Troubled Heart

Who hasn’t had a troubled heart? The operation is tomorrow! This is serious, it’s open heart! They are going to take a saw and open up the chest cavity. Take a vein out of one or both of your legs and put  them in your heart. There’s no choice, do this or die. Sure your heart is troubled but not just yours but all those that love you, their hearts are also trouble. We read here in  

John 14:1 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Can I say that I do believe in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. But to be honest I do have a troubled heart at times. A while back my wife and I were in an awful bad car accident. We were taken to the ER. They took her one way and me another. I was hurt but not as bad as she. I asked how she was? But no one told me anything about her. My heart was troubled. I was able to finally get this young man to go check on her. He came back and told me she was stable. I asked him what does that mean? He said all I can tell you is that she's stable. I’m glad Jesus did more than tell His disciples that had a troubled heart. Maybe when I’m gone you’ll be ok. Oh no He went on to tell them that there’s a much better place than where you are at now. Yes I’m about to leave you guys but not really. I’m  going to leave you a Comforter that will be with you forever.

John 14:16 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Now this comforter isn’t for everyone. John 14:17 (KJV) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Now in that hospital, the only news about my wife was that she’s stable, which wasn’t  good enough for me. I unhooked all the monitors from me and out the door and down the hall, to find out for myself what’s going on. That’s when I came upon my son walking up the hall. He in a kind voice said where are you going Daddy? I said to find out what’s going on with your mother! He said she’s fine. I just left her to come check on you. He brought comfort to my troubled heart. That’s just what the Lord did with His disciples. He will do the same for each of us His children. We should never forget what He has said.

John 14:27 (KJV) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

 

I’ll Do What I Say!

Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.

Have you ever said something you meant but when the time came to do it you didn’t? That’s what happened with Simon Peter: he told Jesus he would die for him. John 13:37 (KJV) Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. At that moment Peter believed he would. I remember the first Church I was a member of after I got saved, Eastland Heights Baptist Church in Atlanta. Every Wednesday night service they took up an offering for missionaries. I remember telling the Lord as a young Christian that on Wednesday night I would give all the cash I had in my pocket for that purpose. Well all was good until one Wednesday night, the one before Thanksgiving Day. We had gotten paid that day and we’re off until the following Monday. I went to the bank after work and cashed my check as I did every Friday except this wasn’t Friday it was Wednesday. Well I’m sure you see where this is going. Wednesday night and it came time for the offering and I reached into my pocket and then realized I had my paycheck in cash in my pocket. OoooooH No! How do I explain to my wife what I had promised the Lord? I would like to tell you that I did what I had promised the Lord I would do, but I didn’t. So when I read what Peter said I understand it better. Be careful what you say you will do because you may not do it. The Lord knew when I said that, that Wednesday before Thanksgiving was coming. Just like He knew Peter was about to meet Three women to whom he would repeat three times, Jesus, no I don’t know that man! But you know what? Jesus still loved Peter and used him. You know what? that same Lord and Savior forgave me and is still using me. Don’t give up on yourself for Jesus is greater than all our troubles.

A Sick Man

We read nothing about him until the eleventh chapter of John. His name is Lazarus and we are told he’s sick. John 11:1 (KJV) Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. What a way to be introduced, my name is Lazarus and I’m sick. 🤒  

Then later we read about Jesus telling His disciples that Lazarus is dead. John 11:14 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. Then a wonderful thing happens: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. John 11:43 (KJV) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  

Then we get to chapter 12 and read. John 12:1 (KJV)Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. I 

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Looks like things are getting better, is this dinner being prepared for lazarus? No, it’s not,  he is just one of those sitting at the table. Let’s see a show of hands who want to be Lazarus? 🤔 He’s introduced as a sick man, then a dead man, then a raise from the dead man. But now Lazarus is sitting at the same table with his friend Jesus. Life is good. Then we read John 12:9 (KJV) Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. A lot of people come to see Not only Jesus but Lazarus. It looks like Lazarus is getting a little notability but the next verse we read of Lazarus he’s on the wanted dead list. John 12:10 (KJV) But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Why are we told all these things about this man Lazarus?  Let’s ask some questions

Did Jesus love Lazarus? The answer is yes according to John 11:33 and 11:36. Jesus stands at the grave and before He does anything He weeps. Once again showing His love toward Lazarus. May I say that life doesn’t always turn out the way we would like. Some seem to have one bad thing after another happen to them. Three quick things I want to see about Lazarus less you think that poor or Lazarus was just one with bad luck. First, Jesus' love for Lazarus is seen and known just like His love is for each of us. Second, bad things happen to good people. There are those who die way too soon, get sick of a disease that kills them. But just  remember none of this will affect Christ's love for us. Third, none of what was going on with Lazarus affected his fellowship with Jesus. We read of Lazarus eating with Jesus and also not ashamed to be with Jesus or around Him. Then I read this.

1 John 4:17 (KJV) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

If you remember the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death. Just hang in there, the best is yet to come. Aren’t you glad you know Jesus? But better yet Jesus knows you!

We Stumble

As I am reading John chapter 11 something caught my eye. This is a great chapter where there is a friend of Jesus that’s sick, Lazarus. Just like our day when one of our loved ones are sick we want to get them help but not just any help, we want the best. If our loved one was sick and they just happened to be good friends with the top specialist in the world, we too would send word to him and expect him to come. Here’s where things change, how strong is the friendship? You see, because of a strong friendship a doctor might work with his friend on the day he heard. We read here that when Jesus is notified He doesn’t stop what He is doing.  

John 11:3 KJV  Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Jesus says this  John 11:4 (KJV) When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Jesus knew the future they didn’t. Turn that in what you and I may have said would sound something like this. When Jesus heard He said “it isn’t no big deal Lazarus is going to be ok!”

In verse 6 we read that Jesus didn’t stop what He was doing. John 11:6 (KJV) When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Ok Jesus it’s time to go to Your friend's home, Lazarus. Two things happen that’s of great importance. Jesus let’s Lazarus die and doesn’t even go to the funeral. By the time Jesus gets to is friends home he has already been in the grave 4 days. What kind of thoughts would I have had? Maybe something like this “with a friend like this who needs enemies?” Then on top of not rushing to Lazarus, Jesus takes time to teach His disciples something about faith.  

John 11:9 (KJV) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

Is Jesus talking about walking in a well lit place? Maybe so but I think not because of the way it is written. “light of this world.”

In verse 10  John 11:10 (KJV) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.  No light in him. That made me stop and think of what Jesus had already said.  John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We stumble because we don’t have the light of Christ shining within us. Once again we are trying to do spiritual things without the spiritual teacher. When Jesus finally gets to the home of Martha and Mary He raises Lazarus from the dead. Great for Martha and Mary but how would you like to have been jerked out of heaven and brought back here? Remember the Bible said Lazarus was sick; well got to do that again Lazarus. Plus more hardships, disappointment, sadness you get the picture I’m sure. You see, if God answered everyone of our prayers it would not be good. Not wrong to pray but don’t get upset when prayers aren’t answered; you see our Heavenly Father knows best. 

Division

Small compromises lead to great disasters (otherwise known as little sins lead to big sins).

John 10:19 (KJV) There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

DIVISION “The act of dividing or separating into parts, any entire body.”

The Jews can’t deny what everyone is seeing. Jesus is in their faces and He’s doing miracles like they have never witnessed before. They can’t say this is happening so there’s a Division.

John 10:20 “many of them said”

John 10:20 (KJV) And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

John 10:21 “Others said”

John 10:21 (KJV) Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

What are they divided over?  Could it be,who is this man Jesus? Some said, others said, here we read of division.  So when I read verse 19 where it said “division therefore again among the Jews” 

John 7:12 (KJV) And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

Here’s the question we all have to answer for ourselves. Is Jesus really who He says He is?

Is Jesus the Son Of God? Is Jesus the bread of life? Is Jesus the light of the world? Is Jesus the  door? Is Jesus the  good shepherd? Is Jesus the  way, the truth and the life? Is Jesus the true vine?  

Do we really have to know who Jesus is to go to heaven? I’m a good person! Who told you that?

So what think you? “He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?”

Or “These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?”

What say ye? RU divided?

Born Blind

1 June 2023 Thursday Born Blind

Small compromises lead to great disasters (otherwise known as little sins lead to big sins).

John 9:2 (KJV) And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

As I read that verse this caught my attention “he was born blind” 

Down in verse 25 I read this.

John 9:25 (KJV) He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Between verses 2 and 25 something very noticeable happened; a man who was blind receives his sight. Now the word “BLIND” is only mentioned 18 times in the New Testament. I would have thought it would have mentioned more than that. But it gets more interesting out of the 18 times it’s mentioned, it’s only mentioned in the Gospel of John. Now, as interesting as that is it even gets more interesting, out of the 18 times the word  “BLIND” is mentioned 15 times is in this chapter, John 9.  Do you think if the Lord wrote 15 times in one Chapter about something that we should stop and take notice? Verse 1 tells us he was blind from his birth. 

John 9:1 (KJV) And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.  

Then in verse 25 he knew he was blind and he also knew he could see.

John 9:25 (KJV) He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Oh this is  wonderful to read, but I think the Lord had this chapter for more than you and I just to read about a blind man being healed? Why do I say that? Well my first clue is his name, do you remember what it was? It’s the same as his parents. If you were to read that chapter over and over again you would not find his or his parents name mentioned. Here is what I see when I read this chapter. It’s not our name that’s important, it’s not our status that’s important. I was born just like you, spiritually blind; not only that I grew up spiritually blind. I could read the Bible and it made no sense. Why did it make no sense? I was trying to understand a spiritual book without the help of the spirit to which I was blind to. 

Spiritually blind people get by just as this man had learned to do. But when his eyes were opened he knew it. “I was blind, now I see.”

1 John 5:12 (KJV) He that hath the Son hath life; (not blind) and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.(blind)

1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, (not blind) and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.(not blind)

Can you see spiritually or are you still blind? When did you, like this man, have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ? 

Something Specific

 John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

In this verse Jesus says I am the light. The word "the" is the only definite article in the English language. It is used before a noun to define it as something specific (e.g., something previously mentioned or known, something unique, or something being identified by the speaker). 

Jesus wasn’t saying He was a light no he was saying that He was The Light! There are a lot of lights but there’s only one light that can be identified as The Light. So I got interested in that phrase “I Am The”. I looked up all the times it was mentioned in the book of John. Here’s what I discovered. Eight verses I found that little phrase. Now that may not seem like much but when you know that the number 8 stands for “New Beginning” it sheds a whole new light on it. Knowing Jesus, not about Jesus, but knowing Jesus gives me a New Life and Light!

In John 6:35 Jesus said He was the Bread of Life.

“ And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

In John 8:12  Jesus said He was The Light of the World

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

In  John 10:7 Jesus said He was The Door

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

In John 10:11 Jesus said He was The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

In John 10:36 Jesus Said He was The Son of God

“Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?”

In  John 11:25 Jesus Said He was The Resurrection

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

In   John 14:6 Jesus Said He was The Way, The Truth and  The Life
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 

In  John 15:1 Jesus Said He was The True Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.”