“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…

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” —John 11:25-26 Are you going to die? Not me! I have eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in Him! I trust in Him. His Word is Truth. He alone is fully trustworthy. He alone is the Creator of all things. He alone is Sustainer of all things. He alone is the owner of all things. He alone is over all men. He alone is carrying out His plan for this…

I am the good shepherd. —John 10:11 Jesus is the “good shepherd.” Have you ever read Psalm 23 like this? Jesus is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Jesus lets me rest in green meadows; Jesus leads me beside peaceful streams. Jesus renews my strength. Jesus guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for Jesus is close beside me. Jesus’ rod and Jesus’ staff protect and comfort me. Jesus prepares a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Jesus honors me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows…

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. —John 9:38 Who do you believe in? Do you believe in your own intelligence? Are you putting your belief in scientists? Is your belief in some world religion? Do you believe in some cult? Are you saying you don’t believe in anything which is a belief in itself? What or Who do you believe in? Your mind, my mind and even the most intelligent minds on the planet have a very small portion of knowledge when compared to the vast sea of knowledge that exists. All that we know we have learned along the way in some format whether…