Today's Bible reading is the 18th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18&version=NASB

It was a night raid of sorts. With lanterns and torches to light the night as they traveled "over the ravine of the Kidron" to the garden where Jesus was with eleven of His disciples, Judas accompanied the Roman cohort and the officers from the chief priests and Pharisees as they came to arrest Jesus. Judas was "betraying" Him by disclosing the location of the garden and leading them there. Judas had been to "the garden" before as we read that Jesus would often meet with His disciples there. Bringing those seeking to arrest Jesus to this secret place under the cover of darkness and away from the crowds was exactly the opportunity that they had wished for. In addition to the lanterns and torches we read that this group of men also possessed weapons. Undoubtedly the weapons were intended to be used for overcoming any resistance they may have met. Beside Peter's impulsive act of cutting off the ear of the high priest's slave, Malchus, there would be no resistance. Jesus would not permit it. His hour had come. As He had earlier prophesied, He was being delivered into the hands of sinful men as ultimately He was being "delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God". Had it not been for this Divine plan, no number of Roman soldiers and assisting officers from the high priests and Pharisees would have been sufficient "man power" to arrest Jesus. We see this when those who were there to arrest Jesus that night said they were seeking Jesus the Nazarene. Simply be saying, "I am He", the scripture says that they all drew back and fell to the ground. No, He was not being arrested against His will, He was about to give "His life a ransom for many." Praise God.

Today's Bible reading is the 17th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17&version=NASB

Today's scripture reading contains what is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although we find much of the prayer to be specific to His disciples, we find great comfort and joy in verse twenty where Jesus says to the Father, "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word". That includes me and you! It is quite a significant matter to consider that Jesus had prayed for me before He died for me. He likens believers unto Himself as being those "not of the world" as He was not of the world. As we see in today's passage, because the world hated, or should I say in the present tense, hates Him, those who believe in Him are also objects of the world's hatred. This truth is repeated for us elsewhere also. Often times we wish to respond to this "hatred" or opposition to Christ and Christian virtues by removing ourselves from the world. But Jesus prayed not to take us out of the world but to protect us "from the evil one". The struggle has long been that of living in the world but refraining from living like the world, loving the world and feeling at home in the world. A final short thought from today's chapter is the stark reminder in verse three. Eternal life is knowing "the only true God, and Jesus Christ" whom He has sent. In a world full of gods and religion, there is only one "true God" and His Son Jesus Christ. This truth is unalterable by men. Having billions of people believe in another god does not make the god true. I rejoice in His gracious favor bestowed upon me that I might know the "true God" and His Son Jesus.  

Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16&version=NASB

With sorrow filling their hearts at the thought of Jesus leaving them, He told his disciples that it was actually to their advantage that He go away. I can only imagine that they considered His leaving anything but an advantage for them. But Jesus told them that it was indeed the truth. His leaving would be to their advantage because it would mean the coming of the Helper. If He did not leave the Helper would not come. But if Jesus left, Jesus Himself would send the Helper. As God the Father had sent the Son out of love, God the Son would send the Holy Spirit. As Jesus had not spoken on His own initiative, the Holy Spirit would also not speak on His own initiative. Jesus then begins to explain how the Helper would help and I would like to note just a couple of things during these brief thoughts. First of all, Jesus said that He would convict the world of sin. We often don't think of being convicted of sin as a provision of "help", but oh how much men need help from God in this matter. Absent this gracious ministry of the Helper we would be utterly overtaken and consumed by sin. Another title He gives to the Helper is the "Spirit of truth". As such, Jesus said that He, the Spirit of truth, would guide us into all truth and that He would glorify Christ. Our world is starved for truth. We ought to be thankful and overjoyed to know that the Spirit would guide us into truth. And as we are guided into truth, Jesus Christ, who is The Truth, will be glorified.

A Sainthood from God

Much is being made of the current Pope set to have the Vatican declare two former Popes as having attained the status of being "Saints". Before going to bed tonight, the last news headline I read was titled "Countdown to canonization of John XXIII, John Paul II". I have long believed that the erroneous teachings of the Catholic church are a testimony of the grace and patience of God as He allows them to carry on their blasphemous ways. As I considered their practice of "canonization" and the declaration of "sainthood" upon one man by other men, I couldn't help but consider the contrast of Biblical truth. Long before Pope Francis had it in his mind to perform this "double ceremony", to be more precise, about 31 years ago, God Himself, not any man or institution of men, called me to be a saint in Christ Jesus. I find my sainthood in Him and not in my own good works, miracles or intercessions. I am a saint because I am in Christ. I am a saint because of the good works that He has done, because of the miracles that He has performed and because of His intercession for me. I'm not a saint because of the things I have done but a saint because of His name. Without worldly fanfare and "Papal pomp", my declaration of sainthood in Jesus was in the quietness of my heart and soul. No cameras, no "live streaming video" and no large gathering of people to celebrate me. Just angels in heaven rejoicing as this sinner became a saint because of the efficacious work of Christ on Calvary's cross. Praise God that my sainthood is not bestowed upon me by men but is a gracious gift of God that He has bestowed upon me through His Son. Amen!

Today's Bible reading is the 15th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15&version=NASB

In today's passage we read of the Vine, the Vinedresser, the branches and fruit. It is important to note that God the Son is the Vine and God the Father is the Vinedresser. We are the branches and the fruit would include the good works that "God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Eph 2:10). I am a branch with the inability to produce fruit on my own. But the Vine is capable of producing fruit in and through me (a branch) as I abide in Him. Oh, the importance of abiding in the vine! Without Him we can do nothing but as we abide in Him we can bear much fruit. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" we read in Philippians 4:13. Fruit bearing is not for self exaltation but much appreciation is had when the Father is glorified. Although I do not have time to write on all matters related to this chapter I feel compelled to rejoice in the 13th verse where we find Jesus saying, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." I am so thankful for knowing the One who possesses the "greater love" and for being His forever friend and brother because He laid down His live for me.

Today's Bible reading is the 14th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14&version=NASB

There are so many wonderful truths spoken of in the 14th chapter of the beloved apostle’s Gospel! A promised dwelling place in heaven, Christ’s promised return and reception of His Church.  In a sense, the words spoken by Jesus in the 6th verse could be considered the standard of the Christian faith, the foundational truth of what we believe.  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” He said, “no one comes to the Father but through me.” We read of the truth that to know Jesus is to know the Father. As the Hebrew author wrote concerning Jesus; He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature. We have the promise of answered prayer, the promise of “another Helper”, the Holy Spirit, who is also called the Spirit of truth. Oh how thankful we should be for the Helper, the Spirit of truth and the promise that we have Him forever! Daily we are in need of the Helper’s influence in our lives and daily we are in need of revealed and sustained truth. In the chapter we see Jesus teaching on the relationship between loving Him and keeping His commandments and we see Him living this truth as He did “exactly as the Father commanded” and that He did not even speak on His own initiative. As wonderful as those truths are, it is a repeated phrase that I would like to ask you to ponder. It is seen in the 1st verse and again in the 27th  verse of the passage. “Let not your heart be troubled” our Savior said. Having partaken of flesh and blood and dwelling among men, Jesus saw first- hand the reality of troubled hearts. I consider it a precious truth that He does not wish for His children to have troubled hearts. Consequently, in the first verse He says, “believe in God, believe also in me.” There is no doubt that believing God and believing His Son is necessary to rid the heart of life’s troubles. And in verse 27 we find that He has actually left behind His peace as a gift for us. Not a peace like the world gives but a peace given by the Prince of Peace.  

He Uses The Same Soap

In John's Gospel account of the Lord's Supper, we have the great story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. After getting up from supper, preparing Himself for the task and pouring water into a basin, we read that Jesus began to wash the disciples' feet. When He came to Peter, Peter rhetorically asked Him, "Lord do You wash my feet?" After Jesus tells him that he will understand what He is doing later on, Peter tells Him, "Never shall you wash my feet!" Jesus responds again by telling Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Peter answers back, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." With words that teach an enduring lesson of truth, Jesus then tells Peter, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean". Of course the lesson that Jesus is teaching is one of great spiritual significance. The one who has believed in Jesus, the one who by grace and through faith has been "born again", has been "bathed". He or she has been washed clean by the precious blood of Jesus. But we still walk around in a world where sin is ever present and we still have the need to come to Jesus to "wash our feet". No, we need not "bathe again", just wash our feet. It is not a matter of salvation but of sanctification. I fear that too often we rejoice in the lack of our needed to be cleansed all over again and we forget of our need to wash our feet. As I thought about this it occurred to me that God uses the same "soap" to wash our feet that He uses to first bathe us and make us clean. Spirit led, my pastor does a great job of preaching and teaching the word of God. On most Sunday's the majority of the people in church are in need of having their feet washed. Like Peter, they represent those who have been bathed already. Of course, I always assume that there is a small number of those who are needing first to be bathed clean. Because God uses the same soap, my pastor need only preach Christ and Him crucified. He need only preach the matters of "first importance". He need only preach the word. God the Holy Spirit will use His word to wash the feet of one and use the same word to bathe and make entirely clean another. I am thankful that He uses the same soap. A soap that has made me "completely clean" and can one which can cleanse my feet.

Today's Bible reading is the 13th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013&version=NASB

Today's text reminds me that Jesus never exhorted His disciples to do anything that He Himself had not done before their very eyes. I would like to note a couple of examples from today's chapter of scripture. Teaching them them the higher calling of a servant-hood, Jesus washed the disciples feet this final night that He spent with them. As the Lord and Teacher had washed their feet, He called upon them to do as they had seen Him do, to wash one another's feet and to be a servant of all. As believers we are also reminded of a "grace truth" as we read the feet washing account. In Christ and through the power of His blood we are clean. We have been "bathed". But like the disciples, whose feet became dirty as they walked the dusty roads of life, periodically needing to wash their feet, .As He taught them this night He said something that I must mention briefly because of its implied significance. In the 17th verse Jesus says, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." Knowledge is one thing while practice is another. When the Spirit of God takes our acquired knowledge of Christ-likeness moves it from our heads to our hearts and actions we are greatly blessed. Oh, the blessedness of Christ living in us! And here is one more example of Christ living that which He called His disciples to do. In verse 34 He tells them that He is giving them a new commandment. They are to love one another, as He had loved them. If we go back to the first verse of the chapter we see a statement describing how He had loved them. We read there that "He loved them to the end". May our love for one another be likened unto the enduring love of Christ.

Today's Bible reading is the 12th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12&version=NASB

Out of love for His friend and to glorify His Father, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Such a miracle had caused quite a commotion. We read that a large crowd of the Jews had come to Bethany to see both Jesus and Lazarus, the one He had raised from the dead. God had clearly used the miracle to testify to the truth of His Son and we see that many Jews who had come to Bethany came to believe in Jesus. And so God was glorified. Lazarus, finding himself the recipient of this wondrous miracle, experiencing the joy of life and fellowship with Jesus again, now faced a far different problem. On account of people believing in Jesus as a result of Lazarus being raised from the dead, ironically Lazarus would now become a target of the chief priests in their plan to put him to death. As His popularity increased and as people were moved to testify about Him, the religious leaders were driven further by their jealousy and envy to plot how they might kill Jesus. As they said to themselves that "the world has gone after Him", they became more determined to put a stop to His influence on the world, a world in which they did not wish to yield what they felt was theirs to anyone. To be sure, God would use the religious leaders to accomplish His perfect will. Jesus would die and I have no doubt that Lazarus would again experience physical death. But as we saw in yesterday's passage, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Jesus would rise on the third day and one day Lazarus, although now having been in the grave for more than two thousand years, will enjoy the resurrection benefits of believing in Jesus. And God will be glorified.

Today's Bible reading is the 11th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11&version=NASB

Near Jerusalem, in the village of Bethany, lived Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus.The account of Lazarus' death and of Jesus calling him forth from the tomb is one of the more well known stories in the entire Bible. We read in today's text that Jesus had a special relationship with Lazarus and his two sisters. It simply and without hesitation says that He loved them. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus, telling Him that their brother was sick. It seems evident that they had anticipated He would come and make Lazarus well. It is equally clear that Jesus delayed coming until after Lazarus had died in order that God would be glorified in the matter. When Jesus did arrive we see Martha saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus tells her that her brother will rise again and when Martha answers back, saying that she knows that Lazarus will rise again in the resurrection on the last day, Jesus speaks some of the greatest words of hope found in scripture. "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die". It is difficult to find the words to adequately describe the wonder of those words. Because He is the resurrection and the life, I will live even if I die. Because I have believed in Him by grace and through faith, I will never die! After those words were spoken Jesus then asked, "Do you believe this?" What an appropriate question to consider after yesterday's Easter celebration. Do you believe in Jesus?

Empty is a Wonderful Word Today

"Empty" is not usually the word people think of when trying to come up with a word that brings excitement, joy or hope. Just think of the context in which you most often hear the word used. Empty gas tank. Empty wallet. Empty bank account. Empty cupboards. Empty heart. Empty house. Empty church. Empty wells. Empty relationships. Empty homes. An empty safe. Empty seats. And the list goes on and on. But on this resurrection Sunday, "empty" is one of the words used when describing the glorious Easter message. All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each describe that first resurrection morning in a manner that proclaims the empty state of the tomb where Jesus had been laid. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" is the glorious news of this celebrated day. So for today anyway, "empty" is a wonderful word! Praise God for our risen Savior.

Today's Bible reading is the 10th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10&version=NASB

This Easter weekend we will be celebrating the glory of our risen Savior. Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". In today's chapter of scripture we find the word "sheep" used fourteen times and the word "shepherd" six times. Although He is the Lamb of God, we see Jesus being referred to as "the door of the sheep" and "the good shepherd" in today's passage. As I write today, I find myself privileged to be one of His sheep. There are many sheep in His flock but He knows each one; He knows me. I have "entered in" through Him and have been saved. In Him I have found "pasture". Born again, I can hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. And I rejoice that, with the Lord Jesus Christ being "the owner of the sheep", the sheep, including myself, can rest. We are His sheep and when the "wolf" comes He will not flee. Praise God. May we rejoice in the Lamb of God this Easter. May we praise our "Good Shepherd" and may we rest in His ownership and care of His sheep.

Today's Bible reading is the 9th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&version=NASB

Today's passage of scripture includes the wonderful story of Jesus healing a man the word tells us had been blind from birth. There was no doubt that this was quite a miracle. The man upon whom the miracle was performed is quoted as having said to the religious leaders who were questioning him, "Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." Perhaps there had been other accounts of people who possessed sight at one time and then regaining their sight after suffering some sort of blindness. But this man had been born blind. He had never possessed sight. He had never seen anything with his blind eyes. The spiritual lesson seems to jump off the pages. This man was completely dependent upon the graciousness and sovereign will of God if he were to ever see anything with his eyes during his lifetime. Each of us has suffered a similar spiritual blindness from birth. Until He touched me, I had never "seen" the Lord Jesus Christ, and like the blind man in today's passage, I lacked all ability to do so. I was dependent upon a miracle, a miracle from God. Actually, I find it quite incredible to think that I was dependent upon the very same One who, many years ago, spit on the ground to make the clay that He applied to the blind man's eyes as He gave Him sight. However, in my case, the blood that fell to the ground as He walked the road to Golgotha and as He was being crucified on Calvary's cross is what has been "applied" to me.    

Today's Bible reading is the 8th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8&version=NASB

In the well known Exodus story, when Moses asked God what he should say if he was asked the name of God, God responded by telling Moses to tell the sons of Israel, "I Am has sent me to you". In the second to the last verse in today's text we find Jesus responding to a question posed to Him regarding His statement regarding Abraham having rejoiced to see His day. John records Him as saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." This is yet another statement regarding the deity of the Lord Jesus. As John's Gospel began, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." We read in today's passage of scripture that the incarnate Son of God was a man who had told the people the truth. Given that we will be celebrating His resurrection in four days, it seems appropriate to consider one of the most significant truths found in today's chapter of Scripture. In verses 21, 24 and 25 we are reminded that there are those who die in their sins. Spoken plainly by Jesus in verse 24, Jesus said, "unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." I am thankful that God graciously drew me to His Son. I am thankful that He caused me to be born again. I am thankful that I will not dies in my sins because He died for my sins.

Today's Bible reading is the 7th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7&version=NASB

In today's chapter in John's Gospel we read of a contrast of perspectives regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. Some said that He was a "good man" while others said, "on the contrary, He leads the people astray". Although by an standard of measurement Jesus was certainly a "good man", such words fall terribly short in describing the man that He was, the Divine Son of God. And although it was clearly not intended to portray Him in a favorable light, one might be able to even glean some unintended truth from the statement that "He leads the people astray." As I considered this for a moment I realized that I have been rejoicing for more than thirty years now that He led me astray from the dominion of sin and the worlds ways. Astray from death I have been led unto life, abundant and eternal. Astray from unrighteousness I have been led to the righteousness that is found only in Him. Astray from hopelessness I have been led to the hope of heaven and hope of being face to face with Christ my Lord. Astray from lies I have been led to know the Truth. Away from the ways of the flesh I have been led to live in the Spirit. Yes, praise God, Jesus has led me astray!

Today's Bible reading is the 6th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6&version=NASB

Trying to glean some short thoughts from a chapter written by the beloved Apostle John that is 71 verses long is not easy. It is no secret that we need both bread (food) and water to live. Although we can last longer without food than we can with water we need both if we wish to . In chapter four we read that Jesus is the source of "living water" and that everyone who drinks of the water that He gives shall never thirst. In today's chapter we read that Jesus is the "true bread out of heaven" given by the Father and that He is the "bread of life". Like the "living water" that causes the partaker to never thirst, the "bread of life" causes the partaker to not hunger. Furthermore, we read that those who partake of this bread will not die but will live forever. I must mention a very important series of truths that we see set forth in verses 37, 39, 44 and 65 of today's chapter. Believers are a gift from the Father to the Son. There is no other way to come to Him save the Father's drawing you. All that are drawn to the Son are received by the Son as they are gifts from His Father. And all that are received by Him are secure in Him. I am so thankful that by the grace of God I have been drawn to the Son, received by the Son and kept by the Son. I am grateful that I have been granted to partake of the "living water" and "bread of life" that is found in Jesus. I will never thirst and hunger no more. I will not die but liver forever in Him. Praise God.

Today's Bible reading is the 5th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+5&version=NASB

Twice in Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church he admonished them to be imitators of him. He also made it quite clear that such an admonishment was only appropriate as he was an imitator of Christ. In Ephesians 5:1 we have the well known verse of scripture that calls us "to be imitators of God, as beloved children." If we are careful and watchful, I believe we can see the fulfillment of all admonitions of goodness that have been directed towards the believer, in the person of Jesus. Today's chapter is so full of content regarding the person of Christ! As I read the chapter, the one thought that seemed to get my attention was that regarding this matter of being an "imitator". In the beginning of the chapter we find the story of the man who had some form of illness that had affected him for 38 years. As we read the text we find the man at the pool of water in Jerusalem called Bethesda (house of mercy). Out of God's mercy, an angel of the Lord would periodically go down to the pool and stir up the pool's water. Whoever was the first to step into the pool after the stirring of the waters would be healed of whatever the disease was that afflicted them. Jesus sees the man lying by the pool and begins a conversation with him. Presumably because of his illness, the man is unable to get into the pool after the waters are stirred and he tells Jesus that he has no one to put him into the pool. Jesus responds, not by offering to be the man to put him into the pool, but by telling him to pick up his pallet and walk. In extending mercy to the man, like God did to those at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus healed him of his illness of 38 years. In the 19th verse of today's chapter we see Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner." Jesus imitated the Father. He saw what His father was doing and in like manner He did the same. Oh, that we might look and see what God is still doing and purpose by His indwelling Spirit to do the same. He is still being gracious and kind. May we be also. He is still being merciful. May we be also. He is still comforting troubled hearts. May we be also. He is still encouraging people. May we be also.  He is still concerned about the salvation of souls and He still loves the gospel. May we acknowledge the lost estate of men and love the gospel also. He still hates sin. May we hate it also. He is still being patient. May we be also. He still loves truth. May we love truth also .... Perhaps a child, a friend, a co-worker, a brother or sister in Christ, let us remember that we too may have others watching us.

Today's Bible reading is the 4th chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204&version=NASB

The fourth chapter of John's Gospel begins with the account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan near the city of Sychar at Jacob's well. The text tells us that Jesus was "wearied from His journey", having been traveling from Judea to Galilee and He was sitting by the well. I'm certainly not disputing that Jesus was there because He was weary and perhaps needed rest and water. He partook of flesh and blood. But another reason why He is there this day and at this time is to have an interaction with the woman from Samaria who comes to the well to draw water while Jesus is there. Although we read that the Jews have "no dealings with Samaritans" we see Jesus graciously engage the woman in a conversation by asking her for a drink. It is quickly apparent that the woman is taken back by His willingness to speak with her. Jesus then turns the discussion away from His request for a drink of water from the adjacent well, to His ability to provide "living water". The woman then questions whether or not this man she is speaking with (Jesus) is greater than Jacob. She points out that Jacob is the one who had provided the well and that Jacob himself, his sons and his cattle had all drank from it. Jesus, again speaking of the physical need for water, says that "everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again" and then again, speaking of the spiritual, says, "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." What a promise. When we drink of "the water" Jesus gives, that which is spiritual, we thirst no more because "the water" He gives actually becomes its own "well of water springing up to eternal life". As a believer in the Lord Jesus, I need no longer search for a well to drink from. I have the well within me.There are still places in the world where a community well provides safe drinking water for a host of people. This is the case in an area of Uganda where my home church has been privilege to have a part in ministry. There is a well that provides safe drinking water for over a thousand people in the surrounding villages and they have recently been able to see the health benefits the well has provided. But similar to the lesson we see Jesus teaching, those who are ministering to the people in Uganda have a desire for the people there to drink of the water which Jesus gives; that which becomes a "well of water springing up to eternal life" for all who believe in Him.

Today's Bible reading is the 3rd chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=NASB

In addition to containing "John 3:16", arguably the most well known Bible verse in the world, this third chapter of John's gospel includes the well known encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus and some last words spoken by John the Baptist about Jesus. The first 21 verses of the chapter deal with the interaction that is had between Nicodemus, described as "a man of the Pharisees", and "a ruler of the Jews". Their interaction is interesting to consider. It begins with Nicodemus addressing Jesus as "Rabbi" and acknowledging that they know He has come from God as a teacher because of the signs He has performed. Someone might say that Nicodemus didn't begin to really "know" why Jesus had came as he may have thought. That Jesus had "come from God" would have been an accurate assessment. To say that He had come "as a teacher" would have fallen well short of His reason for having come from God. I suppose it may have been a bit startling for Nicodemus to have heard Jesus' response to his acknowledgement of who He was. Jesus replied as if Nicodemus had posed a question to Him when He said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God". There is clearly no indication that Nicodemus had asked any question of Jesus at this point, including a question as to what might be necessary to see the kingdom of God. But as Jesus goes on to explain to him the necessity of being born again, Nicodemus expresses an interest in understanding what He is saying. So although we do not have a record of Nicodemus asking Jesus a question at the beginning of their interaction, is it possible that it was a question unasked? The all-knowing divine Son of God surely could have known the question that may have only been on Nicodemus' heart and in his mind but not on his lips. One last thought about today's chapter would be the attitude expressed by John the Baptist when John records him speaking of Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend of the bridegroom and saying the friend stands and hears the bridegroom and rejoices because of the bridegroom's voice. John the Baptist then says, "So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease." What a great perspective John expresses on his relationship with Jesus and his part in God's plan and ministry.

Today's Bible reading is the 2nd chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2&version=NASB

In what John's Gospel calls His first miracle, today's chapter includes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Whether or not He attended other weddings is an interesting thought but I suppose insignificant in the bigger picture. But at this wedding, the bridegroom was quite fortunate to have had Jesus included on the list of invited guests. Lacking wine at some point in the celebration, Jesus would miraculously turn six waterpots filled with water "to the brim" into wine. The text tells us that each waterpot held between twenty and thirty gallons each. In a moment in time Jesus had made between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and eighty gallons of wine! And the text tells us the wine was distinguished by the "headwaiter" to be "good wine". He certainly does "all things well".

In this chapter of John's Gospel we also see an example of a truth that John would later write of in chapter 14. Recording the words of Jesus, John would write, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." In this chapter, speaking to the Jews, Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews had thought He was talking about the temple building that had taken forty-six years to build but He was speaking of "the temple of His body". The text then tells us that after Jesus had been raised from the dead His disciples remembered that Jesus had said this about "the temple", "and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." The Helper, the Holy Spirit had indeed brought this saying to their remembrance and had taught them its meaning. Praise God for Jesus' request and the Father's gift of the Helper! He continues to bring us to remembrance and continues to teach us "all things".

Today's Bible reading is the 1st chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NASB

As we continue reading through the New Testament, today we find ourselves in the first chapter of the beloved Apostle John's Gospel. The Book begins with those famous words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Inspired by God, John begins to set before us the wondrous truth regarding the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. I suppose that there has been an untold number of things that have been written by men as they have studied the first fifty-one verses of John's Gospel contained in this chapter. In my hope to write just a few short thoughts, I do not discount the wealth of material contained here.

The apostle writes of John the Baptist, saying that he "was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light". Let us consider how it was that John the Baptist "testified" of Jesus, the Light of the World. Speaking of Him, John said, "He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me." He is recorded as repeating this truth a second time with almost the same words when he said, "After me comes a man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. Scripture teaches us that Jesus and John's mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, were cousins. We know that John was actually born before Jesus by approximately six months. John's statement that Jesus existed before him is an affirmation of the deity of Christ. He was simply proclaiming the truth spoken of by the apostle himself. He existed "before" John as He was "with God" and He "was God" in the beginning. This is also indicative of the "higher rank" He possesses. It is the higher rank of His being the Sovereign Creator God. As such, John would humbly proclaim that he was "not worthy to untie" the thong of the sandals Jesus wore upon His feet.

Twice we read that John proclaimed that Jesus was "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And although John himself was baptizing with water, when God revealed Jesus to him by the Spirit descending "as a dove out of heaven" and remaining upon Him, God would speak to him saying, "this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit". And lastly, having seen Him with his own eyes, John would say of Him, "this is the Son of God." No, John was not the light but he did indeed testify of the Light.

Today's Bible reading is the 24th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024&version=NASB

It was a day filled with various thoughts and emotions. Luke's Gospel account tells us that those who were first to visit the tomb after Jesus had risen were "perplexed" when they found His body not there. These women, as they are identified, are then "terrified" and bow their faces to the ground as two men "stand near them in dazzling clothing". Arguably some of the greatest words ever heard are then spoken to the women by these "two men". "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." It could be argued that herein lies the heart of the Christian's hope. An empty tomb and and a risen Christ. The women then return and report what they had seen and heard to the 11 apostles and "the rest". The majority of those hearing their report appear to think the news nonsensical. We then see Peter, with apparent excitement and anticipation, get up and run to the tomb to do his own investigation of the matter. Peter also witnesses an empty tomb and upon seeing only the linen wrappings left behind, he returns to his home "marveling at what had happened". As Luke's account continues we see Jesus appearing to the two men traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The text tells us that Jesus began walking with the two men, His identity kept from them, and that He asks them of that which they had been discussing when He approached them. We read that the two men stood there "looking sad" and that they were surprised that this man, unknown to them to be the One they were talking about, appeared to be unaware of the events that had transpired in Jerusalem that were the basis of their sadness. Later, their sadness would turn to joy when Jesus revealed Himself to them "in the breaking of the bread" and they would return to Jerusalem to report their experience to the eleven apostles and the others gathered together. While giving their testimony to the group, Jesus appears in their midst, prompting some to be startled, frightened, troubled and doubting. As He proceeds to reveal Himself to them, showing them His hands and feet, we read that they struggled to believe Him because of their joy and amazement. As the chapter comes to a close we see the resurrected Christ opening their minds to understand the scriptures that spoke of Him. After having followed Him out of the city to Bethany and worshiping Him, following His ascension, they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Men still experience a host of emotions when they consider the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Perplexity, terrified, nonsensical, excitement, anticipation, marvel, sadness, startled, frightened, troubled, doubts and amazement. And those who come to know Him through divine revelation continue, as the first did, to feel great joy. Praise God for the joy of knowing the truth of Christ and His resurrection.

Today's Bible reading is the 23rd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NASB

Pilate was the first to declare it. "I find no guilt in this man" he said as he addressed the chief priests and the crowd of people regarding Jesus. Learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction Pilate then sent Jesus to be questioned by him. Later Pilate says a second time that he finds no guilt in Jesus and asserts that neither had Herod. The text tells us that Herod and Pilate became friends that day although they had previously been enemies. It is at least implied that what brought them together was their mutual finding that in Jesus their was no guilt. Contrary to His accusers, Pilate proclaimed that Jesus had done nothing worthy of the death sentence they desired. Although Pilate would soon succumb to the wishes of the people as they cried out for His crucifixion, his assertions were quite accurate. He had found no guilt in Jesus because there was simply no guilt to be found. Not just a guilt that might be worthy of death but no guilt at all. As His crucifixion plays out, this truth continues to be seen. One of the two thieves being crucified with Jesus also speaks of it when he tells the other thief that the two of them were suffering justly for their deeds "but this man has done nothing wrong". And while observing Jesus breath His last breath before "giving" His life a ransom for many, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion proclaimed, "Certainly this man was innocent." Yes, the Son of Man was innocent and had done nothing worthy of death. There was no guilt found in Him. But unknown to Pilate, Herod, the thief and the centurion, was another truth. The One who had no guilt in Himself would bear all of my guilt and all of theirs. Yes, Pilate would succumb to the will of men but they would all succumb to the will of God.

Today's Bible reading is the 22nd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22&version=NASB

The grace that we find in the resurrected Christ is a wonder and truth that believers glory in and stand in awe of. As I read today's chapter I was struck by the graciousness displayed by the Lord Jesus as He met with His disciples to partake of the last Passover meal with them before His crucifixion. Rightfully so, we often concentrate our thoughts on how much Jesus meant to His disciples. But relationships are two-way and I think His disciples meant much to Him. We read today that Jesus "earnestly desired" to eat the Passover with the apostles before He suffered. They were special to Him. He had spent hours upon hours with them. He taught them. He spoke with them. He prayed with them. He listened to them. He ate with  them, He walked miles together with them. He ministered alongside them. In both His deity and His humanity they had come to mean much to Him. He knew that within a few hours they would all fall away from Him and that Peter would deny that he even knew Him. And yet he earnestly desired to eat the Passover meal with them. He would wash their feet we read in John's Gospel and then He would take them away to pray with Him. Luke records this gracious comment made by the Lord to His apostles this same night. "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials". I found this incredible. Despite His knowledge of the past and future shortcomings of each of them, He would acknowledge them as having been those who had stood by Him in His trials. I don't know that any of them would have known their importance to Him at those times of trial, but He had. I suppose that we can learn a great lesson from this as we remember that each one that the Father has given Him are precious to Him.

Today's Bible reading is the 21st chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21&version=NASB

As I read the 21st chapter of Luke's Gospel today I could not help but think of how blessed I am, that by "His doing", I am "in Christ". As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have so much to be thankful for. As the recipients of His lavished grace we have been forgiven of our sins. We have been made to be the children of God, joint heirs with Jesus, members of His body, the Church and members, one of another with a heavenly promise. Yes, to be granted to know the mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ is a wondrous thing! In knowing Him and being secure in Him we need not fear the future events that Jesus speaks of in today's chapter in Luke. Starting in verse 25 we see Jesus foretelling a time when, "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Safe and secure in our Savior, the body of Christ will not experience the "dismay among the nations", not be "in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and waves" and their will be no "fainting from fear" for the believer in Christ. As the song says, "Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh glorious victory, that overcomes the world".