Having Complete Joy

Jesus call us friends (John 15:14-15). And in John 3:22-4:6, His cohort John the Baptizer says, "The friend who attends the bridegroom (Jesus) waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

Today we see people searching for joy in about every way you can think of. Some ways seem noble and others perverted. But even though some things and people can give us enjoyment, it is always temporary. God is our only source of lasting joy.

Thank God for His reminder through John. Hearing Jesus results in complete, lasting joy.

Open our ears today to hear You, Lord.

A Gift

I was so set up for this. It was struggle writing this morning. "Is this even understandable? Since I'm scaling down to two posts per week, does it even matter?' But the email-article ended up being titled "An Authentic Life" or the idea of being real. That's when stumbling onto this link became more than amazing.

I promise if you take a few minutes to watch and listen, you will be encouraged, warmed and strengthened as Christmas continues. 

An Authentic Life

Nicodemus came to Jesus as a curious sign-seeker. And he came at night.(John 3:1-21) Jesus answered the Pharisee leader's questioning with the puzzling, "I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He went on to say, "I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

But Nicodemus did not get the message at all. Jesus is amazed that "Israel's teacher" does not understand the things of the Spirit.

However, what do we seek when we come to Jesus? Do we just seek natural help (signs for good) with our problems? Jesus is wanting to give us new life in the spiritual realm. Accepting all He has for us is truly Good News. Then we will be able to come to him in the light of day or any old time. Our life will begin to be authentic. Jesus can say of us, "But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God."

Learning to Celebrate!

Can you believe that the very first miracle our LORD does is turning water into wine? (John 2) Even with all the terrible needs and hurting people around, that is what Jesus does first.  

My Sweetheart was just telling me all the pros and cons of whether or not December 25 was Jesus actual birthday. I'm thinking, "How many years was it before I even celebrated Jesus birthday at all?"  We need to learn to celebrate. 

And what a celebration it is if Jesus is present! After His mother mentioned that they were out of wine, Jesus took over and directed the preparations. He had the servants fill six - twenty to thirty gallon stone water pots.That is about 150 gallons! Can you see them muttering about all this useless work? After all the meal was about over. But then when they took the "water" to the head water, it must have been quite a shock:  "You have kept the good wine until now ." 

Folks, we're talking about 900+ bottles of "good" wine. They probably had wine to take home. It is touching to me that Jesus cares about the details of our lives. We can trust Him about "is there enough and will it be good?" But mostly I love how Jesus can teach us to relax and celebrate His love. His love is more than enough!

A Wonder-full Way

Chapter one of John ends in a most strange verse: "He then added, 'Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"  (John 1:29-51) Of course the angels did come and minister to Jesus after His temptations and at Gethsemane. But in John, Jesus is talking to Nathaniel. Was he close enough to see this wonder?

Another possibility comes out of Genesis 28:12-17. Jacob is describing a dream about a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with the angels of God ascending and descending on it. The awestruck Jacob marvels at God's presence as the LORD has just described the details of His covenant with Jacob's family.

But the thing that is so significant to us is the ladder. Our LORD did indeed become that ladder for us to heaven. He came down and bridged the gap so we don't have to earn our way there. He doesn't show us the steps to get to heaven - He is the steps - the Way. Every other religion and self-help program is about steps you have to take. "Jesus is the only One who become the step - to take you." (Ann Voscamp in "The Greatest Gift")

Let's don't miss Him as our Way by performance and preoccupation this Christmas. Let's slow and  toss those to-do lists that wipe out the wonder of His coming. He wants our accessibility not our accomplishments. Come, let us adore Him. 

Preparations Underway

God loves to prepare. And the beautiful book of John begins with the word of preparing for the Light. (John 1:1-28)

John the Baptizer was clearly commissioned to prepare. "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" If you have heard Handel's Messiah lately, You have certainly heard that word. It is from Isaiah 40, and the first soloist (tenor) has amazing job of illustrating the valleys lifted up and the mountains being made low.

As the singer finishes, the audience has the treat of their lives. The whole assembled choir bursts into "And the Glory of the Lord". Isaiah says it this way: "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

God's preparations are amazing! In the beginning the light was first. The prophets then foretold of the true Light that was coming. The angels had to burst into praise to prepare shepherds on His birthday. Then John the Baptizer alerted the people that "He's here."

Even our book of John was written so "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

Lord, make us more like You. May we prepare the way for Your coming to those around us. Come Lord Jesus!

Got an Open Mind?

The friends were gathered and grieving when Jesus appears before their eyes. Startled and thinking they see a spirit, they struggle with "too good to be true" thoughts. (Luke 24:28-53)  And their beloved Jesus keeps saying, "It is I myself!" and showing them His pierced hands and feet.

But "they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement". What off the chart kind of joy!

So Jesus eats a piece of fish in front of them. As they start to understand, He begins to explain the prophecies about Himself. Luke adds that Jesus "opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures". Wow, this is key!

Then they could receive the word of the power (Spirit) from on high that was coming. And later accept His blessing as He ascended to heaven. Worship and joy would continue as they stayed in God's presence (the temple) with praise.

Lord, open our minds to understand Your powerful words. We want to consistently praise You and have Your joy.