I’ve been a little dry in the joy department for the last several weeks… This morning, I offer a prayer to refresh joy in our lives. I find one of the best ways to do this is to pray through a psalm or two (or three, depending on just how dry I feel…). Father God,…
Month: April 2023
John 11
This chapter contains the death and resurrection of Lazarus, as well as another plot to arrest / kill Jesus (it’s a running theme). “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill… he said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to…
John 10
This chapter continues to depict the polarizing teachings of Jesus – many believed His words, yet many more disbelieved and sought to kill / arrest Him (sometimes in that order). There was a clear division among the Jews, Jesus’ own people who saw and heard Him – how much clearer a division is there among…
John 9
This chapter contains a single narrative: Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Jesus’ healing of physical blindness is a teaching aid for His lesson on spiritual sight / blindness. “[The healed blind man] said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him. Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who…
John 8
This chapter has such deep theology we can barely scratch the surface. It includes the infamous ‘woman forgiven for adultery’, commentary on Jesus being the Light of the World and from His Father in Heaven, and commentary on people being for their father of the world, the devil himself. “He said to them, ‘You are…
John 7
This chapter focuses on Jesus’ authority and knowledge for teaching scripture (that is, the word(s) of God). “…Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, ‘How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?’ So Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine, but his…
John 6
This chapter contains accounts of Jesus feeding 5000+, His walking on the water, and His thoughts on “the Bread of Life” and eternal life. “When many of his disciples heard [Jesus describing Himself as the Bread of Life], they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’ But Jesus, knowing in himself…
A Prayer for Active and Passive Obedience
Today I offer a prayer for active obedience and passive obedience toward God. Active obedience involves following God’s commands to do (or not do) something (actionable directives). Passive obedience is total submission to God and His will, which usually entails enduring great trials. Jesus exhibited both forms of obedience flawlessly. Most of us won’t be…
John 5
This chapter contains another miraculous healing, Jesus testifying that He is divine and has all authority / judgement from the Father, and a whole monologue from Jesus about bearing witness. ” ‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will…
John 4
This chapter contains the famous account of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, and an instance of Jesus healing an official’s son (without even being near him). “…he said to [the disciples], ‘…My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work… lift up your…