Day 230 Jesus and his own brothers John 7:1-9

Guided reflection:

Jesus did not want to go to Judea because the folks were out to kill him.  But his own brothers – not the disciples, but his kin – did not really believe that their brother was really the Son of God – would you?  They encouraged Jesus to go to the Feast in Judea so he could “show off” with a few miracles so everyone would know about him.  But Jesus told them that this was not the time to go to Judea – they should go on without him.  But not to worry, the world would not hate them because he was their brother… the world only would hate him because he was the one who spoke the words of truth about the world’s problems and lack of faith.  It would have been hard to believe that your big brother was really a “God”, wouldn’t it?  You will note that John’s gospel shows the Pharisees being ready to kill Jesus earlier in the story line that the other three gospels.  Has it ever been difficult for you to follow Jesus?

Guided prayer:

“Today I pray for those who are tortured for their faith.  We are so thankful that we have the freedom to worship as we please.   However, when I am comfortable, I often forget to keep my faith in the forefront of my life.  I stop at this moment and ask that you show me where you want me to grow today.  Amen” 

Day 229 Words of Eternal Life John 6: 60- 71

Guided reflection:

Jesus must have been gathering a rather large group of disciples, but Jesus teachings were beginning to be too hard to grasp and live out.  So, many grumbled and gave up on following Jesus. He had the 12 left… and he asked if they were going to leave too!  Peter replied “Where else can we go?  You have the words of life!  We choose you!”   Have you ever felt like walking with Jesus was too hard?  Remember Peter’s words – to whom can we go besides Jesus?

Guided prayer:

“I do not understand all that I need to know about loving and following Jesus.  I just know that you are my source of life and love.  Help me to keep my eyes upon Jesus.  Amen” 

Day 228 Jesus is the Bread of Life John 6: 25-59

Guided reflection:

Jesus said to the crowd “Do not work for food that spoils, but work for food that last for eternity.”  Where are you placing your energy – in things that are fleeting, or things that matter?   And, by the way, is your soul hungry?  Feeling empty?  Jesus is the bread of life!  Live!   The Pharisees really had a hard time with this teaching – they did not “get” the metaphor… they made fun by saying Jesus was a flesh eating cannibal!    WE know that Jesus meant that what we really need is what He can offer – God in made flesh – Immanuel, God with us, Love with and in us.  Like the song says “what the world needs now, is love, sweet love.”   Jesus is what we need!  What have you been “feeding” yourself that is worthless?  How might you “feed” on Jesus?

Guided Prayer:

“Why do I look to things of this world to fill my life?  How is it that I long for truth and light and love and yet do not pay attention to the one who is the source of that Love?  Feed me, bread of life.  Fill the empty places in my heart with you.  Amen” 

Day 227 The People Seek Jesus John 6: 22-24

Guided reflection:

The Pharisees might not have been open to who Jesus was, but the people knew that there was something special going on here!   When they did not find Jesus where they thought he would be, they got into boats to cross the sea to find him!  Talk about determination!   What in your life has made you so determined to seek more?  Has it ever been more of God?  More of the stories of Jesus?

Guided prayer:

“Forgive our complacency.  We know the stories of your love, O God, and act as though it is no big deal!  The God of the universe loves ME!  Wants ME to be whole!  Wants Me to know abundant life!  Shake me up a bit, Lord!  Amen”

Day 226 Jesus and the Pharisees John 5: 20 – 47

Guided reflection:

Jesus continues his lecture to the Pharisees… he tries to help them understand that He is sent from God.  They are not open to believe this.  They study the scriptures and miss the point.  They will not look at the works that Jesus is doing as proof he is the Messiah.  They will not see, they will not be open, they are unteachable.   Jesus was right there in front of them, yet they were determined that he as the enemy, instead of seeing him as a gift from God.   Are you teachable?  Are there things in your life that you “know for sure” and no one is going to tell you any differently?  What I know for sure is that Jesus loves me and God is love. 

Guided prayer:

“Loving and giving God, open my eyes to the places where I am so rigid about what I believe.  Help me to hold your truth gently in my heart.  Keep me open to new places where you might be expanding my heart.  Amen.”

Day 225 Jesus’ Authority John 5: 19-29

Guided reflection:

This is a great passage to help us understand how God (in heaven) worked with Jesus (God on earth)… they are one!  They do not do things apart from each other.   Vs 24 – if we believe in the words of Jesus, then we do not have to worry about judgment, we are forgiven and set free!   These words are our source of life!  Again, we do not have to focus on being afraid to be condemned if we can focus on falling in love with Jesus and believing that He is Immanuel, God with us!  Do you believe?  Have you read enough to believe that Jesus was sent by God to be our savior?  Then, hold on to that!  That is your source of life!

Guided prayer:

“Loving God, I accept Jesus to be my savior.  I want to be forgiven and to believe in Jesus.  I want the source of life living in me!  Help my unbelief!  Amen!

Day 224 The Healing at the Pool John 5: 1 – 18

Guided reflection:

You are beginning to see why those who do not know the Bible are encouraged to read the Gospel of John as the place to begin.  The stories are so honest and so alive and filled with grace. When I hear this story I wonder why the man did not move closer to the water.  Then I wonder what Jesus saw in him that made him ask “do you want to be healed?”   Are there things you have been praying and praying about for years – what would you do if Jesus answered those prayers?  Do you really want to be healed? What do you get out of your “illnesses” or dysfunction?  Can you be gut honest with Jesus?

Guided prayer:

“Goodness, I think I want to be healed and made whole.  Although sometimes I get comfort or strokes for enduring not being whole… help me face myself, Help me have the courage to hear Jesus ask me “Do you want your prayers answered?”  Amen”

Day 223 Jesus Heals an Officer’s Son John 4: 43-54

Guided reflection:

The first “mighty work” was turning the water into wine, now Jesus does his first miracle.  And did not even need to be present with the boy who was ill!  He just said the words “your son will live” and it happened!   What a thrill to walk with Jesus!

Guided prayer:

“Healing God, your love is always present. Thank you for this story of the officer who heard the words of Jesus and then saw the results.  It is hard for me to believe when I do not see.  Help my unbelief!  Amen.”

Day 222 Jesus and the Samaritan Women at the well John 4: 1-42

Guided reflection:

Take time to read the whole story.  A day in the life of Jesus… being at the right place at the right time to meet someone’s need.    I love it how she tries to change the subject and then how Jesus brings it right home to her heart.  What a story of Grace and acceptance!  Put yourself in the story.  What of your past/present would you want to keep from Jesus?  What story of your own life would you love to hear Jesus forgive and accept you just as you are?    He does, you know! 

Guided Prayer:

“I am just like the woman at the well, Dear God!  I put on a good front but inside I know who I really am (you might want to make of list!)  Right now I hear the words of Jesus accepting me and releasing me from shame and guilt… please set my heart to singing.. so that I can come back bringing others to you!  Amen” 

Day 221 John the Baptist’s Opinion of Jesus John 3: 22-36

Guided reflection:

What a great passage about seeing one’s place in God’s love story.  John the Baptist has been preaching his heart out and baptizing any who will be baptized and he has gathered a group of disciples around him.  They become jealous of the popularity of another (Jesus) who is gathering large groups of people.  Rather than be jealous, John reminds his followers that he is not the Messiah and is just pointing folks to the Messiah.  His own happiness is complete … if Jesus is truly the messiah, He, John, must decrease in importance so the real work of God – the Messiah – can increase.  Wow, such humility!  How many times have I heard pastors become jealous of another person’s congregation when their numbers are larger than their own?  Should that we be more like John!

Guided Prayer:

“O Loving God, help me to know this kind of humility.  Help me to know that all that I do for you is not about me, but about you!  Help me release my need to be recognized and remember that I play to an audience of one – you!  Amen”