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FEB 25-SAVIOR FROM WHAT?
Savior from What?
Posted: 24 Feb 2019 11:53 AM PST
Christ is not only our Savior from the consequences of our sins; He is also our Savior from sin itself.
When we follow Christ, we do more than accept His forgiveness. We become a new person who longs to please Him (
2 Corinthians 5:17
;
John 14:21
). Our sins bother us (
1 John 3:9)
.
We won’t be perfect this side of heaven, but Christians are constantly moving toward that goal, seeking God's will and purposes (
Ephesians 2:10
;
Ephesians 5:1-20
).
So let's remember these truths:
1. God always provides a way out of temptation, but we must take it (
1 Corinthians 10:13
).
2. We can’t do the right things in our own strength, but we can do them in Christ’s strength (
Philippians 4:13
).
3. We still have sinful desires, but they'll become less prevalent as we renew our mind in God’s Word (
Romans 12:2
;
Ephesians 4:22-24
).
Are you struggling with sinful desires? I encourage you to read
Ephesians 5:1-20
every morning this week.
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FEB 21, 2019-ARE YOU AWAKE?
Everyday I get this question in one form or the other.
The problem it highlights can introduce terrible sickness/disease,
divert blessings, delay marriages, swallow finances, etc.
Knowing how to solve this one problem can open the door to many
wonderful blessings before the end of this month.
At the core of this question is a desperate desire to deal
with an age-old problem of epic proportions ...
... which no one talks about openly.
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FEB. 19, 2019-SIGNFICANTLY INSIGNIFICANT
Boring, mundane tasks...who needs them?
Apparently, we do.
Faithfulness in small, "insignificant" things is pleasing to our Lord because it prepares us for bigger purposes (Luke 16:10).
In Luke 17:5-10, Jesus explains that we need to be willing to do repetitive tasks without immediate rewards. In fact, He says we need to be aware of our unworthiness.
This contradicts popular self-esteem philosophies that tell us to establish our significance.
But Christians don't live to build our self-esteem. We live to build our God-esteem.
We aren't promised earthly rewards. We're promised heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
We may not find worldly significance, but we remain faithful because one day God will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Those words will make it all worthwhile.
---------------
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021819-6 Critical Truths to Understand about Anger
Praying and Growing
6 Critical Truths to Understand about Anger
Mark Altrogge
It’s very easy to slide into sinful anger, hatred, and bitterness. Here are some Biblical truths and principles that God has used to help me make progress in conquering my own sin.
The Bible has a lot to say about anger.
I don’t mean righteous anger, the kind of anger we can experience toward injustice or evil but sinful anger. Many times we may feel we are “righteous” in our anger because someone wronged us. Anger often involves our sense of justice. But it’s very easy to slide into sinful anger, hatred, and bitterness. Here are some Biblical truths and principles that God has used to help me make progress in conquering my own sinful anger.
Anger is not caused by other people or our circumstances. It comes out of our own hearts.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. MT 15:19
No one else can make you angry. Circumstances don’t cause your anger. Anger is your own sin. David Powlison says our hearts are like sponges. If I squeeze a sponge and black ink comes out, it might seem that the squeezing caused black ink to come out. Yet I might squeeze another sponge and have clear water come out. So, it was not the squeeze that caused the ink to come out, but ink came out because that was what was in the sponge. The squeeze merely revealed what was there in the first place. Other people and circumstances can “squeeze” our hearts and if anger comes out, it is because that’s what was in our heart.
Anger is caused by our own unfulfilled desires.
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. JA 4:1–2
James says our own “passions”—cravings and desires—cause all our quarrels and fights. We desire and do not have; so, we murder, fight, and quarrel. In other words, we want something and we don’t get it; so, we get angry. Whenever you are angry ask yourself, “What is it that I want right now that I’m not getting?” Once I told my kids to go to bed and heard them wrestling and throwing things upstairs. When I went up I said, “You’re making me mad,” to which one replied, “But you have said no one else can make you mad.” I said, “You’re right. You are disobeying me, which tempts me (squeezes me), and it is my anger, my sin.” When I went downstairs I asked myself, “What do I want that I’m not getting?” My answer: I wanted to relax. I wanted kids who always perfectly and immediately obeyed. I wanted to watch TV, not oversee bedtime.
Anger won’t make anyone do the right thing.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. JA 1:19–20
Many times we think anger will motivate others to do the “right” thing. Parents think anger will make their kids do the right thing, or act “righteously.” But anger won’t produce the righteousness of God. Anger might make kids outwardly obey, like little Pharisees, but it won’t change their hearts. Anger won’t produce inward righteousness in our spouse or coworkers. Anger does no good.
Anger toward another person is murder of the heart.
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brotherc will be liable to judgment; whoever insultsd his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” MT 5:21–22
We tend to downplay the seriousness of anger. “I was just venting” or “letting off steam.” But Jesus said anger is murder of the heart and a violation of one of the 10 commandments. It can make us subject to the very hell of fire.
Anger makes things worse.
A harsh word stirs up anger. PR 15:1
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife. PR 15:18
Not only does anger fail to produce righteousness, it makes things worse. It stirs up anger in others. It stirs up strife. It has the opposite effect to what we are desiring.
Anger opens the door for Satan
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. EPH 4:26–27
When we “let the sun go down on our anger” or fail to deal with it in a timely fashion, either by asking forgiveness, forgiving others, or working things out with them, it opens the door for Satan to tempt us to bitterness, revenge, slander, and a host of other sins. Cain’s anger at Abel led him to kill his brother. Anger is serious. We must deal with it quickly.
These truths have helped me numerous times when I’ve been tempted to anger. I’m not saying I’ve conquered it and I never sin in anger. But by God’s grace, understanding these things has helped me make progress. I hope you, too, will find God’s Word and Spirit help you make progress in overcoming anger.
Mark Altrogge has been senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982. He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including “I Stand in Awe” and “I’m Forever Grateful.” Mark and his wife, Kristi, have four sons and one daughter. Find out more on his blog, The Blazing Center.
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FEB 17-ENCOURAGEMENT
February 17
Atmosphere of Encouragement
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 21–22; Matthew 28
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
Romans 15:2
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Romans 15:1-7
I’m encouraged every time I visit the fitness center near our house. In that busy place, I’m surrounded by others who are striving to improve their physical health and strength. Posted signs remind us not to judge each other, but words and actions that reveal support for others’ conditioning efforts are always welcomed.
What a great picture of how things should look in the spiritual realm of life! Those of us who are striving to “get in shape” spiritually, to grow in our faith, can sometimes feel as if we don’t belong because we’re not as spiritually fit—as mature in our walk with Jesus—as someone else.
Paul gave us this short, direct suggestion: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). And to the believers in Rome he wrote: “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). Recognizing that our Father is so lovingly gracious with us, let’s show God’s grace to others with encouraging words and actions.
As we “accept one another” (v. 7), let’s entrust our spiritual growth to God—to the work of His Spirit. And while we daily seek to follow Him, may we create an atmosphere of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in Jesus as they also seek to grow in their faith.
By Dave Branon
Today's Reflection
Lord, help me today to encourage others along the way. Guide me to say what will not discourage but will spur them toward a deeper walk with You in Your love.
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FEB 16, 2019-
Daily Devo -JOYCE MEYER
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: "It is Zion, for whom no one cares!"
— Jeremiah 30:17
February 16, 2019
Tear Down Your Walls with Faith
Adapted from the resource New Day New You - by Joyce Meyer
To avoid pain, some of us build walls around ourselves so we will not get hurt, but that is pointless. God has shown me that it is impossible to live in this world if we are not willing to get hurt. People are not perfect; therefore they hurt and disappoint us, just as we hurt and disappoint others.
I have a wonderful husband, but occasionally he has hurt me. Because I came from such a painful background, the moment that kind of thing happened, I used to put up walls to protect myself. After all, I reasoned, no one can hurt me if I don't let anyone get close to me.
However, I learned that if I wall others out, I also wall myself in. The Lord has shown me that He wants to be my protector, but He cannot do that if I am busy trying to protect myself. He has not promised that I will never get hurt, but He has promised to heal me if I come to Him rather than try to take care of everything myself.
If you build walls around yourself out of fear, then you must tear them down out of faith. Go to Jesus with each old wound and receive His healing grace. When someone hurts you, take that new wound to Jesus. Do not let it fester. Take it to the Lord and be willing to handle it His way and not your own.
Receive this scripture as a personal promise from the Lord to you, For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: "It is Zion, for whom no one cares!" (Jeremiah 30:17).
With the help of the Lord, you can survive hurt and disappointment and find your completion "in Him."
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for being my Protector. Help me to live today and every day in freedom—not putting up walls out of fear, but embracing the relationships in my life, knowing You will help me and heal me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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021119- MILD MONDAY
1. Safe Wake
2. Prep for Walter V. Long School
3. Safe Trip on 214 to RTC for 206 to Lamb.
4. Went to the Spanish Store to buy Pastry
5. Took bus 203 to the nearest stop to Walter V.
6. Filled More Papers-W9 Form and others.
7. No Students today so did Workshop with Mr. Barnes himself.
8. Mr Barnes drove me to pick the Sahara X bus.
9. SX bus to Maryland. Went inside EZ Pawn window shopping.
10. Safe ride on 109 to Charleston on Maryland to go to Charleston Outlets and the Pawn shop looking for Congas. No luck.
11. Safe walk to 99s for shopping.
12. Safe ride on 206 to RTC.
13. Safe ride on 214 to the house.
14. Call from Wonders.
15. Media and Research
Thank you Papa.
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FEB 15, 2019-LORD, THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A MYSTERY CALLED SLEEP
February 15
Sinking into Grace
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 17–18; Matthew 27:27–50
[God] grants sleep to those he loves.
Psalm 127:2
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 127:1-2
Finally, on January 8, 1964, seventeen-year-old Randy Gardner did something he hadn’t done for eleven days and twenty-five minutes: he nodded off to sleep. He wanted to beat the Guinness Book World Record for how long a human could stay awake. By drinking soft drinks and hitting the basketball court and bowling alley, Gardner rebuffed sleep for a week and a half. Before finally collapsing, his sense of taste, smell, and hearing went haywire. Decades later, Gardner suffered from severe bouts of insomnia. He set the record but also confirmed the obvious: sleep is essential.
Many of us struggle to get a decent night’s rest. Unlike Gardner who deprived himself intentionally, we might suffer sleeplessness for a number of reasons—including a mountain of anxieties: the fear of all we need to accomplish, the dread of others’ expectations, the distress of living at a frantic pace. Sometimes it’s hard for us to turn off the fear and relax.
The psalmist tells us that “unless the Lord builds the house,” we labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). Our “toiling” and our relentless efforts are useless unless God provides what we need. Thankfully, God does provide what we need. He “grants sleep to those he loves” (v. 2). And God’s love extends to all of us. He invites us to release our anxieties to Him and sink into His rest, into His grace.
By Winn Collier
Today's Reflection
God, I’m so anxious. I churn inside. Would You help me trust You with my night, with my day, with my life?
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FEB 14, 2019-VALENTINES DAY- OUT OF CONTEXT
February 14
Out of Context
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 15–16; Matthew 27:1–26
She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
John 20:14
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 20:13-16
As I queued up to board my flight, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned and received a warm greeting. “Elisa! Do you remember me? It’s Joan!” My mind flipped through various “Joans” I’d known, but I couldn’t place her. Was she a previous neighbor? A past coworker? Oh dear . . . I didn’t know.
Sensing my struggle, Joan responded, “Elisa, we knew each other in high school.” A memory rose: Friday night football games, cheering from the stands. Once the context was clarified, I recognized Joan.
After Jesus’s death, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early in the morning and found the stone rolled away and His body gone (John 20:1–2). She ran to get Peter and John, who returned with her to find the tomb empty (vv. 3–10). But Mary lingered outside in her grief (v. 11). When Jesus appeared there, “she did not realize that it was Jesus” (v. 14), thinking He was the gardener (v. 15).
How could she have not recognized Jesus? Was His resurrected body so changed that it was difficult to recognize Him? Did her grief blind her to His identity? Or, perhaps, like me, was it because Jesus was “out of context,” alive in the garden instead of dead in the tomb, that she didn’t recognize Him?
How might we too miss Jesus when He comes into our days—during prayer or Bible reading, or by simply whispering in our hearts?
By Elisa Morgan
Today's Reflection
Dear God, give us eyes to see Jesus, however He comes—in a familiar context or surprising us in an unexpected one.
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FEB 12- EL ROI IS HIS NAME
February 12
Seen by God
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26–50
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Genesis 16:13
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 16:7-14
My first pair of eyeglasses opened my eyes to a bold world. I’m nearsighted, meaning objects close up are sharp and defined. Without my glasses, however, items across a room or in the distance are a blur. At age twelve, with my first pair of eyeglasses, I was shocked to see clearer words on blackboards, tiny leaves on trees and, perhaps most important, big smiles on faces.
As friends smiled back when I greeted them, I learned that to be seen was as great a gift as the blessing of seeing.
The slave Hagar realized that as she fled from her mistress Sarai’s unkindness. Hagar was a “nobody” in her culture, pregnant and alone, fleeing to a desert without help or hope. Seen by God, however, she was empowered, in return, to see Him. No longer a vague concept, God became real to her, so real that she gave God a name, El Roi, which means “You are the God who sees me.” She said, “I have now seen the One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
Our seeing God sees each of us too. Feeling unseen, alone, or like a nobody? God sees you and your future. In return, may we see in Him our ever-present hope, encouragement, salvation, and joy—both for today and for our future. Praise Him today for this gift of amazing sight, to see the one true and Living God.
By Patricia Raybon
Today's Reflection
Lord, I’m just one person in a big world, but I thank You for looking from on high and seeing me—so that I may see You.
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021019-WE CAN’T STUMBLE WHEN WE WALK IN GOD’S LIGHT
February 10
Living with the Lights On
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 8–10; Matthew 25:31–46
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 119:9-16
A work assignment had taken my coworker and me on a 250-mile journey, and it was late when we began our trip home. An aging body with aging eyes makes me a bit uneasy about nighttime driving; nevertheless, I opted to drive first. My hands gripped the steering wheel and my eyes gazed intently at dimly lit roads. While driving I found I could see better when lights from vehicles behind me beamed on the highway ahead. I was much relieved when my friend eventually took the wheel of his vehicle. That’s when he discovered I had been driving with fog lights and not the headlights!
Psalm 119 is the masterful composition of one who understood that God’s Word provides us with light for everyday living (v. 105). Yet, how often do we find ourselves in situations similar to my uncomfortable night on the highway? We needlessly strain to see, and we sometimes stray from the best paths because we forget to use the light of God’s Word. Psalm 119 encourages us to be intentional about “hitting the light switch.” What happens when we do? We find wisdom for purity (vv. 9–11); we discover fresh motivation and encouragement for avoiding detours (vv. 101–102). And when we live with the lights on, the psalmist’s praise is likely to become our praise: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (v. 97).
By Arthur Jackson
Today's Reflection
Father, please fill my heart with Your Word so I can have the light I need for today!
2.
VERSE OF THE DAY
February 10
John 13:34
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
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FEB 8- PEACE AND LOVE
February 8
Love and Peace
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 4–5; Matthew 24:29–51
You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead. . . . You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Psalm 16:10–11
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 16:1-11
It always amazes me the way peace—powerful, unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:7)—can somehow fill our hearts even in our deepest grief. I experienced this most recently at my father’s memorial service. As a long line of sympathetic acquaintances passed by offering their condolences, I was relieved to see a good high school friend. Without a word, he simply wrapped me in a long bear hug. His quiet understanding flooded me with the first feelings of peace within grief that difficult day, a powerful reminder that I wasn’t as alone as I felt.
As David describes in Psalm 16, the kind of peace and joy God brings into our lives isn’t caused by a choice to stoically stomp down the pain during hard times; it’s more like a gift we can’t help but experience when we take refuge in our good God (vv. 1–2).
We could respond to the aching pain that death brings by distracting ourselves, perhaps thinking that turning to these other “gods” will keep the pain at bay. But sooner or later we’ll find that efforts to avoid our pain only bring deeper pain (v. 4).
Or we could turn to God, trusting that even when we don’t understand, the life He’s already given us—even in its pain—is still beautiful and good (vv. 6–8). And we can surrender to His loving arms that tenderly carry us through our pain into a peace and joy that even death can never quench (v. 11).
By Monica Brands
Today's Reflection
Father, thank You for the way Your tender touch embraces and holds us in our times of joy and pain. Help us to turn in trust to You for healing.
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FEB 7- GOOD WORKS LIBERATES
February 7
Good Works Prepared
Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 1–3; Matthew 24:1–28
For we are . . . created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 2:6-10
When a burly stranger approached my wife and me on a street abroad, we shrunk back in fear. Our holiday had been going badly; we had been yelled at, cheated, and extorted from several times. Were we going to be shaken down again? To our surprise, the man just wanted to show us where to get the best view of his city. Then he gave us a chocolate bar, smiled, and left. That little gesture made our day—and saved the whole trip. It made us grateful—both to the man and to God for cheering us up.
What had made the man reach out to two strangers? Had he gone around with a chocolate bar the entire day, looking to bless someone with it?
It’s amazing how the smallest action can bring the biggest smile—and possibly direct someone to God. The Bible stresses the importance of doing good works (James 2:17, 24). If that sounds challenging, we have the assurance that God not only enables us to do these works, but has even “prepared [them] in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Perhaps God has arranged for us to “bump into” someone who needs a word of encouragement today or has given us an opportunity to offer someone a helping hand. All we have to do is respond in obedience.
By Leslie Koh
Today's Reflection
Who can you pray for or help today? Who might God be putting in your path?
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FEB 6- LOVE IS EVERYTHING
Love Changes Us
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 39–40; Matthew 23:23–39
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 9:1-22
Before I met Jesus, I’d been wounded so deeply that I avoided close relationships in fear of being hurt more. My mom remained my closest friend, until I married Alan. Seven years later and on the verge of divorce, I toted our kindergartner, Xavier, into a church service. I sat near the exit door, afraid to trust but desperate for help.
Thankfully, believers reached out, prayed for our family, and taught me how to nurture a relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading. Over time, the love of Christ and His followers changed me.
Two years after that first church service, Alan, Xavier, and I asked to be baptized. Sometime later, during one of our weekly conversations, my mom said, “You’re different. Tell me more about Jesus.” A few months passed and she too accepted Christ as her Savior.
Jesus transforms lives . . . lives like Saul’s, one of the most feared persecutors of the church until his encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1–5). Others helped Saul learn more about Jesus (vv. 17–19). His drastic transformation added to the credibility of his Spirit-empowered teaching (vv. 20–22).
Our first personal encounter with Jesus may not be as dramatic as Saul’s. Our life transformation may not be as quick or drastic. Still, as people notice how Christ’s love is changing us over time, we’ll have opportunities to tell others what He did for us.
By Xochitl Dixon
Today's Reflection
To learn more about growing in your faith, see this free course at christianuniversity.org/SF104.
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FEB 5- WHY DO PEOPLE MOVE?
FEB 5- WHY DO PEOPLE MOVE?
February 5
Moves of the Heart
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 36–38; Matthew 23:1–22
Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.
Numbers 9:17
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Today’s Scripture & Insight:
Numbers 9:15-23
According to the US Census Bureau, Americans move from one address to another an average of eleven to twelve times during the course of a lifetime. In a recent year, 28 million people packed up, moved, and unpacked under a new roof.
During Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, the cloud of God’s presence led a whole family nation to make one move after another in anticipation of a new homeland. The account is so repetitious, it reads almost like a comedy. Over and over the huge family packed and unpacked not only its own belongings but also the tent and furnishings of the tabernacle, where the God of the cloud met with Moses (see Exodus 25:22).
Many years later, Jesus would give fuller meaning to the story of Israel’s moving days. Instead of leading from a cloud, He came in person. When He said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19), He began showing that the most important changes of address happen on roads of the heart. By leading both friends and enemies to the foot of a Roman cross, He showed how far the God of the cloud and tabernacle would go to rescue us.
Like changes of address, such moves of the heart are unsettling. But someday, from a window in our Father’s house, we’ll see that Jesus led us all the way.
By Mart DeHaan
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FEB 6TH- JESUS CHANGES US
Love Changes Us
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 39–40; Matthew 23:23–39
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 9:1-22
Before I met Jesus, I’d been wounded so deeply that I avoided close relationships in fear of being hurt more. My mom remained my closest friend, until I married Alan. Seven years later and on the verge of divorce, I toted our kindergartner, Xavier, into a church service. I sat near the exit door, afraid to trust but desperate for help.
Thankfully, believers reached out, prayed for our family, and taught me how to nurture a relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading. Over time, the love of Christ and His followers changed me.
Two years after that first church service, Alan, Xavier, and I asked to be baptized. Sometime later, during one of our weekly conversations, my mom said, “You’re different. Tell me more about Jesus.” A few months passed and she too accepted Christ as her Savior.
Jesus transforms lives . . . lives like Saul’s, one of the most feared persecutors of the church until his encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1–5). Others helped Saul learn more about Jesus (vv. 17–19). His drastic transformation added to the credibility of his Spirit-empowered teaching (vv. 20–22).
Our first personal encounter with Jesus may not be as dramatic as Saul’s. Our life transformation may not be as quick or drastic. Still, as people notice how Christ’s love is changing us over time, we’ll have opportunities to tell others what He did for us.
By Xochitl Dixon
Today's Reflection
To learn more about growing in your faith, see this free course at christianuniversity.org/SF104.
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FEB 4-ALL YOU CAN SEE
February 4
All I Can See
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 34–35; Matthew 22:23–46
He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 3:22-35
Krista stood in the freezing cold on a winter day, looking at the beautiful snow-encased lighthouse along the lake. As she pulled out her phone to take pictures, her glasses fogged over. She couldn’t see a thing so she decided to point her camera toward the lighthouse and snapped three pictures at different angles. Looking at them later, she realized the camera had been set to take “selfies.” She laughed as she said, “My focus was me, me, and me. All I saw was me.” Krista’s photos got me thinking of a similar mistake: We can become so self-focused we lose sight of the bigger picture of God’s plan.
Jesus’s cousin John clearly knew his focus wasn’t himself. Right from the start he recognized that his position or calling was to point others to Jesus, the Son of God. “Look, the Lamb of God!” he said when he saw Jesus coming toward him and his followers (John 1:29). He continued, “The reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed” (v. 31). When John’s disciples later reported that Jesus was gaining followers, John said, “You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ . . . He must become greater; I must become less” (3:28–30).
May the central focus of our lives be Jesus and loving Him with our whole heart.
By Anne Cetas
Today's Reflection
How can I love Jesus best? Who might He want me to love?
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