The Preacher’s Corner

Today we receive the wisdom of the promised restoration of Judah (the Southern tribes) and Joseph (the Northern tribes) unto the LORD in Zechariah 10:1-12. Though we find great displeasure in the LORD's heart over the ways and activities of His people, yet still they are His children and He shall deliver them! This is great comfort for us as well to know that we have been grafted in to the Vine and shall be received in like manner to the promises given here in chapter 10. To be joined unto the Cornerstone, having our tent-peg secured in the Rock of our salvation!!! This and much more today with Pastor J.

Today we finish off Zechariah chapter 9:14-17. In this section of verses we receive a glimpse of the way God fights for us, how He shall deliver us, and the great joy we shall have in "THAT DAY"!!! We receive a glimpse of the 1,000 year reign of Christ and the goodness and beauty that will be the hallmarks of His Kingdom, instead of the regular insanity we currently face while being led by the spirit of antichrist in our world today. May God richly bless you as you consider the truths revealed through His Word today! God bless

Today is very exciting because we come to a place, not of future prophecies, but of that which has been revealed and fulfilled in our LORD Jesus Christ! In Zechariah 9:9 we begin our day speaking of the triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem riding upon the colt of a donkey! We also discover Jesus' Kingdom being established upon the principles of "peace" (shalom) rather than at the edge of a sword from verses 10-11. There is much to be shared today through revealed, and connected Scripture and I pray the LORD bless you richly as we travel through Scriptures today and rejoice in all the Manna the good LORD gives us today!!!

Today we receive insight to judgments God places upon such lands as Damascus and Tyre from Zechariah 9:1-8. There are some very powerful reminders of Tyre revealed in connection to Ezekiel chapters 27, and 28 as well as Revelation chapter 18:8 and following! These reminders are important for us today because they are a revelation of what will happen to the soul that becomes "puffed" up in pride and conceit! May God richly bless you this day for getting into His Word, Amen.

Today in Zechariah chapter 8 we receive a glimpse of the blessings God has planned for Zion! He reveals the zeal for the gathering of His people and for the re-establishment of His land being the place all nations turn to for righteousness, justice, and truth! This is a very encouraging chapter!! Some parts had been fulfilled and some are coming, so it is important for us (as God's people) to get ready as the day is approaching and the LORD is sending our Lord for us!!! So exciting!!!!!

Every now and then it's good to go back and investigate the idea presented in Luke chapter 6:46. Today on the Preacher's Corner that's exactly what we're going to do! We shall take you back to 2021 to enjoy this teaching and gain understanding on the revival we need in this nation, which I believe could easily spark a chain reaction around the world. Before this can take place though, we're going to have to answer this question presented by Jesus, "Why do you call me LORD when you don't do what I say?" May God bless you with His message today.

Our title today speaks to the indictment God raises against His people in Zechariah 7:1-14. Whether it was the fasts of the fifth, seventh, or ninth months, or it was the celebrations of the Feasts of God found in Leviticus chapter 23, WAS IT FOR GOD??? The reality this chapter brings us before is very much applicable to the Church today as this chapter reveals the truth behind many of the motivation as to why we do what we do. Religion in itself is all about what we, as a people, benefit from it more than the true purpose (which is to glorify God and obey His commands). We must be very attentive to those things written in this chapter today and must go back and look over them after our time together on the Corner so as not to let these convicting truths slide through our hearts and fall out the other side!!!

Today as we engage in Zechariah 6:9-15 we are first introduced to a crown which shall be fashioned by Zechariah and Josiah for the High Priest, Joshua. Next we shall understand the purpose of the crown as to reveal the leadership and government of the BRANCH, which through the Scriptures we cover today in prophecy shall be revealed ultimately to be Jesus! As Joshua is a TYPE representing Messiah we find he is not a king who shall stand in the role as Priest, but the opposite, and this is true of Jesus as well! He is the High Priest who shall stand in victory over the kingdoms of this earth as KING of kings! At the last we discover a hard "IF" revealing the possibility of 2 outcomes. If we are diligent to obey our God in the work He has given us in the establishment of His Kingdom there shall be showers of blessing, no doubt. If we are NOT diligent in the service of our LORD then great will be the loss and suffering we must endure through the chastisement levied against us because of our rebellion! Much to be considered today in Zechariah 6!!!

Welcome to Zechariah chapter 6:1-8 and the vision of the 4 chariots that come into the land. First of red horses; the second with black horses (through Scripture we always find the red preceding the black, as the red recognizes war and the black represents famine); the third chariot with white horses (that usually show up first, but in this case are third); and the fourth being the pale/speckled/dappled horses (always found in the fourth position and recognized as death resultant from the white, red, and black horses)! Whereas the first time we saw these colors and horsemen was back in chapter 1 with the principle rider being among the myrtle trees was a series of judgments that are applied against Israel which brought us before the 4 horns/craftsmen in chapter 2. Also, we have connection to the tribulation judgments that are brought upon mankind by the 4 horsemen in chapter 6! Also, we are called to attention of the 2 mountains of bronze these chariots shall come in the valley between the two. There is a great deal of information to receive and consider today with Pastor J, so hang on tight!!!

In today's journey through Zechariah chapter 5:1-11 we discover two very distinct visions; the first being a large scroll (30' long and 15' wide) flying through the whole earth dealing with judgments upon those who are thieves and those guilty of perjury! Theft is fairly clear in its concept and perjury is defined as claiming to be a servant/believer of/in God. This would define a great deal of our society today which is also why I believe our country is suffering the effects of being cursed. Keep in mind the word "curse" in Hebrew also means judgment. The second vision is that of a large basket with a woman inside it and a lead cover for it. At the first the lid of the basket is opened for Zechariah to see inside, but then is harshly closed by the Angel of the LORD! This woman is defined as wickedness and two others carry her off to the resting place of the land of Shinar, a land recognized for its evil in connection to Nimrod and Babel / Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon. This is a place where wickedness rules, and is a place of future wickedness to be let loose! Some really neat visions to cover today in consideration of our own hearts and lives before the Lord. May God bless you richly!

Today as we finish Zechariah chapter 4:8-14 we see God's promise to Zerubbabel to finish the work in building the Temple. As he was the one who completed the foundation it was necessary that he continue on to the completion of the work, and this testifies to us in our modern day as understanding that there was no mistake in God's choosing us unto salvation! Each of us has a purpose given by God and the tools necessary to do the work the LORD has planned for us. We must be about our Father's business, just like our Lord Jesus said! Our strength comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth, as David said. May God bless you richly with this message of encouragement today and fill your heart with wonder for what is to come in His Word as we travel through Zechariah together! God bless

Today, as we get back into the swing of Zechariah, we start with a brief overview of the visions we've already covered in chapters 1 through 3! Once we begin in chapter 4:1-14 we are introduced to a solid gold lamp stand which held 7 lamps. On the right and left hand sides of this Lamp Stand we see two olive trees which supply an consistent stream of pure Olive Oil into the Lamp Stand so the light from the Stand may continue to shine! This vision being given by God to speak into the days of that time for the encouragement of Zerubbabel to continue his work in completing the building of the Temple. This and much more shall be revealed today with Pastor J!!!

Today in Zechariah chapter 3 there are several characters we get to meet. Satan (whom we are all very familiar with), Joshua (whose name is also spelled Jeshua, which is important because of its connection to Jesus), the Angel of the LORD (who through Scripture is revealed to be Jesus), the BRANCH (concerning the Davidic Covenant and also Jesus), and the Stone (which is the very foundation of our faith, and also Jesus!!!). We shall travel through the Bible today looking at several books and the revealed information concerning these characters as well as the opportunity to see how God is going to do a great work in us, around us, and through us for His name's sake, and His glory! Jump in with us today and hang on tight as God reveals His Word to your heart for the blessing He has prepared for you today with Pastor J!!!

Today in Zechariah 2:7-13 we discuss that which is known in the Old Covenant as the Kingdom of God, which is revealed by Jesus in the New Covenant as the Kingdom of heaven, and is also referred to in the book of Revelation as the 1,000 year reign of Christ. May God bless you richly as you gather on the Corner today to receive from the Word of the LORD through the Holy Spirit's provision, Amen!!!

As we finish off Zechariah chapter 1:18-21 we are introduced to what I believe are two different visions. Some scholars lump them together, and they do share a purpose in a certain sense, but I think they are given at two separate moments! The first vision revealing the 4 horns which shall scatter Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. These "horns" are shown to be world kingdoms in connection with the prophecy of Daniel chapter 7:2-12. Also, as revealed in the statue of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2, these kingdoms (horns) are Babylon, the Medo-Persian Kingdom, Greece, and Rome. Their purpose is to scatter God's people! Then, in verses 20-21, we have Craftsmen revealed which will ultimately build the people back up! Needless to say, this is going to be an interesting day, for three of the Craftsmen happen to also be horns! But the 4th Craftsman that is to come is insanely exciting for He shall be our LORD in the establishment of His kingdom! After this we briefly jump into chapter 2 for a summary overview, but we shall dig in deeper tomorrow. As for today, hang on tight and let's dig in!!!

Some very exciting conversations are going to happen today in Zechariah 1:7-17 as we meet the angel who brings Zechariah the first of 10 vision through this night on the 24th day of the 11th month! He sees a rider on a red horse that is revealed to be the Angel of the LORD (same as He who was revealed in Revelation chapter 10, I believe) and a conversation between Him, and the LORD of Hosts (revealed yesterday as being Yahweh, the Father). Their discussion deals with the reports brought in by the horses that went out upon the whole of the earth (those red, speckled [sorrel], and white). We see the allowance from the LORD for the people to once more return to the land God had promised them as the fulfillment of the 70 years has come to completion (during the time of Jeremiah's prophecy because the people didn't honor the LORD and the Sabbath year [7th year rest to the land] God brought Babylon in and made Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel a desolation for 10 sabbaths, or 70 years!) He now will make His name great among the nations through His people once more by bringing them back into their land and re-establishing them, the Temple, and His blessing for their prosperity once more! Lots of great things being revealed that haven't happened quite yet in their day, nor have they come to a fullness yet in our modern time, but are the promises of God to come and which shall be fulfilled in their established times!!! This and so much more today with Pastor J, so hold on tight and let's dig in!!!

"Your fathers, where are they? And the Prophets, do they live forever?" Zec 1:5. This is a very powerful indictment the Word of God opens with in this introduction to the book of Zechariah today. As we begin the first section (from verse 1 to verse 6) today we first glean from a book introduction which will shed a great amount of light to the times and events which are taking place during the life of Zechariah so we can better understand the present day, and future prophecies which shall be shared by him! Aside from Daniel and Ezekiel, the book of Zechariah is a very apocalyptic book (meaning, it has a great deal of connection to those Revelation events of the end-times). There is much to be received today with Pastor J if you would have ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to receive understanding today. May God bless you richly and have a great Monday!

What do we consider to be that great and dreadful day of the coming of the LORD? Today in Malachi chapter 4:1-6 we journey through the Bible discovering the connected prophecies revealing that day, and we see it in two lights! The first is that 2nd coming of the LORD, when on white horse He returns to the earth (revealed in Revelation chapter 19) and crushes those who have surrounded God's chosen to destroy them! At this point our LORD shall rule the earth for 1,000 years and establish His kingdom of righteousness! But there was another great and terrible day of the LORD's appearing, and that was the time of His birth! That upon His entrance into the world that would despise and reject Him; that would treat Him with such contempt that would ultimately lead to them trying to kill Him, We find that His return will indeed be dreadful for they will no longer have excuse before God as He has committed all judgment unto the Son whom they spitefully used and abused!!! Hold on tight as we travel the Scriptures today with Pastor J and may God bless you richly by His Word!!!

Today in Malachi 3:16-18 we discuss the concept of the Prodigal Son parable from Jesus in light of those the LORD would catalogue as His from the book of remembrance from those who remain in rebellion against Him (which shall be judged from those things written in the books). Also, we take a deep-dive look at this book of remembrance by traveling through Scripture from the book of Psalms to the book of Revelation discovering the nature of this book that is before the LORD and the recognition of the children whose names are written therein! Lots of great information to receive today in so few verses!!! May God richly bless you.

In today's session of Malachi 3:6-15 we discover two more ways the people have offended God (and recognize these also are the ways we offend God today)! The First was robbing God. They did so in withholding their tithes and offerings. During their time the Temple (and those called by God to serve it) suffered, just as we see our churches today. The second way the people offended God was found in their attitudes toward God's work, His house, and ultimately His person! That we would consider those among the wicked to be more blessed simply because of the amount of "things" they seem to possess, not recognizing their souls are in danger of eternal peril! That they would mock God and "put Him to the test" and not even be challenged! This and so much more to be covered today by Pastor J!!!

Today we are blessed with another opportunity to understand how we drive our LORD crazy! Beginning in Malachi 2:17 we discuss the two ways we weary the LORD by our words (which really happen to be our thoughts, for sometimes we may not say these things, but we sure are thinking them)! First, we announce evil to not only be considered good, but we also falsely apply God's blessing to them (daring enough to say God is delighted in them). The next way is how we accuse God of not being there for us when tragedy strikes. To say, "Where is the God of judgment?" Of course, when we call evil good we can expect evil things to happen, but this isn't God's fault for we have brought this evil upon ourselves! Then we move into Malachi 3:1-5 and are introduced to the 2 messengers; the one who prepares the way for the LORD (John the Baptist), and the Very Messenger of the Covenant (our LORD Jesus Christ). There is so much to be received today from God's Word with Pastor J, and may God bless you richly for tuning in!!!

Today in Malachi 2:10-16 we add to the discussion of the priesthood by including Judah. Keep in mind that Judah is referred to, in this instance, as being the whole tribe, and specifically dealing with Jerusalem and the "institution" that God loves. As this people have brought their profane sacrifices to God's house and the priesthood has accepted those sacrifices as being "OK" with the Lord God has vowed that He will "cut off" anyone who continues to profane His house and offer such sacrifices. Also we find Judah "cheating" on God and committing adultery with the daughters of other gods! The "daughters" used in this case are the other institutions of worship the Jews had begun to worship in concerning the gods of the nations around them. Lots to be received today with Pastor J!!!

Today we begin a new adventure through the book of Malachi and the very first statement God makes to His children is, "I have loved you." We discover though, the heart of the people have a blazing question they will not ask, and that is, "In what way have you loved us?" God reveals the initial answer today in a revelation between Jacob and Esau. Alongside understanding the issues behind Israel's question we shall learn what the term, Malachi, means as well as the word "burden" and "hated". All very important things to receive today as we begin our decent into God's heart for His people (for us today)!!!

Today, as we finish the Gospel of John 21:20-25, we get an opportunity to learn a bit more about Peter's personality and how easily he can be double minded about his service to the Lord! We also get an opportunity to gaze into our own hearts and see those things which may draw us away from serving Jesus unto serving our flesh and the passions/desires of it! As Peter was waiting for the Lord he saw a boat that was in the lake. It didn't take him very long to end up in that boat, with the other disciples who were fishermen, to be out fishing all night long (and back into their old ways and lives as fishermen). This was the whole point behind the questioning of Peter by Jesus concerning if Peter truly loved the Lord. The multitude of the disciples looked up to Peter and followed after his example, rather good or bad! Also, we receive a beautiful teaching of the Lord that tells us to pay attention to our own relationship to Him instead of judging ourselves based on others' relationship to Him! To stay focused on the Lord and not get carried away by those types of John we know who have a close and intimate relationship with the Lord! As we finish this Gospel there is so much to receive and so little time to receive it that we pray God's richest blessings be upon you today as you hang out with Pastor J!!!

In today's session of John 21:1-19 we first come across the disciples waiting for Jesus by the sea of Tiberius. As they had been waiting a while for Jesus and no doubt had become bored Peter saw a fishing boat and it was time to go fishing to fill in the time! As they engaged all night in the fishing expedition and caught nothing, the next morning Jesus came along the sea shore and told them to cast on the right side. As they caught enough fish to break the net, John recognized His Lord and Peter got dressed and dove into the water to get to Jesus! From these events we glean the joy the disciples were filled with in waiting for Jesus to arrive, but we also see just how easy it is for us to get back into those things we once were even though we've been called by Jesus unto another purpose with, and in our lives. This is the case with Peter as he hopped back into the fishing mode! Jesus pulls him aside and asks him a similar question 3 times. "Do you love me?" This also is a question we must answer before the Lord. We all have hobbies; we all have careers/jobs which occupy fair amounts of our time, energy, and life; we all have passions we enjoy and things that we tend to think on and desire. All these things can potentially get in the way of what we have been called to do by Jesus. If our hearts aren't focused on Him we can easily be drawn away! This is why Jesus singled out Peter. Peter was an unofficial leader of the "pack" and it would be his responsibility to keep the rest on the straight and narrow way! This and more we shall receive today with Pastor J!

Today, at the end of John 19:24-31, we dive into the conversation that was held between Thomas and Jesus. As revealed in the text, Jesus had gathered with the others 8 days before (on the first day of the week) but Thomas was not among them then. This time, as the doors were closed and secured, and the disciples were gathered together (which is where the pattern of the church's gathering on Sundays instead of Saturdays begins at this point) and were discussing Jesus there He stands in the midst of them. We see Jesus immediately engage in conversation with Thomas by showing the nail holes and His side which was pierced. He invited Thomas to stick his fingers in the holes and his hand in Jesus' side! The only comment Thomas could make was, "My Lord and my God!" At this Jesus spoke of us today when He said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, yet they believe!" There is so much more that is covered today with Pastor J so dive into the riches of the Lord and rejoice in His presence, Amen!

Today in John chapter 19:19-23 we spend our time discussing what it meant for Jesus to meet with His disciples on the first day of the week (certainly one reason is that day was the day of His resurrection). Next we begin to see the first day of the week begin as a pattern for the early church's gatherings (though many still attended their synagogues the day before in purpose to evangelize). We discover the abilities Jesus now has, that He does not need to knock on the door or climb through the window to be in the room, He is simply in the room with them! We receive the "great commission" given to us today (as is also revealed in Matthew 28; Mark 16, and Luke 22) and we understand this was not a suggestion for the few, but a command for the whole of God's children. Lastly we see the giving of the Holy Spirit take place in the same manner as man was brought to life at the beginning. Jesus breathed on them! Thus, we find the disciples filled with the Holy Spirit 40+ days before the Pentecost event of Acts chapter 2! Lots to be discovered today with Pastor J!!!!

Today in John 20:1-23 we cover the events of Jesus' resurrection from the perspective of John. Keeping in mind there is the need to connect all 4 Gospels together to get a clearer picture of all the things that are happening during this time, This place in John first shows Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb. Upon discovery of the disturbance of the stone she reports back to Peter and John. All three take off back to the tomb to investigate! John believes after looking in and seeing the face cloth folded neatly and placed separate from the rest of the trappings! But neither Peter or John had seen, or spoken with Jesus. After they departed, Mary was still there and she encountered the two angels, but most importantly she encountered Jesus! There is much to be covered today with Pastor J, so hold on tight and let's dive in!!!

Today, finishing off John chapter 19:33-42, We come to the fulfilled prophecies of Psalm 22 as concerning the fact that not one of Jesus' bones were broken. The criminals on either side of Jesus were not so lucky though as their legs were crushed and they were drug off to die in an equally horrible manner! We also get to see 2 of the Pharisees, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, claim the body of Jesus for the proper burial of their Lord (as they were secret disciples of Jesus and His teaching!) Lots of amazing things for us to receive today from God's Word!!!

Today we cover the crucifixion of our LORD in John 19:16-34.

today as we get into John chapter 19:1-15 and get past the initial meetings between Pilate, the Chief priests and those who accompanied them to Pilate's house, and Jesus, we find Pilate administering a flogging upon Jesus and measures of disgracing Him, such as the crown of thorns and the purple robe that would be draped upon His torn flesh! We find a certain fear come into the heart of Pilate once Jesus was revealed to be a potential demi-god, and ultimately Pilate will have his hands tied when the Jews challenge his loyalty to his emperor! All this and more revealed today with Pastor J!

As we continue into the trial of Jesus today we are brought before Pilate for a deal to be struck between the court of the Jews and Pilate for the purpose of killing Jesus! As revealed yesterday, the Sanhedrin brought Jesus before Pilate because they said He was "evil" and that was supposed to be enough accusation for Rome to execute Jesus! Today, the first question out of the Governor's mouth was, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Certainly this would have been enough to be able to accomplish what the Jews wanted and for Pilate to be done with all this mess! Through their conversation though the Governor discover he doesn't have enough evidence personally to be able to do anything in truth so he tells the Sanhedrin he could find no fault with Jesus! Doesn't matter the the religious leadership of the Jews though, for we know from the other Gospels they bring in false witnesses and proclaim Caesar as their rightful king! They simply want Jesus dead!!! All this and more today with Pastor J.

Today in John chapter 18 we enter the palace of the High Priest and we begin the inquisition of our Lord Jesus Christ! We shall cover verses 11-32 and see the denial of Jesus from Peter; the questioning of Jesus by Annas; The delivery of Jesus to Caiaphas, who would then deliver Jesus to Pilate; and the fact that Pilate didn't have any other charges brought against Jesus than, "He is a big meanie, and EVIL!!!!!!" There is much to get through today with Pastor J so hold on tight:-)

Today in John chapter 18 we come before the arrest of our LORD by the soldiers. This is a very powerful moment for so many reasons, but the best of them all is in the three simple words Jesus spoke that would cause all who were around Him in that moment to fall before Him! Jesus said, "I Am He." No one could, at that moment, stand in the presence of the Almighty and had to fall to the ground!!! This and so much more today with Pastor J (such as, the expertise of a fisherman with the use of a sword)!!!

As we finish the prayer of our Lord Jesus in John chapter 17 we learn of the intimacy of Jesus' heart, not just for those disciples who began to follow Him during the time of His earthly ministry, but also for you and me with all the generation we have an ability to impact with the Gospel! We hear the multitude of times Jesus referenced the Father's name through His prayer and come to understand that this is not vain repetition, but a continual remembrance to whom He (as well as we) are talking to! There is much to be received through this 2nd half of this blessed prayer and may God richly bless you in receiving it today with Pastor J!

Welcome to John chapter 17 and the Lord's Prayer. Unlike the training the disciples received in Matthew 6:9-11, when they asked Jesus, "Teach us to pray..." here in John 17 we get a taste of the relationship between Father and Son as Jesus breaks out into prayer with His disciples in the upper room! There is so much to be received from this chapter that there isn't enough time in all of eternity to mine it out!!! So, welcome to the Corner today and May Jesus' prayer bless your soul above and beyond measure, Amen!!!

Today in John 16:16-24 we are introduced to Jesus' teaching concerning His death and resurrection which completely throws His disciples off because they don't understand what's about to happen. We can't be too hard on them though, for we certainly would be in the same "boat" with them if we were in their scenario! Jesus reveals the sorrow we may currently carry in our hearts due to the momentary separation we face in our loved ones passing, and going on before us, but that our sorrow will be changed into a joy no one can take from us in the future Jesus called, "that day"!!! May God bless you richly as you consider the things shared on the Corner today with Pastor J.

Today as we get into John chapter 16:1-15 we receive powerful teachings from Jesus concerning the persecution that was to come upon the disciples in their day as well as the reality of persecutions which may come upon us today. The world still hates the Gospel and the things and people of God just as much today as was back in the times of the disciples! Also, We receive from Jesus a great explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit in this world, which is to convict this world of sin, righteousness, and judgment! This is the work which will be done through us by the Holy Spirit into this world (and now you can understand why Christianity is not so popular in the world today). Lastly we understand another purpose of the "Helper" is to instruct us in God's Word as we are able to understand it! This and so much more today with Pastor J, so have a great Friday, a great weekend, and may God richly bless you as you receive from Him!!!

Today we finish John chapter 15:18-27. There are several truths Jesus gives today from His teachings. The fact the world is not going to respond well to His Word and will seek to harm us and hate us for being a part of Christ and separated from the world! The fact that we have been filled with the Spirit of truth, who is our helper, to guide us in sharing our faith in every opportunity we get to do so! The reality that through Jesus' teachings, and because of His many miracles performed, the world is without excuse to not believe in and follow Him/God. This and so much more shall be shared today through Pastor J, so hang on tight!!!

Today as we dig into John 15:7-17 we discover the very commandment of Jesus given to His disciples (to us today who follow Him), "Love one another as I have loved you! We shall discover this word love has connection to the word "abide" and the word "friends" which are used in our section of Scripture today! May God bless us richly for receiving His teachings today and may we take what we receive and carry it out to the world so they may know!!!

Today in John chapter 15:1-17 we only get through the first 6 verses! There are three principal people revealed in this beginning, the Vine (who is Jesus), the branches (who are us), and the Vine-dresser (who is the Father in heaven). We discover a distinction between two different people groups, those who abide in the vine, and those who do not abide in the vine! For those who DO abide: they will either produce fruit and be pruned or they will have no fruit and be taken away! For those who DO NOT abide, they are cut off and burned in a furnace!!! This is a very important teaching our Lord gives to us today with Pastor J, so hold on tight and let's get to it!

As we finish off our time together in John chapter 14:15-31 we are introduced in depth to our "Helper" who shall come and help us to be able to understand the will of our Father! This helper is revealed to be the Holy Spirit who will give us the ability to "keep" Jesus' commandments! This word keep is a word meaning to observe (in this case) and the Holy Spirit, also called the Spirit of truth, will guide us to the will of our Father through the Word of God, increasing our love for Jesus everyday! This is a very exciting place in Scripture to be today with Pastor J!!!

Today in John 14:6-14 we get into to separate conversations of questions asked of Jesus and His answers! First, Thomas tells Jesus he has no idea what Jesus is talking about concerning where Jesus is going or how to get there, and this brings up the iconic statement of Jesus in verse 6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except through me." The next indictment of Jesus is to Philip! This being the same Philip who met the Ethiopian Eunuch in the desert. He asked Jesus to give them a glimpse of the Father and this prompted Jesus to challenge the whole last three years of the disciples' belief in God and in Jesus, as He said, "If you've seen me you have seen the Father." This and more today as we get further into chapter 14 with Pastor J!!!

Today in John 14:1-6 we receive some of the most comforting Scriptures taught by Jesus for such times as these we are living in! We shall discuss the nature of the heart, and the fact the heart is the very place of the intellect within us; where thoughts are generated and feelings are born! Also, we shall talk about the word "troubled" and discover how Satan has caused a great deal of "trouble" within his kingdom simply because that's all he knows how to do! Lastly, we look to our faith in Jesus, as to if we are being true and our faith is genuine and real in the face of current events, or if we have a form of godliness but are looking to find comfort in all the news agencies and economic reports more than in the Word of God!!! Lots to get into today with Pastor J!!!

Some great teachings we receive from Jesus today in John 13:31-38! First, we come to understand this word, "glorified" and how this word applies, not just to Jesus in these teachings but also to us as we live for Jesus today! Next, we learn the word used for love in verses 34 and 35. The word, "love" in English is rather ambiguous because we use it for so many different things that do not hold the same value to our hearts; for instance, we LOVE our cars, our spouses, hot dogs, and sports! Certainly not all to the same degree, and certainly not in the same manner, but we use the same word! Lastly, we shall find Jesus putting Peter back in line once more as Peter doesn't understand where Jesus is going yet nor why he can't follow Jesus in the next leg of His journey at this moment! This and so much more today with Pastor J!!!

Today in John 13:13-30 we meet the deceiver and betrayer of Jesus, that Judas who was given 30 pieces of silver to turn in Jesus to Sanhedrin authorities! We discover the need for Satan to get into him because he lacked the courage to do what needed to be done, even though he'd already been paid to do the deed! We shall see the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John) ask about who should betray Jesus, and Jesus not only tells him, but also shows him by the giving of the morsel of bread to Judas! Still, the disciples didn't get it!!! Also, we recap that beautiful teaching gave concerning the care we should be rendering one to another and the fact that as you receive a child of God, you receive Jesus; and as you receive Jesus, you receive the Father who sent Him!!! Lots of great things to feast upon today with Pastor J, ENJOY!!!

Today in John 13 we enter into the upper room banquet that has been prepared for Jesus and His disciples! As we look into the first section, verses 1-17, we find familiar stories we've heard before, but perhaps we shall see them with new eyes! There is much to be revealed by Jesus at this table and much that is to be understood about the "meal" they are partaking in. Also, when Jesus puts on the apron and begins the "servant's" task of washing the disciples' feet, there is a great conversation that happens between our LORD and Peter that we need to receive into our hearts today! May God bless you this day with His Word in your heart as it is received in Jesus' precious and holy Name, Amen!!!

Today in John 12:36-50 we receive one of the greatest, and most painful indictments against man revealed in verse 43, "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Such a harsh truth that is revealed about those who were supposed to be closest to God due to their vocation! As Romans 1:21 the Scripture says, "Because that, when they KNEW God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Such a frightening reality comes over us today in these sections of John 12 because of the related prophecies John revealed in connection with the disbelief of the people, such as Isaiah 53:1, "Who has believed our report and to who is the arm of the LORD revealed?", and Isaiah 42:19-20! There is much today we must come to face in our own hearts and I would urge you not to hastily pass by this without consideration, for the end of our chapter today reveals the reality of the judgment we shall face, and the Judge who shall meet out that justice is Jesus, the Word signifying His authority! You may want to get prepared to meet Him, and Soon! God bless

Today in John 12:20-35 we first get an opportunity to see the battle within Jesus as He contends with His soul over the very task His Father sent Him to accomplish! Next, we learn a valuable truth in Kingdom growth as concerning seeds of grain. If they are never planted for the purpose to die, they shall never truly live to accomplish their intended purpose! If they are planted, each grain is capable of bringing forth a multitude of new seeds just like it! If they are never planted then they shall never become more than what they are, and what they currently are will never change! This is a physical reality that testifies to a spiritual truth that is so powerful if it is heard, seen, and understood by the reader! Finally, we end up our day with Jesus revealing how we miss these moments of learning from Jesus and connecting with Him. As we become "overtaken" by the darkness of this world we can easily loose sight of the light Jesus gives through His Word to help us make i through this present evil world! We must be a people vigilant to keep our hearts settled in Christ by the receiving of His Word so we may be His light to others who may well be "OVERTAKEN"!!!

Today in John 12:9-19 we first meet a large crowd that gathers at Lazarus' house because they heard Jesus was there and they were curious to not only see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus again (not that they couldn't have visited before now, but that shows us how fleeting things can be in the minds of those not focused on God). Also, we encounter those "chief priests" once more in their designs to destroy Jesus! Not only Jesus now though, for they plot to kill Lazarus also because his testimony is too convincing in the authority of Jesus over death, so they have to kill him to silence him (which wouldn't work well in their favor at this point for Jesus would just raise him back up again!). We end our session today with that large crowd casting palm branches down along the path as Jesus enters the Eastern gate of Jerusalem while shouting, "Hosanna!" This is a powerful Hebraic phrase meaning, "Save Us Now!!!" It would have been nice for the people to have believed in what they were shouting, but soon we shall discover this to be the same crowd that will be shouting, "Crucify Him!!!" This and much, much more today with Pastor J.

Welcome to John chapter 12:1-8 as we prepare our hearts for the triumphal entrance of "Melek ha-Olam" the King of the Universe! There are 6 days left to Jesus' life on earth and each shall be filled with tensions, animosities, trials and testing (mostly from His own disciples). In this section we cover today Jesus has returned to the "Devil's Den" being so close as 2 mile from Jerusalem and the council that has decided it was time for Him to die! With spies all around Him, He must carry on His mission for the Father until the appointed time (which has not yet come)!! Within this section we see Jesus return to Lazarus' house and a great dinner is prepared for Him. Of course Lazarus is reclined at the table with Jesus, but Mary...! Martha can be found where Martha always is, but how dare Mary be at the feet of Jesus! Shouldn't she be with her sister serving those guests who have gathered in number to see Jesus? And, why would Mary be so foolish as to waist any of that precious dowry upon Jesus' feet? If she was so keen to give away any possibility of hope in marriage, she easily could have sold the ointment and given it to the "poor". Why place it upon Jesus' feet, and why aren't you serving with Martha? These questions are to be addressed this day with Pastor J, and you better hold on tight for you shall be in the very presence of your KING!