A Willingness to Serve - John 13

Servant-leaders don't stay in sheltered harbors. They are willing to launch out into the unknown in obediednce to God. They are people who are continually being transformed into the likeness of the greatest Servant-Leader of all time. Combine a servant's heart with an obedient will, and you too will become something you may never have been before: a need-oriented, servant-hearted, Christlike leader. And there's always room for more of those!

Standing for the Unpopular - John 12:20-50

Compromise is easy. Standing firm is the stuff of heroes. God's immortal Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 is a roster of believers through the ages who refused to budge in their faith or godly principles. Praise the Lord that we have such a legacy. Ask His help as you confront the pressure to compromise.

The Loving Heart of the Father Revealed - John 12:1-19

In the greatest story ever told, the grandest theme of all is found in one four-letter word: love. All else flows from the love of God - His free gift of life for those who did nothing to deserve it. God expressed His love for us in the precious gift of His Son. How can you, like Mary, express your love for Him in a precious gift in return?

Revival of Life and Hope - John 11

For many, the thought of death can lead only to despair. But for Martha, death became an opportunity for her faith to be stretched and supported by seeing the Master's dominion over death. When death seems dark and frightening, you too can look to the One death could not master. For Martha, seeing was believing. But remember what Jesus said: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed".

The Savior Waits Ahead - John 10

Wherever you may be, if Jesus has brought you there, then He has prepared the way for you. And He has a purpose for your being there. Ask Him to show you what that purpose is.

All the Reason in the World to Worship - John 9:13-41

John 9 describes a story of front-page significance. A man born blind received his sight - a miracle duplicated nowhere in the Old Testament. And this the Phaisees found disturbing. For the more they investigated, the more they were faced with a decision regarding the Sight-giver. They were unwilling to admit in their unbelief what the man born blind was only too willing to acknowledge.

That the Mercies of God Should Be Revealed - John 9:1-12

Why is there so much bad news in the world today? The partial answer is clear: This is a fallen world, corrupted by sin and dominated by Satan. But don't stop! Also ask why there is good news in the world today. God has intervened by sending His Son to break the power of sin and to "purify for Himself a people that are His very own" (Titus 2:14). Through these special people, God wants to demonstrate His power and glory in good times and in bad. Will you volunteer to be that kind of object lesson to your world today?

Freedom - Living As We Ought - John 8:31-59

Freedom is a precious commodity both in the spiritual and physical realms. Meeting with God's people without fear of government interference or retributions is a liberty enjoyed by only a few. Thank God for the privilege of worshiping freely, and pray for believeres elsewhere who are forced to worship secretly.

Light That Pierces the Spiritual Gloom - John 8:1-30

Take away the sunlight which warms and illumines the world, and nothing would live for long. As the sun is to physical life, so the Son is to spiritual life. Without light, life is impossible; without Christ, a person walks in the darkness of spiritual death. Jesus makes this clear when He calls Himself the "light of the world." Worship the Son today for His ministry of light.

Judgment That's Free from Prejudice - John 7

Pastors tend to get a great deal of criticism thrown in their direction. Can you help turn the tables and think of at least one genuine praise you can give your pastor when you next see him? Perhaps you can even call with a word of encouragement or thanks for his ministry to you.

Following Christ for the Right Reasons - John 6:60-71

In John 6 Jesus cuts straight to the heart of the matter: "You are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill". Hard sayings have a way of quickly thinning the ranks of lukewarm followers. Is it because of what you think He can do for you that you call Him "Lord" - or because of who He is?

The Treasure of His Company - John 6:25-59

It is a temptation for Christians to return often to familiar, comforting verses of Scripture, skimming over the demanding passages. Do you take a mental "walk" when Jesus' words are difficult? Remember Peter's conclusion: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Rejoice that even though He demands much, Jesus is your source of life.

A Spiritually Balanced View - John 6:1-24

The way to a balanced view of God is to do what the frightened disciples initially failed to do: look to Jesus and listen to His voice. Only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will be tuned to Christ's words, "It is I; don't be afraid." Once you know the Savior, both paralyzing fear and demoralizing apathy seem strangely inappropriate.

Carefully Searching through His Thoughts - John 5:16-47

Jesus came claiming equality with God - a claim that was either brazenly arrogant, or true. Jewish law required a minimum of two witnesses to validate any testimony. Jesus called upon no fewer than four: the witnesses of John the Baptist; Jesus' miraculous signs; God the Father; and the Sciptures themselves. The fourth is the key to discovering the other three. Diligently, daily, discover Jesus for yourself.

Waiting in the Strength of Hope - John 5:1-15

There are two types of waiting: waiting because you have to, and waiting because you want to. The people around the pool at Bethesda waited because they had to; they needed to bathe in the healing waters. One man had waited years to be healed. But when apporached by Jesus, the man found himself being asked, "Do you want to be made well?"

Learning the Blessedness of Believing Prayer - John 4:27-54

There is something better than receiving from God what you prayed for. That is receiving from God what you should have prayed for...but didn't! Ask the nobleman mentioned in John 4. He asked Jesus to do something great. Jesus answered by doing something miraculous. Aren't you glad God's answers are wiser than your prayers?

Satisfy Your Spiritual Thirst - John 4:1-26

The Samaritan woman had set out simply to get water for household chores. But in the middle of her daily routine, her life was changed because of the time she spent with Jesus. The same can be true in your life. Think about Jesus, sing to Him, listen to Him, answer Him. Tell Him how much you appreciate the way your dullest routine is transformed by His companionship.

God's Solution: A New Birth - John 3

Sin has led everyone astray; apart from the Savior one cannot hope to see the kngdom of God. The answer to life's problems is not a fresh start but a new life - a life made possibe only through the merciful love of Jesus Christ. May we be faithful in sharing with others, as Jesus did with Nicodemus, this life-changing truth.

Completely Committed in All Areas of Life - John 2

After turning water into wine at Cana, Jesus began to attract large crowds. But His head was not turned by His growing popularity. Jesus saw right through the hangers-on. He knew they wanted a steady stream of spectacles, not the challenge of costly discipleship. So Jesus refused to commit Himself to them, for He knew their hearts too well. They failed to realize that the key to discipleship is relationship.

The Witness of the Word - John 1:35-51

As fantastic as Christ's miracles may seem, plenty of eyewitnesses can testify to their truth. However, the problem has never been authentication bbo rather acceptance: getting others to believe the words of the witnesses. You may find it hard to believe all you read about the Son of God. But take it from the testimony of many witnesses: its' true. And that means you'd better believe it when you see it... in God's Word!

Perfect Balance of Grace and Truth - John 1:1-34

It takes a lot of scholars to write an encyclopedia in 18 volumes. It takes the Spirit of God to write an encyclopedia in 18 verses! John's opening words form a virtual "encyclopedia" of truth. It will take you a lifetime - and more - to comprehend fully the depth and breadth of the person John writes about: Jesus Christ.