SCRIPTURE:
Acts 10:42-43 NLT - And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 10 marks the beginning of the Good News being preached to the Gentiles. Many in that day were God-fearing—those who recognized the one true God, worshiped Him, loved others, and gave to the poor—yet had not converted to Judaism. Because they were uncircumcised, the Jews did not accept them and called them God-fearers.

God chose to use a man who was neither a Jew by birth nor by conversion to show that the Good News was for all people. He also chose to use a Jew known for his tendency to tell God “no”—Peter. True to form, Peter initially resisted the Lord’s command upon seeing a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals.

Acts 10:14-15 NLT - "No, Lord," Peter declared. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean." But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean."

Peter didn’t understand the vision at first, but soon a Gentile stood at his door—a divine appointment that would change everything.

Peter went at Jesus' command. His “no” became a “yes, Lord.”

Acts 10:28-29 NLT - Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me."

APPLICATION:
This is where many of us struggle—“that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”

We may find it hard to believe that certain people could truly be saved. They don’t look the part, act the part, or live the part.

Has our “properness” or self-righteousness kept us from sharing the Good News—or from rejoicing when others receive it?

Who do you secretly think is undeserving? If your first thought isn’t you, you might, like Peter, have a “no” problem.

Acts 10:34-36 NLT - Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel--that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

Peter finally got it—will we?

Acts 10:47-48 NLT - "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?" So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…”

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me with my “no” problem. Remind me that You came to save the lost—of whom I was one. I had no claim, no lineage, no righteousness of my own—only the grace of a loving God who chose to forgive me, a wretched sinner.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 9:20-21 NLT - And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is indeed the Son of God!" All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?"
 
OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 9 offers us a powerful lesson in perseverance, hope, and the truth that what is impossible for man is possible for God.

Saul was on a mission to stop the early church single-handedly. The movement had grown rapidly, freeing many from religious bondage. Believers were called The Way—the very words Jesus used to describe Himself:

John 14:6 NLT - …"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

But then everything changed. Saul encountered Jesus.

Acts 9:1-2 NLT - Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains.

Yet something happened. Something that can only be explained as a “God thing.” Saul is saved!

Acts 9:4-5 NLT - He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

Why such emphasis? To show that no one is beyond God’s reach.

APPLICATION:
Who comes to mind when you think of someone “too far gone”? A mocker, an atheist, or a persecutor? If we’re honest, the first person we should think of is ourselves. We were undeserving, yet God’s mercy found us.

Ananias and others struggled to believe Saul could be saved:

Acts 9:13, 21 NLT - "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! ... All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?"

Even the “hopelessly lost” can see the light. Saul did!

I have often wondered—though it can’t be historically proven—whether the church was praying for Saul to “see the light” and to encounter the saving grace of Jesus Christ. While we may never know for certain, it serves as a powerful reminder that prayer works.

Conversations with those adamantly opposed to Jesus may not always seem fruitful, but prayer remains our greatest tool. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in their lives—to soften hardened hearts, open blinded eyes, and help those living in darkness see the truth, just as with Saul.

God can reach even the hardest hearts.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “God is the pursuer.” God’s grace relentlessly follows the lost, never tiring, never giving up. Francis Thompson called Him “The Hound of Heaven,” describing His chase as “unhurrying, unperturbed, deliberate, majestic.” C.S. Lewis said he was pursued by God “kicking and screaming.”

The Sauls in our lives need people who won’t stop praying—people who believe God still pursues, saves, and transforms.

Don’t give up. No one thought Saul could be saved—Jesus did it!

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for pursuing me with mercy and grace. Thank You for never giving up on me. Save those who are running from You. Open their eyes to Your light, as You did for Saul. Teach me to keep praying and never lose hope, for nothing is impossible with You.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 8:29-30 NLT - The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the carriage." Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

OBSERVATION:
In Acts chapter 8, the persecution of the early church was in full force, led by Saul. The persecution was so intense that all but the apostles fled Jerusalem. Yet God used this persecution to spread the gospel through men like Philip.

Philip went to Samaria—a shocking choice, since Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. Even Jesus’ disciples were surprised when He said, “He needed to go through Samaria.” Most Jews went around it, but Jesus went through it—and Philip followed His example.

Revival broke out in Samaria, and the Lord used Philip mightily. But suddenly, the Holy Spirit said, “Go.” Not only “Go,” but “Go south”—into the desert. Why would God send him from a fruitful place to a barren one? Why leave a thriving ministry for one person? Because God wasn’t just leading Philip—He was also leading the Ethiopian. It was a divine appointment.

APPLICATION:
Years ago, during a mission trip in Mexico, a missionary shared a story about a friend who had a similar experience. While eating breakfast at a restaurant counter, he suddenly felt the Holy Spirit say, “Go and stand on your head by the jukebox.”

Confused, he ignored it—three times—until, after praying, he finally decided to obey, even though it seemed foolish. He stood on his head by the jukebox, embarrassed, then quietly returned to his seat. Moments later, the man beside him began to weep. When asked if he was okay, the man said he had been praying all morning for God to reveal Himself—and had prayed, “God, if You’re real, have someone stand on their head by the jukebox.”

Both men were stunned.

• Are we willing to go where the Spirit leads—even if it means leaving comfort or reputation behind?
• Are we willing to do what He asks—even when it doesn't make sense?
• Are we willing to speak when He opens a door—even if it begins with a simple question, like Philip’s?

Sometimes all someone is waiting for is a question or a word prompted by the Spirit. Listen to the Spirit’s leading. Go where He directs. Speak when He says to speak. You never know what miracle God is preparing.
 
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen, go, and speak—even when it feels unorthodox or uncomfortable. I know You lead only through open doors. Give me sensitivity to Your Spirit and boldness to act in faith. When I fail, remind me of Your grace and strengthen me to keep listening, going, and speaking for You.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 7:59-60 NLT - As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.

OBSERVATION:
What would your last words be if you were falsely accused, abused, and facing death by stoning? Honestly, I don’t know whether mine would be the same as Stephen’s.

Stephen followed the example of Jesus—the very One he had been preaching about to the religious council. When Jesus was put to death by the same group, He also spoke words of forgiveness from the cross:

Luke 23:34 NLT - …"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Though Stephen’s ministry was brief, it was deeply impactful. He not only served the widows but also played a vital role in the early church. Thousands were being saved, the gospel was spreading, and God was using ordinary people like Stephen in extraordinary ways.

Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

Stephen lived and was known for being full of grace and power. God truly did great things through him in a short time.

APPLICATION:
What can we learn from Stephen that we can apply to our lives today? I think he would tell us, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” These same words were later echoed by Paul—the very man who once stood approvingly as Stephen was stoned (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Did Paul learn this by watching Stephen? Perhaps. The scene of Stephen’s death and his final prayer must have left a deep impression on Paul’s heart.
"Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!"

Stephen modeled five things we can strive to practice daily:

1. Follow Jesus.
2. Serve others.
3. Be filled, empowered, and led by the Spirit.
4. Be full of God’s grace.
5. Forgive—even in our final breath.

These are big shoes to fill, but with Jesus, they fit well.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being the ultimate example of forgiveness and love. Thank You for men like Stephen, who answered Your call, relied on Your Spirit, and modeled Your grace. Help me live in such a way that I, too, can say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 6:8 NLT - Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 6 introduces us to a man named Stephen. We learn that he was a Greek believer, a Hellenist. Who were the Hellenists?

Stephen, we are told, was chosen as one of the seven to help distribute and oversee food for the Hellenist widows in the early church. He not only did this but was also a man greatly used by God.

Oftentimes, we think we are only useful in our profession or in what we are known for. Stephen had the gifts of helps and administration—certainly not the kind of gifts that get the spotlight. Yet without them, things in the church would not get accomplished.

We refer to those who have these gifts as under-rowers. In the Bible, the term under-rower (Greek: huperetes) describes a low-level servant who rows in the bottom of a galley ship. Without them, the ship would go nowhere. They keep it moving and are vitally important—in my opinion, more so than those in more visible positions in the church. They are often overlooked, noticed only when things go wrong, but without them, everything would stand still.

Because of the ministries and gifts of Stephen and the other six men, the church grew.

Acts 6:7 NLT - So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

Can God use us to do great things, continue to spread the Good News, and see the number of believers increase greatly? Yes!

Oftentimes, we attribute church growth to the pastor, but it’s really due to the people in the church. If the pastor is following the design God made for his role as leader and shepherd, growth happens supernaturally, naturally, or simply Spirit-led.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Are you being equipped? If not, find a church where the pastoral staff does this. If so, be like Stephen. Serve as an under-rower and watch God use you for His glory. It may be as simple as overseeing food distribution or administration—yet these are of utmost importance to the Kingdom of God.

APPLICATION:
Like Stephen, when we take a step of faith and begin to serve, we soon realize that God not only wants us to be under-rowers but also witnesses for Him. God used Stephen to preach to the Jewish High Council and proclaim the Gospel—from under-rower to evangelist—because he was willing to serve, even in a small way.

The key to Stephen’s success was simple:

Acts 6:8 NLT - …A man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.

Full of Grace – We can be full of many things, but grace is one that never offends. Let God’s grace flow through you. Be a trophy of His grace. Let it change, mold, and shape you. Freely share it—what a gift we have been given.

Full of God’s Power – This power is the same power described in Acts chapter 2—the baptism of the Spirit. It’s what enables us to use the gifts God has given us in powerful ways. The word literally means “like dynamite.”

What’s left to do is stand back and watch God do great, amazing things—impossible for us but possible with His enabling power.

Be a Stephen today. The world is in desperate need of them.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me walk in Your grace and power. Fill me again, use me, and continually remind me of Your amazing grace. May I be a Stephen in some way today.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 5:3-5 NLT - Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God!" As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.

OBSERVATION:
At first glance, Acts chapter 5 seems troubling. Did the early church force people to sell what they had and give it to the church? Was a socialist agenda being birthed in the early church? The answer is no and no!

The answer goes back to chapter 4. The Spirit of God was moving, the gospel was being preached, and the church was growing daily. Thousands were being saved! As a result, many decided to help this new ministry by giving. They began to sell what they had to see the gospel preached.

In particular, there was a man named Joseph who stood out among the others—not because of the size of his gift, but because of the work God was doing through him to encourage the apostles and the early church.

Acts 4:34-37 NLT - There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

So, what was different about Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira? Pride!

We are given a clue in verse three about why and where this pride came from:

Acts 5:3 NLT - Then Peter said, "Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.

Satan, the father of lies and the originator of pride, was in the picture. Ananias had let Satan fill his heart—which led to his death. It was never about the land being sold or how much it was sold for; it was—and will always be—about the heart.

The church was in its infancy, and the Lord knew that “pride” would be its ruin.

APPLICATION:
This chapter ends with sobering advice from an unlikely source—a man named Gamaliel, known as the one who taught Paul (formerly Saul). His words remind us to keep our focus on God and avoid the trap of pride.

Acts 5:38-39 NLT - "So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!"

What great advice. If Ananias had heard it before, perhaps things would have turned out differently. Don’t fight against God—it never ends well. Don’t be guilty of pride—doing and planning things “on your own.”

Let us not be found craving attention, seeking to be seen as important, deserving special privileges, or desiring man’s glory. These traits are what the church’s enemy—Satan—is known for. Instead, let us take on the nature of Jesus, who needed no special attention or privileges and sought no man’s glory. He lived to please the Father—and did so well.
May all we do bring glory to Jesus. Anything else is just foolish pride.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me seek Your glory rather than mine. In all I do, may You be exalted and self be set aside. When I desire “attention” or “praise,” remind me where that leads. Thank You for being the great example—may I follow You in all I do.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 4:12, 17 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." ... But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus' name again."

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 4 continues the account of the man who was formerly lame and healed. Later in this chapter, we learn that he had been lame for more than forty years (v. 22). We aren’t told whether this was from birth—though it could have been—or whether a later event caused his condition. Either way, he was completely healed in an instant. His life changed forever.

After hearing about this miracle, we are told that the religious leaders disapproved. It seemed eerily familiar—something had to be done.

Acts 4:1-3 NLT - While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning.

In the religious leaders’ minds, this was “propaganda.” Where was the proof? They weren’t interested in the proof literally standing before them—the man they had passed by for forty years—but in the proof of Jesus’ resurrection. In their minds, unless they saw Jesus, it was propaganda. In reality, it wasn’t propaganda at all—it was Good News.

Peter, filled with the Spirit, began to speak. The religious leaders soon realized something was different about these two men—especially Peter. The Spirit-filled Peter was drastically different from the man Peter had been. Though they recognized that he and John were “uneducated,” meaning not formally trained in the Scriptures, they also recognized that they had been with Jesus.

What they perceived as untrained was actually the key to their success—and it should be ours, too:

1. Uneducated – They had not been burdened by the “religious traditions” of their day. They knew only the way of Jesus, for He had “educated” them in the ways of the Kingdom of God.
2. They had been with Jesus – When we spend time with Him, people notice. We become like Him, and others will say, “They have been with Him.”

Peter then delivered one of the shortest yet greatest sermons to these “religious” leaders—something they should have known well:

Acts 4:12 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

APPLICATION:
When does propaganda become Good News?

It happens when that which is seen as “information—especially of a biased or misleading nature—used to promote a particular cause, doctrine, or point of view,” becomes truth.

The religious leaders used the same word to describe the Good News, yet they refused to accept the truth, the testimony, or the transformation of the man standing before them.
Jesus even said to John the Baptist during his moment of doubt:

Luke 7:22 NLT - …"Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.

May we continue to do what the religious leaders accused Peter, John, and the Disciples of “propaganda” becomes an undeniable truth?

Acts 4:13 NLT - …They could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Let your life be a testimony to God. Be a trophy of His grace so that all who know and see you will recognize the change.

Acts 4:12 NLT - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me—one who was lost but now found, one who was lame but now made whole, one who was dead but now alive. May my testimony be a trophy of Your grace! May my life be seen not as “propaganda” but as Good News.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3:7-8 NLT - Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 3 gives us a detailed account of Peter, John, and the man who was lame from birth, who was healed. It begins with the sad reality that this man was brought to the Temple daily.

Acts 3:2 NLT - As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple.

The Jewish historian Josephus described this gate on the Temple Mount as being made of fine Corinthian brass, seventy-five feet high, with huge double doors—so beautiful that it “greatly excelled those that were only covered over with silver and gold.”

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?

Peter gives us two key points:

1. Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
2. Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.

What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.

How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

This scene is not unfamiliar to you and me, except for the location. We often see people begging on street corners, in storefronts, and even in our churches. What do we do, and how are we to handle the situation?
Peter gives us two key points:
Be compassionate, kind, and honest.
Give them what is more valuable than money—the Gospel—along with help. Help does not always come in the form of money; food, clothing, and shelter are just as valid.
What strikes me most about this account is that for a long time, this man came to “church” and remained in this condition. Either he was content or desperate—yet no one would (or could) help him.
How many people come through our church doors feeling the same way? They may have been coming for a long time, so it just “looks” normal, even routine. Yet inside, they are lame, unable to walk in the way God intended fully. They, too, are looking for a hand up, not a handout.

APPLICATION:
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:

Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.

The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”

It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.

Look for the one person you can help up today.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.
The answer, I think, lies in the words that Peter spoke to this man:
Acts 3:6-7 NLT - But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
The next time you see that person by the gates—the Church—take a step of faith so they can take a step of faith. Share with them what you have, something greater than silver or gold—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage them with the Word of God, just as Peter did. In doing so, we, like Peter, are “taking them by the hand and helping them up.”
It took Peter, John, and the lame man to take a step of faith. Are we willing to do the same? Let’s be those who, more than giving a handout (though at times that is needed), give a hand up through our encouragement and the Word of God.
Look for the one person you can help up today.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for seeing me as I am and for giving me something more valuable than silver or gold—eternal life! May I look for those I can help up, whether it begins with a handout or a hand up? May I be faithful to notice those who come daily seeking relief. Give me the same compassion You gave Peter and John—Your heart for the lost, hurting, and desperate.

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 2:11 NLT - “…And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!"

OBSERVATION:
Acts chapter 2 begins with the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost.

Leviticus 23:15–22 gives the original instructions for celebrating Pentecost. It says that two loaves of leavened bread were to be waved before the Lord by the priest as part of the celebration.

With the sound of a rushing, roaring, mighty storm, the house where all those who believed in Jesus were gathered was filled. Then what appeared to be tongues of fire came and settled on them—everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit. Each began to speak in other languages, glorifying God.

This was indeed the first manifestation of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The gift of tongues was used to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

We must, in our zeal and passion, be careful not to treat the gift of tongues as a sign of salvation, for those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit were already believers. This “sign” was a means by which God used the disciples and all who were with them to preach the Good News to those in the city.
 
Acts 2:6-8 NLT - When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!

Though many that day were skeptical, even saying that these men were drunk, this was a fulfillment of what the Prophet Joel had spoken:

Acts 2:17, 21 NLT - “'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. ...  …everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'”

So began the birth of the Church—God-breathed and Spirit-filled, bearing the message of the Good News: everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved!

APPLICATION:
How do we see this again—a new awakening? It starts with revival—not of the lost, but of the Church.

The word revival derives from the root revive, meaning to bring something dead or dying to life. It would seem that the Church today is either dead or on its deathbed. What can bring it back to life?

Acts 2:2 NLT - Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.

The Holy Spirit—the breath of life—is needed once again so that what is dead may be revived, the Good News will be preached, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Revival is not for the lost; it’s for the Church. If the Church is revived, the fruit will be the salvation of the lost, because the Church will be speaking in a language all can hear about the wonderful things God has done.

Let our prayer be that of the song by the late Keith Green, fulfilled in our lives today.

PRAYER:
Rushing wind, blow through this temple, blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe Your breath upon me—I’ve been born again.
 
Pour out Your Spirit once again, and begin with me. Revive me, fill me, and use me to speak of the wonderful things You have done!

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 1:20 NLT - Peter continued, "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.' It also says, 'Let someone else take his position.'

OBSERVATION:
The account of Matthias being chosen as one of the twelve in Acts 1 has sparked much debate over the generations. Was Peter hasty, presumptuous, or Spirit-led in declaring that someone needed to fill Judas's vacant position among the disciples?

Some argue that the disciples were told to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit's filling. Others believe that while they waited and prayed, their decision was Spirit-led. An empty spot among the twelve could have been seen as a victory for Satan. While casting lots—essentially rolling dice—might seem like a gamble, Peter and the disciples were sincerely seeking the Lord, not relying on presumption.

You could make a valid case for both sides. What we do know is that those gathered in the upper room were seeking the Lord and that Paul would eventually fill this apostolic role. Either way, God used it for good.

• The disciples obeyed.
• The disciples were in unity and fellowship.
• The disciples were in prayer.
• The disciples were in the Scriptures.
• The disciples wanted to do God’s will.
• The disciples used sanctified common sense.
• The disciples did what Jesus did.
• The disciples did what they could to rely on God.

APPLICATION:
How do we apply this today?

As we wait on the Lord for His promises to be fulfilled, don’t be hasty.

“Hasty” means acting with excessive speed or urgency. Don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or make decisions. Don’t rely on emotions—rely on God’s Word. If He says “Go,” then go. If He says “Wait,” then wait.

Does this mean we’ll never make mistakes? No. At times, we may be hasty. But when we are, we should do as the disciples did:

• Obey
• Stay in fellowship
• Pray
• Read God’s Word
• Desire God’s will
• Use sanctified common sense
• Do what Jesus did
• Rely fully on God

This is not a cop-out but an encouragement to follow the lead of Jesus, the disciples, and the Holy Spirit. Then wait, trust, ask, and seek—the Lord will lead you, as He led Peter and the others.

PRAYER:
Jesus, in my haste and even in my presumption, help me listen and follow Your lead, the Holy Spirit’s direction, and the disciples’ example. May Your will be done, for You know what is best. If I am waiting when I should be working, help me go. If I am working when I should be waiting, help me trust Your leading.

SCRIPTURE:
John 21:25 CSB - And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

OBSERVATION:
In John 21, as the gospel account concludes, John tells us that what he recorded was only a portion of all that Jesus did.

The Gospel of John suggests that much more could have been written and recorded. Unlike the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John highlights different aspects of Jesus’ ministry. Written many years after the first three, John’s account not only complements the others but also reminds us that far more could be said.

John writes: “I suppose that not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.”

Truly, He has done great things—greater than all the books ever written and all the libraries in the world could contain!

APPLICATION:
Paul reminds us that we are like living volumes, adding to the gospel's testimony:

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 CSB – You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God – not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

The gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—is written on our hearts.

Like John, we can testify to what He has done in our lives. We may not have been eyewitnesses to His earthly ministry, but we are eyewitnesses to His saving power and transforming work.

John 21:24 CSB - This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Take time today to write down your testimony. The Lord may use it to encourage someone who needs to know that Jesus loves them.

Keep it simple: Jesus loves me and has saved me.

Give Him the glory: Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed me white as snow.

Let the book of your life be added as a testimony to what Jesus has done. The library of His works is still being written—and it cannot be contained!

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for the forgiveness I have received through it. May my life be a “volume” visible to all—Jesus loves me! Let Your grace, mercy, truth, peace, and longsuffering be evident to all who encounter me. May they say, “Truly, God has done great things.” Like John, use my testimony to bring You glory and to lead many to You.

SCRIPTURE:
John 20:19 CSB - When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be with you."

OBSERVATION:
In John 20, we see that after three days in the tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. But this is not the end of the story. He then met with His disciples to encourage them and open their eyes to what He had accomplished.

When Jesus appeared to them, His first words were, “Peace be with you.”
This phrase was a common Hebrew greeting—still used today. In Hebrew:

• Shalom = peace
• Aleichem = upon you
• Shalom Aleichem = peace upon you
• Response: Aleichem Shalom = upon you peace

Why would Jesus choose this greeting for His fearful, hiding disciples?

Jesus repeated this phrase two more times (Vs. 21, 26). Why? Because they needed a reminder. He not only brought the peace of God but also peace with God.

We are no longer enemies of God. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God, and with that peace, we can experience the peace of God—a peace only He can give.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When Jesus said “Peace be with you” a second time (v. 21), He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as peace comes upon you, so does the Spirit. Without the Spirit, peace is incomplete.

Why three times? Because they were afraid, and Jesus was willing to assure them again and again—and He does the same for us.

APPLICATION:
When, like the disciples, you lose your peace or struggle to find it, look to the wounds of Jesus.  Look to the cross. Peace was secured when He declared, “It is finished.”

Our peace depends not on us but on Him. He paid for it so we can have and experience it… Live in His peace today.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace—a peace found only in You. My sins have been dealt with; I am no longer an enemy—I have peace. Help me live in this peace every day. When I doubt, may I look to Your wounds—evidence of Your love, sacrifice, victory, and resurrection. You are the source of my peace.

SCRIPTURE:
John 19:1-3 CSB - Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, "Hail, king of the Jews! " and were slapping his face.

OBSERVATION:
John 19 continues the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Pilate had Jesus flogged, and Mark 15 gives us further detail on the cruelty of the soldiers.

Mark 15:16-20 CSB - The soldiers led him away into the palace (that is, the governor's residence) and called the whole company together. They dressed him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. And they began to salute him, "Hail, king of the Jews! " They were hitting him on the head with a stick and spitting on him. Getting down on their knees, they were paying him homage. After they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple robe and put his clothes on him. They led him out to crucify him.

It would be easy for us to resent the Romans for what they did to Jesus. But if we’re honest, we likely would have done the same if we had been there. Only John and a few others stood near the cross—everyone else had fled.

As Jesus’ suffering began, we see the depth of what it took to pay the debt of our sins—to bring Him to the point where He could say before His last breath:

John 19:30 CSB - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

The mockery, beating, and cruelty were terrible—but the rejection by His own people may have cut deeper.

The words of the chief priests and the crowd:

• “Crucify! Crucify!” (v. 6).
• “We have a law… He ought to die.” (v. 7).
• “Take him away! Crucify him!… We have no king but Caesar!” (v. 15).

The slaps, spit, and scourging were nothing compared with hearing His own people reject Him. Yet He endured it all—for joy—because it was the only way. One man must die for the nation, for all.
 
The words of Pilate, though spoken in mockery, were true:

• “Here is the man!” (v. 5).
• “Here is your king!” (v. 14).
• “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (vv. 19–20).

Written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek for all the world to read, Pilate’s inscription proclaimed the truth: the innocent One died for the guilty.

Above all the voices, we hear Jesus's final words:

John 19:30 CSB - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

The phrase “It is finished” in Greek means “paid in full.” Our debt has been covered. The price for sin has been paid.

So the question is: Is Jesus your King? If not, why not? What more could He do? Your sins have been atoned for. Will you accept the cleansing He purchased at the cross?

APPLICATION:
Today, you may be like the soldiers—mocking, rejecting, or slapping away the Savior.

Or you may be like the crowds and the religious leaders—declaring, “We have no king but Caesar!”—living as though you were the ruler of your own life, yet finding no true peace or rest.

But listen to the words of Jesus: “It is finished!” He does not hold your sin against you—He holds out His hand to you. Will you let Him be your King and your Savior? What more does He need to prove?

John 15:13 CSB - "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me! Be the King of my life, my Savior today and forever. Thank You that Your hand is not against me but stretched out toward me—to rescue me and grant me eternal life. Today, I choose to follow You—my King, my Lord, my Savior, my God.

SCRIPTURE:
John 18:4-5 CSB - Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, "Who is it that you're seeking? "Jesus of Nazareth," they answered. "I am he," Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 18, we see the events leading up to the arrest and trial of Jesus. We see that Jesus knew exactly what was about to happen—even at the moment of His betrayal and arrest.

John 18:4 CSB - Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, "Who is it that you're seeking? "

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus knew what was coming yet endured it with joy. Why? Because He loves you and me more than we will ever fully understand.

Hebrews 12:2 CSB - … For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
He endured so that we might be forgiven.

In this chapter, we encounter three men:

• Jesus – Savior
• Judas – Betrayer
• Peter – Denier

People often say Peter denied Jesus because he didn’t follow closely enough. That may be true—but where were the rest of the disciples? All except John, Judas, and Peter had fled.

John 18:8-9 CSB - "I told you I am he," Jesus replied. "So if you're looking for me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the words he had said: "I have not lost one of those you have given me."

All of this—even Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial—was part of God’s plan. It had to happen this way. Jesus had to be the Savior who was betrayed and denied. It was for our good, even if it’s hard to grasp.

This chapter highlights two key statements:

• “I Am He” – spoken three times by Jesus (vv. 5, 6, 8).
• “I am not” – spoken twice by Peter (vv. 17, 25).

In these statements, we see the contrast: Jesus declared Himself the Messiah, the Savior, the great I AM. Peter, on the other hand, had to learn his own weakness—he was neither the Messiah nor the Savior. He couldn’t even stand for Jesus in the moment and denied Him instead.

This takes us to what Paul said in Romans:

Romans 3:23 CSB - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

This includes the fleeing disciples, the treacherous Judas, and the denying Peter. All fell short. All needed a Savior.

APPLICATION:
Maybe you find yourself in one of these groups:

• Like the disciples, you’ve run the other way.
• Like Peter, you’ve denied Jesus with words or actions.
• Like Judas, you’ve betrayed Him by living as if you don’t know Him.

No matter which, the truth remains the same—we are lost without Jesus. All of us need what only He offers: forgiveness.

We must reach the same conclusion as Peter: “I am not He.” I cannot save myself. I cannot pay for my sins. I cannot do enough “good” to outweigh my failures. Only Jesus can save.

When asked who He was, Jesus declared, “I Am He.”

This ties back to Exodus 3:14 CSB - God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you."

“I AM” signifies The Becoming One. Jesus became what we needed most—our Savior.

Come to Him today. Don’t remain like the disciples who fled, Peter who denied, or Judas who betrayed. Come to the great I AM.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me. I have run. I have denied. I have betrayed. Yet thank You for being the I AM—the Savior of my soul. I am not, but You are. Be glorified in me so that others may see You as the Great I AM.

SCRIPTURE:
John 17:24 CSB - "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world's foundation.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 17, Jesus begins to pray—first for Himself. He knew His time had come; it was the final hours before His crucifixion.

As Jesus begins His prayer, He gives us a foundational truth of utmost importance: John 17:3 CSB – “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent – Jesus Christ.”

What Jesus was about to do on the cross would make it possible not only for us to have eternal life but also for us to know the Father truly. Jesus was about to accomplish what the Father had sent Him to do—propitiation.

Romans 3:21-26 NKJV - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Propitiation is the turning away of God’s wrath—the just judgment for our sin—through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is “averting the wrath of God by the offering of a gift.”

This is clearly stated in Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Through this sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what He asked the Father to do: John 17:17, 19 CSB - “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ... "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

You and I have been set apart (sanctified) because of the truth of the cross. This is how we can be where Jesus wants us—with Him.

Without Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there would be no sanctification.

To be “set apart” for holy use—especially for the temple—an object had to be cleansed and purified. Spiritually, we cannot accomplish this cleansing by our own efforts. Only the sacrifice of Jesus could atone for our sins.

The question is: Do you want to be with Jesus? Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If not, what are you waiting for? The work is complete—you simply need to believe.

APPLICATION:
Is your joy lacking today? Do you feel uncertain about your eternity? Jesus spoke these words to give us assurance: John 17:13 CSB - "Now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy completed in them.”

This completed joy was accomplished on the cross—eternal life, fully paid for. All we must do to receive it is to receive it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

This was Jesus’ mission—He stated it plainly in verse 3.

John 17:3 CSB - "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent -- Jesus Christ.”

• Jesus – the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, meaning "God’s salvation."
• Christ – His title and mission; the Messiah, the Savior promised by God.

Romans 10:9-11, 13 CSB - If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, ...  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Call on Him today—let your joy be complete. He desires nothing more than for you to be with Him. Nothing else needs to be done except to receive the free gift of salvation.

If you struggle with assurance today, remember: the Bible says we are saved if we believe—not if we do. Do you believe He has saved you because of the cross? If so, you are saved.

Walk in newness of life. Let the Holy Spirit change you through the Word of God. Grow in your relationship with Jesus—He desires that you know Him more.

Jesus truly loves you and me more than we will ever fully comprehend.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me! May I always be a trophy of Your grace. May my life reflect the sanctification You have granted me—may it lead others to You. May You receive all the glory. Father, thank You for loving me—unending, unfailing, and undeserved.

SCRIPTURE:
John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

OBSERVATION:
In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples He is going away—but will return soon.

John 16:16 CSB - "In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me."

The disciples struggled to understand this. As often happens when we face suffering or trials, it didn’t make sense to them. Jesus was speaking of His death, burial, and resurrection.

John 16:19-20 CSB - Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, "Are you asking one another about what I said, 'In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me'? "Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.

Three times in the rest of this chapter, Jesus speaks of joy:

1. Your sorrow will turn to joy (Vs 20)
2. No one will take away your joy (Vs 22)
3. So that your joy may be complete (Vs 24)

What the disciples didn’t know – often what we don’t know in the midst of the trial – is that our joy is not in wishful thinking but in hope – not that it will happen, but because Jesus made the promise and He keeps His promises.

The disciples didn’t yet know—and we often forget in our own trials—that joy isn’t based on wishful thinking but on hope rooted in Jesus' promises. And He keeps every promise.

Their sorrow would be transformed into a joy no one could take away—because He rose from the dead and is the Victor, their joy would be complete.

Jesus also reassured them with these powerful words: John 16:27 CSB - "For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

We are loved by the Father—not because of our goodness, but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our debt is paid in full. This was His plan from the beginning.

As someone once said:

When the Father sees us through the lens of Christ’s blood, sealed by the Spirit, He cannot help but love us.

If nothing else brings you joy today, let this truth sink in—God loves you and has proved it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

APPLICATION:
Jesus ended this chapter with a reminder we need every day: John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

Trials will come. Suffering will occur. But be courageous—Jesus has overcome the world. He has paid the price for sin. Nothing can ever take it from us.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 CSB - Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If sorrow fills your life, it may be because you’ve lost sight of the source of your joy—Jesus Himself. He loves you more than you will ever fully grasp. If you can’t find joy anywhere else, find it in Him, the giver of complete joy.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for complete joy—the joy of knowing You are victorious and have overcome the world. Father, thank You for loving me—not because I deserve it, but because of Your Son. Let my life reflect that joy so clearly that people ask, “Why do you have joy?”—and may my answer always point them to You, the source of it all.

SCRIPTURE:
John 15:9-11 CSB - "As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

OBSERVATION:
In John 15, Jesus instructs His disciples to abide (remain, CSB) in Him. In doing so, we will bear fruit. Along with bearing fruit, we are to love as Christ loves us. We are commanded to remain (abide, NKJV) in His love. But what does this look like?

First, fruit without love is just rotten fruit—no one wants to eat fruit that is spoiled or wormy. Bearing fruit should not be the sole priority; bearing fruit in love—Christlike love—is what truly matters.

Jesus gives us the recipe for love in the following six verses:

1. Remain in My love (v. 10)
2. My joy may be in you (v. 11)
3. Love one another as I have loved you (vv. 12–13)
4. Love—this is what I command (v. 17)

Remain in My Love - John 15:10 CSB - "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.
 
The Greek word for “abide” means “to remain.”

• In reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart.
• In reference to time: to continue, to endure.
• In reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different.

In a sense, Jesus was saying that abiding and loving are actions. They must be visible, tangible virtues in our lives. Do not depart from love; continue and endure in love; remain in love, and don’t let it become something other than what Jesus demonstrated.

Jesus said, “Keep my commands.” His command, as we will see, is to love—because love fulfills His commands. Therefore, we must remain in His love.

My Joy May Be in You - John 15:11 CSB - "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

True love brings a fullness of joy—His joy.

Someone once said that JOY means having the right perspective: Jesus, Others, You. This acrostic shows us how to love. If we follow it, our joy will be complete.

If we are truly loving, His joy will be in us—because He is love.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You - John 15:12-13 CSB - "This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

Big shoes to fill! He not only loved but laid down His life—crucified—for you and me. That is true love.

Remember the Apostle Paul’s words:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CSB - Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…

Love has never given up on us—so we should never give up loving others.

Love – This is What I Command - John 15:17 CSB - "This is what I command you: Love one another.
 
This command to love is in the imperative—meaning it must be carried out. This is the only command Jesus gave us: Love one another as I have loved you.

Paul told us it was God’s love that drew us:
Romans 2:4 CSB - Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Kindness is a fruit of love. His kindness led us to repentance. Repentance without love is not repentance, and love without repentance is not love—they go hand in hand.

APPLICATION:
Jesus told us to remain in His love. If our lives look any different—if we set conditions—have we strayed from His love? Jesus placed only one condition on His love: Believe. Come to Him.

Jesus did not say, “Clean yourself up and then come.” He said, “Come.”

When we love with any other condition, we are not loving as Christ loves.

Love as He loves you—why would we want any other kind of love for those around us?
Remain in His love.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your love—unending, long-suffering, patient, kind, and enduring to the end. Continue the work of love in me so that I may love as You have loved me.

SCRIPTURE:
John 14:1 CSB - "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

OBSERVATION:
What is the cure for a troubled heart? Jesus gives us the answer—believe in Me.

The Greek word for believe means: To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in.

All of these definitions are what Jesus said:

• Let your mind dwell in the truth.
• Be persuaded—convinced of who He is and what He has said.
• Give Him credit—He has never failed, nor will He.
• Have confidence in Jesus—trust Him.

He gives us the greatest assurance in the verses that follow:

John 14:2-4 CSB - "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? "If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. "You know the way to where I am going."

If Jesus says something, He will do it—He is NOT a liar—never has been, never will be. We can take Paul’s words to heart.

Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Today, if you are struggling with a troubled heart, it may be that you do not believe.

APPLICATION:
What is the cure?

John 14:6 CSB - Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Even Thomas, one of His disciples, struggled with doubt—a troubled heart. He became known as “Doubting Thomas” and is famous for what he said to Jesus after His resurrection:

John 20:24-29 CSB - But Thomas (called "Twin"), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, "We've seen the Lord! " But he said to them, “If I don't see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe." A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be faithless, but believe." Thomas responded to him, "My Lord and my God! " Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

These are some of the final words recorded in the Gospel of John. Why? Because the Holy Spirit knew we would struggle as Thomas did.

Let Jesus’ words comfort you today. He gives us three promises to hold onto:

• I Am the Way – Are you feeling lost today, seeking direction? Has it led you to doubt? Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Truth – Are you struggling to find truth in a world full of lies? Jesus is the truth—there is no lie in Him. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Life – Have you lost your sense of purpose? Jesus is the source of eternal, abundant life. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.

Trust Jesus today—He is the way, the truth, and the life. All the answers we seek are in Him, including eternal life.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, that You are the way, the truth, and the life. I can trust You and believe You will do what You say because You are faithful. As I walk with You in faith, may others see You in me so they, too, might believe.

SCRIPTURE:
John 13:1 CSB - Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

OBSERVATION:
If you knew today would be your last day to live, what would you say or do? What final words and actions would you share with those closest to you?

In John chapter 13, we see Jesus sharing His final words with His disciples. He knew His time to depart had come—and He loved His disciples to the very end.

What an epitaph! Would this be said of you and me when we die?

Tragically, many may end up with an epitaph like this:

May this not be the case in our lives. May we follow the example of Jesus—and love to the end.

APPLICATION:
We can learn three lessons from Jesus about how He approached His final days and moments here on earth.

1) Wash Feet - Jesus gave us the greatest example of loving to the end—not just by speaking about it, but by demonstrating it.

John 13:4-5 CSB – "So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him."

Serve those you love—even if it means washing stinky, dirty feet.

2) Follow His Example - After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Follow my example.”

John 13:12-17 CSB – "When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, 'Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.'"

If our Lord and Master washed our feet, should we not follow His example? We must be quick to show unconditional love.

Remember: a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

3) Love As You Are Loved - How will those around us know we loved them to the end? Jesus tells us:

John 13:34-35 CSB – "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

This is the key—not just to a clever epitaph, but to leaving behind words and actions we will truly be remembered for.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for loving me to the end. At times, I imagine it must be difficult, yet Your unfailing love says otherwise. May I do as You did—love to the end. Help me wash others’ feet and love as You love. May the world and those closest to me see that I am Your disciple by the love I display. Work in me that love so it may be shown to all.

SCRIPTURE:
John 12:32 NKJV - "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."

OBSERVATION:
What do you and I lift up? Athletes, politicians, academics, pastors, leaders, heroes—each has a place, and many have worked diligently to get there. Recognition is even appropriate. But what happens when we lift them to a place of glory? Can they do what Jesus did? Of course not.

But Jesus was lifted up—not only to the cross but also to the place of glory. Unlike men who may become puffed up with glory, Jesus humbled Himself by showing mercy and grace, died on a cross, and now sits at the Father’s right hand, making intercession for you and me.

APPLICATION:
Lift up, Jesus. Worship Him. Give Him all the glory—He deserves it. As we do so, watch what the Lord will do.

Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV - "Look among the nations and watch--Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days, which you would not believe, though it were told you.

Let’s glorify Jesus and lift Him up—perhaps one last great move of God will occur, drawing many more to Him.

PRAYER:
Jesus, be lifted up in my life—all the glory is Yours. Please draw all people to You. Pour out Your Spirit once more. Revive our land, our people, and our hearts. As we lift You up, draw all men to Yourself.

SCRIPTURE:
John 11:43-44 NKJV - Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 11, we are reminded of the account of Lazarus’ death and that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

John 11:25-26 NKJV - Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

In this chapter, we see that Jesus has power over sin and death. It should serve as a reminder that He still holds that power today.

When Jesus heard about Lazarus’ terminal illness, He waited two more days before traveling to Bethany.

John 11:4, 6, 11-12 NKJV - When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." ... So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. ... These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well."

Jesus had a plan—to glorify the Father. The best way to do this was to raise Lazarus from the dead. There was no hope for him apart from Jesus. The same is true for you and me. We have a terminal disease—sin—that leads to death. But through His death, Jesus has brought us back to life.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, He was met by both Mary and Martha—each with the same lament: “If only You had been here.” Yet He was!

When Jesus asked that the stone be removed, Martha responded:

John 11:39 NKJV - Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."

The stench of death had set in—just as sin brings a stench that only Jesus can cleanse away.

With a loud cry, Jesus called Lazarus forth.

John 11:43 NKJV - Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"

Imagine if Jesus had said only “Come forth!”—how many would have risen from the grave? Truly, Jesus has power over death—not only in word but also in action, as He demonstrated on the cross.

Another amazing thing happened when Lazarus came out of the tomb—the things that bound him were loosed.
 
John 11:44 NKJV - And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

APPLICATION:
What has you bound today? Has sin left you in a spiritual grave? Listen to Jesus’ call: “Come forth.” As you do, the chains of sin binding you will be broken.

At the end of this chapter, Caiaphas spoke something under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Though unintended by him, it was God’s plan all along:

John 11:49-50 NKJV –And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, “nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

Jesus has made a way. Will we come out of that grave? Will we be free from the sin that binds us? Let us walk in newness of life—Jesus paid it all.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You that I don’t have to be bound by sin. Help me walk in the newness of life. When I try to put on my old grave clothes, remind me—they stink. Thank You for paying it all. All to You I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, But You washed me white as snow.

SCRIPTURE:
John 10:27-30 CSB - "My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 10, Jesus teaches us about the Good Shepherd. In this teaching, He declares that He is not only the gate through which we must enter but also the shepherd who keeps His sheep and gives His life for them.
 
1) I Am the Gate - Jesus plainly tells us He is the gate, and all must enter through Him. There is no other way.

John 10:9 CSB - "I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.

Jesus said in John chapter 14:

John 14:6 NKJV - Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

2) I Am the Good Shepherd - Jesus makes three claims as the Good Shepherd.

• He lays down His life for the sheep (v. 11)
• He knows His own, and His own know Him (v. 14)
• His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (v. 27)

Jesus is both the way to salvation and the guardian of our salvation. We can have eternal life that is eternally secure—all because He is the Good Shepherd.

APPLICATION:
Is it possible to be eternally secure? This has been debated for centuries, but there is a simple answer: Abide in Christ.

Abide in Jesus and find safety in the Father’s hands. We need not fear losing our salvation or messing up so badly that it would be taken from us—no one can take us from the Father’s hands.

Today, live in the reality that you have eternal life and eternal security in Jesus.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for being the Good Shepherd. Thank You for hearing my voice and for welcoming me into the fold. Thank You that You keep me, lead me, and know me—may I abide in these truths. May the world know that I am one of Your sheep because I follow the Good Shepherd.

SCRIPTURE:
John 9:8-9 CSB - His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit begging? " Some said, "He's the one." Others were saying, "No, but he looks like him." He kept saying, "I'm the one."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 9, we read the account of the man born blind who regains his sight. Once again, Jesus was breaking the “traditions” of man and astounding the doubters with His power to change a man who, in their minds, was blind because of sin.

John 9:2 CSB - His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Jesus’ reply is so full of grace and love—it should cause us to rejoice. He can do the impossible. Nothing is impossible with Him—not even blindness considered incurable.

John 9:3 CSB - "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that God's works might be displayed in him.

Oh, to be trophies of God’s grace! What an amazing thing. We tend to forget that when Jesus saved us, it was to display God's works in us.

The restoration of this man’s sight was so dramatic, so amazing, that even those who knew him questioned whether it was really him. That is what you call a transformation. Only the grace of God can do that!

It was such a transformation that he had to tell those who knew him, “It's me!”

John 9:8-9 CSB - His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit begging? " Some said, "He's the one." Others were saying, "No, but he looks like him." He kept saying, "I'm the one."

When our family, friends, coworkers, and even those who knew us at our worst ask, “Is this him?” we can boldly say, “I’m the one!”

Of course, there will always be the naysayers—the ones who can’t accept that God would work in such a wretch in such a way. Like the religious leaders, they could only focus on the fact that it was the Sabbath.

Jesus once again shows that He is Lord of the Sabbath—that it was intended for rest, both spiritual and physical.

At the end of this account, the religious leaders summoned the blind man to question him again about this miracle.

John 9:24-27 CSB - So a second time they summoned the man who had been blind and told him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether or not he's a sinner, I don't know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see! " Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? "I already told you," he said, "and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't want to become his disciples too, do you?"

APPLICATION:
We can learn two things from these verses:
 
1) I Was Blind, but Now I See - Let this be our worship song on repeat—to everyone we meet! "I was (past), but now (present)."
 
2) Do You Want to Hear It Again?  When people scratch their heads in unbelief and want to know again what has happened, tell them with excitement and joy, "I once was blind, but now I can see!"

When the skeptic or the doubter tries to tell you something different, respond as this man did:

John 9:30-33 CSB - "This is an amazing thing! " the man told them. "You don't know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. "We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does his will, he listens to him. "Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. "If this man were not from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."

I once was… but now am.

PRAYER:
Amazing grace! Jesus, You have rescued me, redeemed me, and given sight to this blind man. Thank You for Your grace that I truly don’t deserve. May I always be a champion and trophy of Your grace. As my life reflects the work of grace, may others see that: I once was blind, but now I see.

SCRIPTURE:
John 8:31-32 CSB - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 8, we read the account of the woman caught in adultery. We're told she was caught in the very act.

John 8:4 CSB - "Teacher," they said to him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.

Jesus handled the situation with both truth and grace. He showed grace by not condemning the woman, but rather by forgiving her. He showed truth by telling her to "go and sin no more." She was set free—but she also had a responsibility: not to return to her sin.

Later, Jesus made a bold statement that reflected His actions toward the woman.

It revealed what He came to accomplish:

John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

This brings us back to the beginning of John’s Gospel—and to who Jesus is:

John 1:5, 14, 16-17 NKJV - And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ... And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the light of the world—exposing sin while offering grace and truth. He showed that grace trumps the law and that truth sets us free.

As He spoke these things, many believed in Him.

John 8:30 CSB - As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Jesus then laid out three things that identify us as more than mere followers—they show that we’ve become true disciples, like the woman who had been forgiven:

1) Continue in His Word - The first step from follower to disciple is to remain in His Word. This is where we grow in our walk with and relationship to Jesus. When we realize our sins are forgiven, something happens—we want to know more about Jesus. Who wouldn’t?
Jesus said our lives would change as we remain in His Word.

John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

Psalm 119:105 NKJV - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
His Word brings about supernatural transformation—change we can’t make on our own.

2) Know the Truth - What’s the best way to recognize a lie? Know the truth. The more we handle the truth, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit.

As we continue in His Word, we begin to see clearly:

• Without Jesus, we have no hope.
• Without grace, our sins remain.
• We would still be “caught in the very act”—with no power to change.

But truth sets us free:

John 8:34-36 CSB - Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. "A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. "So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

3) Know Freedom

We have been set free. We no longer need to be bound by our sins. The Son has set us free—and we are truly free.

APPLICATION:
Live in freedom today. Be His disciple. Know His Word. Know the truth and walk in it.

“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Don’t go back to being caught in the act. Live in victory over sin and in freedom in Christ because of the grace He showed on the cross.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your grace—Grace that enables me not only to be forgiven but also to be transformed into a disciple who walks in Your truth and freedom. May Your Word continue to change me—so those around me would see a man who isn’t just forgiven but forever changed by Your love and grace.

SCRIPTURE:
John 7:45-49 NKJV - Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? "But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 7, we see an ongoing debate over Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders simply could not accept it. They had made it their mission to silence Jesus and eventually put Him to death. Yet the more they tried, the more they failed—because it was not yet Jesus’ time. Yes, He would be put to death, but His death would cause the good news to spread like wildfire.

John describes a scene in which the people begin to wonder: Could Jesus be the Messiah?

This enraged the religious leaders. Rather than investigate honestly, they belittled the people. In their pride and self-righteousness, the religious leaders told the people they were too uneducated to understand the Scriptures—only they, the religious elite, were “enlightened.”

They went so far as to claim the people were deceived and accursed. Yet among the religious leaders, one man stood in opposition: Nicodemus—the same one who had come to Jesus at night.

John 7:51 NKJV - "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"

Nicodemus challenged them with their own law. They knew the law but refused to follow it. Instead of listening, they ridiculed him.

John 7:52 NKJV - They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."

They didn’t want the truth. They only wanted to protect their sacred traditions and interpretations. They refused to be corrected and refused to see.

APPLICATION:
If you ever find yourself in a church where the pastor tells you that you're too simple or uneducated to understand the Bible, run!

If you ever hear a pastor claim to have a “new revelation” from God and say that anyone who disagrees is deceived, run!

If you ever sit under teaching where Scripture is used only to support personal agendas—and truth is ignored—run!
 
You and I must know God’s Word for ourselves. We must study it. We must learn it.

As Paul instructed:

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Know the Bible, for it contains the words of life. It always points to Jesus; the work is complete. Nothing needs to be added. Hold fast to the truth.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is true—tested and proven over time. Help me know it more—not just for myself, but so I can share it with others, so they, too, might come to know Your truth. May I never be in a place where it could be said of me: “Deceived and accursed” because I did not know Your Word. Keep my heart soft. Keep my mind sharp. And may Your truth forever be my anchor.