33 Promises, promises… When someone says they are going to do something, they give their word and guarantee it will happen do you believe them? Times in the past people may not have carried through on their promises and we have been disappointed. Our trust level went down and now when people “promise” us something, we take it with a “grain of salt” or say to ourselves, “Sure, we’ll see.” We have a hard time believing them.…

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. —John 15:18-20 Do not be surprised when difficulty comes. Jesus promised it would come— “I have told you all this so that you may have peace…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. —John 14:21 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. —John 14:24 The Word of God + obedience to the Word of God = loving God The Word of God + disobedience to the Word of God = loving not God Which equation best describes you and me? Dear Father, may I not just hear Your Word, but may I be obedient to Your Word and do what it says in the Name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. May it be so!

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. —John 12:46 Ever been cave exploring? Once you get deep underground and turn your lights off it is an absolute darkness. You cannot see your hand directly place in front of your face. It is a complete blindness. Without light in a place like this a person is sightless, directionless and lost. So it is in the spiritual realm. Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 1:9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5). Those who trust in Him and follow Him will not walk…