Something Different

I’m very human and got a little behind on the reading. I love tuesdays. It is my Sabbath. It is my day to catch up with God and often get ahead. I am a firm believer in daily bread but sometimes the reality is I need to eat an extra meal because I’m starving or I need to pack a lunch for the days ahead. Here are some quick thoughts on the rest of John.

• I am noticing more and more that scripture mentions meals all the time. There is something about food that is physical, relational, and spiritual. The idea of eating with others is a lost art. Yesterday Cy took me out to eat for my birthday. It was awesome just visiting over food. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather when it will be easier for Jenny and I to have people over for meals.
• “Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:36
• People would not believe even after Jesus had performed a number of miracles. My observation is we are no different. We are always looking for a new sign.
• Our downfall is mentioned in John 12:43, “for they loved human glory more than the glory of God.”
• I believe many people get mad at God for something the Devil is actually prompting. We forget there are three entities involved. God, us, and the enemy.
• We all have night moments. “John 13:30, “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”
• The Vine – a catchy name that I hope people in Ottumwa here more of in the not so distant future. (Am I sharing something without sharing it – YEP!)
• I have been wrestling with my upcoming trip in the context of John’s passage on the World Hates the Disciples. What could this mean for my upcoming trip?
• I have chosen to lean into chapter 16 – The Disciples Grief Will Turn to Joy and “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”
• Later in the garden Peter draws his sword. I know of someone right now who is a victim of something horrible. The gut reaction is to fight back. To draw the sword. It is a battle to put the sword away. What fight are you fighting that Jesus would say put away the sword. It doesn’t make sense but that is the Jesus way. If you are having trouble understanding this who is the one person who makes you mad right now. Put away the sword. Further – our words can be swords. How are you talking about the person you thought of. Put away the sword.
• John’s insight into Pilate has always intrigued me. He tried to set Jesus free.
• Jesus was buried in a tomb but broke free. We also live in a tomb. We are trapped in sin and death. Jesus removed the stone and set us free. What stone needs to be moved in your life?
• Jesus came to bring peace.
• Thomas did not believe. He used the words, “unless i see the nail marks…” what is your unless that is keeping you from believing more than what you already do?
• One of the hardest struggles I have is the compare game. I often am Peter asking the question, “What about him?”

Looking forward to tomorrow. Still trying to figure out how to do this from Cambodia. I’ll come up with something.