Weekly Devotion from Jesse

Monday, December 22     This Week
Week of:    Dec 28, 2008, Dec 21, 2008, Dec 14, 2008, Dec 7, 2008

TOO GOOD NOT TO FOLLOW

Passage Of the Day:

John 1:1-51 (New King James Version)

Insight - Application & Encouragement

Insight:
As John begins his gospel, his main objective is to make it clear to us that Jesus is even more glorious than we can imagine. Because if we know who Jesus is, we will be able to follow Him knowing that it is the best option for our lives. If you read verses 1-5, you discover that Jesus is transcendent (beyond us): He is God, eternal, and made everything. If you read verses 10-18, you find out that Jesus is also immanent (close to us): He pursues us, communicates with us, and makes Himself known to us personally. This combination enables us to know the One who is above everything we know.
Application:
John continues by mentioning the stories of four specific people who each demonstrate an important aspect of following Jesus.
1) Andrew (37-39)= Listening
Do you really want to hear God and His revelation to you?
2) Peter (40-42)= Changing
How much of your life and identity will you let God change?
3) Philip (43-45)= Spreading
Who will you tell about Jesus?
4) Nathanael (46-51)= Learning
How is God teaching and correcting you?
A Story:
A friend of mine (yes actual friend) liked to sneak into movies. Another trick he did was to pay for one movie but then stay in the theater and watch several movies. But this was before he decided to follow Jesus in this area of his life. So, instead of watching a second movie, he decided to tell the theater manager that he would like to watch a second movie- and offered to buy another ticket. The manager said it was the first time anyone has ever had the honesty to approach him instead of trying to sneak in to the next showing. He rewarded my friend with free popcorn and drinks and no charge for the movie. I’m not saying you will be rewarded like this every time, but following Jesus includes the ‘small’ parts of our life too.
Prayer:
Father God, I truly want to know Jesus more. Help me to see how great He is, so I will follow Him even more than I have in the past. Forgive me for not trusting your timing and your plan. I’m tired of trying to force everything and basically just following myself instead of following you. Help me not to compromise by following the crowd too. Start a new work in my life today. Teach me, I pray, so that I can spread the truth about you Jesus. I love you and I pray in Your name Jesus. Amen.

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