1 JOHN - 07.13.23

SCRIPTURE-1 John 1:1 AMP

“I am writing about what existed from the beginning, what we have HEARD, what we have SEEN with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life [the One who existed even before the beginning of the world, Christ]—”

OBSERVATION 

As I read John’s letter one observation is that John is sharing his personal testimony of what he has “Heard and Seen” with his own eyes. 

“I am writing about what I have “seen” with “my own eyes”.

John was one of Jesus beloved Apostles—and certainly spent time with Him—following Him closely.

John was an ‘eye’ witness to the healings, the calming of the Storms on the sea, Peter walking on water, demons being cast out, Five Thousand being fed with Christ’s multiplication of five small loaves of bread and two small fish…and on and on…in fact-

John said:

“…there are also many OTHER things which Jesus did, which IF they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 AMP)

…AND—So—John shares his Stories about Jesus.

APPLICATION 

Share my Stories about Jesus!

Jesus is STILL Doing So many things that they cannot be contained in ANY book!

Just last Sunday we heard testimonies from our Youth Camp of how Brooklyn stepped out in faith and prayed for her sister Madison who was healed—on the spot— and Noah was prayed for and received healing from Jesus-on the spot—of his ankles/feet which had been hurting for a very long time.

We have SO many stories in our church of people being healed—some instantaneously in church services!

“Jesus Christ IS the SAME— yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)

This above scripture is God’s word to us. Do we believe it?

Take Jesus at His Word-

Be prepared for God to use you and remember it’s not about us—so we may not be feeling at our best OR it may feel like an inconvenient time.

Pastor Levi pointed this out in a teaching when he shared that so often Jesus ministered powerfully “on HIS way”—meaning Jesus Stopped what HE was doing to minister to someone.

I remember being at a restaurant not too long ago when I simply paused my conversation to ask a waitress how we could pray for her as we said grace. She burst into tears saying that morning she had just asked God to send someone to her today.

You never ever know how God will use you. It’s simply being open and available to show HIS Love.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Like John, I have SEEN and HEARD with my own eyes—Your goodness.

 I pray as I enter into this coming rooted challenge I will lay down the world and pick up my Stories of You.

Bring to my memory more and more of the ways you have—and continue—to work in and through me.

Build and strengthen my faith so that I can be bold and fearless and loving.

Sow into me and FILL me with ALL of You that is More than I can Contain. I want Everything, Lord. May Others SEE YOU when they see me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka

2 Peter 3 - 7.12.23

Scripture 

2 Peter 3:8-10

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Observation

This chapter is about the Lord’s return and how we should live while we wait for Him.

We must be good stewards and managers of the life that the Lord has given us, so that when our Master returns, we can hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Please read Luke 12:35-48 regarding being a watchful, faithful and wise manager while we await His return).

Application

We don’t know the time or day of Christ’s return, however, while we eagerly await His return, we must live as though we KNOW He is coming back.

What things are we focused on that only offers gratification and rewards for this life, but not eternal rewards? 

Tonight, we kick off our Rooted challenge at 6:30p where we are able to make more room for activities that bear eternal value such as prayer, worship, reading and memorizing His Word, sharing Christ with others, and serving; and get rid of other temporary distractions of this life. 

““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord, 

I pray that You would reveal any areas of my heart, mind and life where I am pursuing immediate, instead of eternal gratification/rewards. Help me to use Your Word to guard my heart and mind away from those thoughts and shift my focus on what You desire. Help me to focus on eternity and building up treasure in Heaven, which will never spoil or fade. Help me to never forget that You are coming back for Your Church. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm 103 - 7.11.23

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 103:1 “Praise the Lord, my soul, all my inmost being, praise His name.”

OBSERVATION:  This psalm was written by David.  He experienced God’s great love!  He knew the God Who forgives, heals, redeems, and satisfied his desires with good things.
David was intentional about telling his soul not to forget God’s benefits. 

UNDERSTANDING:  Once we have experienced God’s revelation knowledge, and have tasted and seen His goodness, we have been introduced to certain sides of His faithful and loving character. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.  The more we know Him, the more we will want to follow, obey, and serve Him. 

PRAYER:  Thank You Lord that Your love is from everlasting to everlasting! My soul praises You because You are a faithful God, good and generous in all Your ways.  You have forgiven me of my sins, and have given me a new heart to love You, and a desire to serve You. You work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed, and because of Who You are, I will continue to share Your great love.

- Robin Orefice