Wordsowers Christian Writers Group

For the past ten years I've hung out with some incredible people at Wordsowers Christian Writers Group. The people at Wordsowers have encouraged and inspired me as a writer. Prior to attending their monthly meetings, I had a few articles published. As a result of hanging with these creative and knowledgeable folks, I've been published in periodicals, magazines, devotionals, anthologies books, as well as on numerous online sites. I also have children books which are in various stages of completion

 For more information about Wordsowers, go to https://www.wordsowers.com or see their Facebook page at Wordsowers Christian Writers. The monthly meetings are hybrid, in-person and zoom. You can find meeting details at their website or Facebook page.

I also have a writers' blog where I attempt to encourage others along their writing journey. You can find the blog at lolliehoferauthor.com.

Give Me a Drink/Part Three

 

Give Me Drink/Part Three

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 41

So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there, Jesus therefore being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” John 4:5-7 (NKJV)

Why didn’t Jesus get his own drink? I believe the answer to that question is found in the practical and the spiritual.

The above verses show us that, in the practical sense, Jesus was human. His physical limitations caused Him to be tired and thirsty. He needed water but had no way to get it on His own. Jacob’s Well, approximately one hundred feet deep, didn’t have a bucket or clay pot to lower by a rope into the well. The woman had the container needed to draw the water.

The word “drink” here is a present tense, imperative verb. Imperative signifies a command; although, it doesn’t mean the command was given harshly. It would’ve been out of character for Jesus to demand what He wanted from her. He simply stated his desire for water.

There’s also a spiritual aspect to the story when Jesus said, “Give Me a drink.” Jesus recognized a soul ripe for harvest. He desired to start a conversation with the Samaritan woman so He could offer her what her spirit longed for – living water (or spiritual life). He started with a practical need to draw her to the deeper matters of the soul (which we’ll look at in the next couple of devotions).

In this chapter of John, we see two examples of evangelism: 1) Jesus persistently found those who were lost and needed salvation, including this woman at the well. 2) Once she understood Jesus offered her spiritual life, her first reaction was to share the good news with the residents of Sychar. The entire town believed Jesus was the Messiah because of her testimony.

In the practical aspect of my day, is my spiritual antenna tuned to those who are lost and thirsting for God? Is yours?

Father, just like with the Samaritan woman, Jesus’ desire has always been to seek and save the lost. That’s why He hung with the outcasts and the dregs of society. He revealed to them their thirst for the heavenly things of His Father. Thank you for seeking me out and saving me too. In turn, may I seek those who are desperate for more than what this world has to offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john4

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john4

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john4

Give Me a Drink/Part Two

  

Give Me a Drink/Part Two

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 40

(This is my opinion on the Samaritan woman and I'm sharing from my perspective. You are free to disagree.)

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” John 4:7 (NKJV)

I hope my last post regarding the Samaritan woman messed up your theology. Many times, we interpret scripture through the context of our culture instead of Jewish culture. I believe Christianity in America reads way more into her story then what transpired.

Last post I focused on who the Samaritan woman was not. Now let’s look at John 4:7-42 to understand who she was.

1.         A respected citizen

She lived in Sychar. She was respected by its citizens because after she told them she had met the Messiah, they didn’t hesitate to believe her. No one doubted her due to her lack of morality. Not one person suggested what the Pharisee in Luke 7:39 stated about another female, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”  The moment this woman at the well told others about Jesus, they trusted her word.

2.         Knowledgeable

The scriptures don’t indicate she came to the well as the rejected, sullied person we hear about in sermons. Instead, we see an articulate woman who held her own with Jesus. They had a give-and-take dialogue on culture, tradition, and scripture. She was secure enough to challenge Him a couple times: 1) She questioned why he approached her, a Samaritan woman. She knew it broke many Jewish traditions; and 2) She challenged Him when she assumed He dissed Jacob’s well. Head on. Direct. No apparent insecurities.

3.         Honest

She projected honesty. Jesus acknowledged He knew she had five ex-husbands and that the man she lived with wasn’t her husband. Without hesitation she admitted it was true. Her forthright answer never indicated shame. In my previous post, I wrote, “Many people read between the lines and assume something sinister happened. Jesus never addressed her sexual sin. He never told her, ‘Go and sin no more.’ Nor did He demand she change her lifestyle.”

 

If she was sexually promiscuous, I believe He would’ve addressed it with her which was His custom.

4.        Strong

We don’t know why she had five ex-husbands. Most people assume the reason had to do with her being an impure woman. All I can say to that is, “Chapter and verse, please.” She could’ve been widowed five times for all we know. Also, in those days Jewish interpretation of the law allowed a man to divorce his wife for even the slightest reason. (See Phillip J. Long’s article on website, Reading Acts, titled “Jesus and Divorce in the First Century – Matthew 19:3-12.)

 

We don’t have a clue why she had five exes since it’s all speculation. We do know that she was a strong woman who endured a lot of heartache throughout the years.

5.         Thirsty for more

At first, the Samaritan woman didn’t grasp Jesus’s words about the living water. She desired to understand so she asked questions and listened. Her soul eventually understood the point He desired to make. The living water – the spiritual life - was hers for the taking. Take it, she did. She drank deeply from its waters. It affected her in a powerful way because the first thing she did was share the good news with others. As a result, revival came to Sychar.

I like this feisty woman who went to the well and received something she didn’t know she needed – a new spiritual reality. Jesus reached beyond tradition and law to minister to a woman who thirsted for more than whatever life had to offer. He will do the same for us.

“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat.” Isaiah 55:1[a] (NKJV)

Father, I like this woman and can’t wait to sit down for a long talk with her in heaven. I do feel she has been given an unsubstantiated reputation. I’m sure right now it doesn’t bother her a bit because she’s with You. Thank You that the living water You so freely gave to her is available to me as well. Fill my cup, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Appreciate What I Do Have

Appreciate What I Do Have

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)

I can’t eat gluten. It makes me sick…hospital visits kind of sick. Gluten includes wheat, barley (malt), rye, and oats. That covers a substantial percentage of the available foods you find at the grocery store. Since I’m trying to eat healthy by eating less carbs and sugar, my list of allowable foods shrinks even more. It’s easy to have a pity-party. Poor me.

Instead of focusing on what I can’t have, I need to appreciate what I do have. I can eat fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, and milk products. On Sundays, I allow myself to eat whatever my palate desires, within reason of course (still no gluten but that’s okay). Due to folks educating the food industry about celiac disease, there are now numerous gluten-free alternatives.

I'm also thankful for my health. And my family. And my friends. And my church. And my writer friends (who totally get me). I have Jesus and His unconditional Love. I have His Word.

There’s no reason for me to feel sorry for myself or feel like I’m missing out on all the good stuff. As I count my blessings, the Lord fills me with gratitude and I’m able to appreciate His goodness, grace, and mercy in my life. God is Good.

His Grace Is More Than Enough

I'm going to change directions for a few days and focus on something else that is important to me. Living a healthy lifestyle. I posted three articles on my Facebook and now I want to share them here. This 3rd article was written on 7/26/23.

His Grace Is More Than Enough

I've written a couple posts about my struggles with unhealthy eating. I hope you don't mind one more. My prayer is that God will use these posts to encourage someone else struggling with addictive issues in their lives. (Not to mention, it helps hold me accountable.) May God be glorified...

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJ)

Unhealthy foods are my kryptonite. Let’s face it, many of us have our own areas of struggle, some listed in the above verses. Paul called them "a thorn in the flesh." (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-8.) He begged God several times to remove the thorn. God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

I’ve begged God to remove my craving for unhealthy foods. He hasn’t. He pretty much told me the same thing He told Paul. God wanted Paul and He wants me to be dependent on Him. Like Paul, I can't boast in my own accomplishments because, without Him, I'm a hot mess.

Without the power of Christ in my life, I’d be living with high cholesterol and high blood pressure, probably taking a plethora of meds. I was facing those physical issues two and half years ago when I decided to change to a healthier lifestyle.

Three months ago, I lost focus that it was Christ in me who helped me make healthy food choices. I bragged in my accomplishments forgetting it was Christ’s strength which gave me the power to withstand the lure of unhealthy foods. I became prideful and was determined to do it my way in my own strength. And God let me do it my way for a while.

The reality is when I am weak, I become strong only through Him. Thankfully, His grace is more than enough. Yesterday was another good day. As I focus on Jesus and the Truth of His Word for my specific situation, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 3:14).

He Is My Portion

I'm going to change directions for a few days and focus on something else that is important to me. Living a healthy lifestyle. I posted three articles on my Facebook and now I want to share them here. This 2nd article was written on 7/25/23.

He Is My Portion

"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3:24

Time for honesty. (Gulp.) I've been struggling with my addiction to unhealthy foods. My desire is to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle which I succeeded in doing for about two and half years. The past three months, yeh, not so much. Yesterday, the Lord reminded me that He is my portion. My hope isn't in the half gallon of cookie dough ice cream I want to consume or the dozen frosted sugar cookies calling my name. (Not to mention both have gluten in them and gluten makes me sick.) My hope is in Him. Only He can satisfy the thirsting and hungering in my soul.

Yesterday and today have been good days. Thank you, Jesus. I haven't been able to say that for three months. However, even if I blow it, my hope is still in Him. He reminded of the previous two verses in Lamentations...His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.

New Every Morning

I'm going to change directions for a few days and focus on something else that is important to me. Living a healthy lifestyle. I posted three articles on my Facebook page and now I want to publish them here. I didn't publish this article on Facebook, although I did write it shortly after I posted the first article on Monday, July 24th.

New Every Morning

I open the freezer door and then close it. I take the lid off the container of cookies on the counter and take a sniff. Frosted Sugar Cookies. They smell as good as they taste. Somehow, I walk away without eating one or two or...who am I kidding...a dozen. I sit at the computer to work on a devotion. The kitchen still beckons like the sirens calling out to Odysseus. I scold myself, “Stay out of the kitchen, you idiot.”

I try to fight the urge; however, by 9:00 a.m. the battle is lost. I’ve eaten three cookies, a bowl of ice cream (smothered in chocolate syrup), and I’m eyeing the potato chip bag. It would help if I didn’t have any junk food in the house but the rest of the family has a better relationship with food than I do. Why punish them for my lack of self-control?

To be honest, that’s the sort of day I had yesterday. It sucked. (Yep. Strong word although I can’t think of a better word to describe what happened.) After a binge-fest, I felt lousy. My joints hurt. My stomach hurt. The fifteen extra pounds I’ve packed on over the past three months caused my knees to hurt. I was irritable and grouchy. I felt like a failure.

I’m allowing myself to be vulnerable. I pray my honesty will encourage others who struggle to break free from the bondages in their lives. You are not alone in your struggle. I’m right there with you.

Two and a half years ago, I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was also diagnosed with Osteoporosis.  Instead of taking meds, I decided to make a lifestyle change by eating healthy and exercising several times a week. By the grace of God, I accomplished what I set out to do. To God be the glory.

I’m not sure why I’ve struggled over the past three months. I’m not sure why I’ve given into all the unhealthy cravings. I’m not sure how I ended up in this pitiful condition. Maybe the “why” doesn’t matter.

I’ve prayed and prayed and prayed and I’ve begged and begged and begged. Nothing happened. I didn’t change nor did my situation. Why can’t God close the freezer door for me? Why can’t He slam the cabinet door shut? Truth be told, God’s been quiet about the whole thing. Until today.

What makes today different? I don’t know. The important thing is in my spirit I heard God speak to me. He told me, “I’ve given you a new day full of my mercy, love, and forgiveness. What are you going to do with it?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know, Lord. What should I do with it?”

He responded, “I’m glad you finally asked.” I swear I heard a chuckle in His voice. “Since you asked, I’ll tell you what you can do with it. Meditate on my Word.”

“I do, Lord. Daily.”

“No. I’m not talking about you reading the Logos Word, the written Word. I want you to get a hold of my Rhema Word…my powerful and active Word which can be applied to your life right now. Think on these things.”

Then it dawned on me. I prayed and pleaded for deliverance but not once did I attempt to apply the Bible to my situation. I know God’s Word and yet, somehow, I failed to use it in this current battle.

The Lord led me to two scriptures. I’ve written them out on sheets of paper and taped them on my desk.

Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJ)

I’m grateful the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. I’m thankful today is a new day to walk in His purposes and plans for my life. I’m a realist – the day’s not over – I may blow it. The good news is it’s 4:00 p.m. and His Word is giving me strength. I’ve been able to withstand the temptations trying to lure me into the kitchen.

Even if I blow it later tonight, tomorrow is still coming. His faithful love won’t wane and His mercies will be available to me once again.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJ)

The Lord knows the thoughts and intents of my heart. I believe He supports my desire to live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t feel like He’s done with me yet and my desire is to serve Him into my eighties. (I'm seventy-two and still active in service to Him.) It couldn’t hurt to have my health. As I begin to meditate on the truth of His Rhema Word as it applies to my specific situation, I believe His Word will empower me to do what I can’t do for myself.

I don’t expect to do this thing perfectly any time soon. I do know I’ve been given a powerful weapon to wield as I fight this battle. There’s something liberating about dwelling on the truth of His word…it does set a person free.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 (NKJ)

His Mercies Are New Every Morning

I'm going to change directions for a few days and focus on something else that is important to me. Living a healthy lifestyle. I posted the first three articles on my Facebook and now here. This article was written on 7/24/23.

 His Mercies are New Every Morning

Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJ)

Who am I kidding? I should have been consumed a long time ago. I'm eternally grateful that the Lord's compassion never fails and, through the shed bled of Jesus Christ, He extends His mercy to me every morning.

I’ve struggled the past three months. I don’t know what I’d have done without His mercy and great faithfulness.

Give Me a Drink/Part One

 Give Me a Drink/Part One

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 39

(This is my opinion on the Samaritan woman and I'm sharing from my perspective. You are free to disagree.)

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” John 4:7 (NKJV)

Jesus went from an encounter with Nicodemus in John three to another one with the woman at the well in chapter four.

His meeting with the Samaritan woman had a more positive outcome than it did with Nicodemus. Although we know Nicodemus became a [secret] follower of Jesus, he didn’t make his position clear at the conclusion of their middle-of-the night meeting. With the woman, not only did she believe Jesus was the Messiah, but an entire village believed in Him as a result.

I’m going to mess with your theology…with all those things you thought you knew about the Samaritan woman at the well. Let’s begin by revealing who this remarkable woman was not.

1.         A rejected woman

I’ve heard numerous sermons about this wretched woman who had to go to the well in the middle of the day (instead of in the morning) because she was ostracized by the other women in Sychar. Chapter and verse please. We read she went to the well to draw water. Nothing more. We do not find in scripture where she was rejected and ridiculed by the other women because of sexual promiscuity. 

2.         A sullied woman

We do know she had five marriages; however, we don’t know why. Nowhere does it state she was unfaithful to any of her husbands or did anything worthy of divorce. She could have been widowed five times for all we know. Also, in those days, a man was allowed to divorce his wife for even the smallest reason. If she didn’t please him, he could serve her with divorce papers. If he decided he no longer loved her, he could divorce her. Nowhere in scripture do we find that these men divorced her because of illegitimate sexual acts on her part.

 

She was a hurting woman, I’m sure. How could she not be wounded after five marriages for whatever reason? But sullied? I don’t see any evidence in the scriptures.

3.         A timid woman

When the Samaritan woman and Jesus got into a theological discussion she didn’t back down. She held her own with Him. I like that about her. She’s not the shameful, timid woman I’ve heard so much about in sermons.

4.         A woman living in sin

Jesus pointed out the man she lived with was not her husband. She admitted she lived with him although the scriptures never state they were having an illicit affair. Many people read between the lines and assume something sinister happened. Jesus never addressed her sexual sin. He never told her, “Go and sin no more.” Nor did He demand that she change her lifestyle. Just because she lived in this man’s house doesn’t mean she slept in his bed. In fact, if she was a widow, law required a kinsman to step up and provide for her.

Did I rattle your theology a little bit? I sure hope so. In the next devotion, we’ll look closer at her true character.

Father, I misunderstood this woman because I looked at her through my modern-day American interpretation of the Bible. I’ve come to realize there’s much more to this woman than I’ve given her credit for. I love it when You challenge me to look at scripture from a new perspective. Thank You for teaching me new and wonderful truths from Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November Will be a Quiet Month

During the month of November, I won't be writing any posts on my blogs. I'm sure you find that bit of news devastating (not). I have been challenged to participate in NaNoWriMo. That stands for National November Writing Month. The goal is to write at least 50,000 words in that amount of time. I'll see you on the other side of attempting this crazy feat.

Jesus Needed to Go Through Samaria

Jesus Needed to Go Through Samaria

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 38

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples). He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.   John 4:1-8 (NKJV)

There’s so much packed between the first verse of John 4 and when He said to the Samaritan woman, “Give Me a drink.” Let’s unpack some of these items before we delve into the interaction between Jesus and this woman.

 1..       He had to leave Judea.

            The Pharisees, although tolerant of John the Baptist, didn’t like his water baptisms and messages of repentance. Many of their faithful followers changed their allegiance to John. They were even more unhappy with Jesus who had a larger following than John. Verses 1-3 give indication Jesus left Judea because of the Pharisees. He didn’t run away in fear of them but out of concern that He would be arrested and crucified before His time.

 2.        The Holy Spirit led Him.

On His way to Galilee, Jesus went the shortest and most direct route He could take - through Samaria. Due to strong animosity between the Jews and Samaritans, many Jewish travelers went out of their way to not go through Samaria. Although Samaritans were somewhat distant relatives, the Jews felt they erred in their religious practices since they didn’t worship God at the temple in Jerusalem.

            Not Jesus.

 

“But He needed to go through Samaria” gives indication God sent Him on a specific mission. To fulfill the mission, it was imperative He go through Samaria. The Spirit compelled Him to go to the well outside of Sychar to meet with a lost and hurting woman. A Samaritan who had value in the eyes of God.

 3.        Jesus faced human limitations.

He walked quite a distance that morning. His feet hurt and He thirsted for water. Jesus completely understands our physical struggles because He experienced them too. He chose to live within the realms of the natural law as a human so He could die for us. And yet, He is God. (It would take volumes to explain what our finite minds struggle to grasp here.) Suffice to say, Jesus is both God and human.

 

Father, thank You for the encouragement we receive in the above verses. You loved the woman of Samaria long before she ever heard about Jesus. You set her up for a great encounter with the Messiah. We have value in Your eyes as well. Your love for us is unconditional. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for drawing us to Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

Nicodemus: Was He Born Again?

 Nicodemus: Was He Born Again?

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 37

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.  John 19:38-40 (NKJV).

The above passage relates the final time John mentions Nicodemus.

Up until the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, scripture gives no evidence Nicodemus publicly declared himself to be Jesus’ disciple. The scriptures indicate just the opposite – He and Joseph of Arimathea, both Pharisees, were secret followers.

After Jesus died, many of His followers laid low for fear of being the next martyr. Not Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea. They went public. I’m sure word spread rapidly that the two Pharisees accepted the responsibility of burying Jesus according to Jewish custom.

That act alone could’ve cost them their reputations, positions, and possibly their lives.

Be forewarned. The rest of this devotion is “the gospel according to Lollie” so please bear with me.

I want to believe Nicodemus was born again and is with his Savior.

I don’t know if Nicodemus saw Jesus after His resurrection, but the good news must’ve impacted his life. After all, he touched Jesus’ corpse. He helped wrap His body in strips of linen with the special spices he purchased. He knew for a fact Jesus died.

Jesus’ resurrection forced Nicodemus to a point of decision…to believe or not believe He was the Messiah. Jesus’ words in John, Chapter 3, would have stirred his spirit because God’s Word doesn’t return void (Isaiah 55:10, 11). Since he followed Jesus before His crucifixion, albeit secretively, I think it was a probable next step for Nicodemus to accept Him as his Living Savior.

Yes, my theory is speculation. Maybe I'm sympathetic towards him because he seemed like a sincere man, but I’ll be looking for him once I reach heaven.

How about you? The important question now is, “Are you born again?” Have you given your life to Jesus? Click here to learn how you can be born again: :May His Light Shine More Brightly: Salvation (lolliehofer.blogspot.com)

Father, thank You that I am born again. Jesus is my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and making me a new person. The old has past and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

Nicodemus' Response to the Words of Jesus

Nicodemus’ Response to the Words of Jesus

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 36

 

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.” Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”  John 7:45-52 (NKJV)

Before we move on to other “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus, let’s take another look at Nicodemus.

At the conclusion of John 3:1-21, nothing indicates that Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus. However, this isn’t the only place in the book of John we read about Nicodemus.

The above scriptures relate the second time John mentions Nicodemus. Prior to the officers (temple guards) reporting Jesus’ behavior to the religious leaders, they had witnessed Him teaching in the temple during The Feast of Tabernacles. Some of the people believed He was the Christ while others refused to believe since nothing good came out of Galilee. As a result, a commotion arose among the crowd. The officers were supposed to whisk Him away, but they didn’t because they were mesmerized by His words (vs. 10-44).

The frustrated Sanhedrin demanded to know why the officers didn’t bring Jesus to them. They accused the guards of being deceived by Jesus. They challenged the officers by asking the wrong question. “Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?” They didn’t realize the answer to their question was “Yes.” We know of at least two Pharisees who believed in Him…Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-40).

Both were covert disciples of Jesus. The passage above which reads, “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them” (vs. 50) indicates he was a secret follower. He pointed out that his peers broke the law by deeming Him guilty before He had an opportunity to defend Himself (vs. 51).

Nicodemus had a lot to lose if he declared Jesus as the Messiah. Did he ever publicly declare his faith in Him? We do know Nicodemus wasn’t ready to make such a statement in these verses. We’ll continue this discussion in the next devotion.

How about you? Are you a covert Christian or are you willing to declare boldly, “…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15[b]).

Father, may my faith in Jesus be bold and steadfast. May I not hesitate to openly declare He is my Savior and my Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

My Choice - Light or Darkness

 

My Choice – Light or Darkness

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 35

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he Who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”  John 3:17-21 (NKJV)

During my junior high years (now middle school), I was insecure which probably made me a typical adolescent. I also had a recurring nightmare that my subconscious couldn’t shake.

In my dream, I was invited to hang out with the popular kids from school. It was always at night. Once I got to my destination – whether the beach, hamburger joint, football game, etc. – the kids would turn a spotlight on me. Evidently, I was the only one aware of the fact that I didn’t have any clothes on. I tried to run but I couldn’t. I was stuck in the spotlight, frozen in shame. Then my peers would mock me and call me names. (Please tell me someone else had those dreams in their early teen years.)

I think that’s a good analogy of how I felt when the Holy Spirit dealt with my love of darkness before I gave my life to Jesus. (Darkness gives reference to my life without God.) When the Truth of God’s Word illuminated my evil deeds, it brought shame and condemnation. That’s probably why I preferred the obscurity of blackness. My evil deeds remained hidden in the darkness.

Initially, I hated the light. (Light gives reference to God’s Truth which exposed my sin.) When the spotlight shone on my sinister ways it immobilized me with shame. Sort of like the “deer in the headlights” scenario.

At that point, I had a choice. Slink back into the darkness or allow the Holy Spirit to continue to shine the Truth of His light on my life leading me from condemnation to guilt to repentance to forgiveness to freedom from shame.

Father, thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Thank You that I am no longer under shame and condemnation because I am forgiven in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). I choose truth and light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(For further explanation of my transformed life, click on the page titled, “Salvation.”)

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

 

Jesus Didn't Come to Condemn the World

 Jesus Didn’t Come to Condemn the World

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 34

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 (NKJV)

Robert Wilson was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery in a Georgia courtroom. He received three life sentences, plus seven years, for each crime he committed. Only by the grace of God did he not receive the death penalty.

The jury didn’t condemn Robert nor did the judge who tried the case. His own actions condemned him. It was the judge’s duty to make sure he had a fair trial, and that the resulting guilty verdict was carried out.

Let’s revisit the bronze serpent mentioned in John 3:14, 15. The Israelites were judged by God because of their constant complaining and lack of faith. As a result of their guilt, God sent poisonous snakes to bite the people. Many people died. Once they cried out to God and repented, He gave them an antidote. He had Moses set a bronze snake on a pole. When folks looked up at the snake, they were healed.

God nor Moses condemned the Israelites for their complaining. Like Robert, they condemned themselves by their own actions.

Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We’re all guilty of sin. Maybe we didn’t murder someone, but we’re still marked by our sinful nature.

Romans 6:23(a) says, “For the wages of sin is death.” We receive a sentence because of our sin. Robert’s consequence was three life sentences. Poisonous snake bites were the sentence for the Israelites. Eternal death is our sentence.

Thank God for the rest of Romans 6:23, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. It was already condemned. Jesus came to rescue humankind from the consequences of their sin by being lifted high on a cross.

Through believing in Him, we are pardoned from spiritual death and receive eternal life. Those who choose not to believe in His name are condemned by their own sin. Sadly, since they refuse to look up to the One lifted high, the guilt can’t be removed from their lives.

Father, Jesus didn’t come to condemn mankind. Like Robert, it’s our sinful actions that condemn us. Thank You that Jesus is our Salvation. When we believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God, we are forgiven and eternal life is ours. More importantly, our relationship with Him is restored. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Robert Wilson was twice pardoned…once by his Savior Jesus Christ while incarcerated and a second time miraculously by the state of Georgia. You can find his incredible story of redemption in his book Beyond Hope. Here is a link to his book. Click on the link for direct access: Beyond Hope - Kindle edition by Wilson, Robert. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 

 http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

For God So Love the World...Say What?

 For God So Loved the World…Say What?

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 33

 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:14-17 (NKJV)

Nicodemus probably had a tough time accepting what Jesus said in verse sixteen. “For God so loved the world…” went against everything he believed. Befitting the Pharisaic mindset, Jesus should have stated “For God so loved the Jewish people that He gave His only begotten Son…”

The Jews expected the Messiah to come, not to the entire world, but exclusively to them to save them from Roman domination. That’s why Nicodemus visited Jesus in the middle of night. His thought was, “Could this be The One the scriptures prophesied about?”

It’s easy for me to condemn the Jewish view of exclusiveness, and yet, the truth is at times I’m guilty of the same thing. And I don’t have Nicodemus’ excuse either. According to God’s own law, He consecrated them as His unique people and set them apart from the rest of mankind to fulfill His purposes and plans. God even promised the Messiah would descend from the nation of Israel.

When I arrive in heaven, I’ll probably be shocked at some of the folks who are there. How did the Catholics and Methodists get in? After all, their doctrines pale in comparison to the one for my denomination. I’ll let the Baptist slide because they are strong on salvation and baptism, although I don’t quite buy the “you have to be baptized to get to heaven” part.

Of course, I’m being facetious. I think you get my point. My denomination doesn’t hold the keys to heaven and eternal life, only Jesus Christ does. Even so, I do know when Nicodemus heard Jesus declare that God loved all people, it was a tough pill for him to swallow.

Father, You indeed love the entire world. Your love isn’t exclusive but all-inclusive. Please forgive me where I have judged others and attempted to exclude them from Your love. Or where I have deemed my denomination superior and authoritative compared to other denominations. As a result of Your great love, You have the whole world in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

The Bronze Serpent

 

The Bronze Serpent

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 32

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:14-16 (NKJV)

Numbers 21:4-9 tells the account of the bronze serpent. In the wilderness, the Israelites complained to Moses about everything. God punished them for their ungrateful attitudes by sending poisonous snakes to bite the people. Many died. After the Israelites repented, God gave them an antidote. He had Moses make a bronze serpent on a pole. Anyone who looked at the bronze serpent was immediately healed.

In John 3:14-16, Jesus’ predicted His death to Nicodemus. Just like Moses raised the bronze serpent on a pole, Jesus would be raised up too. However, He wasn’t raised up in glory but on a cross where He suffered horribly.

Two provisions were made for all people when Jesus was lifted on the cross:

1.         Salvation

Did you notice in verses 15 and 16 Jesus declared His deity? He claimed Himself to be God’s only begotten Son who could offer everlasting life. His declaration didn’t sit well with Israel’s spiritual leaders, and it cost Him His life.

The Israelites who looked at the bronze serpent were saved from physical death. When we look to the cross of Jesus Christ and believe we’re saved from eternal death. (See page titled "Salvation" for further information.)

 2.         Healing

The Israelites who looked at the serpent on the pole were healed of their poisonous snake bites. When we look to Jesus, His wounded body provides healing for our sick and broken bodies.

             Isaiah 53:5 states:       He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement of our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

 

1 Peter 2:24 states:      Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.

 

We are saved through Jesus' shed blood. We are healed because provision was made through

the stripes He bore. Receive salvation and healing now in the name of Jesus.

 

 

Father, thank You that through Your resurrection power, Jesus is alive. Thank You we

have eternal life in Him. Thank You for the healing that is ours through His broken body.

In Jesus' powerful and authoritative name, Amen.

 

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3

Complaining = Rebellion

Complaining = Rebellion

The “Red Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 31

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:14-16 (NKJV)

In Numbers 21:4-9, you will find the story of the serpent mentioned in the above scriptures. In this Biblical account, the Israelites complained to Moses about God delivering them from Egypt. They nitpicked about the wilderness and the manna too. Whine. Whine. Whine.

God became fed up with them and brought judgment because of their angry and rebellious spirits. The Lord sent fiery serpents. “Fiery” references their bodies’ reaction to being bit by poisonous snakes.

The people went to Moses and admitted they had sinned against the Lord and repented of their rebellious attitudes. Immediately, God gave the antidote. He told Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Everyone bitten by a snake who looked up at the pole was healed.

Time to be vulnerable. I’m a complainer. I’m a “my glass is half-empty” kind of person. Even complainers think I complain a lot. Okay, you get my point. I may want to heed what happened to the Israelites.

When I moan and groan about my situation, my eyes are on my problem and not the Lord. When I murmur, I’m letting the Lord know I don’t like what has happened in my life. I’m not happy with the cards He’s dealt me. I don’t like His way; I want my will to be done. That’s called rebellion. When I protest, I lack trust in God.

Anyone else want to raise your hand and say, “Me too.”

Father, I admit I’m a complainer. Instead of looking to You, I focus on my circumstances. I blame you for dealing me a bad hand. I become angry and cling to my ways. I accuse You of not caring about me. Please forgive me. I have sinned against You. You do care…so much so You sent Your Son to take my punishment on the cross. May I choose to trust You. Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine and are for my good (Isaiah 55:8-9). In Jesus’ name Amen.

(In the next devotion, we’ll look at how the fiery bronze serpent typifies Jesus Christ.)

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3