Non-Believing Brothers

Growing up as the youngest of five boys had its challenges. As I outline in my book, Practical Leadership, my siblings and I were very competitive. My position in the birth order lent itself to many losses in the games we played or things we did. 

Inwardly, the thing I yearned for was my brothers to believe in me. I wanted them to think I was good at something!

With that as my backdrop, I sometimes wonder what it may have been like for Jesus to have non-believing brothers. His love for people led Him to have compassion on them, which inspired belief among the masses. Yet, His own brothers did not believe He was the Messiah. But Jesus persevered. He lived the life He was created to live to perfection. 

By the grace of God, one of my brothers spoke life into me and it propelled me to live a life for Christ without hinderance. I praise God for that!

What about you? What holds you back from living a full life for and in Christ? Ask God to open your eyes to that area. He will do it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 7:2-5

2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 

5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

Today’s Readings:

John 7:1-30; Proverbs 15:4

A Sobering Thought

This proverb should give all people, especially Christians, cause to pause. The writer is teaching us that everything we do is seen by the Father. Furthermore, everything we think is known by the Father.  This is a sobering thought. 

This reality should shape our behavior and our thought life. What you do matters. Behave in a way that honors God. What you think matters. Cast out thoughts that are contrary to the word and will of God but dwell on things that are true, right, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This is how we live a life that we can be happy knowing God sees everything. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 15:3

3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Today’s Readings:

John 6:43-71; Proverbs 15:1-3

Too Smart For Your Own Good

As I read this passage the words I heard my mother say often came to my mind. When someone would say something that didn’t make sense, she would say, “you’re too smart for your own good.” That meant the thing someone thought they knew would be the very thing that caused them problems. 

The people in Jesus time were certainly too smart for their own good. They had the Messiah standing in front of them. They witnessed the miracles. They knew what the word said about the Messiah. Yet, they looked at Jesus and saw Joseph and Mary’s son. 

What about you? When you consider Jesus, do you relegate Him to something small and insignificant? Before you say, “No, I would never do that,” look at your life. Consider how you live. Do you seek to honor Jesus with every area of your life? If not, make changes. Honoring Christ is mandatory for living a fruitful life for Christ. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 6:40-42

40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

Today’s Readings:

John 6:22-42; Proverbs 14:34-35

Problem Solved

As I read this passage, I had an image of someone inviting Christ into the midst of their problem. In that moment, problem solved!

When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in any circumstance, that issue is done. It may take minutes, days, weeks, months, or even years for us to experience the benefits of the solved problem, but we can rest assured that when God is on the case, all problems must yield to His will. 

Please invite Jesus into the midst of your problems. Better yet, invite Him into your life, give Him complete access to everything and get out of the way! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 6:18-21

18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 

20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Today’s Readings:

John 6:1-21; Proverbs 14:32-33

“Come out!”

As I read this passage, I flashed forward to the time Jesus calls Lazarus to come out of the grave. As you read the words of this passage, does it bring up Lazarus in your mind?

The Bible bears witness to itself. Rarely does something happen independently. Jesus walked on water, then Peter walked on water. Jesus fed the five thousand, then He fed the four thousand. Jesus raised Jairus daughter, then Paul raised the young man who fell to his death.

It makes sense that Jesus would foretell this important lesson of raising Lazarus from the grave. He’s going to raise the dead in Christ when He returns. 

I encourage you to read your Bible with the purpose of getting to know God better. As you grow in your knowledge of Him, He will use you in ways you have yet to think of. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 5:28-30

28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

Today’s Readings:

John 5:24-47; Proverbs 14:30-31

Patience Are Free

I love God. 

Yesterday I received some disappointing news that had to do with work. This morning I read two different passages that highlight the importance of being patient. Although I want to respond a certain way to this disappointing news, I cannot help but think that God wants me to be patient. Why else would I read these two passages this morning when I needed them the most?

These days, when someone thanks me for being patient, I tell them that patience are free so I stocked up on them. 

Do you have a need for more patience? Be mindful that God embodies patience and we are created in His image and likeness. Therefore, it is in us to be patient. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 14:29

29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Today’s Readings:

John 5:1-23; Proverbs 14:28-29

Fear God

We don’t reverence God like we should. 

I know that’s a blanket statement that does not always apply to everyone all the time. Yet, it likely applies to all of us some of the time. 

Why is that? What keeps us from reverencing God all the time?

I have a thought on this. We trust our emotions more than we are willing to trust God’s ways. When someone hurts us, we want them to get theirs. We have no regard for the sacrifice Jesus made for us while we were still sinners. We only care about our feelings and what we think should happen to the object of our hurt. That should not be. 

Take time today to ask God to search your heart and point out the areas in your life where you have chosen to disregard God’s word and seek your own way. When He shows you, make the necessary changes. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 14:26-27

26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Today’s Readings:

John 4:43-54; Proverbs 14:26-27

An Encounter With Christ

This section of John’s gospel account always fascinates me. When the story begins, the woman appears to be an outcast. She does not draw water with the other women. She’s had five husbands. It is safe to say that she had a bad reputation. Yet, an encounter with Christ changed that. 

What about her was different? The same people who did not want to associate with her earlier that same day, were now going out to see Jesus based on her testimony. What had changed?

An encounter with Christ will change anyone whose heart is pliable. Has He changed your life? Go tell others how He did. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 4:28-30

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Today’s Readings:

John 4:4-42; Proverbs 14:25

He Must Become Greater

I have a good friend who frequently says that he wants Christ to increase in him while he decreases. I am certain he is inspired by John the Baptist’s words in this passage. 

Regardless of what inspired him, my friend’s words and attitude are things we would do well to adopt in our lives. Christ increasing in us will lead us to make Christ-like decisions. We will sacrifice what we want and live for the benefit of others. 

In the book of Philippians, Paul teaches that we must have the mind of Christ, doing nothing out of vain conceit. He goes on to say that we should consider others better than us. This means their needs come before ours. That’s what Christ did. He did not need to have an atonement for sin in His life because He had none. Therefore, He has made the ultimate sacrifice by allowing Himself to be hung on a cross, which led directly to our redemption. 

If Christ did that for us, I most definitely want Him to increase in my life and I want my thoughts and ways to decrease in my life. What about you? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 3:27-30

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

Today’s Readings:

John 3:22-4:3; Proverbs 14:22-24

*Homework Alert*

Born Of Water And Spirit

Within the Christian community, there is much debate about what Jesus meant when He said a person must be born of water and the Spirit. Your homework is to do a fairly deep dive to better understand what you believe Jesus meant. 

Some will tell you that when He speaks of water, Jesus is talking about baptism. I am not of that belief. There is no special meaning to the Greek word used here, thus it simply means water. I believe He’s talking about the natural birth we all experience from the womb, which is protected by water. 

To be born of a woman, water is involved. This is what I believe Jesus is talking about. He makes the statement, “flesh gives birth to flesh.” That is what leads me on the path that I’m on as I seek to understand what Jesus meant. 

Therefore, I believe Jesus is saying, “Unless a person is born naturally through the womb of a woman, then made new by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” What do you think Jesus means? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 3:4-6

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Today’s Readings:

John 3:1-21; Proverbs 14:20-21

Do Whatever He Tells You

The wedding at Cana is said to be the place where Jesus did His first sign showing that He is the Messiah. Two things standout to me. 

First, the faith of His mother. Although we read that she may not have known the depths of her son, she knew He was special. We are told that when Jesus was a baby, Mary, “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” She may not have known, but she knew.

Second, the faith of the workers. The men who filled the jars with water, drew out some of the water, and took it to the master of the banquet. We don’t read about any hesitation. 

Do you have faith like Mary? She had seen things that led her to believe that Jesus was special, maybe even the Messiah. She acted on this faith. God has shown Himself to you. Do you act on your faith based on what you’ve seen or do you live out your doubts?

Do you have faith like the men? Although the Jesus-given task may sound weird, do you do it without hesitation? These men acted in faith without regard of how “foolish” it sounded. 

Do a life check today. Ask God if you are faithful or do you allow your doubts to keep you on the sidelines while others do the work God has called all believers to do. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 2:5-10

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Today’s Readings:

John 2:1-25; Proverbs 14:17-19

Think Carefully

I do love a good proverb. The message in these two seems to be think carefully. 

Daily, I am amazed at the number of people who walk around oblivious to the presence of the Lord. They say words like coincidence, luckily, and fate. They seem to be unaware that the Creator of all things is on the throne watching over us. Nothing happens without His knowledge. 

In Genesis, we read, “As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest time will remain.” That seems simple, and it is. However, there is a complexity to it as well. What we get is a direct result of what we do. Where it gets complex is when what we get is a direct result of what someone else does. 

This is why the writer of these Proverbs implores us not to be simple minded. We must think carefully before we act. It implies that those who use wisdom in their decision making improve their odds of avoiding bad outcomes. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 14:15-16

15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

Today’s Readings:

John 1:29-51; Proverbs 14:15-16

The Messiah

I find it interesting that the religious leaders of that time were certain that John the Baptist was sent from God. Yet, they refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. 

Why is this interesting to me?

Because John told them he was not the Messiah, then he told them who was. And they refused to believe him. 

This is still happening today. People refuse to believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Anyone who does not believe is in for an eternity of separation from the Father. 

Seek Christ now. He wants a relationship with you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

John 1:22-23

22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Today’s Readings:

John 1:1-28; Proverbs 14:13-14

The Scriptures

Do you want to walk right with God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit? Read your Bible. But don’t simply read it out of obligation. Seek to understand better this man Jesus Christ who gave His life so you could have a right relationship with the Father. 

Here are some things to ponder. In this section of Luke, Jesus talks about the prophecy of Himself starting with Moses and working through all that was written about Him. The people of His day had access to the scriptures. We also see Paul sharing with people in this same manner. Additionally, before Stephen was stoned to death he also shared with the people the prophecies of Christ. 

If you want to walk right with Christ, you must get to know Him by reading your Bible daily. Every book of the Bible, including Esther, points to Jesus Christ. By reading it, you grow in knowledge and faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 24:25-27

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 24:13-53; Proverbs 14:11-12

*Bonus Question: Why did I say, “including Esther?”

Too Little Too Late

As I read this passage, the saying, “Too little too late” came to mind. The good news is, that saying does not work here. Yes, the people realized after the fact what they had done. But they were not too late. 

It is likely that many of those same people who mocked Jesus, then felt remorse were among the thousands who became believers on the day of Pentecost. Thus making it not too late for them to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. 

That’s a lesson we can learn. It’s never too late on this side of the grave to accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. 

Have you repented? If so, it will be evident in the life of obedience you are living. But do not wait. No day or moment is promised. There is not an option to choose Christ after your life has reached expiration. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 23:47-49

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee,stood at a distance, watching these things.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 23:44-24:12; Proverbs 14:9-10

“Crucify Him”

Earlier in the week, the people were shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” And at the end of the week, many of those same people were shouting, “Crucify Him.”

How did that happen? What could turn their hearts and minds so quickly?

Unfortunately, there are many things that can lead to such a change of heart, but they all begin with listening to the wrong voice. Someone put the thought in the minds of the people. They did not come to that decision on their own. 

This leads us to the question, who are you allowing to influence your decisions. Your inner circle is crucial to your thought life. 

Read Psalm 1 to learn how to walk well with the Lord. Central in that Psalm is the company you keep. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 23:20-21

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 23:13-43; Proverbs 14:7-8

Mock Now Gnash Later

As I read this passage, I was reminded of the way people today disregard Jesus. They are convinced that He is a fictional character in a book full of fairy tails. That mindset will be their tragedy. 

Jesus is real. His place in history is secure. No reputable historian disputes that Jesus lived. So the question becomes, is He the Son of God, the Messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament. 

The religious leaders in Jesus day were convinced that He was not the Messiah. Many people today have the mind of the Pharisees. Unfortunately, like the Pharisees, these people are wrong. They have staked their eternity on a lie. 

Consider this, if Christians are wrong about eternal life, nothing happens. They die and that’s it. However, if non-believers are wrong…

Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:63-65

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:54-23:12; Proverbs 14:5-6

No Lack With Jesus

This passage is a call to action for Christians. When He sent out the disciples and the 72, He sent them without purse, bag, sandals, or any normal necessity. He knew that they would be cared for wherever they went. 

He asks them did they lack anything. They responded that they lacked nothing. 

Look around our world, do people lack anything? If you’re being honest, you know the answer is yes. What are we doing about it? Make it personal. Ask the question, “what am I doing about it.”

If you have plenty, that’s not all for your pleasure. Some of that is for the needy. The needy may not walk up and knock on your door. You are going to have to make a conscience effort to seek the needy then help them. 

This is what our ministry is doing. If you want to help the needy, but don’t know where to go, join us. We know where to go. We would love for you to be a part of what God is guiding us to do. 

Reach out in a private message. Let’s GO! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:35

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:35-53; Proverbs 14:3-4

The Father Knows

Jesus’ words to Peter in this passage seem to come out of nowhere. But because God is all knowing He warned Peter, through Jesus, of Peter’s pending denial of knowing Jesus. 

Although Peter was “certain” he was ready to be imprisoned or die for Jesus, we will learn in the coming days that Peter did deny knowing Jesus three times, as predicted by Jesus. 

Have you ever let Jesus down by doing what you know He told you not to do? Or, like Peter, have you promised Jesus that you were going to be faithful to Him in a difficult time, only to bail out at the moment of truth?

If so, there’s good news. You’re in good company. The God of Grace and mercy is prepared to show both to you in your repentance. 

The question is, are you ready to repent? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:31-34

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you,Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Today’s Readings:

Luke 22:14-34; Proverbs 14:1-2

The Details

I love this passage because it reminds me that God is detailed. When He tasks His people, He’s detailed. 

Take time to read about Noah and the ark. Or when He told Moses how to build the Ark of the Covenant. Or any other number of things God said to do. When He gives us a task there’s a specificity attached that lets us know it’s from Him. 

In this passage, Jesus describes the man who will meet Peter and John and the room in which they will prepare for the Passover meal. 

God is detailed so we won’t make mistakes. He doesn’t give options when options will lead you astray. 

When God tasks you, confirm it’s Him by asking for the details. He will give you what you need. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Luke 22:7-13

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Today’s Readings:

Luke 21:29-22:13; Proverbs 13:24-25