When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
John 6:5-6//

The Lord will ask me tough questions to test me. Lord, grant me great faith, so that I may always believe in You.

In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
John 5:17-18//

Some will say that Jesus did not declare Himself the Son of God or that Jesus was only a good teacher or prophet. Here we see Jesus clearly identify Himself as the Son of God. Thus, He either IS the Son of God or He is a liar, making Him not a good teacher or prophet. I believe Jesus is who He said He was.

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”
John 4:39//

Lord, may others believe in You because of this sinner’s testimony.

that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:15-16//

The Gospel message summed up. Thank You, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for allowing and enabling me to live with You forever!!!

After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22//

Today, we recall what was written about Jesus. We remember His birth, His life, His ministry, and His suffering on the cross for all who believe in Him. May we remember and believe today and hold these things “close to our heart” as Mary did.

Merry Christmas!!!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14//

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Word becoming flesh. Emanuel – who could ever ask for a greater gift!? Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your Son so that we may be reconciled with You!

In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
Luke 24:22-24//

Just because we don’t see Jesus in the way we expect does not mean He isn’t here and working all around us.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46//

A sad, and yet, glorious day. The Gospel complete. The Son of Man sacrificed for my sins. Thank You and praise You, Jesus!

53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
Luke 22:53//

Darkness reigns just t before the light conquers.

12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.
Luke 21:12-14//

I need to make a conscious decision right now not to worry when others persecute me because of Christ.