Tag: life

Through Jesus

Barbara Weber

John 14:5-7 KJV

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

What does it mean to go through Jesus? It means, that to get to heaven you must believe in Jesus. That is simple. What is complicated is trying to figure out what believing in Jesus means. In the above passage, Thomas isn’t even sure where Jesus is going, and still, Jesus says he knows the way. Jesus goes on to say he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” He teaches the disciples that to get to the Father they must go through Him.

So, what does it mean to go through Jesus? Simply, it means we must believe and confess that he is real and that he died to save us. That is all it takes to get to heaven. However, that is not all going through Jesus means. To go through Jesus we must also obey his teachings and example. Going through Jesus means practicing Jesus’ way of life. That does not mean we need to become Jewish. It means we must love and care for people in the way that Jesus did. How did Jesus love people? He loved people to the point of his own death.

Going through Jesus to get to the Father means loving other people more than you love yourself. Jesus gave the perfect example when he willingly died the horrific death of crucifixion. He did that because it was necessary to save humanity from an eternity without God. Jesus also believed in a literal hell. Thus, he gave himself up so we would not burn eternally. The way through Jesus is to believe in him and practice his love with obedience to his teachings.

Lord Jesus, teach me to believe so I may come to heaven. Please teach me to love others and to walk in obedience to you. I want to receive rewards to enjoy eternally, so please, teach me to obey. I welcome your correction, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Seek Ye First

Barbara Weber

John 10:16-18 WEB

I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. [17] Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. [18] No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”

Did you know, like Jesus, we have the power to lay our lives down and the power to pick our lives back up? On the cross, Jesus paid the full penalty for humanity’s sin. When the payment was complete, he gave up life and died. Ironically, Jesus had control over his journey to the cross. Jesus went to the cross fully capable of avoiding the horrific experience.

But he did not avoid the shame and suffering. He embraced it as God’s will. He gave his life up willingly (Heb 12:2). After his death, he took his life back up by the power of resurrection that dwelt in Him (John 11:25). The word says the spirit of resurrection that was in Christ raised him from the dead. Jesus laid his life down and he took his life back up. It was good for us that Jesus was able to take his life back, it meant victory for the whole world (John 19:30).

When we choose to lay our lives down, we are emulating Christ. We do not lay our lives down in vain, we lay our lives down for the good of those being saved (1 John 3:16). Likewise, after we have been humbled by the Lord, we can take our lives back up. The word says that if we seek after righteousness, we will have abundant blessings (Mat 6:33). We lay our lives down for and allow the Father to purify us. After this process has done its work, the Father lets us pick our lives back up. We are meant to love others more than ourselves and we are also meant to walk in victory (1 Cor 15:54-57).

Lord, I want to walk in holiness and righteousness so that I can be used by you. And after a season of being humbled, I know I will have the desires of my heart. Please do your work and take away my worldly appetites. Then, when the time is right, lead me into victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Abundant Life

Barbara Weber

John 10:7-10 WEB

Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. [10] The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

The Lord did not die with the hope we would be born, live, and die, then go to the grave after a life of misery. He died to impart abundant life. He did not die to give us abundant wealth (Luke 12:15). Nor did he die to leave us suffering always (Ps 27:13). He died to give us life, and so much overflow of life that it is described as abundant (John 7:38).

Abundant life does not mean riches, glory, or honor (Mt 13:22). An abundant life is one submitted to Jesus (James 4:7). In submission, we have godliness with contentment (1 Tim 6:6). Furthermore, we have an abundance of salvation which destroys the works of Satan (Acts 26:18). We also have abundant grace which leads to a victorious life (Rom 5:17).

In a victorious life the schemes of Satan are destroyed (Luke 10:19). The victorious life is one in which sin has been mastered (Rom 6:14). Life after death is assured because you have taken ahold of Christ (Philippians 3:12). He is the victory, and he is the giver of abundant life (1 Cor 15:57). Eat of the Lord and drink of the Lord; make him your King and be rich in the knowledge of his word. In eating and drinking of the Lord, we partake of his abundance (John 6:56).

Lord, thank you for giving me an abundant life. Thank you for saving me. Teach me the knowledge of your word so that I am rich in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Who’s Eating Jesus?

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John 6:56,60-64 WEB

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. [60] Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” [61] But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? [62] Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? [63] It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. [64] But there are some of you who don’t believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn’t believe, and who it was who would betray him.

What in the world? One moment Jesus is telling us to eat his flesh, and the next moment he says the flesh profits nothing. I’m not sure why I would eat something that does not benefit me. Unless of course, Jesus’ flesh is no more profitable than anyone else’s flesh. What Jesus did with his flesh was profitable. However, the flesh itself, Jesus’ flesh, Jesus’ humanity, apart from his godly choices has no spiritual value.

The flesh has no value because it is the Spirit that gives life (Rom 8:1). The flesh is death (Rom 8:6). What we can do apart from God has no value (Acts 20:24). Our flesh profits nothing. More, our talents and skills are worthless in the sight of God apart from his Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9). Are you an amazing singer? Are you an amazing accountant? Commit your talent to God and let him confiscate your life (1 Chr 9:33). Turn over the pride of the flesh for true life in the Spirit (Phi 3:3).

If we are spiritually dead and walking in the flesh, we are disobedient when we feel like being disobedient (2 Cor 10:3-5). The one who believes God obeys him (Mat 28:19), and the one who does not believe God does not obey (John 3:36). Monitoring our own obedience can tell us about our spiritual condition (Rom 6:16). Behaviors such as speeding with your vehicle (1 Pe 2:14-15) and gossip (2 Cor 12:20-21) indicate a rebellious spirit. They are of the flesh and profit nothing.

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for being selfish with my talents and skills. Please forgive me for making light of sinful behaviors. Lord, I want you to call me a believer, not a sinner. I want to show my belief with a new level of obedience. Please help my heart humble before you and help me repent of disobedience that I may walk in the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

God’s Will

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John 6:35-38 WEB

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. [36] But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don’t believe. [37] All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. [38] For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

Have you ever heard the belief that you should tell God exactly what you want when you pray? For example, if you are praying for a car include the make, model, color, and any other important features you would like. While there is nothing wrong with telling God what we would like, this is a teaching that turns people away from God’s will. We tell God what we want to do instead of asking him.

Jesus told us clearly how we should pray. In Matthew 6:10 WEB it reads, “Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.” According to this verse, we are to seek God’s will in prayer. Instead, congregants are being taught to tell God what they want. More, believers get entitled towards God. Some will be frustrated because they prayed and believed but God did not bless their prayers. The problem is they were praying for their own will rather than the Father’s will.

It was the Father’s will to send us Jesus. It was also the Father’s will that we believe in Jesus. The Lord has told us that if we believe in him, we will obey him and imitate him. (John 14:12) Jesus did not seek his own will. The one time Jesus asked for something for himself was as he labored in prayer before the crucifixion. Jesus asked God to take away his cup of suffering. But Jesus is also clear, even in suffering, he prefers God’s will to his own. (Mat 26:39)

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for praying to have my own way instead of praying to know and do your will. Lord, reveal to me when I am praying for my own will and lead me into righteousness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Living Words

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John 5:37-40 WEB

The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

Have you ever heard the phrase “living word?” The idea is that some words contain special impartations of grace for our lives. Usually, when a scripture or prophetic utterance is a living word it will stay with the recipient for years. A prime feature of a living word is the way it remains in the memory of the receiver.

Jesus says something amazing about living words in this passage. First, he says living words come from the Father. Second, he says if we do not honor the one the Father sends we will not receive the living word. Jesus concludes by saying life is found in him. He is what the scriptures testify about. Jesus is the one who is sent. He is the one who gives life and the testimony of him carries life.

Our testimony of Jesus carries life to the hearer. In those moments, we are the one who is sent. And, like the above passage says, those who do not honor the one who is sent and do not believe the testimony of Jesus will not receive the living word. They will not come to Jesus, and they will not receive the life he offers.

Lord Jesus, I want to receive the life you offer. Teach me to honor those you have sent. Help me listen and hear when others testify about you, Lord. Use me to share your testimony with others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Righteous and Unrighteous Judgments

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John 5:28-30 WEB

Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, [29] and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. [30] I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

The most famous verse about judgment in the Bible is probably “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.” (Matthew 7:1 WEB) Jesus had the authority to judge but judgment was not his priority. In John 3:17 Jesus reveals his purpose is to save the world. And in John 3:16 Jesus reveals that the Father’s purpose is to save the world. Also, Jesus’ priority was to do the Father’s will. That is what made his judgment righteous.

The main piece of advice Jesus has for us regarding judgment is not to judge. He helps us understand the consequences are serious for the one who makes unrighteous judgments. More, we can recognize unrighteous judgments because they are not infused with the Lord’s purposes and priorities.  We can recognize unrighteous judgments by asking a couple of questions. First, is this judgment being made to help the person get saved? Second, what does this judgment do for the one making it?

It is easy to recognize unrighteous judgments such as gossip, but other situations may be more difficult. For example, some judgments are made for personal convenience. Telling someone to hurry up or slow down are judgments. They seem innocent until we recognize they do not help the one being judged.  

Judging other people can become a habit. When a person has a habit of judging they tend to lose their patience frequently. A couple of examples could be a person who often becomes angry at other drivers or at the person in front of them at checkout. Most people trace these two examples to a lack of patience. However, before the person’s patience was affected their attitude was affected and that is where the judgments are made.

Lord Jesus, please help me recognize when I am hearing or making an unrighteous judgment. Fill me with a desire to prioritize your will as my highest priority.  In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Granted for Life

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John 5:24-26 WEB

“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. [25] Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live. [26] For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself.

When I read these verses, I think of Jesus’ time full of resurrected people. Yet, when we examine the historical record, there is no mention of a period when the dead spontaneously came back to life in significant numbers.  Verse 25 above says the dead will hear the Son’s voice and live. Yet, we can recognize that Jesus may not be talking about literal death. Instead, he is talking about spiritual life and death.  

He is talking about eternal life. The New Testament teaches that Jesus has been given the power to grant eternal life.  For this reason, we go to Jesus to ask for forgiveness and remission of sin in our life. It is Jesus we trust to grant us eternal life. It is Jesus’ words that people need to hear so they will believe and be saved. Once this happens it is said that person has passed from death to life.

Jesus is not boasting that he can grant eternal life. He is speaking the truth with love so that those who hear may be saved. As his followers, we also grant life. We do not grant life directly. Instead, we share the words and teachings of Jesus so that others may receive life from Jesus. Jesus’ words can be found in the New Testament of the Bible.

Occasionally, when reading the gospels of the New Testament, I notice that the Lord’s speech is plain. Not all of Jesus’ words are life-altering in appearance. Yet all of Jesus’ words are the most powerful words anywhere. They grant life because the Father deems it so. They do not grant life because they are amazing words. The words of Jesus are the closest thing we have to a direct conversation with the Father.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me life. Please bless me Lord that I may share your words with others so that you may grant them life also. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Bringing Life

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John 5:20-24 WEB

For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel. [21] For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. [22] For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, [23] that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him. [24] “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

It’s interesting to read the Father has given all judgment to Jesus. In another place, Jesus declares he did not come to judge. (John 12:47) Rather, he came to bring life. (John 10:10) In the text scriptures above it says the Father put life in Jesus so people will honor Jesus in the way they honor the Father. (John 5:22-23)  

The Father is leading the world to honor Jesus. In fact, while the Father is seeking the Son’s glory, the Son is seeking the Father’s glory. Part of how Jesus brings glory to the Father is by remaining in the truth. He testified what he saw and heard, even when it would bring derision. Jesus was faithful to the mission God gave him.

It is impossible to know exactly when Jesus realized it was the Father’s will for him to sacrifice his life. Yet, in his perfection, Jesus was willing to die. That may be why he could say delusional-sounding things. He could say he was granted life to pass out by the Father. He could say the Father honored him. Jesus could say all these challenging things because he was willing to exchange his life for the life of others.  

Lord Jesus, thank you for qualifying me for eternal life through your own death. I trust you and believe you. I honor you and I honor the Father. Lord, please help me imitate you and give of myself for the good of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Spiritual Truth

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John 4:24 WEB

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

God is a spirit, so, why is it hard to believe that he works despite the truth of reality? He is a spirit and the works he does are spiritual. How he works is spiritual. Why he works is spiritual. His goals are all spiritual and point to a life after death. A life with God where he is, in the presence of Jesus and with the whole company of believers.

Have you noticed how hard it is to testify to God’s purely spiritual works? People tend to dismiss these testimonies as fanciful or wishful. There is no boasting in God’s spiritual works. His works refrain us from boasting. The truth is, to testify of His spiritual works can be costly. In fact, according to the truth of the Bible, his works are foolishness to the lost (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The good news regarding this is we have a truth that is founded upon reality. If the spiritual is foolish to the lost, then we need a reality-based tool to use. God is spiritual and he used the spiritual tool of anointing to inspire the writing of the Bible. No word of the Bible is apart from anointing. The Bible is inspired from the first verse of Genesis to the last word of Revelation.

The Bible is truth. We are to worship God in both spirit and truth. We must accept, recognize, and share that which is spiritual. We must also accept, recognize, and share that which is truth. When God changes our circumstances so that we have favorable outcomes, we must share, especially with other believers. When God leads us to share with a lost person we must testify from the Bible. Believers can receive the spiritual and the lost can receive the truth.

To fulfill our purpose in the Lord we must worship in spirit and truth. When we testify of the spiritual, we build up the body of believers. When we share from the Bible, we build up believers and harvest the lost. As people of the Church Age, we are bound by the great commission. Regardless of how or when the Great Commission was inspired and written, we are bound to work in the harvesting of the lost. It is our most significant purpose.

As our primary purpose, it should be our primary pursuit. Instead, many have fallen into the trap of pursuing wealth and prosperity. This is tricky because wealth and prosperity are a part of the blessing of the covenant of salvation. Yet, it is also testing for the spiritual. What you focus on in your witness or ministry is spiritual. The outflow of your spiritual condition becomes the reality of your goals and pursuits.

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for selfish pursuits. You died for me, and I am honored to pursue your direction and commission. Please cause me to become a soul-winner. I want to be a part of your harvest as the Bible commands. Please heal my spiritual health. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.