John 1 - 9.9.22
Scripture
John 1:41-42
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
Observation – What does it say?
Andrew was hanging out with John the Baptist when Jesus passed by. John told him, “Look, the Lamb of God!” In that moment Andrew became a follower of Jesus. He literally caught up with Jesus and was following behind him, when Jesus turned around and welcomed him. After spending the afternoon together, the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother and bring him to Jesus.
Understanding – What does it mean?
The first thing we should do when we start following Jesus is to bring others to him.
After one afternoon with Jesus, Andrew was already reaching people and bringing them to him. The same day he chose to follow Jesus, he was bringing others with him! Andrew recognized the simple response we should have to discovering Jesus: Bring other people to him, starting with those you have close relationship with.
Life Application
I long to bring more people to Jesus!
When I first discovered Jesus, I did what Andrew did. I was so excited about God and the way he changed my life, I wanted everyone to know and experience him like I had. So I shared my story with everyone I had relationship with – family members, friends, old friends I used to party with, neighbors. After that initial wave, whenever I’ve had opportunity to form new relationships at work or the gym or wherever, I have had opportunity to share with people my story and encourage them toward Jesus.
But the rate at which I am forming new relationships with people who don’t know Jesus is very slow. My prayer is that God would bless me, and bless us his church, with new connections and relationships with people who don’t yet know him. And, that we would experience the joy of bringing them to Jesus! To the one who loves them, longs to save them, longs to satisfy them and give them life, who will change everything in their lives, in the best way.
-Levi Thompson
2 Peter- 09.08.22
SCRIPTURE:
“The day of the Lord will come and take EVERYONE by surprise—as unexpected as a home invasion. The atmosphere will be set on fire and vanish with a horrific roar, and the heavenly bodies will melt away as in a tremendous blaze. The earth and every activity of man will be laid bare. Since all these things are on the verge of being dismantled, don’t you see how vital it is to live a holy life? We must be consumed with godliness.” (2 Peter 3:10-11 TPT)
OBSERVATION:
Peter knowing his death was imminent wrote this final letter to urgently warn us that Jesus was coming back. AND- If anybody in the early church knew the importance of being ALERT, it was the Apostle Peter.
He had a tendency-in the very beginning-to feel overconfident.
He rushed in—when he should have waited.
He spoke—when he should have listened.
He slept—when he should have prayed.
He was a courageous Christian, but at times careless.
Jesus KNEW the Future and How Peter would Grow —“On this Rock I will Build My Church”.
Peter certainly DID go on to Grow…and learn his lesson, and he wants us to learn it too! (Inspired by Warren Wiersbe)
UNDERSTANDING:
The “1” Thing.
Larry and I are going through an amazing year long (Online) study in the book of Revelation with Pastor Daniel Fusco*. This is my fourth time in an intense study in the book of Revelation and each time I have such excitement to learn MORE about Jesus! One thing we both so appreciate about Pastor Daniel is his heart to draw EVERYTHING Back to Jesus—-being that Revelation IS the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
What the study also reminds me of is what this passage from 2 Peter also very clearly states:
Jesus IS Coming Back! AND…There will be a time of Intense Judgement on the earth such as we have NEVER seen—that will be almost unbearable.
…and Jesus…in HIS unbelievable mercy….actually…..delays…..His return……not wanting…..anyone….to….perish.
“This means that, contrary to man’s perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness. But rather, his “delay” simply reveals his loving patience toward you, because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 TPT)
Some people could read the book of Revelation and the coming Judgements and ask “How could a Loving God do this?”
I really like an answer I recently heard.
What IF God NEVER warned people? If HE just didn’t care enough to let people know this kind of judgment was coming—but worse than that—a judgement that is eternal is ALSO coming—and there is NO escape from the eternal judgement—once—it—happens.
Isn’t God Really a LOVING God—because HE cares ENOUGH to Warn us?
…and then, not ONLY warn us…but HE Gives us an Opportunity to be Saved?
Which HE—HIMSELF—Provided—Through His Sacrificial death on the Cross?
“For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son.” (Romans 8:32a TPT)
Pastor Daniel Fusco (Crossroads Church, Vancouver WA)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Stay Alert—Love Others enough to Spread The Good News—while there is Still Time…
Peter in his last words wanted desperately to remind us of the ONE thing that was MOST Important—Living for Jesus. This world is Not our Home. Peter cautioned us to remain alert and awake so “The Day of the Lord [Jesus Return] would not catch us—unprepared.
Lord Jesus,
So many times I feel as though I have taken three steps forward and two steps back. Forgive me for being asleep at the wheel. Help me to remember my Number One priority is living for YOU. Help me to not get distracted with the things of this world that can so easily weigh me down. There is nothing EVER going on beyond your reach or care. YOU are my Joy and Strength. My God in whom I trust. Here I am Lord, Send me. In Jesus Name, I pray. amen.
Tina L Kudelka
2 Chronicles 20-9.7.22
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20: 3-4, 12, 14-15, 17, 21, 29-30, 35-37
3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him….12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”……14Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…… 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”
29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side….35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. 36 He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, 37 Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.
Observation-What does it say?
In short, this is an account of Jehosaphat’s reign and two contrasts. The first was about the success he experienced as he chose to seek the Lord first. Towards the end of the chapter though, because he made an alliance with a king whose ways were wicked (Ahaziah-king of Israel), what they built together was destroyed.
Understanding-What does it mean?
I love how God’s Word doesn’t sugar coat anything. I mean, it not only describes the success of His servants, but also the consequences of unwise partnerships too.
There are two situations here. The first one, which a bulk of this chapter talks about, is Jehosaphat’s success when he decided to inquire of the Lord first. He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah to seek the Lord about what to do with the vast army that had just waged war on them. As a result of them seeking the Lord, God was with them, they defeated their enemies and the kingdom of Jehosaphat was at peace and rest.
Then, we read later in verse 35 how Jehosaphat’s unwise choice of making an alliance with an evil king led the Lord to destroy all their hard work. The fleet of trading ships they had built were wrecked and they were not able to set sail.
Life Application
Be wise with our partnerships.
Let’s learn from the beginning of Jehosaphat’s reign and not the end of it. In the beginning of this chapter, Jehosaphat partnered with the Lord. At the end, he partnered with an evil king. Both had different outcomes. Which one do you choose? (It’s a rhetorical question)
Dear Lord, You are in control of everything. Please help us to keep our eyes focused on You when making decisions and lead us towards what ultimately pleases You alone. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi