The Touch

Jesus is on a mission. He says,"for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me." (John 8:39-59)  Sadly, His people do not understand. They can not really hear Him through their preconceived idea of a Messiah. But He is still the One sent to them.

We are sent people. Matthew records the Great Commission as Jesus' last words: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."   So we are to go in His authority and in His power. (Acts 1:8)

It's likely some will not understand the love and good news we have to share. But to those God is calling and who are ready to hear, we have the opportunity to give life!

What a thrilling prospect. Oh Lord, today put someone in my path that is reaching out - for You. Help me take that next step and be Your touch. 

Free Indeed!

Only Jesus can free. We've tried so many other plans. Good programs. Well thought out opportunities - as if money and better looks and wiser actions can make all the difference.

In John 8:26-38 Jesus says to His followers, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” In other words, “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” (The Message) 

What a glorious thought to be free from the lies of the enemy. Free from old self- destructive habits. Free from negative, bitter, "poor me" thinking. Free to really live the moments of life today that He has given us.

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Lord, help us to open up to Your truth and freedom.

No Condemnation

Can we believe Jesus? It's what he said to the woman caught "in the very act" of adultery: "And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either.” (John 8:1-20) 

The Pharisees thought they had pulled together their big triumph over Jesus. (Who cares about that woman.) But their self righteous hypocrisy became their undoing: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". 

And Jesus cared about the woman. She had called Him Lord. So He said, "Go. From now on sin no more." In other words, "You are free".

And Jesus cares about us. Oh, to learn the truth that condemnation (especially in our own heads) is from the enemy! "Therefore no condemnation now exists for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)  So self condemnation (You messed up again. You are one big failure.) is a lie from the Father of Lies. The enemy condemns, the Spirit convicts to lead to change - big difference. 

When we give ourselves to Jesus as Lord, we are adopted into His family -  His sisters and brothers. That makes us free in Him. Let's live today in that reality. No condemnation!

The Light of Life

I love light. The house we are in now has crazy windows all over the place! In John 8:1-20 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Most all of God's creation is drawn to light. Warm fires, dawn, sunshine, smiles seem to brighten our days. The light of Jesus must be the most desirable. The Message version words it, "I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in."

Light is necessary for growth. Even though God's light may reveal some ugly places in our lives, we need His light and truth so the uglies can be addressed and redeemed. We can move on and grow.

Let's warm up to the light of our Lord and His word today. No matter where we've been, we can trust Him to encourage us. (Just as he did the woman caught in the act of adultery with "Neither do I condemn you".)

Living in this light of His causes us to glow also: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

Need a Drink?

He's getting to the end of His time here. So on the last great day of the week long "campout" feast, Jesus stands up and cries out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:32-52)

Those who understood Him heard "come" and "drink" to mean "keep coming to Me and keep drinking". It is not a "one shot" deal or even a once a day deal. It is a continual looking to and receiving of the life-critical nourishment of grace that He wants to pour out to us. And every single problem, disturbing thought, or reason to praise is our signal to come.

What is the result of this consistent nourishment? "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” We are not talking a dribble, or stream or even a river of life. We are talking rivers of living water that will come from us. This must surely be the abundant life!

And as Jesus details: "But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive;".

Lord, remind us to keep coming to You this day. We are thirsty and so need Your Spirit and life giving drink. We look forward to being rivers of life to others.