Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 5:8&9 "8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath." For almost 4 decades this man has needed healing. Longer than Jesus's incarnation! Many people need healing for a very long time. Every situation is different. When it's you, even a short time can feel like an eternity. Still, this "impotent man" was there every day, hoping and praying he might get into the water first, and be healed. Every day he is there trying to be made well. Against all odds. Knowing very well that it would take a miracle. And, behold, one day Jesus stepped into his life! "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath." He. Was. Healed! Jesus wants to know "Do you want to be healed?" We all desire healing in our lives....

John 5:7 "The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." Jesus wants to know "Do you want to be healed?" It's what He asked the "impotent man." It's what He asks you and me. We all desire healing in our lives. Spiritual, financial, health and more. We may have physical illness, or we might afflict ourselves with alcohol, pornography, gluttony, and other besetting sins. Jesus is asking are you going to do what is necessary? Will you do what it takes? Make changes? Will you go to therapy, or other treatments? Will you do the work? Work out? Diet? Abstain? Do you want to change badly enough? Or, do you have excuses? In today's verse we read what sounds like excuses. "The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." ...

John 5:6 "When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?" We are studying the miracle at the Bethesda Pool. And, we have a LOT of questions. Like, how many people were there? One hundred? More? Was this man born this way? Or, was he a victim of some accident? We are not given these details. These are not the questions Jesus wants to answer.  In today's verse we learn the question Jesus wants to be answered; "Wilt thou be made whole?" Or, "Do you want to be healed?" We all desire healing in our lives. Spiritual, financial, health and more. We may have physical illness, or we might afflict ourselves with alcohol, pornography, gluttony, and other besetting sins. When Jesus asked, "Do you want to be healed?" He is asking are you going to do what is necessary? Will you do what it takes? Make changes? Will you go to therapy, or other treatments? Will you do the work? Work ...

John 5:5 "And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years." The Bethesda Pool, with its five porticoes, was located next door to the Temple. Ceremonies of purification were performed there and on occasion people were miraculously healed! The people believed an angel that "troubled the water" was responsible for this healing. Many people were here desperately hoping to win the lottery of bubbling water. With so many here waiting and not "winning", they turned to begging. Making this place known for both suffering and hope. Into this situation the Son of God stepped to save a blessed person! How many people were there? One hundred? More? We are not told. In today's verse we begin to glimpse the lucky man who will be healed. "And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years." He has suffered this situation for more years than Jesus's incarnation! Was this man born this way? Or, was he a vi...

John 5:4 "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." How do you explain one person getting healed and another one not? One is blessed and the other not? One is lucky and the other not? Or, perhaps there is an angel that "troubled the water." We could entertain the idea that there are angels "troubling" other things in our world. They would help explain the unexplainable. Situations we don't feel comfortable in. Like the Bethesda Pool. With its five porticoes, located next door to the Temple. Where ceremonies of purification were performed. So many people here desperately hoping to win the lottery of bubbling water. With many people here waiting and not "winning", they turned to begging. Making this place known for both suffering and hope. Yesterday's verse describes it this way, "In the...

John 5:3 "In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water." We are reading verses in the Gospel of John that demonstrate the compassion of our Lord and Savior. The location is the Bethesda Pool and is described as having five porticoes. It is next door to the Temple. This pool was a "mikveh." which is a Jewish ritual bath. Where ceremonies of purification are performed. In this pool, people believed that when the water bubbled up, the first person in the water would be healed. So, there are lots of people here hoping to win the lottery of bubbling water. With many people here waiting and not "winning", they turned to begging. Making this place known for both suffering and hope. Into this situation the Son of God stepped. Today's verse describes it this way, "In these lay a great multitude of IMPOTENT FOLK..." We have all encountered IMPOTENT FOLK. Further described as "blind,...

John 5:2 "Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches." Jesus called on Mary Magdalene to be the first eyewitness to His resurrection! Our GOD is more patient and care-filled than we give Him credit for! Jesus lingered at the tomb to comfort the broken heart of someone He cares about. He did not have to do that. He gently guided her to think, to remember His teachings on this subject. This is who our GOD is. Isn't Jesus who everyone is looking for? This is the question we all need to answer. The question Jesus asked Mary, "Who are you looking for?" Today we turn to more verses in the Gospel of John that demonstrate the compassion of our Lord and Savior. In Hebrew, "Bethesda" means "house of mercy" or "house of grace." The Bethesda Pool is described as having five porticoes. Scholars dismiss this as an unhistorical literary creation. Until recent years, when...

John 20:18 "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things unto her." Mary is Jesus's first eyewitness to His resurrection! She is assigned the task of telling the Disciples! This is HUGE! GOD is in control of this whole situation and this is how He wanted things to happen. Our GOD is more patient and more care-filled than we give Him credit for! Jesus lingered at the tomb to comfort the broken heart of someone He cares about. He did not have to do that. He could have taken off making appearances with the Apostles and others. He is gently guiding her. He wanted her to think, to remember His teachings on this subject. This is our GOD. Isn't this the kind of open and vulnerable relationship that people hope to find? One that cares and helps you when you need it most. Isn't Jesus who everyone is looking for? This is the question we all need to answer. The question Jesus asked Mary, "Who are you looking ...

John 20:16&17 "16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." "Who are you looking for?" Jesus asked Mary. A question we all need to answer. He is lingering here at the tomb trying to comfort the broken heart of someone He cares about. He did not have to do that. He could be off making appearances with the Apostles and others. He is gently guiding her. He wanted her to think, to remember His teachings on this subject. This is our GOD. In today's verses she recognized Jesus! She sees that He has returned from death! He is triumphant over death and sin! His presence here in front of Mary is irrefutable proof that He is the Son of God! And! Next, Jesus asked her to "...go to My brethren, and say unto them, I a...

John 20:15 "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." "Who are you looking for?" Jesus asked Mary. A question we all need to answer. She doesn't recognize Him at first. Jesus KNOWS why she is crying. He wants her to think, to remember His teachings about this sequence of events. Mary is living through EXTREME experiences. She witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. She sees two angels and talks with them! She is still thinking that Jesus is dead. We can't blame her, what she saw with her own eyes would be definitive proof. She is looking for the body of Jesus. She thinks this "gardener" has taken the body of her friend. He wanted her to think, to remember His teachings on this subject. He is gently guiding her. He did not have to do that. He could be off making appearances with th...

John 20:14 "And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus." Mary is living through some EXTREME experiences. She witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. Very early in the morning, on the third day, she returned to Jesus's tomb. She looks into Jesus's tomb and sees two angels and talks with them! A experience very FEW people have. She is still thinking that Jesus is dead. We can't blame her, what she saw with her own eyes would be definitive proof. She is looking for the body of Jesus. In today's verse, she is the FIRST PERSON to see our Lord and Savior risen from the dead! This moment is a very touching event that gives us a peek at the LOVE of GOD. She doesn't understand what is happening just yet. Jesus will reveal more to Mary. She doesn't recognize Him at first. Jesus knows why she is crying. He wanted her to think, to remember His teachings on this subject. He is gently guiding her. He did ...

John 20:13 "13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." Having witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Magdalene is deep in grief. Very early in the morning, on the third day, she returned to Jesus's tomb. She looks into Jesus's tomb and sees two angels. Next, the angels talk to her. "Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." She is still thinking that Jesus is dead. We can't blame her, what she saw with her own eyes would be definitive proof. She is looking for the body of Jesus. Mary Magdalene is part of a very special club, people who have encountered ANGELS! Along with the likes of Abraham, Hagar, Balaam, King David, Shepherds, the Apostle John, and a couple other of God’s apostles and prophets. Very few people and only at pivotal moments.

John 20:12 "And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." As we read in the Gospel of John, on the third day after the crucifixion. We will witness one of the ways GOD CARES for His followers. Very early in the morning, Mary Magdalene is deep in grief and loss. Her lamentations would be at their peak. She has returned to Jesus's tomb.  Her world has turned upside down. There must be a storm of emotions inside her. She is about to become the first person to witness the most incredible happening in all history. She looks into Jesus's tomb "And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." Mary Magdalene is part of a very special club, people who have encountered ANGELS! Along with the likes of Abraham, Hagar, Balaam, King David, Shepherds, the Apostle John, and a couple other of God’s apostles and prophets. Very fe...

John 20:11 "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," GOD CARES. God cares about you. This is the important point we ended on with last week's study. We covered King David’s lamentations and took it to Jesus dying on the cross. "For God so loved the world..." You are in the world and GOD is concerned about what is happening to you.  Today we continue on in the Gospel of John. Coming in on the third day after the crucifixion. Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene is deep in grief and loss. Her lamentations would be at their peak. She has returned to Jesus's tomb. "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," Her world has turned upside down. There must be a storm of emotions inside her. She is about to become the first person to witness the most incredible happening in all history...

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." GOD CARES. The thing we most often forget is that GOD cares for you. GOD is concerned about what is happening to you. All sorts of things that maybe concerning to you, give them to GOD. He wants your challenges! When we have any doubts. Doubts about ourselves or doubts about GOD. We need to give our burdens to GOD.  King David did exactly this. This week we read his lamentations in Psalms chapter 3. He was out numbered and feeling all alone and desperate. David turned to GOD, showing us the pattern. Get the fear and complaints out and then shift to hope in God! Have faith that God will provide. We know and love John 3:16. Remember that while today's verse talks about GOD saving the world, in practice GOD is saving individuals like you and me! GOD'S only Son was sacrificed for you! Jesus rose again from the dead for y...

1 Peter 5:6&7 "6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." King David did exactly this. This week we read his lamentations in Psalms chapter 3. He was out numbered and feeling all alone and desperate. David turned to GOD, showing us the pattern. Get the fear and complaints out and then shift to hope in God! Have faith that God will provide. The humility recommended in today's verse is not just a submissive bearing of the things which it pleased God to let happen to you. But, really learning the life lessons God is teaching you through your experiences.  When we have any doubts. Doubts about ourselves or doubts about GOD. We need to give our burdens to GOD. All sorts of things that maybe concerning to you, give them to GOD. He wants your challenges! The thing we must often forget is that GOD cares for you. GOD is concerned about what is happening to you. GOD CAR...

Psalms 3:7&8 "7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Selah." King David was out numbered and feeling all alone and desperate, here in chapter three of the book of Psalms. David is running from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. Really imagine David’s distress and despair in the face of his numerous enemies and even his own son. David turned to GOD, showing us the pattern. Get the fear and complaints out and then shift to hope in God! Have faith that God will provide. Faith doesn't end danger or attacks, but God will shield you. Lift your head up, don't be downcast or downtrodden. Even in the most troubling of times, rest in the comfort of GOD. God is helping you every step of the way. "Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Th...

Psalms 3:5&6 "5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." We will all experience reasons for LAMENTING. We are blessed to have numerous examples to learn from in the Holy Scriptures. We are studying one from chapter three of the book of Psalms. Written by King David during his flight from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. Really imagine David’s distress and despair in the face of his numerous enemies and even his own son. David is in a woeful situation, without a doubt, and he turned to our GOD. The verses paint a comforting picture of God lifting David’s head and hearing his cries for help. These verses also show us the pattern. Get the fear and complaints out and then shift to hope in God! Have faith that God will provide. Faith doesn't end danger or attacks, but God will shield you. Lift your head up, don't be downcast or downtr...

Psalms 3:3&4 "3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah." The literary and poetic expressions of LAMENTATIONS serve as a testament to the human experience of suffering and the longing for divine comfort and redemption. This week we will study a striking example in chapter three of the book of Psalms. Written by King David during his flight from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him (2 Samuel 15:13-17). The psalm expresses David’s distress and despair in the face of his numerous enemies and those who doubt God’s deliverance. Yesterday's verses, "LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah." The phrase “Selah” is a musical notation or pause, indicating a moment of reflection or contemplation. How impactful it would b...

Psalms 3:1&2 "1 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah." The penultimate question that Jesus asked was "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" When Jesus hung on the cross He was in agony and literally dying. The pain He was experiencing was in the EXTREME. It's on the cross where people and GOD are reunited! Jesus had the experience of being GOD rejected and abandoned by people. Then, on the cross Jesus felt abandoned by God. He experienced the full weight of humanity’s sin and God’s wrath. This question and this feeling is known to all of us. It should not surprise us to find a record of this feeling in the Old Testament. Turn to the Psalms, chapter 22, verse 1. This verse has various interpretations over time. We can say for sure that it is a LAMENTATION of the righteous suffering of the psalmist. It's on the cross where He s...

Matthew 27:46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" We should keep studying the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus's questions are very educational. This week, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" When Jesus hung on the cross He was in agony and literally dying. The pain He was experiencing was in the EXTREME. His loss and separation was on full display for ALL to see. Anguish doesn't begin to describe His experience on the cross. Jesus’ cry happened around 3 pm as He was experiencing the full weight of humanity’s sin and God’s wrath. Jesus felt abandoned by God. A feeling He would never have known before. Yet, it had some familiarity as He had the experience of being GOD rejected and abandoned by people. It's here on the cross where people and GOD are reunited! This question and this feeling is known to all of us. We might see it as ...

Psalms 73:27&28 "27 For, lo, they that are far from Thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from Thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Thy works." We want to stay close to GOD. We believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are weak and fragile. GOD is with you in the here and now. God will last as long as your immortal soul. We need to reach the point we desire nothing more than we desire GOD. Following GOD'S plan will keep us from straying into mischief. Believing in GOD will get us into heaven. When we get to heaven and meet GOD all other thoughts and concerns will disappear. In our hour of need God is there with us! God is holding our hand. These verses can be helpful to you and me with the challenges we face today. Read the Book of Psalms for encouragement. Chapter seventy-three is a nuanced exploration of human experience, offering a powerful and relatable portray...

Psalms 73:24-26 "24 Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." We have been studying the questions that Jesus asked. Jesus's questions are very educational. This week was Martha confronting Jesus when He shows up four days after the death of His friend, her brother, Lazarus. Jesus asked Martha "DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?" And, she answered "Yea, Lord..." Martha's FAITH is inspiring. Even though she was wrecked with grief and conflicted with thoughts of what could have been, she turned to Jesus help and comfort. Yesterday we returned to the Book of Psalms for encouragement. Chapter seventy-three, this Psalm is a nuanced exploration of human experience, offering a powerful and relatable portrayal of faith, doubt, and redemption. These verses ...

Psalms 73:21-23 "21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand." This week we have studied Martha confronting Jesus when He shows up four days after the death of His friend, her brother, Lazarus. Martha's FAITH is impressive. In this event, we witness whatever Jesus asks of God, God will give to Him. Take comfort in what God provides for you. God has more in-store for us. We have hope in the resurrection and the life here after! Believe it! Today we return to the Book of Psalms for engagement. Chapter seventy-three makes time to read all twenty-eight verses. This Psalm is a nuanced exploration of human experience, offering a powerful and relatable portrayal of faith, doubt, and redemption. Today's verses touch on a point where Martha must have been. And, a place where we all will be. "Thus my heart was gr...

John 10:21&22 "21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee." Martha confronts Jesus when He shows up four days after the death of His friend, her brother, Lazarus. Martha was honest and straightforward with Jesus. Today's verses are a GREAT indicator of Martha's FAITH. But, it's not Martha's FAITH that brings her brother back. It is the omnipotent power of the Son of God that brings Lazarus back to life. Martha and everyone is blessed to witness this miracle! God does this! God does it all! Hope in Jesus, whatever Jesus asks of God, God will give to Him. Take comfort in what God provides for you. God has more in-store for us. We have hope in the resurrection and the life here after!

John 10:23&24 "23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." We are rewinding the event where Martha confronted Jesus when He shows up four days after the death of His friend, her brother, Lazarus. In today's verses, Jesus tells her Lazarus will come back to life! She mistook that for the here after. "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." As their conversation moved forward, Jesus asked Martha "DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?" And, she answered "Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God..." In this interaction we witness Martha affirming her FAITH in Jesus. Jesus has conquered sin and death. Martha, Mary and everyone present are about to witness a mind-blowing miracle! Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. It's not Martha's FAITH that brings her brother back. It is the omnipot...

John 10:25&26 "25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" Martha is confronting Jesus when He shows up four days after the death of His friend, her brother, Lazarus. In today's verses, Jesus asked Martha "DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?" And, she answered "Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." As we are studying the questions Jesus asked. This week's question gets to the point of it all: "What do you believe?" Martha is in a particularly hard situation, being four days into the grief of the death of her brother. AND the cognitive dissonance of knowing Jesus could save her brother but didn't! In this interaction we witness her affirming her FAITH in Jesus. Jesus has conquered sin and death. Martha, Mary and everyone pres...

John 11:27 "She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Jesus asked Martha "DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?" And, she answered with today's verse. We are studying the questions Jesus asked. Some of the questions He asked were comfortable and reassuring. Some of Jesus's questions are very challenging. This week's question gets to the point of it all: "What do you believe?" We know we want meaning and purpose for our lives. And we want success! But, what is it? If you had "it", would you feel successful? Or, would something be missing? Yesterday we studied that our the main goal of our life is glorifying GOD. We need to challenge ourselves to do everything to glorify God. Worship our God not only by singing and praise, but also by our actions! Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. Respond to suffering and injustice with graciousness, just as Jesus did. This includes ...

1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." We are studying the questions Jesus asked. This week has been "What is it you want?" as Jesus asked the mother of James and John. As we explored this interaction we wondered "What is God's measure of success for me?" In the Letter to the Ephesians we figured out part of it is GOOD WORKS. The actual GOOD WORKS, in which our free-will and own creative energy is exercised. We want to improve the world we live in. Leave it better than how we found it. In grand ways that are appreciated and in small ways that go unnoticed. All the GOOD WORKS that we get to do will be to the glory of God! Which brings us to the main goal of our life glorifying GOD. As today's verse says it, "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the GLORY of GOD." If we challenge ourselves to do everything to glorify God. Worship our God not only by singing and praise, but also b...

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." James, John and their mother did not know God's plan. Mom wanted her boys to be successful. Her response is oblivious to Jesus's coming arrest, torture and crucifixion. They were misguided in their thinking. All of their aspirations were far lower than what God's plans were. We are not any different! The world's standards of success is garbage. Put them aside and align with God's plan. We need to ask "What is God's measure of success for me?" We turn to the Letter to the Ephesians to learn more. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Like the Disciples and this mother we don't know God's plan. We can see the results of God’s work in the world in hindsight. In contrast, God has foreknowledge ...

Matthew 20:23 "And He saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." James and John are ready to "RIDE OR DIE" for Jesus! Jesus asked their mother  "What is it you want?" And, she asked for HER sons to receive the highest of honors, the loftyist positions in Jesus's "royal court." She wants her boys to be successful. Her response is oblivious to Jesus's coming arrest, torture and crucifixion. She can't be asking for her boys to go through that! If she is paying attention now, in today's verse, Jesus reveals some more ominous details. The mom was misguided in her thinking. Her aspirations were far lower than what God's plans were. Are we any different from this lady? If Jesus were to ask you  "What is it you want?" Would you ...