Teron Gaddis_Blog

Day 21 of 21 Days

2012-01-29T19:24:00.000-06:00

What awesome day we had today in worship...Janice started the day out ministering at the Prospect Baptist Church For their women. Dr. Lee E. Cooper Jr. Is doing some amazing things both with that church as well as his involvement in the Oklahoma City community. Janice did us proud as she stood tall sharing the Father's Love To His Daughters, plus it was very encouraging to fellowship with other believers. The ladies from MyGreaterBethel show up heavy. Then it was back to Bethel for the close of our time of corporate praying and fasting, as we wrapped up both our current sermon series and our 21 day fast. It was like revival today. The Spirit of God was especially visible in the praise and worship...as well as receptive hearts to God's Word today.

Today us day 21 so i just want to just share a few simple points from John chapter 21: Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." (John 21:3-10 ESV)

This passage come on the hills of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection...the disciples have seeming lost their joy. Peter is broken in spirit and decides to go back fishing. Now I cannot take credit for this thought but it was share in one my favorite sermons by my late mentor and friend Dr. A Glenn Woodberry, he said that when you find yourself up against yourself we often times revert back to the people, places and things we use to do. So, in Peter's case Peter went back fishing. When we met Peter he was fishing so after he had suffered from "foot & mouth condition" for 3years with Jesus & denied Jesus, watched Him die. Peter say to "H.E.(double hockey sticks)" I'm going back fishing. Anybody know anything about going backwards? When going forward seems to be filled with challenges it much more comfortable to go backwards than forwards.

But how many of you know that Jesus loves you too much to let us go back. So after Peter goes back to his fishing business. Jesus show up on the shore to let Peter know that there was no way he was going allow Peter to give up so easily. After toiling all night trying to get his fishing groove back morning has come and the had caught nothing. It very tempting to share that the Bible said Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore... After your darkest most unproductive nights Jesus will be right there. When you feel like you have lost it, failed, fumbled & stumbled know that Jesus will be right there.

Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Peter knows it Jesus and he swims to the shore to find what? You guessed it the very thing that had been toiling for all night.

Here's the shout and I will leave you... When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. They had been fishing all night for fish. Jesus directs to fish by telling to cast their nets to the other side, only for them to get to the shore to find Jesus having fish and bread already. What's a problem for us isn't a problem for Jesus.

Thank you so much for listening to my random thought today...I'm working from my iPad this evening, so please forgive me for my typing any any typos. We have another exciting series coming up in february that will simply ignite the revival that has begun as a result of our fasting and praying. Begin praying NOW for the next move of God. See you soon

Day 19 of 21 Days

2012-01-27T22:10:00.003-06:00

We’re hours away from reaching the finish line. This corporate time of fasting and prayer will then unleash a spiritual revival among God’s people. This will not be the end but only the beginning of something supernatural for your faith, your finances, your family, and your future. I know that physically you’re looking forward to the end of the fast but I beg of our be just as enthusiastic about what God is going to began to do in your life. I can’t say it enough but thank you fasting family and friends. Yesterday we ended chapter 18:38-40 as Pilate goes back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? They cried out again, Not this man, but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.

Jesus at the age of 33, as He hung on a cross, having paid the price for the world’s sins, He declared in verse 20 It is finished! Note, however, that He did not say, "I am finished!" This was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of victory. This is not a cry of pain, but a cry of power. In the original Greek text, this phrase is one word of ten letters – “Tetelestai” - which literally means: “It is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished.”

The word, “Tetelestai,” was a word with which the people of Jesus’ day were very familiar. Today, I want us to think of some common ways in which the word was used as we consider the significance of this cry from the cross.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Artists.

When a painter had completed his work, he would step back and say, “Tetelestai”- it is finished!" Jesus came to give us a full portrayal of what God is like. He was God in the flesh, come to make Himself known to us (John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.)

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Servants.

A master would tell his servant to go and do something, and when the servant had completed the task, he would come back and say, “Tetelestai”- I have finished the work that you gave me to do."

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Priests.

The Jewish people had to bring their sacrifices to the priest to be examined before it was offered on the altar, because it was against the law to offer an imperfect sacrifice. After the priest had examined the sacrifice, he would used the Hebrew or Aramaic equivalent of the word Jesus spoke from the cross, “Tetelestai”- It is perfect." Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, was God’s perfect, faultless sacrifice: the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The word, “Tetelestai,” ”- it is finished was used by Merchants.

To merchants, “Tetelestai,” referred to the paying of a debt. If you purchased something, the merchant would take your money and then would give you a receipt of payment. The receipt would say, “Tetelestai”- paid in full."

As sinners we were in debt to God for an amount we could never pay, we were in need of someone to pay the debt for us. In Christ, God took it upon Himself to pay for us what we owed to Him, making it possible for us, through acceptance of the payment He has made on our behalf to receive a full pardon! No wonder the Bible refers to eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)! Because it is a gift, it is free. But also because it is a gift, it must be received.

This would be a fantastic to pray the prayer of salvation, whether for the first time or the 1,000^th time. Just simple repeat these word in your heart, “Dear God, I admit that you’ve not been first place in my life and I’ve made a mess of my life. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and we buried and rose from the grave Sunday more for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life to be personal Lord and Savior. And I pledge the rest of my life to learning with it means to be your child. In Jesus’ Name Amen!

If you prayed that prayer congratulations your are NOW apart of God family. Now you should find a bible teaching church. We would be glad to help you… just visit our website at www.MyGreaterBethel.tv and email us or simply join us this Sunday.

Here’s an outline that will give you a deeper view of the 19^th Chapter of John’s Gospel.

The Trial Before Pilate: 18:28-19:15 (Mat. 27:11-25; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25)
The Crucifixion: 19:16-37 (Mat. 27:26-56; Mk. 15:16-41; Lk. 23:26-49)
The Burial: 19:38-42 (Mat. 27:57-66; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56)

Day 18 of 21 Days

2012-01-26T21:40:00.003-06:00

In our study of John’s gospel we come to John chapter 18 to the story of Jesus’ arrest. Here we see Jesus. We see him fully in control of his destiny. We see him full of majesty and authority even while being arrested as a common criminal. John does not want us to get the wrong idea about Jesus’ arrest. This arrest was like no other arrest you have ever heard about. In this situation the person being arrested is in charge. That’s right Jesus is in FULL CONTROL, even now! The mob that arrests Jesus think they are in charge but John lets us know in no uncertain terms that Jesus as the Lamb of God is voluntarily laying down his life in our behalf. I want you to see the power in this. Jesus isn’t sinking into to the hands of man to be handled any kind of way but Jesus surrendering His life for ours, his life in no way is being taking. Here are five point I want to hand you today and give you an helpful outline of all the thing I would give you if I had the time and space…(Big Smile)

1. We See Jesus’ Control In His Decision to go into Gethsemane (Verse 1-2).

Immediately after his prayer in John 17 Jesus leads his disciples across the Kidron valley into the Garden of Gethsemane. This is particularly significant because this is where Judas would expect to find him. Jesus knows that his hour has come. He is positioning himself to be arrested. John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

2. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demeanor toward the hostile crowd (Verses 3-4).

He is not a nervous, scared criminal who has finally gotten caught. He is not a helpless victim of a lynch mob. He is still the Lord of Glory and King of Kings even in this most humbling of circumstances. John 18:3-4 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, when there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him came forward and said to them, Whom do you seek?

3. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demonstration of Power (Verses 5-6)

Look with me at John 18:5-6 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am he. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. “When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” There is no question in my mind as to what happened in that verse. When Jesus spoke the words, “I am he,” the crowd was knocked down by the power of the Spirit. I’m not certain whether the whole crowd went down or if it was just the front people who were speaking to Jesus. But clearly this is a demonstration of Jesus’ control over the situation.

If Jesus had that kind of authority and power—the ability to speak the word and knock them to the ground, he clearly did not have to surrender to them. John tells us about this so that we will know beyond any doubt that Jesus was in control. No man took his life. He willingly laid it down as a sacrifice in your behalf and in my behalf.

4. We See Jesus’ Control In His Desire for the disciples to be release (Verses 7-8).

Look at his focus during this exchange in verses 4 thru 8. Think about all the questions Jesus might have asked. Think about all the arguments he might have brought in his own defense. He does not defend himself. But he does defend his disciples.

What is the design of his question to the mob? “Who do you want?” Isn’t it obvious that they want Jesus? It is. But Jesus is getting at something that is paramount in his mind at the time. He is forcing them to focus on him rather than his disciples. He is leading the conversation to this conclusion in verse 8, Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

John adds this comment in verse 9, This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Usually when we read that kind of terminology we expect to find the quote somewhere in the Old Testament. But that is not the case here. Jesus is referring to Jesus’ words in John 17:12 where Jesus prayed, “None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

5. We See Jesus’ Control In His Dramatic of Healing to Malchus (verses 9-11).

There is Jesus face to face with the mob. Malchus is not just a servant of the high priest but he is “the” servant of the high priest. Behind Judas he is probably leading the crowd. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Peter slings his blade toward Malchus and misses his head but cuts off his right ear. No one aims at an ear in that kind of situation. You want to make that first blow count. But Peter is no swordsman and does a sloppy job of trying to kill Malchus.

Have you ever tried to help Jesus in the wrong way? Peter is trying to help Jesus. But he is not moving in the spirit but in the flesh. And even though his intentions are right, he is actually doing more harm than good. He is going about a good thing in the wrong way and the result is that some sinner’s ear gets cut off.

Have you ever cut a sinner’s ear off? Have you ever approached him in some way that actually made it harder for him to hear the gospel than before he encountered you? I am embarrassed to say that I may have done that a few times in my ministry. Jesus always has to come behind us correct the mistake.

I could go on but I will at a later time revisit this idea because Malchus’ represents those unsaved people God has put in our lives that need to hear who Jesus is and what He has done for them. But we have to be careful not to be careless like Peter and cut off their ear. We cut of their ear when we suffer from 1. A lack of spiritual preparation. 2. Relying on carnal weapon to win a spiritual battle. 3. Looking at secondary causes rather than seeing the situation as Jesus saw it.

The healing of Malchus’ ear is actually recorded in Luke 22:51 where we are told that Jesus touched his ear and healed him. It’s very interesting to me that this is Jesus’ last miracle before his crucifixion.

Be blessed by the outline and I’ve enjoy sharing the Word with you throughout chapter 18 we’re just a few day about from chapter 21. See you in chapter 19 tomorrow.

Jesus went forth—devotionally (v.1-3).
Jesus went forth—willingly—confessing who He was (v.4-6).
Jesus went forth—vicariously (v.7-9).
Jesus went forth—to die—to drink the cup (v.10-11).
Jesus was arrested, taken and bound (v.12-14).
Peter's unnecessary denial: the denial of association (v.15-18).
The world's unjust denial of Jesus (v.19-24).
Peter's cowardly denial: the denial of separation (v.25).
Peter's shattering denial: the denial of discipleship (v.26).
Conclusion: Jesus' Word was fulfilled (v.27).
Jesus led into the judgment hall (v.28-40).

Day 17 of 21 Days

2012-01-25T13:44:00.000-06:00

Something truly miraculous is taking place around here…The last few Wednesday and Sunday services were epic. God is getting ready to do something out of this world for this church. I declare it in the powerful name of Jesus. Keep pushing we have 4 days left. Looking forward to seeking you in our midweek experience this evening.

Today, I want to share something that I not sure if I’ve ever shared before. One of the most encouraging experiences as a pastor is to be prayed for by someone else. Each Sunday morning for a number of years a group of faithful committed and capable followers of Jesus Christ arrive 30 or so minutes to pray. The prayers range from welcoming the Holy Spirit in, to singers, musicians, unchurched, unsaved, discouraged & depressed but somewhere in that solemn moments somebody will pray for the pastor. When someone prays for you in your presence, something special happens in your heart; you feel warmed, encouraged, loved and appreciated. There’s a sense of intimacy, when we’re holding hands and God simply slips in and embraces us all. I pray for the people that I’m privileged to pastor everyday. I’ve had the awesome task to pray for them in good time and bad time, times of celebration and sorrow. I stand before them each Sunday praying for them and speaking blessing over their faith, family, finance and future but it’s something special for one God’s sheep to recognize that while my pastor is called to be the Shepherd of this flock he’s still a sheep just like me and if he’ll pray for me I need to pray for him. It is one of the best ways to build relationships between people and pastor. Let me just take a moment to thank that group of saints that stand in the gap for Janice, my family and myself, it makes going the battle each and every Sunday and Wednesday a little easier.

It is one thing for us to pray for and with one another – to bring our brothers and sisters in Christ before the Lord in prayer – but it is quite another to realize that in Jesus we have someone interceding on our behalf. Do you know that Jesus prays for you? Do you know that he goes to the Father on your behalf and on our behalf?

Robert McCheyne once said this: “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” If you have had the experience of someone praying with you – of having someone right next to you, sitting beside you, bringing your concerns and needs before God, I invite you now to imagine Jesus doing exactly that.

In John Chapter 17 we catch a glimpse of the passion Jesus has for people. In this chapter are Jesus’ final moments with his disciples before being arrested, Jesus prays for his disciples. Knowing that he will be leaving them, praying for them is the best way to prepare them. Jesus prays for three things on our behalf: protection, perfection, and unification.

John 17:1 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said Father…

1. Jesus prays for our protection!

Verse 14-15 “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one…”

2. Jesus prays for our perfection!

Verse 16-19 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; you word is truth. As you sent me into the world, And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also my be sanctified in truth.

3. Jesus prays for our unification!

Verse 20-23 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, In in them and you in me…”

Enjoy today’s reading and I will see you on day 18.

Jesus Prayed for Himself, 17:1-8

Jesus Prayed for His Disciples, 17:9-19

Jesus Prayed for Future Believers, 17:20-26

Day 16 of 21 Days

2012-01-24T22:43:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that it’s been 16 days? We’re just a few days away from day 21. Congratulation Fasting family and friends for hanging in there with us. Today, I want to just share a few words about chapter 16 of John’s Gospel. Jesus is teaching his disciples because they are about to endure something unlike they had in there life. There happiness is about to be challenged but He promises joy that will come with the Spirit of God. Now in order to really understand what Jesus is saying we have to deal with the difference between “happiness” and “joy.” So let’s jump right in…

We tend to equate “happiness” with joy but they are two totally different ideas because they each spring from a different source. One comes from the world around me. The other originates directly from the Spirit of the Living God. Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent upon what is “happening” to me. If people treat me good, if things are going well in my life, then I’m happy. If my circumstances aren’t favorable, then I’m unhappy.

Joy, on the other hand, throbs throughout Scripture as a profound, compelling quality of life that transcends the events and disasters, which may dog God’s people. Joy is a divine dimension of living that is not shackled by circumstances. The Hebrew word means, “to leap or spin around with pleasure.” In the New Testament the word refers to “gladness, bliss and celebration.”

Jesus continues teaching and preparing His disciple for crucifixion. Chapter 16:1 & 4 “I have said all these things to you to keep you form falling away.” “But I have sad these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”

This outline should allow you to see a very difficult situation in a very different light. How God wants to give us joy over happiness in spite of persecution.

Jesus warned that religionists would persecute and kill believers (v.1-2)
The reason for the persecution religionists do not know God nor His Son (v.3)
The preparation for persecution (v.4-6)
The Holy Spirit helps believers (v.7)
The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces the world (v.8-11)
The Holy Spirit convicts: Of sin, righteousness, and judgment (v.8)
The Holy Spirit guides believers (v.12-13)
The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus (v.14-15)
The Resurrection perplexes people (v.16-19)
The Resurrection brings joy—irrepressible joy (v.20-22)
The Resurrection gives open access into God's presence (v.23-24)
The Resurrection reveals all about the Father (v.25-27)
The Resurrection validates the Messiahship of Jesus (v.28)
The Resurrection exposes weak faith (v.29-32)
The Resurrection makes available true peace (v.33)

Day 15 of 21 Days

2012-01-23T21:05:00.003-06:00

This is day 15 and it has been an incredible ride. Today as we look in to John chapter 15 Jesus promised to be our everlasting source if we will simply abide in HIM. In Hampton Court near London, there is said to be a grapevine, which is about 1,000 years old. This grapevine has one root, which is at least two feet thick, and some of the branches are 200 feet long. Despite its age the vine produces several tons of grapes each year. Although some of the smaller branches are 200 feet from the main stem, they still bear the sweet and delicious fruit because they are connected to the vine. Life flows from that single root and through out the vine bringing nourishment and strength to each of the branches.

Jesus promises to do the same for us in John chapter 15. He introduces himself as the “true vine” bringing life to each of the branches. The purpose of the vine is to bring nourishment to the branches in order that they might produce fruit. When separated from the vine the branches wither and die. The vitality of our spiritual life is dependent upon our connection to Christ the “true vine.”

Each of us must answer two questions. First, are we connected to the vine, or is the life of Christ flowing within us? Secondly, if we are connected to the vine and we are joined to Christ, then how much fruit are we producing through our lives; is there no fruit, some fruit, or an abundance of fruit?

John 15:1-8 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the true vine.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus may have said that? I think I may know why. Think with me a moment about what has happened and where Jesus and His disciples most likely are.

It’s the night before the crucifixion of Jesus. He is in the upper room with His apostles. Soon He will be going to Gethsemane. Soon He will be arrested & tried & convicted of crimes He did not commit. Soon they will be laughing at Him. They will put a crown of thorns on His head, & mockingly call Him "the king of the Jews." They’ll slap Him, & spit upon Him, & whip Him with a cat o’ 9 tails. Soon His body will be nailed to a cross, & He will die. And He knows that all of this is going to happen. It’s not a very joyful time, is it?

If you remember this is the night of Jesus’ betrayal, but before that happens Jesus and the disciples have been in the upper room. As they celebrated the Passover in the upper room, Jesus had washed the disciples feet and spoke with them about the events that were to take place. After a great deal of discussion with His disciples Jesus ends chapter 14 saying, “Come now; let us leave.”

Matthew, another one of the disciples says that following the Passover meal Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30). I believe that it is as they are making their way from the upper room to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus continued to instruct this group who had walked with Him for the last three years. Jesus knew that time was running out, but He still had much that He wanted to share with the disciples.

John 15 continues Jesus’ teaching with, “I am the true vine” Jesus was a master teacher.

When we close chapter 14, Jesus begins his journey to the Garden of Gethsemane by telling His disciples that the time is drawing near for Him to leave. John 15 is a discourse of our Lord while walking with His disciples from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane.

In this discussion with His disciples, Jesus reveals His plan for their lives after He has departed and the Holy Spirit has been sent. Primarily, Jesus is giving them instructions on not just how to survive, but to THRIVE in a world that will hate them. He tells them how to enjoy this life until they experience the next life.

John 15: 1, 5: 1 of the 7 "I AM" statements of John's gospel statements reveal the sufficiency of Christ

John 6: 35: I AM the BREAD of LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual APPETITE

John 9: 5: I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD - He's all we need for our Spiritual AWARENESS

John 10: 7, 9: I AM the DOOR - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCESS

John 10: 11, 14: I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCEPTANCE

John 11: 25: I AM the RESURRECTION and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual AUTHORITY

John 14: 6: I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ASSURANCE

John 15: 1, 5: I AM the VINE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ABUNDANCE

When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face death, He will carry me Home!

This is an amazing chapter hope it bless you as it did me.

The Source of Peace, Joy, Security, 14:27-31
The Relationship of Jesus to the People of the World, 15:1-8
The Relationship of Jesus to Believers, 15:9-11
The Relationship of Believers to Believers, 15:12-17
The Relationship of Believers to the World, 15:18-27

Day 14 of 21 Days

2012-01-22T14:53:00.003-06:00

Today is the beginning of the big count day of the last week of our corporate time of fasting and praying. I shared with you last week to protect and prepare yourself for the attack of the enemy. And did he attack…just as the Holy Spirit shared in our service last weekend but here’s the good news we survived. After a spiritual battle our heart sometime are wounded well God knew that would need some encouragement. So, on day 14 we have before us one of the most encouraging and enlighten chapter in all of the New Testament. I pray that it will strengthen you as it did me.

I heard a story that illustrates what the disciples were probably feeling by the time we reach John chapter 14. It is about a lady at the airport who bought a Kit Kat candy bar to eat while she was waiting for her plane.

In the crowded waiting area she spied an empty seat at the end of a row. Rushing to get it, she quickly propped her hang up bag against the end of the row, sat down, and placed her purse and several small items on the table between her and a rather large man seated there, and then turned back to straighten her hang up bag.

With everything finally in order, she was ready to eat her Kit Kat candy bar. But to her surprise, as she started to reach for it, she saw the man in the next seat unwrapping her Kit Kat candy bar, and she watched in utter amazement as he broke off a section and ate it.

She thought, "Well, my goodness, I’ve never seen such gall." She glared at him, and he looked at her, but no words were exchanged.

She was so furious at what he had done that she decided that if he was going to be that brazen about it, she could be brazen, too. So she reached over to him, broke off a piece and ate it herself. Then he broke off another piece and ate it.

It became almost a duel between the two of them to see who would get the most. Quickly the candy bar was consumed, and she sat there just boiling that someone would be so rude and so presumptuous as to eat half of her candy bar.

Well, after a few minutes of silence, the man got up and left and then came back with another Kit Kat candy bar. He unwrapped it, broke off a piece and started eating. She thought, "Well, since he ate half of mine, I’m going to eat half of his." So she reached over and broke off another piece and ate it.

Once again the same scenario was repeated until the whole candy bar was gone. She sat there thinking, "This is the most ridiculous thing that has happened to me in my whole life." She continued to glare at him, and he looked at her, with neither one saying a word.

Just then, over the intercom came the announcement that her plane was ready for boarding. So she opened her purse to get her boarding pass and, to her utter embarrassment, there was her Kit Kat candy bar. She had eaten half of 2 of his candy bars, and her candy bar was still in her purse!

There are times, I suppose, when things really start to go wrong. Your whole world seems to be crumbling around you and you wonder what is going on.

That is probably about the way the apostles are feeling as we come to the 14th chapter of John. Their week had begun gloriously with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and people waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (John 12:13)

Even the Pharisees and the chief priests who had been plotting against Jesus had cried out in despair, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!" (John 12:19)

But Jesus had not come to establish an earthly kingdom, and He refused the crown. Disappointed and thwarted in their dreams of a Jewish kingdom with Jesus as their miracle working king, the fickle crowd began to change. And soon the priests were once again seeking someone to betray Jesus into their hands.

So as the 14th chapter of John opens, we see Jesus and His apostles in the upper room where they have eaten the Passover meal together. Jesus knew exactly what the next few hours would bring.

He knew Judas would betray Him. He knew about the illegal trials of the night, and how troubled the apostles would be. He knew of the cross and the borrowed tomb. And He tried to prepare the apostles for all that. So He begins to comfort them.

1. TRUST IN MY PRESENCE

First of all, Jesus tells them, “You can trust in My presence.” In Vs. 1 Jesus begins by saying, Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

You see, we have always found it easier to trust in things that we can see and touch. We have a little bit of Thomas in us, don’t we? Remember, Thomas said, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it" (John 20:25).

So Jesus shows him and he believes. “Then Jesus told him, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

This is a hard lesson for us to learn, isn’t it? Yet it is an important lesson, because when we face troubles and difficulties in life, we need to remember as Christians that Jesus has promised, "I will be with you always. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust in My presence."

2. TRUST IN MY PROMISES

Then Jesus tells them, “You can trust in My promises.” In vs’s 2 and 3 Jesus says, In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so , would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

God gave many promises both in the Old and New Testaments. He promised the children of Israel a land where there would be milk and honey. It took a while for the promise to be fulfilled, but finally it was fulfilled.

He promised a Messiah, and that took a long time. But it, too, was fulfilled. Jesus the Savior was born.

Now God promises that He is coming back for us. Someday we’ll be with Him forever and ever. Sometimes we grow impatient, but the scripture says, "You can trust the promises of God. This promise will be fulfilled, too."

3. TRUST IN MY PERSON!

Thirdly, Jesus is saying, “Trust in Me.” In vs’s 4-6 Jesus says, And you know the way to where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth, and the life. Now one comes to the Father except through me.

What a wonderful promise! He is saying, "I’m not just going to show you the way, or tell you the way, or write out the instructions on how to get there. I’m going to come and take you by the hand to My Father’s house. Then you’ll be home."

A few years ago Dave Galloway told of a soldier who returned from Viet Nam. His parents were socialites, very well to do. It was near Christmas, and they were getting ready to go out to the first of the round of parties of the Christmas season.

Just then the phone rang, and it was their son on the phone. "Mom," he said, "I’m back in the States." She said, "That’s wonderful! Where are you? Will you be home for Christmas? Can you get here in time for the parties? Everybody will just love to see you."

He answered, "Yes, I can be home for Christmas, but I want to ask you something first." "What is it?" she asked. "Well, I have a friend with me from Viet Nam. Can he come?"

"Oh, of course," she answered. "Bring him along. He’ll enjoy the parties, too." "Wait a moment, mom," he said, "I need to explain something about him. He was terribly wounded, and lost both legs and one arm. His face is disfigured, too."

There was silence on the phone for awhile. Then the mother said, "That’s all right. Bring him home for a few days." "No, mom, you don’t understand. He has nowhere to live. He has no one else. I want to bring him home and to let our home be his home."

The mother was quiet again. Then she said, "Son, that just wouldn’t do. What you’re asking would be very unfair to us. Why, it would disrupt all our lives. I’m sure there are government agencies that would be more than glad to take charge of him. Look, just you hurry home for Christmas now, and then maybe you can visit him once in a while."

"Darling, I’m sorry, but we’ve got to rush or we’ll be late for the party. Call us again as soon as you know when you’ll be home. Goodbye."

When the parents returned home from the party that night, there was an urgent message from the California police asking them to call.

They telephoned, and the officer said, "I’m very sorry to have to call you, but we have just found a young soldier dead in a motel room. His face is disfigured, and he has lost both legs and one arm. From the documents on him it would appear that he is your son."

Whatever your burdens are this morning, the solution to a troubled heart is still the same, to trust, to trust in His presence, trust in His promises and trust in His person.

Jesus' Death Delivers Troubled Hearts, 14:1-3
The Way to God Is By Jesus Alone, 14:4-7
The Embodiment of God Is Jesus Himself, 14:8-14
The Holy Spirit: Who He Is, 14:15-26
The Source of Peace, Joy, Security, 14:27-31

Day 13 of 21 Days

2012-01-21T19:26:00.003-06:00

Welcome to day 13 Family! We’ve one day away for making it to our two-week mark. What a glorious thing. Thank you for joining Janice and I on this journey it mean a lot to both of us and will set the tone for everything you do this year. Let’s jump in to our devotional reading today: The 13th Chapter of the Gospel of John is a pivotal point in the ministry of Jesus. John's Gospel makes it clear that something special is about to happen. I think it’s important today for me to share with you that the Gospel of John is divide into two sections. In the first half (chapters 1-11), he summarizes roughly thirty-three and half years of the Savior's life. The last half is devoted almost totally to the last few days. Everything from chapter twelve on points to the cross and the resurrection.

As we read yesterday chapter twelve sets the stage: Jesus replied, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone servers me he must follow me and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name…And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:23-28;33 (ESV)

Jesus gathers his disciples in an upper room, probably a large banquet hall above the home of a wealthy Jerusalem family. In all likelihood, the room was built to be rented out and used for such occasions. In this room, Jesus would give his disciples his parting words and some of his most important teachings.

I know that you’ve already picked up on it but I’ll share it anyway Chapter 12 and Chapter 13, deal with the same theme. Both of these chapters revolve around feet. Feet! 21 chapters - the Holy Spirit takes two chapters and deals with feet.

Chapter 12 is Mary washing the feet of Jesus and drying His feet with her hair. Chapter 13, we see Jesus girding Himself with a towel, washing the feet of His apostles and drying their feet with that towel. In both of these chapters, the central element, the theme, the setting revolves around the washing of feet. As we look at yet another posture in the Christian lifestyle, we see this posture demonstrated in the posture of Jesus.

This story is one of the most memorable incidents in Bible. It was the night before Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. It was an intense time in Jesus’ life. His public ministry had ended. Jesus now turns his full attention to his disciples.

I want you to imagine this situation with me for a moment. In that culture the most demeaning task around was to wash the guest’s feet. This was job done by lowest slaves.

It was necessary because people wore sandals did most of their travel by foot. They walked along trails that we not only dusty but also cluttered with camel and donkey dung.

I’m sure that guests arrived with more than dust on their feet. It was a common courtesy for the host to have his slave wash the guest’s feet as they entered the house.

Jesus had sent Peter & John to prepare for their meal together. The food had been cooked. The table had been set. And I’m sure the disciples thought this matter would be taken care of as well. It wasn’t!

As Jesus and the disciples enter the room they see towel & water basin in the corner. They do not see a slave to wash their feet. Perhaps some of them pause as they enter the room, wondering where the servant was—maybe wondering why Peter and John had not taken care of this important detail.

As they recline at the table, each disciple feels a little uncomfortable. “Somebody ought to at least wash Jesus’ feet” Each one may have begun to JUSTIFY in own mind why it was not his job to do it.

“I did it last time—its Matthew’s turn—he hasn’t done it in long time.”

“Peter and John were supposed to take care of all this-Jesus told them to. One of those guys ought to take care of it.” “I came to enjoy a time with the Lord—and now we’ve got this problem”

John is thinking—“Look I’m over here leaning next to Jesus, I’m in spiritual intimacy. Jesus doesn’t want me to leave and help you.”

Peter is thinking—“Don’t these turkeys know the call of God on my life? If they had, they would be over here right now washing mine and Jesus’ feet.”

We don’t know all the specifics, I’m taking some liberties--but we do know that nobody rose to the occasion.

1. What Jesus Did!

John 13: 3-5 ESV Jesus KNOWING THAT THE FATHER HAD GIVEN ALL THINGS INTO TO HIS HANDS, and that he has come from God and was going back to God, ROSE from the supper. He LAID ASIDE his outer garments and TAKING A TOWEL, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to WASH THE DISCIPLES’ FEET and wipe them with that towel that was wrapped around him.

2. What Jesus Knew!

Verse 1 says When Jesus knew that his hour has dome to depart out of this world to the Father

Verse 3 says Jesus, knowing that the Father has given all things into his hands

Verse 11 says For he knew who was to betray him

He knew he was rapidly approaching the most important moments of life. He knew that the pain and agony of the cross was imminent!

John is wanting us to see something about Jesus. Fully God and fully man, here is Jesus facing something we cannot even imagine. He is not saying to the disciples, “Don’t you care about what I’m facing?” He is not focused on himself. He is concerned that they be prepared for what’s about to happen. Jesus is focused on others!

He knew Who he was. With all that in mind he bowed before these disciples and washed their feet. He was not ignorant of the glory and authority that the Father had given him.

3. What Jesus Taught!

Verses 12-17 When he has washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” Has the significance of all this soaked? It goes way beyond just getting your feet washed. It goes way beyond just getting your need met.

Jesus comes into our lives. He loves us. He receives us. He meets our needs.

And sometimes people think that’s all this is about—getting my need met, getting my feet washed.

No, it’s about a personal transformation of character and thinking. It’s about becoming something. It’s about becoming a servant like Jesus. verse 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Freely you have received, freely give.

If my experience in God is only about me, only about me getting my needs met, I’ve missed something along the way. If church is just about me getting what I want, I’ve missed something. The greatest human tragedy is for a person to never receive Christ and his mercy.

The second greatest tragedy is that a person would experience Christ, experience his love, experience his grace—but never translate that into service toward others.

I know you’ve been waiting on my story so here it is… A wealthy American traveler tells the story of how he was a visiting a hospital in South Africa. He entered just as a young missionary nurse was cleaning the sores of a sick, dirty, young woman who was dying of HIV/AIDS, which had been lying in a gutter for days. The wealthy man said to the nurse, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” She answered quietly and firmly, “Neither would I.”

It’s a whole lot easier to talk about service, think about service, fanaticize about great service, and hear sermons about service—than to actually do service for others. But the blessing, the joy, the happiness, is not found in talking about it or hearing about it. It is found in actually doing it.

Is there a need you can meet? Is there someone near you who needs his or her feet washed—some practical service that could make that person’s burden lighter?

It is my prayer as we spend the remaining days of this corporate time of fasting and praying that the Lord opens our eyes to dirty feet and give us a heart to wash them. That’s the church I want to pastor…A church where every member is a minister and every seat is filled with a serving servant.

In the Upper Room right before the Passover (v.1a)
The awareness of His enemies (v.2)
The extreme demonstration of royal service (v.3-5)
The prerequisite for royal service: Washing and cleansing (v.6-11)
The meaning of royal service (v.12-14)
The reasons for royal service (v.15-17)
The Prediction of the Betrayer (v.18-30)
The Departure of Jesus From This World (v.31-38)

I literally had to quit today. This chapter is simple jammed packed with so much teaching. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoy writing this. See you tomorrow for day 14!

Day 12 of 21 Days

2012-01-20T21:11:00.003-06:00

Hello fasting friends and family, it is day 12 of the Fast and you are almost there, Praise the Lord!!! When you think about fasting you have to think about “dying.” Not necessarily a physical death but a carnal death that leads to a spiritual resurrection. As we continue this corporate time of fasting and praying be encourage that you have made a major decision to participate in a spiritual discipline that will change your life. As I read and reread our devotional reading from John chapter 12 it hit like a ton of bricks.

John 12:23-25 is a hard saying. And Jesus answered them, the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever love his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Jesus is basically telling His disciples that to live they need to die. That’s not a comfortable teaching. I know that’s not popular teaching these days with the gospel of prosperity being so popular. But the TRUE is that it is the uncomfortable teaching of Jesus that causes us to be in His will, His way and His word. Just check it out how we are to face the uncomfortable word of Jesus in order to be comfortable with Him:

We see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18)
We conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18)
We find rest under a yoke (Mt. 11:28-30)
We reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44)
We are made great by becoming little (Luke 9:48)
We are exalted by being humble (Mt. 23:12)
We become wise by being fools for Christ’s sake (1 Cor. 1:20, 21)
We are made free by becoming His bond servants (Rom. 6:10)
We wax strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10)
We triumph by defeat (2 Cor. 12:7-9)
We find victory by glorying in our infirmities (2 Cor. 12:5)
But perhaps most difficult of all for us:
We live by dying (John 12:24,25; 2 Cor. 4:10,11)

These are all very difficult saying but each leading to something so amazing, marvelous and miraculous And yet, Jesus tells us our very usefulness - our fruitfulness for God is tied to our willingness to surrender our lives even to die for Him. Listen to the words one more time UNLESS A GRAIN OF WHEAT FALLS INTO THE EARTH AND DIES, IT REMAINS ALONE; BUT IF IT DIES, IT BEARS MUCH FRUIT. If I was preaching/teaching I would tell you that if we are going to be any good to the King or the Kingdom we must experience a falling down, dirt and death in order to be fruitful. In order for a seed to produce fruit it must go through a drop, dirt, drought, drench and death to bring about fruit.

Verse 32 says And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

One Commentator noted that there are 6 instances where Jesus mentions BEARING FRUIT as a Christian - and 5 of those are tied to the cross or dying.

In Short - it is in dying... not in doing... that we bear fruit for God. OR, to put it another way: Placed in the position of obeying God when it might very cost you WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE?

You can be like those who chose living over dying or those who chose dying over living. Check out the contrast: there are those who chose disobediences over obedience when the price was too high for those who faced the decision:

1. 10 spies who went into Canaan (we looked like grasshoppers)

2. Rich Young Ruler (Jesus looked on him and loved him - sell all that you have)

3. Peter denying knowing Christ (3 times)

They all regretted their decisions.

Then there are those who chose obedience over disobedience; death over life and was blessed and honored by the Father.

1. Abraham sacrificing Isaac - "God will provide…"

2. Job - "though He slay me, I will serve Him"

3. Joshua - "Choose you this day whom you will serve..."

4. Shadrach, Mesach, Abednego - "Our God is able to rescue us...but even if..."

5. John the Baptist - "He must increase, and I must decrease"

Each of these people made hard decisions and succeeded where lesser men would have failed. Why was that? Because of a principle found in John 12:26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

If you chose living over dying you die, but if you chose dying over living you live.

Let me close day 12 with a story That which appears to be death to us is often that which gives life. In his book, "Written in Blood," Robert Coleman tells the story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained that she had the same disease the boy had recovered from 2 years earlier. Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.

"Would you give your blood to Mary?" the doctor asked. Johnny hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister."

Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room, nary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned.

As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny’s smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube.

With the ordeal almost over, his voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence, "Doctor, when do I die?"

John was willing to die for his sister. Jesus has died for you BUT are you willing to die for Him?

Here’s a short outline of John 12 to help deepen your reading.

Jesus dined in a home in Bethany (v.1-2)
The supreme believer (v.3)
The hypocritical, unbelieving disciple (v.4-8)
The half-sincere seekers (v.9)
The fearful, self-seeking religionists (v.10-11)
Jesus Proclaimed as King: The Triumphal Entry, 12:12-19
Jesus Approached as King: The Misunderstood Messiah, 12:20-36
Jesus Rejected and Accepted as King, 12:37-50

Day 12 of 21 Days

2012-01-20T21:11:00.000-06:00

We see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18)
We conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18)
We find rest under a yoke (Mt. 11:28-30)
We reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44)
We are made great by becoming little (Luke 9:48)
We are exalted by being humble (Mt. 23:12)
We become wise by being fools for Christ’s sake (1 Cor. 1:20, 21)
We are made free by becoming His bond servants (Rom. 6:10)
We wax strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10)
We triumph by defeat (2 Cor. 12:7-9)
We find victory by glorying in our infirmities (2 Cor. 12:5)
But perhaps most difficult of all for us:
We live by dying (John 12:24,25; 2 Cor. 4:10,11)