DAY #151: John 5:31-47

The Jews to whom Jesus was speaking had never heard God’s voice or seen him face to face. (The teachings and miracles testified that the Father had sent Jesus.) Yet, here they had the greatest of all God’s manifestations standing right before their eyes—Jesus, the Word, the visible expression of God to people. But they did not have his message in their hearts because they were refusing to believe in Jesus. If that Word had been abiding in their hearts, they would have recognized the one to whom the Scriptures give testimony.

The Jewish teachers devoted their lives to studying the Scriptures—not so much to search for the truth but to analyze the minutia of the law. And the “scholars” studied, Jesus said, because they thought that by doing so they would possess eternal life. But by studying the Scriptures they should have seen the source of life: “The Scriptures point to me!” If we fail to see this testimony, we miss the very purpose for which the Scriptures exist. If there were no such person as Jesus Christ, the Scriptures would have little value. The Bible’s chief value lies in its testimony to him.

To refuse to come to Jesus is to reject life because Christ is the giver of eternal life. Religious zeal—even involvement with the Scriptures—does not bring a person eternal life. The religious leaders knew what the Bible said but failed to apply its words to their lives. They knew the teachings of the Scriptures but failed to see the Messiah to whom the Scriptures pointed. They knew the rules but missed the Savior. Entrenched in their own religious system, they refused to let the Son of God change their lives.

Jesus knew the condition of the people; they did not really have God’s love within them—they loved their religion. Therefore, they could not receive the Son of God. Jesus came as the Father’s personal representative, but many of the Jews could not accept his claims of being the one sent by the Father. The others that were accepted may have been other persons who claimed to be the Messiah. Because they fit the mistaken image of what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish (political liberation), people eagerly received them.

Instead of seeking what would honor God and bring glory to him—which, in this case, would be to believe in his Son—the people and religious continued to seek acceptance from their peers.
The Pharisees prided themselves on being the true followers of their ancestor Moses. They followed every one of his laws to the letter and even added some of their own. Jesus’ warning that Moses was accusing them stung them to fury.

Moses had written about Christ (Genesis 3:15; Numbers 21:9; 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15-18;), but since they did not believe in Christ when He came, they did not really believe in the writings of Moses. This was Jesus’ final condemnation in this section.

SO WHAT? (what will i do with what I have read today?)

As I read this passage this morning, I am filled with frustration for the religious leaders of Jesus' day. They read the word, they studied the word, they memorized the word. BUT, they did not understand the word or obey the word. They failed to put God's words into action. They failed to implement God's truth into their life.

Lord, help me to obey James 1:22 (NIV) - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Route out any Pharisaical fiber in my body. Lord, rid this spirit of "religion" of the people of COV. Build a church and build a people who are pure hearted. Build into me and our people pure motives. Drive the pride and self-righteousness from each one of us and give us humble hearts to be taught and follow.

Lord, draw people to COV this morning. Draw people to You. Change lives this morning.

DAY #150: John 5:18-30

The Jews realized that Jesus’ words revealed His very personal relationship with God. In saying, “my Father,” he was clearly claiming to be God’s Son, thus equal with God. For a human to claim equality with God was blasphemy; and blasphemy was a sin carrying the death penalty (Leviticus 24:15-16).

Jesus did not say that he would not do anything independent from the Father, but that he cannot: “The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing.” The Son performs the tasks the Father wants done because they are of one spirit. The Father and the Son know and love each other completely. Because of their transparent relationship, the Son always knows what the Father is doing and works in harmony with him to see it accomplished.

The certainty of our salvation is in the hands of the Son because God entrusted him with judicial and executive authority to judge. Thus, he has equal dignity and honor with the Father—“everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.” The flip side is that those who refuse to honor the Son are not honoring the Father who sent him. Here Jesus was referring to that time when everyone will recognize his lordship. The tragedy will be that many will then recognize Jesus’ true nature but will have lost the opportunity to receive his saving help.

True hearing results in believing. When Jesus spoke of a time that is coming, and is here, he saw God’s wonderful future plan as happening in the present. Christ makes the same power that will resurrect the dead at his return available to all who are spiritually dead—the woman at the well, the paralyzed man, and each one of us.

We human beings do not have life in ourselves; we receive it from God. God does not receive his life from any exterior source; He is the source and Creator of life. In eternity past, the Father gave his Son the same capacity—to have life in himself. God does not share this uniquely divine characteristic with any created being. Because Jesus exists eternally with God the Father, he too is “the life” through whom we may live eternally (1 John 5:11). God’s gift of life comes through Christ alone.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

As I read this passage today, I am reminded of when Jesus was in the Garden - just hours before He was to be betrayed by Judas and led away by the Roman guards. He prayed - "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Did you get that? Not my will be done, but yours Father. In the most desperate time of his life, how easy would have it been to bail – to walk away for the pain and the shame that was about to come His way? But HIS character carried the day. This should be the goal of our life - to get to the point where it is not about what I want, what I desire, but what the Father wants and desires for me.

That kind of character is largely missing in our culture isn’t it? So many in our culture have a crater, a void, a hole in their life when it comes to character. WHY? Because there is a Christ crater, a Christ void, and a Christ hole in their life. Because there is a lack of Christ, there is a lack of character. If you want real character – you must know Jesus!

Lord, help me to fulfill today and everyday Your will for my life. Let me be driven by Your purpose for my life.

DAY #149: John 5:1-17

All Jewish males were required to come to Jerusalem to attend three feasts: (1) the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread, (2) the Festival of Weeks (also called Pentecost), and (3) the Festival of Shelters. Though this particular holy day is not specified, the phrase explains why Jesus was in Jerusalem.

Readers familiar with Jerusalem would have known about the Sheep Gate (it is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:1, 32; 12:39). Recent excavations show that this site had two pools with five covered porches. These were open structures with roofs that allowed some protection from the weather. A multitude of sick people lay on the porches. People made pilgrimages to the pool of Bethesda to receive the healing benefit of the waters.

A man laid by the waters there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus knew how long he had been ill and asked him, “Would you like to get well?” Jesus’ question shows us that he will not force himself upon anyone. He seeks permission before intervening in that person’s life. The man indirectly answered Jesus by telling how he had not been able to be healed because others would get into the water before he did. But in making this statement, the man admitted that he needed help.

Jesus offered help, but not the kind of help the man expected. Jesus simply said, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk.” And the man responded immediately. This miracle should have revealed to the Jews in Jerusalem that the Messiah was finally present, for Isaiah had prophesied this (Isaiah 35:5-6). Instead, they chose to focus on another issue: This miracle happened on the Sabbath day. Presumably, if the waters had been stirred on the Sabbath and he had been healed by getting in, the Jews would not have argued against his healing. But these religious leaders would not allow God in the flesh to break their rules by healing this man directly.

In the continuing exchange between the man who was healed and the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, the man told the Jewish leaders what he could not tell them before: It was Jesus who had healed him. This report triggered the Jews’ persecution of Jesus—a persecution that continued from that day onward. The Jewish leaders were faced with a mighty miracle of healing and a broken rule. They threw the miracle aside as they focused their attention on the broken rule. As is common with those who assume authority that is not rightfully theirs, these leaders instinctively felt their power threatened by Jesus’ actions, thus they resented him.

Jesus was being harassed for breaking Sabbath rules. But Jesus told these leaders, “My Father never stops working, so why should I?” With this statement Jesus challenged the notion that God himself was somehow literally subject to the Sabbath rules. If God stopped every kind of work on the Sabbath, nature would fall into chaos and sin would overrun the world. Genesis 2:2 says that God rested on the seventh day; he rested from the work of creation but began the work of sustaining the creation. God has been at work and continues to work; so does his Son, Jesus. With this claim, Jesus affirmed his equality with God. Furthermore, Jesus was teaching that when the opportunity to do good presents itself, it should not be ignored, even on the Sabbath.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Once again, we see the love and compassion of Jesus on display through the healing of this invalid man. It is unbelievable for me to see the hard heartedness of the Pharisees. They care nothing for the plight of the people. They only cared about their power and position. Lord, may that never be in my life. Remove and pretense of importance. Remove and hypocrisy. Remove thee dross. Make me more like You today than ever before.

And Lord, help me finish strong - continuing Your work until I breath my last. Help me about the Father;s business until you call me home. Lord, I pray that you would find me faithful. I pray that you would find my family faithful. I pray that you would find COV faithful to the call and the tasks you have give us.

"What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God."

Acts 20:24 (MB)

"The Lord said to me: "Search Jerusalem for honest people who try to be faithful. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city." Jeremiah 5:1 (CEV)

DAY #148: John 4:27-54

As a result of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, her bold witness in town, and the people’s curiosity, many became believers. Jesus’ proof was compelling. The unavoidable question each person must ask is, “Have I believed in Jesus?”

Many of the Samaritans who believed in Jesus were first drawn by the testimony of the woman about the mysterious man who told her everything she had ever done. They begged Jesus to stay at their village, and because of that, others believed when they heard Jesus for themselves. Many Samaritans had come to know absolutely and positively that Jesus was the Savior of the world.

After His experience in Samaria, Jesus went to Cana in Galilee, where he healed a government official’s son. Jesus’ name was known there, and so this government official went to find him. This man was very likely an official in Herod’s court, serving in some capacity in Capernaum, about twenty miles from Cana.

When the government official requested that Jesus heal his son, who was about to die, Jesus responded, “Must I do miraculous signs and wonders before you people will believe in me?” Jesus took the opportunity to address all the Galileans and reprimand them for being sign-seekers. But this Galilean was not merely a sign-seeker. He had a need, and he truly believed Jesus could meet that need. As a result, his need was met. The man believed the word that Jesus spoke, “Go back home. Your son will live!” and started on his way. The official believed Jesus’ word, and the healing was performed.

The details given tell the reader that the healing occurred at exactly the time Jesus spoke the words, “Your son will live!” Although the official’s son was twenty miles away, he was healed when Jesus spoke the word. Distance was no problem because Christ has mastery over space. This miracle produced faith in the officer and his entire household (including family members or servants).

Jesus’ miracles were “signs”—pointing the people who witnessed them to the one who performed the signs, Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God. If the miracle produced faith in Jesus only as a miracle worker and not as the Son of God, then the people missed the miracle as the sign it was intended to be.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, give me Your compassion for people. Your example of love and going the distance for people, in spit of their immaturity and lack of faith is humbling. Lord, grow my love for people. Help me see them as they can be and will be and not as they are. Lord, thank you for seeing me for what I will be someday.

Lord, build a church at COV where our love for people sets us apart.

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35 (MB)

Lord, I know that talk is cheap. So, when I am inconvenienced today - when the wrenches get thrown into my schedule - when blessed interruptions come my way, may my love for others win the day. Work in me and through me and with me and by me. Use me to be a conduit of Your love in all ways today.

DAY #147: John 4:4-26

Since the Samaritans were hated by the Jews, many of the strict Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee took a route around Samaria (through Perea, east of the Jordan River), even though that route took more time. Jesus went to Samaria to give the Samaritans what he had given to Nicodemus—the offer of eternal life by being born again. And, furthermore, by going to Samaria and bringing the gospel to the despised Samaritans, he showed that he was above the Jewish prejudices.

Where did these prejudices come from? Samaria was a region between Judea and Galilee where Jews of “mixed blood” lived. In Old Testament days, when the northern kingdom of Israel, with its capital at Samaria, fell to the Assyrians, many Jews were deported to Assyria. King Sargon of Assyria repopulated the northern kingdom with captives from other lands to settle the territory and keep the peace (2 Kings 17:24). These captives eventually intermarried with the few Jews who remained in the land to form a mixed race of people who became known as Samaritans.

The Jews hated the Samaritans because they were no longer “pure” Jews. The Jews who lived in the southern Kingdom felt these Jews had betrayed their people and nation through intermarriage with foreigners. And the hatred continued down through the years. The Samaritans had adopted the Pentateuch as their Scriptures and set up a place for worship on Mount Gerizim using for their guidelines Deuteronomy 11:26-29; 27:1-8. Although they knew about a coming Messiah, they were far from having an accurate knowledge of the truth.

Jesus had walked from Judea to Sychar—a trip that probably took two days. He waited while his disciples, more rested, or hungrier, than he, went to find food. He never seemed to worry that the limitations he took in becoming human might somehow undermine his claims to be the Son of God. Such expressions about Jesus’ humanity help us identify with him. So he sat wearily beside the well at about noontime, the hottest part of the day.

This woman, whose reputation seems to have been well known in the small town, probably chose the well farther away from home and came to that well at an unusual hour in order to avoid contact with other women. It was also highly unusual for a man to address a woman, but Jesus said, “Please give me a drink.”

The Samaritan woman was very surprised—first, that a Jew would even speak to a Samaritan; second, that a Jewish male would speak to a Samaritan woman (she also had a bad reputation and this was a public place); third, that a Jew would drink from a Samaritan’s cup. People need water daily because they soon become thirsty again. The water from Jacob’s well would indeed satisfy the woman’s thirst, but only temporarily. So also are all the other “drinks” of life—they never satisfy. Some of them even create more thirst. The human needs for love, food, sex, security, and approval, even when met, do not give complete satisfaction.

Attempts to find full satisfaction will lead only to disappointment and despair. But the water Jesus offers takes away thirst altogether. Jesus’ “water” continually satisfies the desire for God’s presence because it becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life. The gift that Jesus gives—this perpetual spring—suggests the availability, accessibility, and abundance of the divine life for believers.

Jesus abruptly shifted the subject from his living water to her style of living. The woman perceived her need for living water at one level; Jesus knew that her need was far deeper, so he turned the conversation to reveal his knowledge of her personal life—and her sin of adultery.

Although Jesus confronted the woman’s sinful life, He did not strip of her of her dignity. He did not accuse or excuse; he simply described her life so that she could draw some clear conclusions about the mess in which she was living. The woman acknowledged the truthfulness of Jesus’ remarks about her life. Eventually, she would give her life to follow Jesus, the Messiah.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Would to God that we could build a church at COV where the Word of God is preached and as the Holy Spirit draws people, they would find love, acceptance, mercy and grace. No stripping people of their dignity. No judgemental looks. No "Holier than though" attitudes.

Lord, do that work in my heart and in the hearts of the people of COV.

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier." Luke 6:37 (MB)

DAY #146: John 3:22-4:3

Here in this passage, John reiterated what he had told the disciples earlier: “I am not the Messiah”. John had always been forthright in declaring his position; he did this so that the distinction between himself and the Messiah would be unmistakably clear. His job had always been to prepare the way for him—that is all.

John employed a beautiful metaphor to depict the way he saw his relationship with Jesus the Christ. He described himself as being the bridegroom’s friend—or, as we would say today, “the best man.” As the best man, John enjoyed seeing his friend, the bridegroom, honored. He insisted that all the attention should go to the bridegroom and his bride.

What a realization John had! He knew that his work was destined to become less and less—he himself would have to decrease. John’s willingness to decrease so that Jesus would increase reveals unusual humility. It also reveals how much he was like Jesus in character. John’s statement revealed his attitude about Christ’s superiority and preeminence over him.

Believers need not wonder whether or not they have eternal life. All who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Thus, eternal life begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth. The question for individual believers, then, is: How does our way of living demonstrate the fact that we expect to live eternally?

In contrast, those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life. There are only two groups in the end—those who have eternal life, and those who do not. To disobey the Son is to reject him. To reject the Son’s testimony and the gospel is to cut ourselves off from the benefits available only through him. Those people will experience the wrath of God.

Jesus had gained many more disciples than just the Twelve. We know that he had at least seventy-two committed disciples (Luke 10:1-17). We are also told that various disciples came and went, especially when times were difficult or when Jesus predicted troubles ahead.

Knowing that the Pharisees had heard about his popularity and that they would begin watching him closely, and at the same time knowing that his “hour” had not yet come, Jesus wisely decided to withdraw from possible conflict by leaving Judea and returning to Galilee. Thus, Jesus’ first Judean visit had come to an end—a visit begun by his coming to Jerusalem for the Passover.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

How easy it is at time (more often than not) to forget that our life story is not about us. So many times we get so wrapped up in our world and our relationships and our problems that we think we are the star of the show. In reality, Jesus is the star of the show and the story is all about Him. We are supporting actors/actresses in His story.

John the Baptist never forgot his role. he never forgot that his life was to bring glory to Jesus. His life was to prepare a way for Jesus. His life and his story was a subplot int the greatest story - the story of God's love for mankind and the lengths God goes to show us His love.

Do you remember what I've said EGO stands for? (Edging God Out). Oh Lord, remind me very day that this life I live is about You. Give me a humble heart and a humble spirit. Drive the pride and self-centerdness from me. Give me a heart like John the Baptist. May I decrease and may You increase.

"... But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time." 1 Peter 5:5-6 (MB)

DAY #145: John 2:23-3:21

Nicodemus was a Jewish religious leader, a Pharisee—the most strict Jewish sect of those times. The Jewish religious leaders were divided into several groups. Two of the most prominent groups were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. As a “leader,” he was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus are unmistakable and to the point: “Unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God.” That a person must be born again speaks of spiritual birth, but Nicodemus understood Jesus as referring to a physical rebirth. Jesus revealed to this devout Pharisee that the Kingdom would come to the whole world, not just the Jews, and that Nicodemus wouldn’t be a part of it unless he was personally born again.

Humans can produce only more human beings; Only God the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. At the same time God puts his Spirit into us, we are given a new regenerated human spirit. It is God’s Spirit, not our effort, that makes us children of God. Jesus’ statement to Nicodemus that evening has been heralded to all the world ever since. Both Jew and Gentile have heard the divine mandate: You must be born again. Without the new birth, one cannot see or enter into the Kingdom of God.

In response to Nicodemus’s continued question, Jesus called him a respected Jewish teacher and expressed amazement at his lack of understanding. Having such a position, Nicodemus should have known what Jesus was talking about, for the new birth is not a topic foreign to the Hebrew Scriptures (1 Samuel 10:6; Isaiah 32:15; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:25-27; 37; Joel 2:28-29). Jesus’ question must have exposed Nicodemus, who perhaps thought that he and Jesus were teachers who would discuss spiritual matters from an equal level of learning and understanding. This Jewish teacher of the Bible knew the Old Testament thoroughly, but he didn’t understand what it said about the Messiah.

According to Numbers 21:6-9, while the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, God sent a plague of snakes to punish the people for their rebellious attitudes. But God also gave the remedy for the poisonous snakebites—he told Moses to erect a pole upon which he was to attach a bronze snake. Those bitten by the poisonous snakes could be healed by obeying God’s command to look up at the elevated bronze snake and by believing that God would heal them. Their healing came when they looked upon this lifted-up, bronze snake.

Jesus used this incident to picture his coming salvation work on the cross. To be lifted up in Jesus’ time—according to the usage in John — was a euphemism for death on the cross (the victim was literally lifted up above the earth). God has provided this way for us to be healed of sin’s deadly bite. The Israelites were spared their lives; the believer in Jesus is spared eternal destruction and given eternal life.

This offer is made to everyone who believes. To “believe” is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God. It means putting our trust and confidence in him that he alone can save us. It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny. Believing is both trusting his words as reliable and relying on him for the power to change. Jesus accepted our punishment and paid the price for our sins so that we would not perish. Perish does not mean physical death, for we all will eventually die. Here it refers to eternity apart from God. Those who believe will receive the alternative, the new life that Jesus bought for us—eternal life with God.

According to the context, to do what is right is to come to Christ, the light; the result of coming to the light and living in the light will be clearly seen in believers’ lives. Christ’s life in us will make our lives able to stand exposure to bright light, for our deeds will be honest, pure, and truthful.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, once again we are brought square to the truth of what you left on this earth to do - win people to Christ. Jesus didn't have a quota of people He talked to everyday about salvation. He just saw a need and spoke to that need. Giving people an opportunity to receive or reject His offer of eternal life was and is paramount on His mind. Would to God the same would be true of us.

Lord, give us your courage to share and overcome our fear of rejection and ridicule. Help us see eternity everyday.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Day #144: John 2:1-22

A wedding celebration could last as long as a week. Nathanael, one of the twelve disciples, is described as a native of Cana. When a wedding was held, the entire town was invited, and most made the effort to come (it was considered an insult to refuse an invitation to a wedding). Cana was Jesus’ home region, so he may have known the bride and groom. In any case, his presence was intentional.

Running out of wine meant more than embarrassment; it broke the strong unwritten laws of hospitality. Jesus was about to respond to a heartfelt need. Mary told Jesus of the predicament, perhaps expecting him to do something about it. Some believe Mary was not assuming that Jesus would perform a miracle; she was simply hoping that her son would help solve this major problem and find some wine.

In any case, Jesus made it clear to his mother that his life was following a different timetable; he lived to carry out his Father’s business, according to his Father’s plans. Whatever Jesus’ intended response to the problem at hand, he expressed to his mother a firm reminder that his priorities were different from hers—his time had not yet come.

Mary’s words to the servants to do whatever they are told show her respect for Jesus’ authority. The six stone waterpots were normally used for the ceremonial washing of hands as part of the Jewish purification rites before and after meals. When full, each jar would hold twenty to thirty gallons.

When Jesus performed the miracle, all the water was changed to wine; wine was not added to the water. It portrays the abundance of Christ’s gracious work; it also indicates the wholeheartedness of the servants’ obedience. The servants dipped into the jars and drew out the water that had been miraculously changed to wine. Jesus instructed them to take it to the master of ceremonies.

The water turned into wine was of such quality that the master of ceremonies made a point of mentioning this to the bridegroom, who also probably reacted in surprise. Neither of them knew where this wine came from, but Mary, the servants, and the disciples were aware of what had happened.

The Gospels record thirty-five miraculous signs performed by Jesus. In the Gospel of John, each miracle was a sign intended to point people to the truth that Jesus is the divine Son of God come down from heaven. These signs were remarkable actions that displayed the presence and power of God. According to John’s Gospel, this was Jesus’ first sign—and it was performed in Cana in Galilee (his own region). His second was also performed in Galilee.

The Passover celebration took place yearly at the Temple in Jerusalem. Every Jewish male was expected to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem during this time, so Jesus went (Deuteronomy 16:16). This was a week-long festival—the Passover was one day, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted the rest of the week. The entire week commemorated the freeing of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.

God had originally instructed the people of Israel to bring from their own flocks the best animals for sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). This would make the sacrifice more personal. But the Temple priests instituted a market for buying sacrificial animals so the pilgrims would not have to bring their animals on the long journey. In addition, the merchants and money changers were dishonest. The businesspeople selling these animals expected to turn a profit.

The price of sacrificial animals was much higher in the Temple area than elsewhere. In order to purchase the animals, travelers from other lands would need local currency, and the Temple tax had to be paid in local currency; so money changers exchanged foreign money, but made huge profits by charging exorbitant exchange rates.

Jesus was angry at the dishonest, greedy practices of the money changers and merchants, and he particularly disliked their presence on the Temple grounds. They had set up shop in the Court of the Gentiles, making it so full of merchants that foreigners found it difficult to worship—and worship was the main purpose for visiting the Temple. With all the merchandising taking place in the area allotted for the Gentiles, how could they spend time with God in prayer? No wonder Jesus was angry!

Jesus’ response to the desecration of the Temple was deliberate and forceful. He was intent on scouring the Temple. This cleansing was significantly appropriate during Passover because that was the time when all the Jews were supposed to cleanse their houses of all leaven (yeast). During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, no leaven was used in any baking and, in fact, was not even to be found in the Israelite homes (Exodus 12:17-20).

Jesus did not lose his temper; his action expressed anger, but he was clearly in control of himself. Jesus was zealous for the reverence due to God the Father, and he knew that the irreverent marketplace within the very courts of God’s Temple would not be expelled without the use of force. He made a whip and chased them all out of the Temple.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

It is so clear that Jesus is in the business of doing miracles in peoples lives. Jesus is in the business of changing lives. Lord, I ask you this morning to change lives at COV today. Draw people here - even on a holiday weekend, place a burden on their hearts to be here in worship and to make worship a priority in their lives. And Lord, help us celebrate you today. Make this a place where people want to be because life is here. Family is here. YOU are here.

Lord, speak through me this morning. May my words be YOUR words. Encourage people. Draw people to you. Open their eyes and hearts to the blessing that you are waiting to pour out upon them.

DAY #143: John 1:29-51

Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42). Isaiah 53:7 prophesied that the Messiah, God’s servant, would be led to the slaughter like a lamb. To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given—God chose to provide the sacrifice himself.

When Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice, he removed the sin of the world and destroyed the power of sin itself. Thus God forgives our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). In calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John pointed to Jesus as the substitutionary sacrifice provided by God.

Jesus takes away the sin of the world. The Greek word for “takes away” can also mean “take up.” Jesus took away our sin by taking it upon himself. This is the image depicted in Isaiah 53:4-9 and 1 Peter 2:24. Jesus paid the price of our sin by his death. We claim the forgiveness he provided by first taking ownership of our sin.

These disciples of John the Baptist were Andrew and John, the writer of this Gospel. Both these men had followed John the Baptist until he pointed them to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Why did these disciples leave John the Baptist? Because that’s what John wanted them to do—he was pointing the way to Jesus, the one John had prepared them to follow.

After spending a day with Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon (who would later be named Peter) and tell him that he had found the Messiah, or the Christ.
Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Andrew appears two more times in this Gospel; each time he is bringing people to Jesus. Jesus’ first two disciples (Andrew and John) sought out Jesus. Andrew brought the third disciple, Peter, to Jesus. Jesus sought out the fourth disciple, Philip. Jesus looked for him, found him, and called him to be his disciple. Next, we see that Philip brings Nathanael to Christ.

Jesus’ direct, intimate knowledge of him must have taken Nathanael by surprise. If we remember that God’s grace and love come to us even though he knows all about us, we may find ourselves being even more grateful to him. Jesus had been aware of Nathanael’s exact location before Philip called him. Jesus had seen Nathanael studying the Scriptures before Philip had called him to come and see Jesus. Instantly, Nathanael realized that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.

The early disciples of Jesus were well versed in the Scriptures. Life in the small towns of Israel revolved around the synagogue, where the Old Testament was constantly read, taught, and argued. Unlike many of the studied religious leaders of the day, these simple men understood the Scriptures, and knew what to look for. So when the Messiah came, they recognized him!

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

It's pretty clear. We are called to bring people to Jesus. He will do the rest. Lord, raise up an army of believers here in the SRV who will be witnesses for you. Raise up folks who will be unashamed of speaking for You and standing for You.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

Lord, when people come to know You - use COV to build them and disciple them and equip them and train them. Give our people a heart to follow You like this. Lord, I pray for our people now - may each one reach one and build one in this next year. Lord, don't let people get in a rut. Don't let our people get comfortable or apathetic. Everyday, birth within them a desire to be Your people and wholeheartedly follow you.

DAY #142: John 1:5-28

Christ’s light shines unto a hardened, darkened humanity—and He continues to shine today. The darkness can never extinguish it. Those in darkness reject Christ, his light, and his followers. But no matter how deep the darkness, even a small light can drive it back. The power of Christ’s light overcomes any darkness in the world.

God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was the first to point people to Christ, so in a very real sense, all who have come to believe have done so because of his witness. John himself was not the light, but he came as a witness to the light. He was first in a line of witnesses that stretches through the centuries to this day.

Every person has life from God, thus they have some light; creation reveals God’s power and divinity (Acts 14:17; Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-16); and our conscience also bears witness to God’s existence. We know then that are no real atheists, just folks who have rejected the light of Christ.
John notes one of the greatest tragedies: the world—humankind—didn’t recognize its own Creator. They were blinded and could not see his light. Although Christ created the world, the people he created didn’t recognize him. He was denied the general acknowledgment that should have been his as Creator.

Though the rejection of Christ was universal, individuals did respond personally—some believed him and accepted him as the Son of God, the Savior. To them he gave the right to become children of God. We must believe in Jesus as Jesus, the Son of God; we must wholeheartedly believe in Jesus, not limiting him to our ideas and misconceptions; we must regard Jesus as the Bible truly presents him.

John the Baptist’s calling in life - his mission - was to give testimony to Jesus Christ. He was Christ’s first and most important witness. John disavowed any personal status; he constantly pointed men to Christ. Religious leaders came to see John the Baptist to ask him whether he claimed to be the Messiah. Their question indicates that the Jews were looking for the Messiah. John flatly denied that, making it perfectly clear that he was not the Christ; rather, he was one who prepared the way for the Christ.

These leaders kept pressing John to say who he was because people were expecting the Messiah to come. But John emphasized only why he had come—to prepare the way for the Messiah.
John was calling upon Jews to be baptized. Since this was new, the leaders demanded an explanation from John. John explained that he was merely helping the people perform a symbolic act of repentance. But the one who would be able to truly forgive sins was there in the crowd. The Son of God was among his own people, the Jews; but they did not realize it.

John said that he was not even worthy to be that man’s slave. John knew who he was in comparison to Jesus. This took place at Bethany to the east of the Jordan River, a site that has never been determined. This is different than the Bethany Jesus visited during his ministry.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Like John, it is my job - our job - to bear witness to the light. To share with others what Christ has done in my life. How He has changed me. How He has given me a hope and a future. How He has forgiven my past. I must lift Him up. I must get out of the way.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 (NKJV)

Lord, may this be true of me today. Lord, help me decrease. My will, my sinfulness, my selfishness and self-centeredness - may that decrease daily. Lord, give me a servants heart. Give me a humble heart. Lord, I pray for our the Valley we live in. May Your light penetrate the darkness. May Your light break through in to homes and marriages. May Your light reach the students of this valley. Lord, bring about revival here in the place. Lord, get me out of the way. Whatever it takes, win this valley and these people to you.

Day #141: Luke 24:36 - John 1:4

Today, we start the last of the Gospel's. Hang in there. I know many of the stories seem to repeat and it can appear to be redundant. Don't quit - this is an opportunity that God wants to use to have these principles, parables and truths embedded in your mind and heart for the rest of your life. HE is doing a work in you. Stay the course. Don't grow weary of reading and developing this spiritual discipline.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

As Jesus’ followers discussed his recent appearances, suddenly Jesus himself was standing there among them. Jesus’ first words to the group of disbelieving and bewildered followers and disciples, all of whom had deserted him in his time of greatest need were: “Peace be with you.” . Jesus brought a greeting of peace, and his presence brought peace.

Jesus showed them his hands and his feet so as to reveal the wounds inflicted by the nails that had held him to the cross. His resurrected body still bore these wounds as a testimony to his followers that this was the same man whom they had loved, followed, and seen die. Jesus stood there among them, alive, even eating a piece of broiled fish to show that he was not a ghost. He was real; he came back to life just as he had told them he would.

During his final days, he taught them again, so that they could understand the truth: his life, death, and resurrection all fulfilled Scripture. He taught them so they could teach others, telling what they had seen Jesus do and heard him say. They were to be Jesus’ witnesses (Acts 1:8).

As he had already done with the two men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and explained how everything that had been written about the coming Messiah had been fulfilled in him. Writings of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms encompass the entire Old Testament. In other words, the entire Old Testament points to the Messiah. Not only had the Old Testament Scriptures been fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, but the Old Testament went much further—speaking of repentance and forgiveness of sins.

This task of being witnesses was not to be carried out in the disciples’ own strength. Obviously these followers, hiding behind locked doors in fear of the Jews right there in Jerusalem, hardly seemed like the kind of people who could take the message across the world. But Jesus was not expecting them to do it on their own—he would send what his Father had promised—the Holy Spirit.

Luke concluded his Gospel with a brief account of Jesus’ ascension. In Acts, he provided a more complete description of it. After watching Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem to praise God, the only appropriate response to Jesus’ glorious life and his message of salvation.

John starts at the “beginning,” with the first eighteen verses of John, called the prologue. When John wrote of the beginning, he was paralleling the words of the creation account. John called Jesus, “the Word.” John did not identify this person immediately, but described his nature and purpose before revealing his name. As the Word, the Son of God fully conveys and communicates God.

Theologians and philosophers, both Jews and Greeks, used the term “word” in a variety of ways. The Greek term is logos. It could mean a person’s thoughts or reason, or it might refer to a person’s speech, the expression of thoughts. As a philosophical term, logos conveyed the rational principle that governed the universe, even the creative energy that generated the universe. In the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, “the Word” is described as an agent of creation (Psalm 33:6), the source of God’s message to his people through the prophets (Hosea 1:2), and God’s law, his standard of holiness (Psalm 119:11).

JBy using the expression, he was with God, John was explaining that the Word (the Son) and God (the Father) already enjoyed an intimate, personal relationship in the beginning. The last verse of the prologue tells us that the Son was at the Father’s side; and in Jesus’ special prayer for his followers, he expressed that the Father loved him before the foundation of the world.

Not only was the Son with God, he was himself God. John’s Gospel, more than most books in the New Testament, asserts Jesus’ divinity. One of the most compelling reasons to believe the doctrine of the Trinity comes from the fact that it was revealed through a people most likely to reject it outright. In a world populated by many gods, it took the tough-minded Hebrews to clarify the revelation of God’s oneness expressed through “three-in-oneness.”

The second verse of the prologue underscores the truth that the Word, the Son, was in the beginning with God. A wrong teaching called the “Arian heresy” developed in the fourth century of Christianity. Arius, the father of this heresy, was a priest of Alexandria (in Egypt) during the reign of Emperor Constantine. He taught that Jesus, the Son of God, was not eternal but was created by the Father. Therefore, Jesus was not God by nature. Arius’s views gained some support. At the Church Council in Nicea in a.d. 325, Athanasius defeated Arius in debate and the Nicene Creed was adopted, which established the biblical teaching that Jesus was “one essence with the Father.” Yet this controversy raged until it was defeated at the Council of Constantinople in a.d. 325. This heresy still exists, however, in several cults. Yet John’s Gospel proclaims simply and clearly that the Son of God is coeternal with the Father.

The divine life embodied in Christ gives light to everyone—revealing divine truth and exposing their sin. Everywhere Christ went, he brought light. Light means understanding and moral insight, spiritual vision. But more than just shining or reflecting, the light of Jesus penetrates and enlightens hearts and minds. When Christ’s light shines, we see our sin and his glory. We can refuse to see the light and remain in darkness. But whoever responds will be enlightened by Christ. He will fill our minds with God’s thoughts. He will guide our path, give us God’s perspective, and drive out the darkness of sin.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, help me today to be a reflection of the light of Christ in all I do and say.

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD." Psalms 89:15 (NIV)

DAY #140: Luke 24:13-35

This event occurred on Sunday, the same day as the Resurrection. Two followers of Jesus were leaving Jerusalem and walking the seven miles to the village of Emmaus. Little is known of these disciples; one was named Cleopas, and the other was not one of the eleven disciples. During their walk, they were talking about everything that had happened.

The two men were deep in discussion as they walked along. Apparently a man walking in the same direction drew up beside them (they knew he had been in Jerusalem). This man was Jesus himself, but they were kept from recognizing him. Jesus asked what things had occurred. They answered that much had happened to a man named Jesus. The two followers described him as a prophet who did wonderful miracles and a mighty teacher. They had heard Jesus teach and had seen him perform miracles of healing; but, as far as they knew, he had died like all the other prophets before him.

The telling item in this statement is that these two disciples knew who was responsible for Jesus’ death. The Romans may have actually done the executing, but the Jews’ (they said our) leading priests and other religious leaders arrested him and handed him over.

The disciples from Emmaus had thought that Jesus could rescue Israel. Most Jews believed that the Old Testament prophecies pointed to a military and political Messiah who would free the nation from Roman tyranny. Jesus had come to redeem, however, and had indeed paid a huge price—his life. No one comprehended this yet. They didn’t realize that the Messiah had come to redeem people from slavery to sin. Even though they well knew all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures, they failed to understand that Christ’s suffering was his path to glory.

As this group approached Emmaus, they wanted to talk further, so they invited Jesus to stay.
At the meal, Jesus took bread, asked God’s blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. When he did so, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. His mission accomplished with these two disciples, Jesus disappeared.

Whatever the reason for Jesus to have spent a lengthy time with these two disappointed followers on the road to Emmaus, the story stands as a beautiful treasure of Jesus’ compassion and love for those who, when discouraged and confused, needed his presence and wisdom to comfort them.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Today's reading reminds of the passage in 2 Corinthians -

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

God comes alongside of us in our time of need and walks with us. He carries us if need be. He ministers to our souls and when the time of refreshing comes, He gets expects us to go and do the same for others. He expects us to comfort others with the same comfort we received from Him. That is called be the hands and feet of Christ.

This is what it means to NOT WASTE YOUR PAIN. If you've been through a divorce, you ought to have a ministry with people going through divorce. If you've struggled with depression and God has walked you through that, you ought to have a ministry with people going through depression.

We are not meant to wallow in self-pity. We are not meant to park in our pain. We are meant to use the difficult things we have gone through - abuse, loneliness, bankruptcy, abandonment, unemployment, the death of a loved one, terminal illness, health crisis, self-image issues - whatever - we are meant to walk with people who are going through similar stories as we have. So, in a very kind way, let me say today - get off your back side and get on with it.

One night, I had a wondrous dream; One set of footprints there was seen. The footprints of my precious Lord, But mine were not along the shore. But then some stranger prints appeared, And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?" "Those prints are large and round and neat, But, Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones. "For miles I carried you alone. I challenged you to walk in faith, But you refused and made me wait. You disobeyed, you would not grow, The walk of-faith you would not know. So I got tired and fed up, And there I dropped you on your butt,
Because in life, there comes a time, When one must fight, and one must climb, When one must rise and take a stand, Or leave our butt prints in the sand."

DAY #139: Luke 24:1-12

In the Jewish reckoning of time, a “day” included any part of a day; thus, Friday was the first day, Saturday was the second day, and Sunday was the third day. When the women arrived at daybreak, Jesus had already risen. Jesus had died on Friday; Joseph had taken his body and had prepared it for burial just before the Sabbath began at sundown on Friday. The Sabbath had ended at sunset on Saturday; so the women ventured out very early on Sunday morning.

They brought spices to the tomb, just as people today would bring flowers—as a sign of love and respect. When they arrived, they found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. The stone was not rolled away so that Jesus could get out, for he was already gone. It was rolled aside so others could get in and see for themselves that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as he had said he would.

The stone had been rolled back, and the women went in expecting to accomplish their task with the spices. Many tombs were large enough to walk into, so these women went into the tomb, but they couldn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. Of course, the body was not there because Jesus had been raised, just as he said. But Jesus’ followers did not expect this. They had been told at least three times, but they had not come to truly believe.

Matthew and John reveal that these two men in dazzling robes were angels. When angels appeared to people, they looked like humans. These men at the tomb surprised the women, and their dazzling appearance frightened them. The women reacted in humility, bowing before these men. The angel asked the obvious question, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive?” Then one angel spoke the words that have thrilled every believer since that first resurrection morning, “He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!” The angels then reminded the women that Jesus had accurately predicted all that had happened to him.

These women must have been among Jesus’ faithful followers and had heard Jesus’ predictions of his death, for Luke says they remembered that Jesus had said those things, and suddenly everything came together. Everything had occurred just as Jesus had said. So these women left the tomb and rushed back to tell his eleven disciples (disciples, minus Judas Iscariot) and everyone else among Jesus’ followers who may have been in hiding since the Crucifixion.

Matthew and Mark say that the angel told them to go and tell the disciples what had happened. The women obeyed, running with the great news to the sorrowing and bewildered disciples.
The women are named here, probably because some of the later believers may have known them or about them. Mary Magdalene had been a loyal follower—Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. All the Gospels place her at the cross and at the tomb. Jesus’ first appearance to any human after his resurrection was to this woman.

Joanna was previously mentioned among the women who followed Jesus. The several others includes Salome and other unnamed persons—all women. They brought their story back to the apostles—giving them the message that the angel had told them. The fact that the message was carried by women gives credibility and persuasive force to Luke’s account. No ancient person making up such a story would have women as the official witnesses. By Jewish law, women could not do so.

Amazingly, the disciples did not believe it—the story sounded like nonsense. Apparently Jesus’ words about dying and rising again had gone past all of them. Many skeptics have tried to write off the Resurrection as a story made up by a group of overzealous disciples. But here the opposite occurred. The disciples were not anxiously looking for any reason to believe that Jesus had risen; in fact, they were not anticipating it. When told of the Resurrection, they refused to believe without concrete evidence. Even a missing body was not enough to convince them.

John 20:3-4 reveals that another disciple ran to the tomb with Peter. That other disciple was almost certainly John, the author of the fourth Gospel. When Peter arrived at the tomb, he bent over and peered in. He saw the empty linen wrappings. Peter went away, wondering what had happened.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)



Jesus beat death. His victory is our victory. His death on the cross proved His love for us. His Resurrection proved He was God. Oh Lord, give me victory today. Give me victory over those who would seek to do me harm. Give me victory over sin. Give me victory over doubt.


"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (AMP)


And Lord, walk with the people of COV today. Give them victory in their battles. Heal marriages, heal broken relationships. Draw children back into a loving relationship with their parents. Protect the children of COV. Protect their innocence. Protect their purity. For those struggling financially, provide for them Lord. For those searching for work, provide for them Lord. For those in need of physical healing, be gracious to them and give them the necessary grace to make it through day by day.


"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

DAY #138: luke 23:32-56

Jesus was not the only “criminal” executed that morning. Two others were also led out to be crucified. In his death, Jesus truly was numbered among transgressors. The place called "The Skull" was a regular place of execution. It was prominent, public, and outside the city along a main road. Executions held there served as examples to the people and as deterrents to criminals.

Instituted by the Romans, crucifixion was a feared and shameful form of execution. It was designed to prolong the gruesome pain. Death would come by suffocation as the person would lose strength and the weight of the body would make breathing more and more difficult. Crucifixion was the harshest form of capital punishment in the ancient world.

Jesus spoke only a few times from the cross, and his prayer of forgiveness were the first words he said. Jesus asked his Father to forgive his killers. Jesus lived and died by the words he preached: “Love your enemies”. They don’t know what they are doing refers most likely to the Jews, not the Roman soldiers, although all who participated in Jesus’ death were included in his prayer for forgiveness. The Jews made a serious mistake, for they failed to realize God’s plan for their nation.

Roman soldiers customarily would divide up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves. When they gambled for Jesus’ clothes, they fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:18. These men, hanging in extreme pain and humiliation on their crosses, provided hours of grisly entertainment for spectators. Luke pointed specifically at the leaders who had followed Jesus to the execution site, watched him be crucified, and now laughed and scoffed at him.

Having already divided up the clothing, the soldiers began mocking the man on the cross who had claimed to be a king. Only Luke wrote of this offer of sour wine as part of the soldiers’ mockery. They too called up to him to save himself, if he were indeed the King of the Jews.
According to John, Pilate wrote a sign in three languages: Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. The three languages meant that people of any nationality passing that way would be able to read the sign. Because Jesus was never found guilty, the only accusation placed on his sign was the “crime” of calling himself King of the Jews. Perhaps this was another way for Pilate to show contempt for the Jews—here was their king, stripped and executed in public view.

One of the criminals scoffed at Jesus, even though the three of them were facing the same horrible deaths. The other criminal, however, protested, pointing out that they deserved their sentence, but Jesus did not. There, on the cross, receiving punishment for what his deeds deserved, this criminal faced himself, feared God, and said: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The dying criminal had more faith than all the rest of Jesus’ followers put together.

Jesus had been placed on the cross at nine o’clock in the morning. Three hours had passed, hours of excruciating pain and physical agony. Then, it was noon, and at the height of the day, an eerie darkness fell across the whole land for three hours. How this darkness occurred is unknown, but it is clear that God caused it to happen. All nature seemed to mourn over the stark tragedy of the death of God’s Son. The darkness was both physical and spiritual—for while nature mourned, this was also the time when darkness reigned.

Obviously the darkness that covered the land meant that somehow the light from the sun was gone. Luke did not explain it, but clearly God controlled these events. Most significant and symbolic was an event that occurred in the city of Jerusalem, in the Temple, right in the inner area called the Holy Place.

The Temple had three parts: the courts for all the people; the Holy Place, where only priests could enter; and the Most Holy Place, where the high priest alone could enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34). In the Most Holy Place, the ark of the covenant and God’s presence rested. As Jesus suffered on the cross and as darkness covered the land, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. The veil (curtain) that was torn was the one that closed off the Most Holy Place from view. Symbolically, that curtain separated holy God from sinful people. The writer of Hebrews saw this tearing of the curtain as God’s way of removing the barrier between himself and humanity. Now sinful people could approach the holy God directly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22). From then on, God would not reside behind a curtain in the Temple, he would take up residence in his people.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

We have direct access to God because of what Jesus did on the cross. I don't have to go through a man, or a pastor or a priest to get to God, I can go right to Him - all because of what Jesus did - all because of the price He paid. Now, I fee like Private Ryan in the movie "Saving Private Ryan", when Tom Hanks says to him at the end of the movie - earn it. Earn what was done for you. (six men died for Private Ryan, making sure he could get home to his mom) I feel that same burden today. Pedlowe - earn it.

I don't mean earn my salvation. I can't. It is a free gift which can't b earned. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
I don't mean earn His love. I can't. He loves me now and He proved it on the cross. (Romans 5:8)

When I speak of earning, I mean I am compelled to live my life in such a way that honors what Jesus did on the cross for me. Lord, help me live that way today.


"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD."
Psalms 119:1 (NIV)


"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)


"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way..." Colossians 1:10 (NIV)


"As you know, we treated every one of you as a father treats his children, urging you, encouraging you and appealing to you to live a life worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and his glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NJB)

DAY #137: Luke 23:13-31

Pilate thought he had gotten rid of his problem, only to have Jesus sent back. The decision still rested on his shoulders. So he attempted to let this innocent man go by telling Jesus’ accusers that he found him innocent. Pilate could back up his decision with Herod’s conclusion about Jesus. Herod had mocked Jesus, but apparently had sent back word to Pilate that he could find nothing worthy of the death penalty. Jesus was tried a total of six times, by both Jewish and Roman authorities, but he was never convicted of a crime. Even when condemned to execution, he had been convicted of no felony.

Pilate may have hoped that the flogging would appease the crowd, and they would pity the man and let him go. Pilate was planning to release Jesus, but first he would punish him—to pacify the Jews and teach the prisoner a lesson to stay out of trouble in the future. But, the suggestion that Pilate was going to release Jesus sent the religious leaders into a frenzy. Pilate had wanted to release Jesus as the Passover gift. Matthew recorded that even Pilate’s wife had experienced a dream about Jesus and had urged Pilate to let Jesus go. Pilate had the authority to let Jesus go and then get on with his day; instead, he argued with them, but to no avail. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.

As the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus to be crucified (incited by the religious leaders), Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province. Pilate released Barabbas and delivered Jesus over to them to do as they wished. Matthew’s Gospel explains that Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize his innocence in condemning Jesus, but this act was no more than self-deception. Jesus may have been surrendered to the will of the mob, but this was still a purely Roman execution. Pilate had to command it in order for it to happen.

Severely beaten and worn out from the previous night’s ordeal, Jesus could not carry his cross to the crest of Golgotha. So Simon was drafted to carry Jesus’ cross. The image of Simon shouldering the cross graphically pictures what every follower of Christ should be willing to do: to take up his or her own cross daily to serve Christ.

Jesus was led away from Pilate and out to the place where he would be executed. Condemned prisoners had to carry the crossbeam of their own cross on their shoulders through the streets of Jerusalem and to the execution site outside the city. Jesus started to carry his cross, but, weakened from the beatings he had received, he was physically unable to carry it all the way. A man named Simon from the country of Cyrene was coming into the city. He may have been a Jew coming on a pilgrimage to the city for the Passover, or he may have been from Cyrene but resided in Palestine. Soldiers were free by law to coerce citizens at any time. So this stranger was forced to follow Jesus and carry his cross.

Not everyone wanted Jesus to die. Seeing him on his way to be executed caused many to mourn and wail for him. Jesus told them not to weep for him but for themselves and for their children. He knew that in only about forty years they would face great suffering and would then mourn, weep, and wail, for at that time Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed by the Romans. This was Jesus’ third lament for the city of Jerusalem.

The phrase "days are coming" indicates a key time in God’s judgment about to unfold. While being childless was normally a curse, the coming days in Jerusalem would be so difficult that it would be considered a blessing not to have had children. Punishment would be so great that people would want the mountains and hills to fall on them and kill them. Death would be preferred to the judgment that they would face and its accompanying misery.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Once again, I am humbled and broken over the treatment of my Savior. I am moved by His determination and single mindedness. I am angry over the evil hearts of men. Ultimately, I am reminded this morning that I can not change this world of evil, but I can change the world for one person at a time - one family at a time, as I share the love of Christ and His plan of salvation.

Lord, draw people to COV today. Compel them to get out of bed and invest in their spiritual development and maturity. Draw new people here this morning to hear the Gospel (Good News). Lord, may Your message connect to the hearts and minds of every person today. May it encourage, teach, admonish, correct and draw people to You.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Thank You Lord for going the distance for us.

DAY #136: Luke 22:63-23:12

After the preliminary meeting in Caiaphas’s house, the men adjourned to await daybreak and the arrival of the entire council for the more formal meeting in the Temple. Matters had really already been decided during the night, but the full trial would be held early in the morning to satisfy a law that allowed trials only during the daytime. This would be a formality to carry out the sentence that already had been decided.

Apparently Jesus was left in the care of guards who proceeded to mock and beat him. Evidently, the charge of Jesus being a prophet had come up, so the guards took advantage of their prisoner by playing on this claim. They blindfolded him, hit him, and asked that he say who had hit him. In addition, they threw all sorts of terrible insults at him.

The religious leaders asked him to tell them if he was the Messiah. For Jesus to answer in the affirmative would incriminate himself. To answer in the negative would have been to lie. Jesus knew this was their plan, for he said, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me.” The council had already proven that they had no intention of believing Jesus to be their Messiah. Jesus also knew that if he questioned them, they would not answer. Jesus was in a no-win situation, but he told them the truth, “The time is soon coming when I, the Son of Man, will be sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power.” To say this was to say that yes, he was the Messiah and to boldly claim his own exaltation to the place of highest honor in heaven.

The religious leaders understood exactly what Jesus was saying. He was indeed claiming to be the Son of God—but they needed him to be a bit more clear. So they asked again. Jesus agreed, saying, “You are right in saying that I am.” The council recognized Jesus’ claim and realized that they needed no other witnesses. He had accused himself. Their accusation against him was blasphemy—claiming equality with God. So Jesus was led to trial before the local Roman leader—Pontius Pilate.

While the Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus on theological grounds—blasphemy; but they had to come up with a political reason for executing Jesus. The charges against Jesus in the Roman court were rebellion and treason. The irony is that the first accusation—that Jesus was leading the people to ruin—was completely unfounded. The second accusation—that Jesus told the people not to pay their taxes—was an outright lie. The third charge, that he was claiming to be the Messiah, a king, was absolutely true.

The Jews’ plan was unraveling. Pilate wasn’t playing into their hands as they had hoped, and they became desperate. So they came up with more trumped-up charges. They claimed that Jesus was causing riots everywhere. Because Pilate was mainly charged with keeping peace, he would be interested in dealing with a man who was causing riots. If this charge were true, Pilate would have heard about Jesus long before this.

When the religious leaders mentioned that Jesus had been in Galilee, Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a Galilean. Jesus had grown up in Nazareth and later had made Capernaum his base; he was indeed under Herod’s jurisdiction. This was the Herod who had killed John the Baptist. Herod, also called Herod Antipas, was himself in Jerusalem that weekend for the Passover celebration, mainly as a tactic to please his subjects. Pilate hoped to pass Jesus off on Herod.

Herod may have been delighted to finally see Jesus, but he had already closed his window of opportunity to hear the message. John had spoken to him; Herod had killed John. Herod’s motivation here was only to see Jesus perform a miracle. He apparently saw Jesus as no more than an amazing traveling sideshow. When Jesus was brought before him, Herod asked him questions, but Jesus refused to answer. Herod is the only person to whom Jesus said nothing at all. Herod had not listened to John; Jesus had nothing to add to what John had said. Cold and cruel, Herod had a hard heart. Jesus knew this and remained silent.

With this prisoner refusing to answer, and looking very little like a great miracle worker, Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Angry at Jesus’ refusal to even answer questions for him, Herod resorted to mocking Jesus. To make fun of Jesus’ claim to be a king, Herod put a royal robe on him. Herod did not even take the charge seriously. So he neither released the prisoner nor made a judgment about his guilt. He simply sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate had a rather tenuous relationship. But because neither man knew what to do in this predicament, their common problem made them friends that day.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I am blown away by the endurance of Jesus. I want His staying power. I am convicted by the humility that Jesus displayed in light of the lies and false charges and the evil of men that was stacked against Him. Lord, build that kind of restraint and humility into me.

Test me Oh Lord and show me the areas of my life where I need to grow and Lord strengthen those areas. Lord, build character and strength in to the people of COV. When the trials and tests come, help them endure.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

DAY #135: Luke 22:39-62

The disciples and Jesus finished the Passover meal. They left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. Apparently, this was a favorite place for Jesus and the disciples. Up to this point, Jesus and the disciples had been returning each night to Bethany; but this time, Jesus only went as far as the Mount of Olives, located just to the east of Jerusalem. Jesus went up the southwestern slope to an olive grove called Gethsemane.

Jesus asked the disciples to pray that they would not be overcome by temptation because he knew that he would soon be leaving them. Jesus also knew that they would need extra strength to face the temptations ahead—temptations to run away or to deny their relationship with him. They were about to see Jesus arrested and then crucified. The disciples’ strongest temptation would undoubtedly be to think that they had been deceived.

Jesus walked away, knelt down, and prayed. Jesus exposed his dread of the coming trials, but he also reaffirmed his commitment to do what God wanted. In deep anguish, he asked the Father to let the mission be accomplished some other way not requiring the agony of crucifixion, when he would become sin and be separated from the Father. The cup of suffering meant the terrible agony he knew he would endure—not only the horror of the crucifixion but, even worse, the total separation from God that he would have to experience in order to die for the world’s sins.

Jesus was not trying to get out of his mission, however. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God wanted by saying, “Yet I want your will, not mine.” Jesus’ human will was distinct from God’s will, but it did not oppose God’s will. His prayer reveals his terrible suffering, but he willingly placed himself in his Father’s hands.

Jesus got up at last from praying—how long he struggled in prayer is not revealed, but the hour was late. Matthew wrote that Jesus went back and forth three times between praying and checking on the disciples, each time finding them asleep. Jesus needed his friends to support him with their prayers, but they were asleep, exhausted from grief. It had been a long day and the reality of Jesus’ impending death left them emotionally exhausted.

Jesus told the disciples that this was the time to get up and pray, for very soon they would face the temptation to run away or to deny their relationship with him. They would need extra strength so that these temptations would not overpower them. The word “temptation” is translated to mean testing or trial. Jesus wanted his disciples to pray for strength to go through the coming ordeal.

Even as Jesus spoke the words about not being overcome by temptation, a mob approached. The leader was Judas, who had gone to the Jewish religious leaders in order to betray Jesus He was at the Last Supper with Jesus and the other disciples and then had abruptly left, apparently to let the leaders know where to find Jesus. Judas came up to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. Judas had told the crowd to arrest the man whom he would kiss.

Apparently the arrival of the mob had awakened the sleeping disciples, and they came fully awake and ready to fight. Peter slashed at the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. Peter may have thought that this was the time to fight, the time to defend themselves, but Jesus told Peter, “Don’t resist anymore.” Peter should put away his sword and allow God’s plan to unfold. Jesus’ time of prayer had made him serene in God’s will. He would comply with God’s plan. So he healed the man’s ear.

Jesus did not resist arrest, his disciples had turned and run, so Jesus was led away to the high priest’s residence, even though it was not yet daylight. The Jewish leaders were in a hurry because they wanted to complete the execution before the Sabbath and get on with the Passover celebration.

In the courtyard outside of where Jesus had been taken, the guards lit a fire, around which the servants and soldiers were warming themselves against the early morning chill. Peter joined the others around the fire. John wrote that this servant girl was acting as a guard at the gate to the inner courtyard. She apparently noticed Peter in the firelight, staring at him. Then the girl realized where she had seen Peter before—he was one of Jesus’ followers.

This put Peter in a difficult position. Standing among the soldiers and servants right there in enemy territory, Peter did not necessarily want to be identified with the man held in an upstairs room, on trial for his life. So Peter made a natural and impulsive response—he lied. “Woman . . .

I don’t even know the man!” Temptation came when Peter least expected it. This serves as a warning to all believers to be prepared. Peter had been ready to fight with a sword, but not to face the accusations of a servant girl.

Peter could run, but he couldn’t hide. He got away from the questioning servant girl only to run into someone else who also recognized him as one of them (one of Jesus’ followers). But Peter again denied it. This time, another bystander heard Peter’s Galilean accent which was closer to Syrian speech than to that of the Judean servants in the Jerusalem courtyard. Thus the group concluded that Peter must have been with the Galilean on trial inside the palace. Peter again replied in the negative, claiming to not even know what they were talking about. These three denials did not occur quickly, one immediately after another. Time elapsed in between, yet Peter could not control himself. As he spoke these words of his third denial, the rooster crowed, signaling the early morning hour.

Peter’s denials fulfilled Jesus’ words to him. When Peter heard the rooster crowing and then saw Jesus turn and look at him (either from the upper story where the trial was being held or as he passed through the courtyard between visits with Annas and Caiaphas), Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him earlier. Peter had indeed denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly. Fortunately, the story does not end there. Peter’s tears were of true sorrow and repentance. Later, Peter would reaffirm his love for Jesus, and Jesus would forgive him.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, I am so very humbled by Your sacrifice. I am so very sorry for the loneliness you wen through in Your greatest hour of need. I understand the weakness of the disciples. I am weak. I understand their lack of disciple. I lack discipline. Lord, in spite of failures and faults I want to remain standing - regardless of who else falls away. Build into me a the disciplines I need. Build into me a humility, so that I never think that I would not/could not fall away. Remind me daily that I am always one poor choice, one wrong action from being just like Peter.

Lord, build these same qualities in to my family and in to the people of COV. Build strong, enduring, faithful persistent and mature people at COV. People who will stay the course and remain faithful to the end.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)