John 19

John 19 is so heavy and hard.  I would humbly encourage you to not let the day go by without reading and thinking on this chapter.

"The chief priests answered (Pilot); we have no king but Caesar." (v 15b)  Oh how scary!  This was not just a rejection of Jesus as the Christ, but this was a rejection of Jehovah.  David, Isaiah and Moses referred to God as Melekh, or King 19 times; 48 times in the Old Testament He was the Almighty El Shaddai; 300 times Lord of Lords or Master Addonai.  When the Jews rejected Jesus that day they were rejecting their King.

II John verse 7 says, "Many deceivers have gone out into the World."  Pulling on men of truth, they seek to establish worldly lusts as the king of our minds.  "Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (2 Corinthians 10:12)  Jesus Christ, God in flesh, His cross, His stripes, His death, His resurrection, His Word… that is my joy, my hope, and above any other my King!

Jason Ouellette

John 18

John 18:20-21 and 37

There once was a man who went to many doctors and many hospitals and was still afflicted.  He found a small book about prayer in his garage about and how people with all types of illnesses had prayed to God and he had healed them.  He remembered the stories in Sunday school about the wonderful miracles that God had performed in the Bible.  He started to seek the God who had wrought all those miracles in the Old Testament.  Something led him to a Pentecostal church in the town where he was living.  The second service he attended two people were getting baptized.  An elder in the church motioned him to where he was sitting and told him about Acts 2:38.  The man agreed with the elder that Bible says we should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Jesus was answering the high priest in verses 20-21 how he had taught openly in the synagogue.  The high priest had heard the words that Jesus spoke but he had not heard his voice.  Pilate heard his words but did not hear his voice either, because he asked "What is truth?"

Many people read the Bible and it is simply black and red ink on white paper, but Jesus stated everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.  The young man in the church service not only read the words but heard the voice he had been looking for all of his life.  The voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, let us all remember how blessed we are to have heard his voice and obeyed the truth.

Mike Green

John 17

I was going to quote a specific verse, but a lot of the scriptures in this chapter describe the oneness of God.  There is no arguing with the Bible.  If the Bible says something then whatever it says is true, and no matter how hard you try to argue with it, you will never win.  That is why I wonder sometimes what other people are reading when they say our God is not Jesus and that they are two different people.  There is no telling how many scriptures that prove that Jesus and God are in fact, one.

John 17:25-26 25 "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." 

These scriptures alone, prove that Jesus and God are one. If that doesn't prove it to you then read Isaiah 9:6 6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." In John 17:25 Jesus says "O righteous Father..."  If Jesus says "Father" then why was Jesus being called "The Everlasting Father"? He is also called "The Mighty God". He is called that because Jesus is God in flesh.
    
Marshal McGee

John 16

In chapter 16, Jesus continues to teach His disciples about the Holy Spirit, persecution, and His departure.  He tells them what is to come after He leaves so they will believe Him and not go astray. 

In verse 7 Jesus comforts them with the knowledge of the coming Counselor (Comforter) that He will send to them after He leaves.  This lets the disciples know that He is not leaving them to fight alone.

Verse 13 states "But when he, the spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."  Jesus taught them about the role that the Comforter would be to them.  The Comforter, the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, will guide you into all truth. 

The Holy Ghost will…

Convict the world in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment.

Tell you what is to come (vs.13)

Bring glory to Jesus by taking what is the Lord's and making it known unto us (vs.14)

R.E.A.L. men of God, we are the most blessed.  For we are comforted, counseled, guided, and given knowledge of what is to come by the Spirit of Truth.  The Lord Jesus has not abandoned us, but has given us a personal spiritual guide to see us through every trial and temptation, and encourages us through every time of longsuffering.  He leads us to bear fruits of the Spirit, and leads us as we lead our families.  He is the living water springing up within us, making us joyful.  He is the Prince of Peace living within us.

Without expounding more, I leave with you verse 33, the last verse of the chapter (NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

Cecil Houston II

John 15

What a wonderful chapter about Jesus and our relationship with Him, He is the vine and we are the branches.

Any and every thing that we need, He is the sole provider, and the conduit through which all of our needs will be met.  But the part that reaches out to me starts in v 10.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
KJV

It is one thing for me to say that I am your friend, but a totally different meaning when you say I am your friend.  Then for Jesus, (the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, our Redeemer, Savior, Healer) to call me His friend. I am happy and overwhelmed. But He puts a condition on us being His friends in v 14.

Let's all be Real Men of God and Friend of Jesus, lets all do what He commands us. Let's all love one another, as He has loved us.

Ralph Cain

John 14

Jesus said. " I am the way, the truth, and the life. What a comfort, knowing that He is all things to us, and that He is the life that is within us.

In these writings, we find Jesus telling His disciples that He will send them a helper to abide with them, to guide them and help them in their daily walk. Today we have that same helper, the Holy Ghost dwelling in us, giving us power to stand in a time when it seems that all is falling. 

John 14 is such a great explanation of our doctrine and the fact that He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all in one. If we see and believe in Him, he will fill us with His spirit, bringing us peace.  Helping us in our daily walk. Let's continue to be REAL Men and be aggressive in our worship to our great King today.

Joe Crosson

John 13

13. You call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am
14. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet;
ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

John Chapter 13 is a often quoted source for anyone who wants to find the perfect example of servant hood.  As the case with many scriptures, we often forget their importance and meaning.

Chapter 13 contains three key points.
 First is the example of leadership given by Jesus by the action of washing the feet of his disciples. This task, in it's time, was considered very demeaning and to be done by a servant or slave. Jesus wished to convey the importance of humility, reminding us that we are called to serve all.

Second, Jesus reaffirms his identity in verse thirteen, Stating that he is Lord and Master we as Christians should always remember that he is the God, the Christ and the reason why we are here.

The third is practice, that is to say the continued action of serving one another. This allows the example of Jesus to be fresh in our minds as we go about our business in the church, and in the world.

Taylor Dutton

John 12

9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

These scriptures highlight the role that an average man, who had an intimate relationship with Jesus, had in bringing others to meet Him. The multitudes came not only to see Jesus but to also see Lazarus, one whose life was given back to him.  It was, to me, as if they wanted to affirm Jesus' power by seeing one who was like them who had been transformed.    

We are all a bit like Lazarus.  We were dead in our sin.  Some were even buried by our loved ones, given up on; considered a loss cause.  But, then, Jesus walked in and the stone of our grave rolled away.  He spoke and our bindings were loosed. 

Once we are touched and changed by His Word, others will notice.  Once they notice it is imperative that we continue to behave in a manner that will still attract others to Him.  Once we leave the grave and slough off our stinky, old grave clothes, habits and attitudes, we must strive to live a life that is worthy of the reputation we assume when we take on His name.  

People we once knew will come to see this new Lazarus who was given a new chance at life.  They want to see if his life was truly changed.  As they come to marvel at our new life, let us then introduce them to the one who gave us this great gift, Jesus. 

Keith G. Mathews

John 11

Take away from John 11:27 (NIV), Martha had the same epiphany as Simon Peter did in Matt 16:16 which involved the understanding that Jesus is the "Christ, the Son of God"

Take away from John 11:35(NIV) "Jesus wept" prior to His weeping He was "deeply moved and troubled"(John 11:33-NIV). How much so should we be moved, troubled, and weep for the lost, for family and friends, for one another when we all go through trails, loss, and tribulations? I'm in awe that my savior and Lord wept for the ones He loves, such compassion demonstrated by the Creator of man. From Luther Bible, "Und Jesus gingen die Augen über". Translated, "And Jesus' eyes overflowed".

Take away from John 11:40-41(NIV) Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God". By faith, many were healed from sickness and from death...He gets all the glory. In this life or when you return Lord, either way I'll be healed...faith, faith, faith!

Take away from John 11:49-53(NIV) Caiaphas' prophesied that "...Jesus would die for the Jewish nation and...for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life." Interesting that Caiaphas took upon himself to decide the matter before it was debated. I suspect by his and the agreement of those that supported his decision must have realized that Jesus was the Messiah therefore out of fear of loosing all they had because it was not aligned with Christ's teaching and instruction concluded that death was the only way and that imprisoning, silencing, or banishing would not suffice.

Eric Mock

John 10

7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The culture of that day clearly understood the art of herding and shepherding sheep.  Therefore, Jesus spoke in terminology that the people clearly understood.

I am the door … only through Jesus Christ can man be saved.        Acts 4:12 states - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

Life presents man many doors through which we may choose to enter.  God made us free moral agents to make the chose of which door to enter.  What will be our logic in determining the plan of salvation (the door)?  Will it be family tradition, society approval or what the Bible clearly defines as the only door to salvation, Jesus Christ.

Jesus then clearly defines a good shepherd in verses 1-18 of John 10. 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  Jesus not only knows HIS sheep but also HIS sheep know HIM.  It is not important that we find approval of man, society or culture, but it is important that He (Jesus Christ) knows us and we know HIM.  Is Jesus one of the members of the trinity to you or is He God manifested in the flesh.  John 8:24 states - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.  To Moses, God was the 'I am'.  To Abraham, God was the 'I am'.  Then Jesus declares that he is the 'I am'.

The Jews took up stones again to stone him.  Not because of Jesus' good works but because he (Jesus) being a man, maketh himself God.  John 10:33 - 33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Today and everyday, men let us make sure we are hearing the voice of our good shepherd (Jesus Christ)!

Bob Gougler

John 9

This chapter is all about Jesus healing the man blind from birth and the dissension that it created with the leaders of that day.  The part that stands out to me is Jesus' statement, and I was reminded about Jesus speaking in Matthew 5.

 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

KJV

 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

KJV

From Jesus' own statements, just as he was the light of the world, we are the light of the world, and the works he did, we should do.  Let's be men of the word and a light to the world we live in, so the people that are part of our world may see our good works and glorify our heavenly father.

To do this we must humble ourselves, and follow the teachings in the Bible, and of our capable leadership, and we will see miracles in our lives.

Ralph Cain

John 8

John 8 begins with the account of the woman caught in adultery.  The Pharisees brought her to Jesus to see what his response would be to the question of whether or not to follow the Law and stone her.  Jesus, being the only righteous judge told them to cast the first stone if they were without sin. No one was able to fulfill this request as they each took an inner look at themselves and found they had sin in their lives.  We are no different, and should never judge others as we are no more righteous than they.  We should let the Lord and His very word be every man's judge.

The Pharisees continue to challenge  Jesus in questioning his authority.  We must be careful in this same light.  When we become judgmental of others and the church, the root can usually be traced to having a problem with doctrine. Whether it is the Godhead, salvation, or holiness, we must not let the Pharisee "spirit" cloud our judgment in making us critical of things we should hold dear.

Jesus continues the chapter by making it plainly clear that we have a choice in what we want to believe.  Our actions will let others know who we love and serve.  If we continue in sin, then we are servants of it.  If the Lord is whom we truly love, then we will obey His commandments, not challenging them at every turn as the Pharisees did even unto the point to almost stoning Him.  We will love His word, trusting it with an unfeigned faith that pleases Him.

Have we been critical of someone or something in the church lately?  Maybe we have allowed that Pharisee spirit to invade our inner being.  That spirit only desires to be in rebellion against doctrine truths.  In contrast to that, we ought to let the Holy Ghost fill us up all over again, until we are truly in love with the Lord and all of his holy word.  We need the transforming, renewing power of the Lord every day!

Brother Dwight Chandler

John 7

Jesus goes to the Feast of Tabernacles

 The word Sukkoth means "booths," and refers to the temporary dwellings that Jews are commanded to live in during this holiday, just as the Jews did in the wilderness. The Feast of Tabernacles lasted for seven days and ends on the twenty-first day (3x7) of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which is Israel's seventh month.
(Zondervan)

Jesus teaches at the Feast

John 7:25    At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ ? 27  John 7:27    But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from."
John 7:28    Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him,
John 7:29    But I know him because I am from him and he sent me."

People are now asking is He the Christ ?

John 7:37     On the last and greatest day of the Feast,t<javascript:void(0);> Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

One of the most quoted passages among believers

John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:39  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.


Chief priests and Pharisees  do not believe
John 7:47 "You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees retorted. 48 "Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?
John 7:49     No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them."
John 7:50    Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked,
John 7:51    "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?"
John 7:52    They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee."

Bron Dutton

John 6

Blessed and Broken

John 6:  5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company
come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that
these may eat? 6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what
he would do. 7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is
not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8One
of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9There
is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but
what are they among so many? 10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down.
Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number
about five thousand. 11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given
thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that
were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12When
they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments
that remain, that nothing be lost.13Therefore they gathered them
together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five
barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Try to imagine the following:

1.    The multitude as the church

2.    The disciples as men of God

3.    The loaves and fishes as the disciple's talents/ abilities

In verse 5, Jesus asked Philip (the man of God) how he planned to go
about feeding the multitude (the church). Philip didn't have an answer
and all that Andrew could come up with was five loaves and two small
fish. Now, notice what Jesus did with the food after it was given to
Him.

1.    He gave thanks/ blessed the food

2.    He distributed the food to His disciples/broke it into pieces

If we are going to do anything for God, two events must take place in
our lives. First, we must be blessed, or anointed, by God and second, we
must be broken, or humbled, by God.

It's easy to get excited about the blessings of God, but nobody wants to
be humbled. Consider the following calculation:

Blessings - Humility = Pride

"Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Satan received many blessings, but he became prideful, and pride cost
him his position in heaven.

God knows the human heart better than any of us. Therefore, in order to
protect us from pride, He has to humble us every now and then. Paul
wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:7, "7And lest I should be exalted above
measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me
a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should
be exalted above measure."

If you're going through some difficult situations in your life, just be
thankful that God loves you enough to humble you, for as it says in
Hebrews 12:6, "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every
son whom he receiveth."

Now, notice what happened after the food was blessed and broken by the
hands of Jesus.

11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he
distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set
down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12When they were
filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain,
that nothing be lost.13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled
twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which
remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

If you give your talents to Jesus and allow Him to do whatever He wishes
with them, He can multiply them and use them, through you, to do great
exploits.

Notice that there were twelve baskets of food left over. Allow me to do
one more calculation.

12 baskets of food + 12 disciples = 12 stuffed bellies

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these
things shall be added unto you."

God never fails to feed those who are willing to submit to Him. Just
trust God and believe that "all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."


Jordan Mills

John 5

I want to continue with "The Man on a MISSION"

John 5 v 1-15 we see Jesus again being persecuted/criticized by the Jews for healing the cripple that had laid by the "Sheep Gate" for 38 years. This was a heavy traffic area of the City and Jesus wanted to be seen healing the sick on the Sabbath…he was on a mission.

V16-23 Jesus tells the Jews that the Son can do nothing of Himself but what he sees the Father do. Because he is making himself equal with God they seek even more to kill him… he is on a mission.

V24-30 Jesus is judging on the Sabbath, telling the Jews that he who hears My word and believes in Him who hath sent me will have everlasting life… he is on a mission.

V31-47 Jesus tells them that they search the scriptures to receive eternal life, but will not come to Him, the giver of eternal life because they do not have His Word abiding in their hearts… he is on a mission.

Jesus was on a mission to let the Jews know that he was the Messiah, but they continued to reject him and sought to put him away. This was all a part of his plan. 

As REAL Men, we are adopted Jews, and we KNOW who Jesus is and have His Word abiding in our hearts. When he went away he said "Greater things than these shall ye do because I go unto my Father." We are on the Mission of our Heavenly Father today to fulfill his will in the Earth. Let's continue to be REAL men and be a reflection of Him so we can continue that mission.  

We are on a mission.  Our goal is Heaven.  Our trophy is a crown.  Time is of the essence and now is the not time to abort mission and change our orders. 

Billy Potter

John 4

-Jesus goes through Sycar to get to Galilee from Judea... He did not have to go this way , but he was on a mission.

- He did not have to speak with the woman who was a Sameritan and had no business with Jews because of discrimination and strife between the two groups... he was on a mission.

- He did not have to minister to her and he did not have to tell her about the Holy Spirit... but he was on a mission.

- He did not have to look through her soul and see her sin and tell he who he was... but he was on a mission.

It was then that she was astonished and ran into the city telling the rest of the outcast people who it was that she had met and what he did for her. I thought it was key that she was alone. Could it be that she was alone because she had already been shunned by her peers as well as the other women because of her lifestyle that Jesus so candidly reveals to her.

Its later in the chapter in verse 34 and 35 that the mission is revealed to us. he says that his meat is to do the will of his father (to save the lost) and that the fields are white and ready to harvest if his disciples will just get out in the field.

Jesus was weary and tired when he came to the well to drink--- Are you ever tired from life or maybe even ministry?

Jesus kept his purpose in the forefront of his mind sometimes going out of the way to reach the lost--- Are you on target?

Jesus did not see skin color, culture, racial differences or even physical appearances. He came to set the captives free and save the lost. this means everyone=== Are you loving openly?

Jesus changed the womans life so much that she even left her former life (her watering bucket) behind her when she was ministered to.

Jesus was not shy when ministering and witnessing to this woman-- the truth is empowering! --- Are you fed by the mission of the Lord?

Are we staying on task?

You and I are on a mission! Let's go out of our way. Let's cross racial and social boundaries---Let's be sensitive to the leading of God's still small voice to tell us who we should witness or minister to.

Let us be bold and not be ashamed of the cause we stand for! Let us take this message to the broken the bruised and the outcast. This world has beaten people up and left them bloody and broken. Let's mend their wounds while the fields are white with harvest! Today is the day.

Let's complete our MISSION!... while we still have time

Chase Potter

John 3

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, with standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:  this my joy therefore is fulfilled.  He must increase, but I must decrease." (vs 29,30)

The strongest and most manly thing that John the Baptist did was not eat locusts and wild honey, wear camel skin, or live in the wilderness.  Rather, it was to humble himself before Jesus Christ and fulfill the role that God called him to.

While John's popularity rose and followers gathered, Jesus came on the scene.  All the attention was being diverted and John the Baptist was… thrilled. "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" (Prov 20:6)  The writer of Hebrews calls to us "let us go forth to Him, outside the city, bearing His reproach.  For… we seek the city to come" (13:12)

Our World is one of preeminence and pride.  A man is made by his assertions and his power.  But not so in God's kingdom.  We belong to a group of men that know how to bow and be broken.  As we live a life pleasing to God the World will see, and attention will come.  We have to continually point all glory to Jesus: He must increase.  Let's commit again today to decrease.

Jason Ouellette

John 2

John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Strong Exhaustive Dictionary tells us that the word "believed" means to entrust something, to be entrusted with.

We in our lives have situations and people that we trust, we have circumstances that require us to place confidence and trust in when there seems to be no good reason for trust.  In this situation the disciples of Jesus did now know Jesus except that he called them to change their vocation in life.

This could be like a thought I had the other day.  Suppose the Lord called you to be a preacher.  In that calling he wanted you to go to New York city and stand on the corner in the area of Jewish business establishments and proclaim that the Messiah had come and Jesus was he.  Can you imagine a task that seemed impossible?  That is something similar to what the disciples faced when they "Believed on him."

Where is the bedrock of your belief system?  Whom do you trust more then anyone else?  What is the foundation of your principles of life?

If Jesus is not where you start and stop in your life, nothing else matters.

David DeTar

---------------------

"Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."  I love this story in the Bible.  It reminds me so much of my mother.  Jesus plainly tells her no, but regardless she tells the servants to follow his instruction 'whatever' it is.

Let me pose to you a question.  How did Mary know that Jesus could fill an empty vessel?  Do you think Mary's faith was the result of a heavenly visitation thirty years prior?  I certainly don't.  I think somewhere along the way, some how, Mary was close enough to find out that Jesus could make new and beautiful out of great emptiness.

I like to imagine a household pet that was never dead long, or maybe some split pea and ham soup that turned to cheese and macaroni.  Maybe as a young man, he picked up the crying child with a bloody knee and literally kissed it and made it all better.

Somehow Mary was close enough to Jesus that she KNEW He was the Christ.  She had experienced the wonder enough to say follow whatever.  Are we that close to Him?  It's in the House of the Lord, in the early morning prayer closet, and in the family devotion that Jesus reveals himself to us.  And it is through those revelations that we find the faith to stand and point to the only One who can keep us from falling!  Let's find ourselves near Him today.

Jason Ouellette

John 1

This passage of scripture has so much meat in it. So many powerful and beautiful principles. When I started studying for this take away, I had a difficult time focusing my concentration on one portion of it. I want to do this passage justice but I fear I will barely scratch the surface of all that it holds.

What I love about this passage of scripture is that it is so fundamentally sound. There is no other passage or individual scripture in the Bible stating so conclusively the evidence of the Bible being the thoughts of God. Verse 1 plainly says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." His Word was, is, and will always be the foundation upon which we, as men, can stand. It is unwavering, unchanging, and steadfast.

I can remember times when I have needed instruction and direction in my life; a crucial decision; a perplexing moment; a dry period in my spiritual life. In all of these things I have been able to find solace, strength, and peace in His Word. It truly is, as David said in Psalm 119:105, "…a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." To many this concept is so simple. But all too many times, it is the easiest to overlook. Many of our problems would be solved if we only would turn to His Word and principles contained within those leather-bound pages. We as REAL men serving the living God must remember that it is in Him we live, we move, and we have our being.

Thank you Lord for such an explicit map as to how I should live my life. I will never cease to thank you for all that your word is to me.

Donley Gandee

Luke 24

What I got from this chapter is that as humans we have a hard time believing in anything we can not see.  Like the two men walking along struggling to understand what it all meant.  Jesus saw their confusion and could tell they needed help, so he did what he came to do.  He joined them and began to explain his resurrection through the scriptures and by the end of their time together he had opened their eyes.

When Jesus appeared to his disciples at first they were frightened, and they thought they were seeing a spirit, but then he began to explain to them what was in the scriptures.  What a difference in the way they acted before and after the resurrection.  They were afraid of their own shadow and after the resurrection they became invincible.

Leaders find a way to lead when faith returns.  It is never a question with any of us of faith or no faith, the question always is in what or who do we put our faith.  Faith is not a pill you take, but a muscle you use.

Gene Wells

Luke 23

On Dec 7, 1941 President Roosevelt broadcast for all of America and the rest of the world to hear; "this is a date which will live in infamy," when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. That was a day when literally thousands of men and women died. Just what did they die for?  Our country was not at war, so were those deaths justified?  History has gone on to show just exactly how this country responded then when it was attacked.

Now let us go back to that day in Luke 23 when Jesus stood totally alone. Pilate sought to release Jesus, find someone else to take responsibility for the decision. The way that I read it Pilate sought every avenue to get out from under this responsibility. He tried to change the mind of the people, sought help from an old enemy Herod. He tried to administer a lesser sentence of punishment. All to no avail, because Pilate was not in charge, Jesus was.

Jesus died for the whole world, he did not try to select or choose who he was to die for, because it was for the whole of mankind. That is truly a date that has made infamy.

Bro McLaughlin stated as the last communion service for the Men's prayer meeting, we cannot take the body and blood of Jesus lightly or for granted. We must, I repeat must keep in mind the sacrifice that Jesus willingly gave for us.  See 1 Cor 11:26-28

We the REAL men of this last days of the church are called to remembrance of what sacrifice was given for our redemption.

So let us hold His Day of Infamy Holy, because it is a day to be remembered everyday.

David DeTar

Luke 22

There are so many emotional highs and lows in this chapter of Luke. Something that jumps out to me through each story is a cry of 'being ready'. Not every story ended pleasantly, but the implication is there nonetheless.

In vs 4, Judas conferred with the chief priests to plot to kill Jesus. "JUDAS! BE READY!"

In vs 13, Peter and John found the upper room just as Jesus described. "PETER and JOHN! BE READY!"

In vs 23, all the disciples questioned who would betray Jesus. "DISCIPLES! BE READY!"

In vs 24, they questioned who would be greatest. Again, "DISCIPLES! BE READY!"

In vs 33, Peter thinks he's ready to 'go with Jesus to death' and Jesus tells him he will deny Him. "PETER! BE READY!"

In vs 38, the disciples think they have enough supplies for the road. "DISCIPLES! BE READY!"

In vs 46, Peter, James and John were to be praying, but they slept. "DISCIPLES! BE READY!"

In vs 53, Jesus wanted to know why the men didn't capture Him before now. "EVILDOERS! BE READY!"

In vs 62, Peter wept when he heard the rooster crowing, remembering Jesus' words. "PETER! BE READY!"

In vs 71, the Sanhedrin said they heard enough from Jesus about who He said He was. "PEOPLE! BE READY!"

Men, we should be ready to listen to the voice of God when he says to go and find a man bearing a pitcher of water, follow him and make ready for the Passover—that's our faith in God. We should be ready when He tells us to get 'supplies' for the road—that's our daily walk with Him. We should be ready when people ask if we are one of His disciples and not be ashamed—that's our testimony and who we are! 

As REAL men, we should be constantly watching, praying and witnessing. We should be making ready for His return. The world doesn't understand like we do, the urgency of making sure we are ready when He returns. Jesus said in vs 70 when they asked if He was the Son of God—"You rightly say that I am." HE IS!

Men, let's be challenged today in our walk w/God about getting ready and staying that way. Once we know we are ready, let's get our homes ready, our wives and children. Then let's tell the world to BE READY!

Tim Jacobs

Luke 21

Jesus is addressing the disciples concern about the end time. Jesus states the signs will be wars, and rumor of wars, nation against nation, His people will be persecuted by rulers, our own family members, and friends. He even says that some will die.

It is easy for me to become concerned of the unknown. I know that my human nature whats to know exactly what will happen to my family and myself. Will I be persecuted and if so what will I go through? Will I be separated from my family? Will I be ready for the day Jesus returns?

I then have to stop and remember that I am not guaranteed another moment so I have to make sure that I am living right, right now. Jesus gives me comfort in verses 14,15, 34-36. I just have to make up my mind to make sure all questions are settled, and to be totally sold out to Him, and He will take care of me.

Randal Sheppard

Luke 20

22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?
23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

I'm sure we've all heard the highlighted verse in one context or another, often having to do with tithe and offering and our responsibility to respect those in authority over us. But, I want to give a little different slant on the subject and hearken back to lessons our Pastor has taught several times over the years (after all, repetition is the key to learning).

We are to be stewards of our time, our talent, and our treasure. In all of those things we also have a responsibility to render unto Caesar what is his. Caesar could represent our employer and how we are to accomplish our job responsibilities while on the employers' time and using our talents. Caesar could also represent our government and creditors and our responsibility to pay our bills and taxes (boooooo).  Caesar could represent any wholesome activity we have committed ourselves to (such as charity work, side jobs, donating to the T-Bone Go Fishing More Often Fund). After all, by accomplishing these things in view of "the world" we are showing Christ through us. But, let us not forget our responsibility to render unto God the things that are his.

Our time, our talent, and our treasure all come from God anyway, so with a cheerful attitude we need to be willing to give back a portion from all of those areas. I'm thankful to be a part of a bunch of men that fully understands the health of the Church depends on our willingness to sacrifice in all of these areas.

Thom Creel

Luke 19

om‧nis‧cience
om‧nis‧cient
Pronunciation [om-nish-uhnt]
–adjective
1.     having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things.
–noun
2.     an omniscient being.
3.     the Omniscient, God.

Luke 19

Brothers, I want to talk about so much that is in this chapter that I could go on for days (which I have been guilty of!).

What I want to focus on here is the omniscience of God!

Verses 5, 6
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Said unto him, Zacchaeus ...

The Lord's omniscience, His perfect knowledge, not only knew the name of the man in the tree, but also knew the state of his heart.
Was he identified prior to his climbing in the tree..NO. Did he state his intentions prior to climbing in the tree.. NO.
Jesus had known this before he even climbed the tree. WOW! This is shown many times in the Word,

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (Matthew 12:25)

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me? (Matthew 22:18)

Behold, I tell you beforehand (Matthew 24:25)

But Jesus perceiving their reasoning's, answered and said unto them, Why reason ye in your hearts? (Luke 5:22)

But he knew their thoughts (Luke 6:8)

Verses 29, 30
And it came to pass when he drew nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, saying, Go your way into the village over against you; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him.

in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied... How did the Lord know this colt would have been tied up and has never been ridden? Because of his of His omniscience that's how!
Was this pre-arranged? Even if it where, he would have to known the exact moment in time to send for it.. Omniscience!

Verses 41-44
And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, when thine enemies shall cast up a bank about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall dash thee to the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Jesus knew the city would be destroyed! He even wept knowing of all this destruction!... Omniscience!

In conclusion.. Jesus knows it all, He knew he would be denied by his own people, He knew of his own flogging, He knew he would be crucified!
He knows our thoughts, He knows our hearts.. Jesus (God) is Omniscient.
Let's be REAL men and keep his Word and his Teachings in our thoughts and in our hearts!

Larry Birchfield

Luke 18

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week,  I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (vv 10-14)

Picture with me if you will this Pharisee, this man of prestige praying out loud and thanking God that he is such a good man. His every word is coated with arrogance. His attitude is one of complete self-righteousness. He is consumed with how "great" he is.

The bible clearly states that God resists those who are proud. James 4:6 says this, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." I want to be like the publican who stood at a distance and bowed his head before God, crying out for mercy. He was not egotistic. He did not think that God owed him anything. He simply understood what we all must understand, and that is the fact that we NEED God! We are human and all make mistakes. No matter how big or small our mistakes may be, in every situation we need God. We are nothing without Him. We would not even be here if it wasn't for God.

We must humble ourselves before God, and realize that He is everything. Humility is the key that unlocks the door to the vault were grace and mercy are stored. God resists the proud! Lord let us be men of humility!

Ryan Denard

Luke 17

When we are obedient to the word of God our faith is increased. We must trust that God's word never changes and what He says he will do, He will do.

The lepers were unclean, they were outcast from society, and they were taken from their families and homes forced to live in solitude.  When the lepers saw Jesus they cried out "have mercy on us." What they were really saying was Lord have pity on us, we need you to do a work in our lives.

We must come to the realization that we need Jesus. We can do nothing without God. I'm sure that after Jesus healed the lepers their faith was increased. Think about it, if God has healed you, or a family member, if God has provided you with a job, or whatever God may have done for you that no one else could, your faith is increased.

You faith beforehand may have been on empty so to say, but once God works the miraculous your "gas tank" of faith is on full! We must trust God in every situation that He will work it for our good. If your faith is on empty, if it seems like nothing is gonna work out for you, just remember the words of Jesus. If we would but have the faith of a mustard seed we can move mountains! Lord increase our faith.

Rev. Mark Denard

Luke 16

Faithfulness
Jesus is speaking to his disciples on their "Faithfulness" or work-ethic.  And he tells them through a few hypothetical questions, that they should be faithful in a humble position in verse 10.  "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." And they would automatically be exalted, in due time, as Luke chapter 14:11 states. "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Matthew tells us to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which as in heaven." Matt.5:16.  And if we have been faithful to our jobs "the unrighteous mammon" God will commit to our trust His TRUE riches! 16:11

Verse 12 speaks on honesty at work. "And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?" If you squander your company's money and get fired there won't be a paycheck coming on Friday. Also Christians are to be an example to the world. If we don't have a good work-ethic some people might doubt the faithfulness of our God.  So lets all go and shine our lights to the world.

Bryant Waller

Luke 15

Luke,  chapter 15, verse 1-3  finds Jesus talking to a mixed group of people,
Publicans, sinners, Pharisees and Scribes.  The Scribes and Pharisees were griping about Jesus visiting and eating with the sinners.
Those people with their self righteous attitudes did not know who they were speaking to and they did not know He came to Earth to save their souls as well as souls of sinners. (1 Tim. 1:15 it says Jesus Christ came to the world to save the sinner.)
Jesus states 3 parables to this group of people. 

   1)  parable of the one lost sheep: 
A man had 100 sheep.  He lost one in the wilderness.  Having left the 99 he searched diligently for the one  lost sheep.  When he found it he held it in his arms and rejoiced . 
In verse 7 it tells us all heaven rejoices when one sinner repents.
Thank God that one day you and I repented.

    2) parable of the lost piece of silver:
A woman lost a coin which history tells us it was probably worth a days' wages.   The woman had 10 pieces of silver and she lost one piece, she also searched diligently until she found it.  She called all she knew and they all rejoiced.  Again in verse 10 there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.

   3)  The parable of the lost son:
A man had 2 sons.  The youngest son decided he wanted his inheritance so he said "Give me what is mine so I can do what I want to do."  The father did.  The young man left and went to a land far away.  He wasted his inheritance on wild living.  He had no money, no food and he was living in a hog pen.  He thought to himself that the servants back at his fathers house lived better than he did. He decided to go home and tell his dad he had sinned against heaven and against him.  He was humbled before his father.  He never expected fine clothes and a feast in his honor but that is what he got. He was surprised his father had compassion on him.  He did not realize his father had a son lost but he was now found.  The older son was very jealous of his brother.   His father explained to him why he was so happy to have both sons with him.  In Song of Solomon 8:6 it states that jealousy is as cruel as the grave.  On a personal note:   In Acts 10:34 Peter said God is no respecter of persons but I believe that he is a respecter of attitudes.  We must watch our attitudes in our daily walk with the Lord. 

Kirk Fults

Luke 14

(vs) 28 : For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?


How often do we need to count the cost?  Do we count it once and then dive right into ministry?  Is counting the cost a life long pursuit throughout our ministry?   Is it a burden?
Is it a blessing?  Is counting the cost a rigid standard that can be used to discourage, or to encourage ministry effort's?

I'm not going to pretend to have the answer's. To be honest, I have more questions than answer's when it comes to ministry and life in general. That's why when a dozen or so guys on a Tuesday night look to me for answer's, I take them straight into the word of God.  It's all I have and it's all I need.

I believe the answer's to the above questions can only be found in the size of your burden.
I'm not even going to share my choice of answer with you, it will simply not be the same as yours. Instead, let's look at what Jesus had to say before he made this statement.

Jesus always lead by example. From the beginning of this chapter, He is showing us that the more the world hates us ( James 1:8 ) the more they will go out of their way to follow us (vs 1). They will watch every move we make, so check your daily walk. Only by observing us will they learn what true joy and freedom are all about. I say, let them watch.

Jesus goes on to show that sometimes He needs to take us (vs 4) and drain the poison that causes us to swell and become spiritually bloated. (Dropsy was a condition that caused build up of fluid in the body, today called edema.)  Yield to the healing hands of God and then get busy about your Father's business.

When the world sees the glory of God in your life, they will stand speechless and not be able to refute what has been done (vs 6).  In their heart's they are crying out for the hope that you have.  Open yourself up and just pour it out on them !

Being a humble servant Himself (John 13:5, Mat 20:28) Jesus moves on to instruct us on the importance of humility and the rewards that go along when we truly embrace it (vs 11.)

This next section is key for us as a church as to who we are reaching for and where we may have to go to find them (vs 13-23). God's vision for His church was not one where only the elite gathered . We need a disciple factory, where we reach into the gutter of humanity and help to make jewels out of junk. There are no disposable people, they all have potential and since Jesus is in the renewal business, we must be as well!

Jesus is not into mere numbers and He does not want a crowd who are only interested in the loaves and fishes. His vision for a church was not in a multitude but a movement of people who know how to carry crosses and burdens! (vs 26 -27).

So to recap, before vs 28 Jesus said that we must keep walking worthy, and let him rid us of the unwanted material that would cause our lives to become bloated, ultimately weighing down the church. He said that we need to be humble servants that would reach for the poor, maimed, lame and the blind. (We all fit one, or more of those qualifications before we were called out). That we would need to go into places that we really don't want to go in order to reach for that one. Basically out of our comfort zone. And that IQ and heritage do not matter, only the ability to give it all away to God and be all we can in Him.

I'm not a scholar but that sounds about right.

Let's look at vs 28 from another point of view. The cost that you need to always count is the price paid at Calvary. When you learn to see the world from the point of the cross, it's easier to catch the vision and then catch on fire! Jesus died so His church can be empowered in His name to rise up, to meet an advancing enemy that outnumbers us two to one (vs 31.) Just empty yourself and be filled with the power to become more than a conqueror!

The last piece of instruction that Jesus gave to us in this chapter was to stay salty. What we need right now is some REAL salty  men from Euless to give this world a little Holy Ghost flavor! Salt was used for various purpose's in the ancient middle east. One of those purpose's was to start fires. If we will purpose ourselves to stay salty, God will use us as the catalyst for revival, and it will be a bonfire unlike the world has ever seen!

1 Cor 2:9  But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for him who loves Him.

Robert MacPhee Jr

Luke 13

Luke 13:31

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." (NIV)

At times when we are in the will of God we hear a direct command from the enemy saying, "Leave this place and go somewhere else." The enemy uses frightful words with empty meanings to some how shake us up and regress in our work for the Lord, but we must as children of God take a stand in the territory He has given us.

The Pharisees expected to see a circumstantial Jesus who would run in the sight of danger, but the truth of His word was too powerful to be moved by a crowd of white washed tombs.  The response Jesus gave them confirms this.

He replied, "Go tell that fox, I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal." In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!" (vv 32,33)

No matter what may be said or plotted against us, it will have no effect; for the will of God must be carried out. It was prophesied in Isaiah and Jesus himself proclaimed how the enemy can not penetrate the standards of God.

Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  

And in the midst of opposition Jesus carried out what he said he was going to do. We must have the standards of God in order to stand as Jesus did and move forth in our calling. So today we (the children of God) in the face of adversity will carry out what was spoken in our lives, for the glory of His kingdom, until we have reached our goal.

Mike Creel