Time To Shine

Acts 27: 23-24, 42-44; Acts 23:11; Hebrews 11:1 In this chapter of Acts, we see how God made a promise to Paul, and He fulfilled it. At times, we hear promises from God, but we can feel discouraged when we don't see any evidence of them coming to fruition; it may seem like nothing is changing. We often strive harder for those promises, because we need something tangible to move toward. Since we know that God sees the beginning from the end, we should continue to trust in His timing. If we rush ahead, we may encounter unnecessary turmoil. Instead, we should take a moment to pause, focus on our daily responsibilities, and wait for God to fulfill His promise. Today, I encourage you to maintain hope and faith, and to wait patiently for His promises. God is faithful and capable of bringing forth His plans, whether it's flourishing a work project, nurturing a relationship, or even bringing a long-awaited baby into your life. Take courage and trust in His timing and willingness to deliver what He has promised.

Acts 26: 16-20; Psalm 16:9-10; Isaiah 53:5; Zechariah 12:10-14. Jesus is truly remarkable for calling Paul into ministry, allowing everyone to hear the message of Jesus and how He fulfilled the prophecies written by the prophets. In this chapter, we see Paul sharing his testimony with King Agrippa, Porcius Festus, and all those gathered with them. Jesus revealed to Paul his purpose in life by forgiving him, equipping him, and sanctifying him. With these tools, Paul could share the good news and produce good deeds. This is precisely what the Lord wants to do for us. He desires to equip us to fulfill our purpose on earth, guided by His Holy Spirit. Today, call on God and repent. He will guide you to a better life filled with meaning and purpose.

Acts 25:5-10 Colossians 3:23 In this chapter, we follow Paul as he stands trial before Porcius Festus, the new governor. Festus invites the influential Jews to present their accusations against Paul, who is imprisoned in Caesarea under his authority. Being new to his position, Festus seeks to gain favor with the Jews, but they fail to provide evidence for the serious charges they have brought against Paul. When we strive to gain the favor of people, we often end up feeling disappointed. However, when we seek God's favor, we find that it is all we truly need to live fulfilling lives. Our daily efforts should be directed toward gaining approval from God alone, as He is the only one deserving of our attention. Our hearts and souls were created to seek God's favor, for He alone can satisfy and fulfill us. Through a relationship with Jesus, we can communicate with Him and find comfort. He guides us to a better way of living. We should not seek favor from others; instead, we should seek it from God alone. Today, I encourage you to find refuge in Jesus, for He cares for both you and me. Live your life with the intention of pleasing the One who matters most.

Acts 24:5, 14-15, 25-27 Jesus is the only way to the Father and the only one who can guide our lives by providing His Holy Spirit, which gives us self-control. We may stray far from the truth, just like the Jews who referred to the Way as a sect led by Paul. They claimed he was causing division, but in reality, Paul was teaching everyone about the Messiah, who was prophesied long ago and has come to show us the way to the Father. Jesus is the source of all good things: redemption from sins, freedom, life, and even eternal life. No other leader or teacher has claimed to be the only way to the Father as He does in John 14:6. If you feel distant from Him today, take a moment to pray a simple prayer from the heart. He will provide the self-control you need to overcome an addiction or turn away from a harmful way of living. He is there to heal you and draw you closer to Him. Don't hesitate to pray, for He is waiting for you.

Acts 23:1-11; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Matthew 23: 25-28. In this chapter of Acts, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin to explain himself. He began his argument but was abruptly struck in the mouth by a bystander on the orders of Ananias, the high priest. Upset by this, Paul called him a "whitewashed wall," but he didn't realize that Ananias was the high priest, so he partially apologized for his outburst. Following this interruption, Paul continued with his argument, stating that he was a Pharisee and believed in the resurrection. This declaration caused a division in the council: the Pharisees supported Paul, while the Sadducees opposed him, as they did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits. After the uproar, the Roman commander intervened, rescuing Paul and bringing him back to the barracks. There, Jesus encouraged him not to give up, reminding him of the importance of continuing to share the message of resurrection and of Jesus with the Romans. Jesus is always close to us, even when we face trials of various kinds. He serves as our encourager, rescuing us so we can be His witnesses to all people, no matter where He places us. He stands beside us, ensuring we do not lose heart; instead, He wants us to grow in faith, boldness, and hope by sharing His message of new life in Him. Stay encouraged today, for Jesus is right by your side during your difficult times.

Acts 22: 15-16 In this chapter of Acts, we see Paul sharing his testimony with the Jews who were accusing him of bringing Gentiles into the temple. Paul asked the commander for permission to address the crowd, and he proceeded to share his story. However, the crowd was uninterested, and the soldiers took him to the barracks. During his testimony, Paul emphasized an important point: he had been baptized, and his sins were washed away by calling on the name of Jesus, who provided Paul with the opportunity for salvation. Jesus is the only one who can forgive our sins, which can burden us greatly. As Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." So today, give your sins to Jesus so that He can forgive them.

Acts 21: 12-14; Ephesians 1:13-14 In this chapter, the disciples express their concerns about Paul going to Jerusalem because they know he will be handed over to the authorities. Despite their worries, Paul remains untroubled; he understands that if this is the end of his life, it will be worth it for the sake of the Lord Jesus. This scripture reveals a Paul who fully trusts in Jesus and is willing to die for Him. Paul has a heavenly perspective; he once persecuted believers, but after encountering Jesus, he transformed into a disciple tasked with sharing his story of redemption with those who have yet to know the awaited Messiah. Throughout his journeys, Paul finds joy in serving Jesus. He experiences the fulfillment of seeing converts repent and receive the Holy Spirit as the seal of their inheritance in heaven. Today, take a moment to be grateful that you are on your way to a new home, even as we depart from this life. This new home is filled with love and peace, where we will rejoice with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:34-35; Psalm 50:10-12 In this chapter, Paul encourages the church in Ephesus to remember his lifestyle, where he worked diligently and contributed to his fellow ministers, emphasizing that it is better to give than to receive. There are countless reasons to give, but one key truth stands out: we should give because God gave us His most precious possession—His only Son. We are called to give because we receive from the Father, who owns everything, as expressed in the Psalm "the cattle on a thousand hills" are His. We are merely His stewards here on earth. Moreover, giving offers emotional benefits; we tend to be happier when we give, unlike those who hoard and do not share. So today, consider giving to your fellow ministers, your church, your family, and your friends. Since God has given so generously to us, we should honor Him by giving in return.

Acts 19:6,10-12, 19-20; Acts 16:6 Today, it's time to change our attitude towards the things that God has forbidden us to do. Whether we act on them now or later is up to Him, as He knows when our efforts will bear fruit. In Acts 19, God granted Paul the right anointing to heal people, cast out demons, and, most importantly, make disciples in the name of Jesus. While we may only see a limited distance ahead, God can see all the people who will benefit from our presence and work at the appointed time He has destined for us. Paul experienced great rewards by waiting for all the Jews and Greeks in Asia to hear the word of the Lord from him. God had previously prevented him from going, but on his second attempt, the field was ready for him to plant seeds and witness their growth. So, don't be discouraged today if you wish to act right now but feel God is asking you to wait. Focus on what needs to be done in the present, and trust that God will guide you to pursue what you desire at the right moment.

Acts 18: 1-5,24-28 In this chapter, we see Paul interacting with fellow believers, working at his trade, and demonstrating his independence from the financial support of other believers. Paul exemplified what it means to be a true disciple of Christ, as he devoted himself to guiding others in His way. We also learn about Apollos, a Messianic Jew who accurately shared the gospel with the Jewish community. Initially, he only understood the baptism of John, but he was later taught the correct path to God by Priscilla and Aquila when they took him aside. After this, he effectively demonstrated through the Scriptures that Jesus was indeed the Christ. The key takeaway from this chapter is the importance of teaching our brothers and sisters the Scriptures with love and respect, avoiding any embarrassment in front of others. We should encourage new believers to preach and share the Scriptures, even if their understanding is limited to the essentials. Let us motivate one another so that the gospel can spread more rapidly and accurately throughout all regions of the world.

Acts 17:23-31 In this chapter, Paul goes to Athens and shares the message of repentance by relating to the Athenians. For they were worshiping God in their ignorance, without even knowing Him. Paul also shares that God cannot be created or worshiped by idols made by our human thoughts or the arts of gold, silver, or gold. Then Paul related to the people by letting them know that it is God who gives us life, breath, and all things to be lived in his appointed set time on this earth. He clarifies that in Him, we live, move, and exist. We cannot go anywhere without God knowing where we are, as it states in Psalm 139:7–12. Paul told them that their alter made to the Unknown God is the eternal one he was proclaiming, and they needed to repent, for one day they would be judged by the Appointed one who was raised from the dead. Today, relate to your friends, but always share the truth and that is with love and kindness. God is in the art of relationships and communion with us so, that we can be grateful for our days and live, move, and have our being in His full view.

Acts 16: 6, 10, 14-16,18, 28-33. Proverbs 2:6, 10 The Lord opens the hearts of those He saves, just as He did for Lydia. He can do the same for you. God saved Lydia and her household. On the way to the house of prayer, Paul delivered a slave girl from a spirit of divination. However, her masters beat Paul and Silas, causing them to be thrown into prison. While in prison, they remained faithful to God through worship and prayer, and God heard them. He sent an earthquake that opened the prison cell doors, yet they chose not to escape. The guard, thinking they had fled, almost killed himself. Paul stopped him, assuring him that they were still there. The guard then brought them out and asked, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas responded, and he and his household were saved and baptized. Therefore, even on our journeys, we may face hardships, but God always provides moments of joy. Unexpectedly, He opens the door for us to enjoy the rich harvest of souls being saved through our efforts on the way.

Acts 15: 1-2, 4-5,8-10,20,29; Mark 7:18-20 What defines us as gentiles is not the law, but what comes from the heart. Jesus changes hearts and lives. When Peter, Paul, and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles, they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which cleansed their hearts. God provided them with a new way of living: to accept Jesus as their Savior. He fulfilled the law and gave His life as a ransom for many who believe in His saving grace. We no longer need to be circumcised to enter heaven or strictly follow the law of Moses, for Jesus left us two new commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength," and "Love your neighbor as yourself."Matthew 22:34-40. By following these two commandments, we effectively obey the law and are saved by grace.

Acts 14:1-10, 19-22; Matthew 24:13; James 1:2-4 You may be facing a major challenge or obstacle in your life, whether it's related to your health, finances, or a fundamental lack of faith. I encourage you today to have faith. Pray those bold prayers for provision and healing that you have been longing for. As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13a, God does not give us more than we can bear. Some struggles in life require more faith than others. In those moments, we need to pray fervently, trusting and hoping that our prayers have been heard. I personally struggle with negativity; I often look at the worst-case scenario, and I'm grateful when things don't turn out as bad as I imagined. Recently, I earned a certification in positive psychology, which taught me the importance of evaluating my thoughts. This allows me to ask myself, "What am I thinking?" and then to step back from those thoughts. Today, I invite you to have faith in your miracle, for after enduring several trials, it will come. Life is filled with ups and downs, but during our low moments, we need to trust with even the smallest seed of faith we may have in God to bring about a miracle, renew our lives, and restore our well-being.

Acts 13 In this chapter, we see that Paul, Barnabas, and the apostle John fulfilled Jesus's command to spread his message to the ends of the earth, which included reaching out to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit before heading to Antioch. And at the end of visiting that city they were filled with joy and the The Holy Spirit for they preached to those God fearing men and appointed gentiles and Jews in that community. This chapter illustrates that God calls those He has predestined or appointed for eternal life, who believe in the message that Paul and others shared with them—specifically, their belief in Jesus as Savior. I encourage you to preach to everyone, as God has predestined many, though only He knows who these individuals are. When we proclaim the good news, God beautifies the humble and grants them eternal life once they believe.

Acts 12: 1-5, 7-16,21-23 In today's message, we learn about how Herod killed James, but God spared Peter's life. God heard the prayers of the church and provided a way for Peter to escape from jail. I appreciate how the Lord protects His church leaders by listening to the prayers of His people. He is always on a mission for His church leaders to expand and spread the message of the Gospel. God safeguards His children by answering their prayers and providing a way out of difficult situations. Ultimately, He is in control, especially when it comes to seeking justice. He took Herod's life for imprisoning an innocent man, Peter, and because Herod did not give glory to God. Today, I encourage you to pray continuously for your situation, for God has a way out. Pray for others as well; God can bless, protect, provide for them, and lead them to the truth. Do not take matters into your own hands; allow God to handle what He is capable of, such as punishing evildoers and those who do not follow His word. He has a purpose for everyone on this earth.

Acts 11: 15-18, 26 In this chapter, we learn how Peter shared with the early church in Jerusalem that the same Holy Spirit who descended on them at Pentecost also fell on the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius. God revealed to Peter in a vision that what He had declared clean should not be considered unholy. Just as God extended grace to the circumcised in Jerusalem, He also granted this same grace to the uncircumcised Gentiles. It's important to understand that the grace given to the Jews is also available to us Gentiles, both then and now. Therefore, if you repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit—who is part of the Trinity—can baptize you. The Holy Spirit will also guide your life along the right path.

Acts 10:1-23, 28 In this chapter, we are presented with a beautiful message about how God considers all people—both Jews and non-Jews—to be holy and clean, especially those those who fear Him like Cornelius. God calls all things holy and clean because He created everything and desires for all humans to find salvation. As stated in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." This verse clearly illustrates that God wants everyone, whether Jews or Gentiles, to come to salvation. He is a merciful God. Today, I invite you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He calls you holy and clean, and God created you to live in connection with Him. Each day, as you walk with Him, you will experience sanctification and grow closer to His presence.

Acts 9:1-18 In this chapter, we read about Saul's conversion and how the Lord transformed his life. He went from being a persecutor of the church to becoming a key member of it. Jesus spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus, and as a result, Saul became blind for three days, during which he neither ate nor drank. It was then that a servant of the Lord named Ananias came to restore his sight. This illustrates that Jesus can work in the hearts of those who initially oppose Him, changing their life trajectories from being enemies of the cross to becoming followers of it. In just three days, Jesus changed Saul's life, much like He worked in Jonah's heart in that short time. During these three days, Saul engaged in prayer, demonstrating his transformation. God had a mission for Saul to influence the hearts of Gentiles, kings, and Jews to embrace the faith. Likewise, we also have a mission; we must work on our hearts so we can speak to others about Jesus. Perhaps in three days, we too will see the fruits of our labor.

Acts 8:1, 9-24 In this chapter, we learn about how the church spread to other regions, such as Judea and Samaria, due to the intense persecution they faced after Stephen's death. Saul, who later became known as Paul, was the primary persecutor of the church and had supported Stephen's death. One of the disciples who fled to other areas was Philip. He went to Samaria to preach the Good News, and many people believed in his message. Among those who came to faith was a former sorcerer named Simon. Although he was baptized, he, along with the others who believed, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. During this time, the apostles remained in Jerusalem. When they heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they traveled there. The apostles laid their hands on the Samaritans, and they received the Holy Spirit. Simon witnessed the power of God at work through the apostles and offered them money in an attempt to obtain this authority for himself. We must be cautious of those who claim to have received Jesus but do not live according to His teachings. Simon, well-known among his people, hoped to regain fame through the great power of God, the Holy Spirit. Let us examine our hearts and ask ourselves if we genuinely believe in Jesus and aim to live by His word, or if we have accepted Him merely to secure our place in heaven. It is essential to live a life that abides in His Spirit and to follow His teachings. I encourage you to reflect on your motivations for following Jesus. Are you following Him for the benefits, or do you truly believe that His teachings are the path to true life.

Acts 7 In this chapter, we read about Stephen's trial before the Council: the Sanhedrin, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the High Priest. They accused him of speaking blasphemously against God and Moses, an accusation that was 'secretly induced' by some men. These men also said Stephen was going to 'destroy this place,' meaning the temple, and 'alter the customs of Moses, which was also invalid. Stephen defended himself by going down in history and mentioning Abraham to Jesus in all they did. I believe Stephen's defense was that God is not confined to four walls. He is always everywhere, and indeed, Heaven is His dwelling place. Nothing created by human hands can contain Him; thus, He made everything that we see and use to build on this earth. In all this, Stephen remained focused on standing firm on his case about Christ and how he was truly the 'Righteous One' sent by God and was indeed "standing at the right hand of God in Heaven. Stephen stood his ground and defended his belief until his last breath. We should stand firm for Jesus and defend our beliefs at all costs. Life is fleeting, but eternity is eternity, and if we have Jesus, we will live forever.

Acts 6:1-15 This chapter illustrates how the new church grew in numbers and added ministries such as a soup kitchen. The apostles did not want to neglect their main purpose of sharing the gospel in order to take care of this ministry, so they chose seven men to oversee it. One of those men was Stephen, who was known for his great wisdom, being full of the Spirit, and having a good reputation. He even performed signs and wonders because of his strong faith in God. It's important to note that the disciples were not only the 12 initially selected by Jesus, but included all those who believed in Jesus as the apostles spoke to them. The main point of this chapter is that God is the source of all wisdom. While a person may have a good understanding, wisdom and full discernment of this world and God's word come from God. All who believe in Jesus have wisdom and discernment because it comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, I encourage you to come to Jesus to gain the discernment that can only be found in Him through His Holy Spirit. He desires to give it to all who come to Him. This wisdom and discernment are not just for the first church and men like Stephen, but for all of us.

Acts 5:4, 12-16, 19-20, 24, 27,36-37; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:4. In this chapter, we read about how the Lord treated the dishonest Ananias and Sapphira. He put them to death for trying to hide their property and money gains from the apostles. Then, we see how the apostles performed great miracles and wonders, but more importantly, preached to people about the way to a new life in Jesus. When we have this new life in Jesus, we live connected to Him through the Holy Spirit, and He changes our old life into a more abundant life. When we have Jesus, we don't pray empty prayers; we say what the Holy Spirit wants us to present to God in prayer. His Holy Spirit guides our lives. Today is a good day to give your life to Jesus for He desires to provide you with this new life that the apostles preached centuries ago. The message of which doesn't grow old because Jesus has guided people throughout the centuries since then. New life means repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Acts 4: 11-13,31; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:12. Jesus is amazing because he did not hoard God's power from us. Instead, he died on the cross to cleanse us from our sins, and after cleaning us, He allowed God's Holy Spirit to fill our hearts to do greater works than He did. Jesus gave the disciples authority to perform great miracles and start the first church. Through their boldness and the power of the Holy Spirit, they added many to the first church. Jesus wants us to do even greater works than He did so that unbelievers see His might and understand that, as it's stated in verse 12 of this chapter, there is no other name by which we can be saved than Jesus' name. Today, I encourage you to submit to the power of the Holy Spirit to do even greater works than Jesus, for He is the only one who can equip us to do such things. He is a faithful and mighty savior.

Acts 3:1-7 In this chapter, Peter and John blessed a lame man at the gate of the temple by giving him what they indeed had, which was healing for his crippled body. Peter and John did not have an earthly fortune, but they had the power of God through the Holy Spirit, which they had just received from God. Today, make it a priority to share the gift that you have inside you with others. Jesus did not die for just a few people but for all. When we use this power of the Holy Spirit within us, God is glorified, and others are healed, whether physically or with salvation from damnation. Give what you have received from Jesus today!

Acts 2:1-7, 17-21, 24, 31, 41, 46; 1 Samuel 10:10-11; Joel 2:28-31; 2 Corinthians 1:22. Pentecost is the day of Jesus's promise. It was a day when the disciples and the rest of the first church members received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit forever, which Jesus promised and God delivered. We learned that they spoke in tongues or other languages as the Spirit gave utterance. Many bystanders came to know and understand Jesus's sacrifice and repented. God filled the room with a wind and sent His Holy Spirit as tongues of fire to rest on the disciples and others in the upper room. God is a God of breathing, life, and cleansing. He gave His Holy Spirit to sanctify us and renew us daily in the image of Christ, as well as a seal of guarantee of his promise of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you today to take hold of God so He can put His seal of His Holy Spirit on you, to walk with Him daily, and feel renewed every single time.

Acts 1:1-11, 18, 21-26; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 27:5-8. In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus instructs the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This power will help them live better lives, allowing Him to guide them and be the messenger of this power to other parts of Israel and throughout the world. Jesus wants us to know that the Holy Spirit is not timid but will give us power, love, and a sound mind or discipline. When we live according to the Spirit of God, we demonstrate this power, which produces a fruit full of all good things, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the Spirit we have abiding in us when we receive Jesus. Today, I encourage you to live by the Spirit, and He "will guide you into all truth," as Jesus said in John 16:13. This truth is that Jesus is the only man who has been resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, which is the same power we receive (Romans 8:11) when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and will resurrect our lives when He comes. He loves you and wants to guide your life to the best possible way of living.

The book of Acts. Written by Luke In this book, we will explore how the promise of the Holy Spirit was realized in the early church. We will delve into the communal living of the early church, where members bought, sold, shared, and lived in unity. Following the death of Stephen, the church faced persecution, prompting many members to flee from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. It was during this time that Paul encountered Jesus on his way to Damascus, an event that transformed his life. Paul then began preaching and spreading the message of Jesus to the Gentiles during his missionary journeys, resulting in significant church growth. In the final seven chapters of Acts, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote many of the epistles found in the New Testament. This book is a collection of inspiring stories meant to encourage us to share the gospel and cultivate community, drawing from the example set by the early church.

John 21:2, 15-23, 13:36-38; Matthew 26:75 In this instance, Jesus appeared to a group of seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Jesus spoke directly to Peter, seeking to understand his heart. Despite Peter's three denials during Jesus' most trying time on earth, he was deeply moved, by 'weeping bitterly.' Jesus wants us to follow the path he has set before us. He has designed our journey to connect with others whom we encounter, since none of us can be in all places at the same time as God can. Whether we are at a specific school, gym, or grocery store, he wants us to be a light to those we encounter. Stay the course, because Jesus has our best interests at heart. His love for us is unwavering, demonstrated by his sacrificial commitment on the cross. Today, let this profound love guide you and keep you focused on the path he has set for you. He is with us every step of the way, a testament to his unconditional love. Embrace his love and remain faithful, even when others may not.

John 20:26-31; Romans 1:20 In this chapter, Jesus appears to the disciples after His resurrection, but He wants Thomas to see and touch Him more. Jesus's invitation to Thomas is not a general call to belief, but a personal one. Thomas does not believe after the disciples tell him of Jesus's resurrection; he wants to see and touch Jesus for himself, to have his own personal experience of faith. Jesus asked Thomas to touch Him in this second appearance to the disciples, and he did. However, in these final verses of the chapter, John writes that Jesus did many more things that were not recorded. But He wrote this account for us to see these important things so that we would recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and in doing so, find life, purpose, and meaning in Him. This recognition is not just a belief, but a powerful realization that can transform our lives. Therefore, today I urge you to embrace Jesus as Lord, for He is present in all aspects of nature and divine powers. He is our light and our salvation, as stated in Psalm 27:1. Once we acknowledge Him as the source of life, we discover profound meaning in this life.

John 19:1-11, 27, 35. In this chapter, Jesus experiences beating and even death on a cross. His accusers prefer for a criminal to be realized than Jesus, who was on the town's healing and caring for people. Jesus, while being interrogated by Pilate, warned him that he had no authority other than the one given to him by God. Also, He testified that the greater sin was on the one who delivered him to be crucified. Pilate, even though he had power, was still afraid of Jesus's responses, for he had no power over him, for Jesus knew that he was going to die this gruesome death, and better yet, they did not take his life. He gave up His spirit. This act of giving up His spirit, His death on the cross, is a profound demonstration of His love and obedience to God, and it is through this sacrifice that we are offered salvation. I am deeply moved by John's testimony in verse 35. He was not just a historian, but a messenger chosen by God to deliver a message that we can all connect with on a personal level. John's role as a messenger, delivering a message from the highest Authority, makes the biblical events more relatable and meaningful to each of us. It's as if God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we would need this personal connection to fully understand His divine plan.   Today, I want to reassure you that the only power we have on this earth is that which has been granted from above. God's complete control over this world, both inside and out, should bring us comfort and security. He created us, placed us here, and will receive us back when our time is up. The world does not operate independently, but is sustained by the all-powerful from above. Understanding and accepting this divine control can instill a deep sense of trust and reliance in us, knowing that we are always under His watchful eye.

John 18:1-8; Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 53:6 A squadron arrested Jesus, but their force did not take his life. He willingly laid it down for us, a unique act that fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah. Jesus, the perfect lamb, was a sacrifice for all. Unlike a natural lamb, Jesus was the only one clean enough to take all our sins upon him. He, the perfect sacrifice sent by God, came to reunite us with the Father by laying down his life in exchange for our sins. He was sinless and spotless and took our place on the cross. No amount of human sacrifice was sufficient enough to take our sins upon it. Today, I ask that you recognize Jesus as Lord and acknowledge His sacrifice for you on the cross and authority to lay down his life for you. We need him to redeem us, for He was a spotless and sinless lamb. He only did good things while He was here on earth and continues to do so through us; his goodness is a continuous source of hope and reassurance. When we receive him, we have him, the Father, and His Spirit of Truth—the Holy Spirit—so we can live with them forever.

John 17:11-26; Galatians 3:26-28. In this chapter, Jesus entrusts his disciples to the Father with the empowering responsibility of keeping them together. Their role is crucial in spreading the truth, leading others to believe in Jesus and the Father who sent Him to this earth. Some may see Jesus as only a prophet or teacher, but he has fully declared Himself as the way to the Father. When we recognize Him as the Messiah, we are allowing the Father to keep us safe in this world, to abide in his truth, His word; together with our Helper, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, we can understand what Jesus said and walk in His ways. If you're a believer, abide by his word of truth so that others who do not know Him may glorify the Father by your testimony. And remember, the Father will keep you united with other believers, forming a strong and connected community. So today, let us be one with Him so that His words of truth will flow through our pores, and people will immediately recognize Jesus in us. This recognition is a validation of your faith and a testament to the power of His truth. More importantly, once they see your testimony, Jesus will keep them together with you as his ministers through the word of truth and His commandation of safety of you to the Father.

John 16:1-13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21 In this Chapter, Jesus reveals to the disciples the profound role of the Spirit of Truth in our lives. It is the Spirit of Truth that convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, offering us hope and inspiration for transformation. This divine presence has come to be our Helper and guide, leading us towards a brighter spiritual path. God Himself is the source of the word of God, for the term 'inspired' translates to theopneustos in Greek, meaning 'God-Breathed '. His word is not just a by-product, but the divine result of His own inspiration, conveyed through the hands of human authors. This understanding should instill in us a deep sense of reverence and respect for His word. God has allowed the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Truth to come so that in Him we will recognize we need him, or else we would do all the things that are against God and his people. Such as killing believers, thinking that doing so is an offering to God. This is a reference to historical and contemporary instances of religious persecution, where some groups have justified violence against others in the name of God. The Spirit of Truth, when present in us, guides us away from such harmful beliefs and actions. Today, allow the Spirit of Truth to emerge and bring conviction of all your wrongdoing so that you may find restoration and Salvation through Him and Jesus, the author of Salvation.

John 15: 1-5, 13, 26-27; Romans 8:8; Ephesians 3:20 In this chapter, Jesus explains to the disciples the great benefit of abiding in Him: We will bear much fruit through the help of the Spirit of Truth, our Helper, the Holy Spirit. Our works don't earn us brownie points in heaven, but they glorify the Father if we have Him in our hearts. Works do not give us salvation, but they testify to who we have believed in. Today, I encourage you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you are not friends with Him yet. If you do, you will see how your good works, such as helping in your community, will generate and increase your satisfaction, and thus, your efforts and labor will multiply and expand. For outside of Him, we "can do nothing" that pleases God.

John 14: 4-5, 7-8, 13-16, 21, 24, 26; John 3:16 Jesus comforts his disciples by explaining to them that if they have Him, they also have the Father who sent Him. Also, if they have seen Him, they have also seen the Father, for He is the incarnated representation of the Father. Our path is to follow the teachings of Jesus, for in doing so, we are in unity with Him and the Father, as they are one. Jesus encourages us to pray in His name, not for His sake, but for the glorification of the Father. While Jesus may not be physically present, we are not left alone. We have His Helper, the Holy Spirit, who serves as our guide, teacher, and the one who brings to our remembrance all that Jesus has said. The Holy Spirit is our constant reminder of Jesus's promises, ensuring we never feel lost or abandoned. Today's application: is to get to know Jesus. If you do, you will have His Helper, the Holy Spirit, and Him and the Father; they will be in you, guiding your life. For all three, make the Triune God.

John 13:12-20, 26-27; Psalm 41:9; Acts 2:1-4 In this passage from the Bible, we learn about a prophecy that was fulfilled in the presence of the apostles. Judas was influenced by the enemy, allowing greed to consume his heart and leading him to betray Jesus. Despite walking alongside Jesus every day, Judas valued money more than the love of Jesus. It is important for us to spread the teachings of Jesus so that others can be united with him and the Father, and the enemy cannot take hold of their hearts. Those who do not know Jesus may not recognize when the enemy is influencing them, as they do not have the Holy Spirit within them. While the other disciples were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit at this point in the story, they were not swayed by earthly possessions but were focused on knowing and following Jesus. The betrayal by Judas was a necessary part of fulfilling the prophecy, even though Judas was considered a "close friend" of Jesus, as mentioned in the Psalms. It is our responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus to prevent others from falling under the influence of the enemy, which can lead to harm for themselves and others. Jesus desires to be united with us and the Father, working through us to carry out his work on earth. This is how he is glorified, and how his grace saves us.

John 12: 10-11, 28-29, 32, 42-50 Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10-11 Psalm 115:17 Jesus came to do the will of the Father so that he may save all. Jesus united all kinds of people from different walks of life, such as Greeks, leaders, and definitely Jews. Most of those who believed believed because of the miracles He performed. Jesus did not come to "judge the world, but to save the world." He did not speak on his initiative but on what the Father told Him to say or speak. Ultimately, every human being, whether on earth, in heaven, or under the earth, will come to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. The question then becomes, why not accept him now, while his mercy is abundant and he is readily available? We have the freedom to choose, and choosing to accept him now will open your eyes to the profound and wondrous things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). He died to be with you, to walk beside you, and to live within you as the Holy Spirit. What's holding you back from receiving the free gift of salvation? Let all those walls down and accept him today.

John 11 In this chapter, Jesus resurrects Lazarus, his beloved friend. Jesus waited four days to see him, knowing that this delay would glorify Him. Jesus wanted this delay so that many Jews would believe in him, but we also noticed that others decided to go and tell the Pharisees about the miracle he had performed. Jesus wants us to trust that he is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Resurrection, for we will not experience death if we trust him. Today, if you are confined to a bed due to a terrible health condition, I ask that you give your complete trust to Jesus. He wants to light up your soul and give life to your spirit. He wants you to trust him with all your being. Yes, it is sad when we experience a sudden illness or situation we did not see coming, but that's when we need to say, "All to Jesus, I surrender." "Let your will be done." He may bring healing to your body, ignite your soul and spirit, or resurrect you in his kingdom, but know He is there with you. Your family left behind will be sad, but if you go with Jesus, they will stay comforted, for they know you're in Jesus' arms and will see each other again, reassured and comforted in his presence. Today's lesson is simple: Trust in Jesus, the resurrection, and the life, especially when you're sick. He can resurrect or restore your body and guide you toward a better life, spiritually or on earth. So, trust Him in your sickness or in the hard times, for he longs to walk alongside you as you navigate these challenging situations by supporting and guiding you every step of the way. Trust.

John 10:1-21,24-39; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6; Psalm 82:6 Here, we see Jesus explaining to the Jews His deity with a parable, as he was accustomed to do. However, their lack of understanding is not just a simple misinterpretation, but a reflection of their hardened hearts, for they did not want to recognize Him as the Christ. He explained to them that the works He performed gave Him the title of Christ because the works He did were what He saw the Father do, and He and the Father are one. After He confirmed his deity to them, they wanted to stone him, but he reminded them of what was written in the Law about 'I SAID, YOU ARE GODS'? This phrase, in Hebrew, refers to Elohim, the true God, but it has other uses, such as angels, judges, demons, idols, and foreign gods. In this context, I would interpret it to mean that they were acting as judges, not as gods in the divine sense. Let's be clear that the word Yahweh refers to Elohim above all elohim. Despite the tension and conflict arising from the crowd's refusal to acknowledge Him as the Messiah, Jesus remained patient. He desires all of humanity to accept Him, demonstrating His role as The Good Shepherd, the leader, and the door to the Father. His patience and compassion are evident in His desire for all to accept Him and experience His miraculous power.

John 9:1-41 In this chapter, we witness the transformative journey of a blind man's faith. He initially saw Jesus as a man, then as a prophet, then as a person to follow as a disciple, and finally as the Son of Man and Lord that He is, after being healed by Him and seeing him face to face. Despite being thrown out of the synagogue by the Pharisees, the blind man's courage in defending Jesus did not go unnoticed. Jesus, acknowledging this act, revealed Himself to the man as the Lord. Jesus would sometimes heal our physical illnesses, other times restore us spiritually, or other times both, as He did here with this blind man. Jesus healed on the Sabbath to show the Pharisees that there is no limit as to when a healing can occur, for the law was in the past. He came to open the eyes of those who see Him as Lord. The Pharisees believed more in Moses than the Messiah, who was right in front of them. Today's Application: Jesus can heal you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You just have to follow the process. Our lives can turn out great even if we do not start out so well.

John 8: 1-12, 18-19, 36, 56-58 In this chapter, Jesus forgave a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and brought to Him by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus was aware of their intention to find a reason to arrest Him, but He also wanted the woman to see the salvation and forgiveness that He offers. He emphasized the importance of learning from our mistakes and moving forward without sinning. Jesus is described as the light of the world, bringing enlightenment and justification before the Father. He serves as our mediator, advocate, and intercessor, and only through Him can we find true light. He reveals the dark areas of our lives so that He can cleanse them and help us shine brightly in this dark world. Today's Word Application: The lesson for today is that Jesus came to forgive our sins, and once He forgives us, we should not return to the same sin. Instead, we should learn from the experience and align our lives with His teachings.

John 7:1-10, 50-53 In this chapter, we see that even Jesus' close relatives did not believe in him at first. At that time, his brother thought that he was seeking popularity through the miracles he performed. They acknowledged his power but did not yet see him as Lord. However, his brothers James and Judas later wrote their own respective epistles, which are included in the Bible, and ultimately came to believe in him. Jesus wanted to avoid drawing attention to himself and instead directed it toward the Father who had sent him. He performed miracles and preached with eloquence to demonstrate to the crowd then, and to us now, that he came from the Father. His mission was to serve and to give his life in exchange for ours. Today's Application: I encourage you to bring glory back to the Father in whatever you do, so that others may want to follow him who draws you near to Jesus and his salvation.

John 6: 27, 35, 50-51,55, 65 In this scripture, Jesus feeds five thousand men and then explains that He is the bread of life, and through His blood, by eating and drinking this bread, we will have eternal life. This means we will live forever and will be raised up on the day of redemption. By eating and drinking Jesus's body and blood, we get close to the Father. It's a sign that we have been drawn to Jesus by the Father. Through this, Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to seal us and reassure us that we belong to Him. Today's Word Application: The transformative power of God's word is immense. By consuming His word, you will live differently and have eternal life. Remember His sacrifice, where He shed His blood. Drink of His blood, for it is a 'true drink' that will unite you with Him and Him with You.

John 5 Jesus, in this chapter, heals a paralytic man, for this man had been trying to get healed in the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw the low probability of this man getting healed, and He had compassion for him, which healed him on the Sabbath. So the Jews asked him who healed you on the Sabbath, and he did not know who had healed him, but later on, he found Jesus at the temple and learned that it was Jesus indeed who had healed him. The Jews wanted to take Jesus' life because of this healing, especially because it was done on the Sabbath. Jesus further explained that He acts in accordance with the Father's will. He also revealed that the Father is the giver of life to the dead, and the Son has the power to give life to whomever He chooses. Jesus went on to say that Moses wrote about Him (Deuteronomy 18:15-20). Also, John talked about Him, clarifying that His testimony was not rooted in Himself but that others had talked about His coming prior. Jesus is the exclusive way to the Father. No other prophet, teacher, or individual has referred to God as his Father, except Jesus. "I and the Father are one (John 10:30). Also, He is "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6). Without Jesus, our hope is limited to the earthly realm. But when we place our hope in Jesus, our hope extends to eternity. Application: Trust Jesus with all your being. He alone can save.

John 4:4, 13-14,18,26,31-37,39-42,44 Jesus had to go through Samaria to save the Samaritan woman and many of her villagers. He had to pass through Samaria to reap what He had sown in this woman and what she sowed in her villagers. The disciples had physical food to give to Jesus, but Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me." Jesus needed to give His father's food to these people and His "living water." This food and living water can also be received today by coming to Jesus and asking Him to reveal Himself to us. When we experience Him intimately, we gain His food and living water forever into "eternity." So, today, I encourage you to pass by Samaria and make it a purpose to sow in people so that they can experience Jesus personally. I invite you to sow daily into people's lives so that God can be known all over the world.

John 3: 19-21; John 8:12, 9:5; Romans 8:28; 2 Corithians 3:18, 5:17; Ephesians 2:10. Jesus is the light of the world. He does not want us to walk in this world without Him. He wants to enlighten our path and life and change our ways. If you let Him expose your evil deeds, He will work them out for you for "all things to work together for good." Not that we are going to do evil and expect God not to correct us or bring consequences or even a lesson, but we are to live in His light so that we don't live in our old nature, which only wanted to do harm and evil, for we are a new creation in Him when we accept Him as Lord and Savior. Today, I encourage you to live according to His ways, and you will see the path for your life changed. He does not leave us here hanging, but He walks with us by the power of the Holy Spirit, for He is our Comforter and Companion. Come to Him even if you feel your ways are too complex to be changed. He is all-powerful and all-knowing of our weaknesses here on earth, for He experienced our suffering and knows what we go through. He knows firsthand how hard living life can be. Come to Him just as you are today.

John 2:13-25; Psalm 44:21; Acts 1:24; Luke 16:15; Psalm 139:1-3; Luke 8:17, 12:2-3 Jesus, God in the flesh, understands us deeply. He is familiar with everything inside us, such as our thoughts and emotions. He doesn't need anyone to defend Him because He knows who He is. He understands that we change our minds frequently; one day, we are with Him, and the next, we are not. This happened in the past and still happens today. The remarkable thing is that He is always one step ahead of us; He understood the flaws in people but still took our place on the cross by sacrificing Himself for us. God gave us free will. We are free to think and act as we please, but we know that He knows the outcome ahead of time, and thus our actions have consequences, whether on earth or in eternity. It's a great thing that God knows us intimately because He can help us change and transform the negative things within us into something better—a version of ourselves that can glorify Him and act according to His will. Today, I encourage you to give all your negative thoughts to God, as He sees them all. He can transform your life for the better. While He doesn't depend on our help, we certainly depend on His.

John 1: 1, 14, 29, 33-34, 44-49 In the book of Genesis, God said "In the beginning" when creating the earth. John's gospel also begins with these words, "In the beginning was the Word." This Word, which was present at the start of creation, came in human form as Jesus. He existed with the Father from the outset and still does. Just as God commanded and created the world, Jesus, possessing the same authority, shared truth, guidance, and comfort with people. Although Jesus had a human nature, He is more than human; as John states, He is the Light, the Word, the Lamb of God, the One, the Son of God, and the Messiah. Additionally, John explains how Philip became an apostle. Jesus saw Philip first and recognized that he needed a Savior and guide. Jesus noted Philip's sincerity, honesty, and directness before revealing Himself as Rabbi, Son of God, and The King of Israel. This recognition transformed Philip into an apostle. Jesus sows a seed within us which enables us to see Him for who He truly is. We are encouraged to come to Him with all our questions, doubts, and uncertainties, as He appreciates our honesty.

Summary: John was one of the apostles who walked with Jesus on this earth. Jesus considered him as his beloved disciple (John 13:23). John was one of the sons of Zebedee and the brother of James, the apostle. The book of John is believed by some to have been written before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but it is widely accepted by theologians to have been written around 85-90 AD. It stands out as the most theological of the four gospels, with recurring words and themes such as believe, witness, Comforter, life-death, light-darkness, I Am, and love, all of which hold significant theological implications. This book of John starts by presenting Jesus as the Word of God that became flesh, demonstrating His power through performing miracles. John's purpose in this book was to showcase Jesus' deity and correct the false doctrine circulating that the Christ-Spirit came upon Jesus when He was baptized and later left Him when He was crucified. We know that Jesus was fully God and fully man.

Luke 24:13-32; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 In today's chapter of 2 Corinthians, we read about how "the god of this world," referring to Satan, has blinded the eyes of those who are perishing. In Luke, we see that only Jesus allows us to recognize Him by opening our eyes. As Christians, we are called to live with high standards and represent Christ wholeheartedly, especially because unbelievers are watching us. Psalm 101:2b reminds us to walk with integrity even in our own homes, as often our greatest tests in life come from those closest to us. Today, I encourage you to represent Christ with purpose and clarity so that others can see Christ in you and have their eyes opened to the truth of the gospel. It's not always easy, but we must strive to walk upright for the sake of others' salvation and the realization of the gospel's truth.