1 John 2:3-6By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.  The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: he one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as ...  Read More

Scripture:John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.Observation:As Jesus’ popularity increased, John’s public popularity decreased. John went from being the biggest attraction around, to losing his followers to Jesus, to landing in prison, and then later he was even killed in a gruesome way. But John was satisfied to fulfill the role God gave him. He didn’t let the fame go to his head, ...  Read More

Scripture:John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.Observation:The heart of God is to love and to give and to save people. His desire is that all people come to Him and experience the life He gives. He does not desire to condemn people. Instead, He is a generous, merciful God who is willing to go to great lengths to save people.A...  Read More

Scripture:John 2:17 “Zeal for your house will consume me.”Observation:What was it that really stirred up Jesus’ emotions? What was He passionate about? It was His Father’s glory and honor. Jesus was not a wimp. He could be very strong, outspoken, bold and even angry. But His anger wasn’t about His own petty concerns – instead, He reserved it for those times when God’s honor was at stake or when a ...  Read More

Scripture:John 1:27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.Observation:John the Baptist is a great example of proper humility. He had the courage to stand up and speak boldly about the need for people to repent. He was a leader, whom many followed. But he knew and accepted the limitations of the role that God had given him. He freely stated that Jesu...  Read More

1 John 1:5-2:2This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all si...  Read More

Scripture:John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.Observation:Again and again in this passage, Jesus is referred to as “the light.” I love how Scripture uses metaphors out of everyday life that anyone can understand. Light has so many qualities that are similar to Jesus. Light makes life possible. It b...  Read More

The Bravest OnesBy Lisa Supp“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”—Philippians 3:13 (NASB)I bet you’ve heard the expression, “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” And I bet you count on it sometimes, too! It means that no matter what struggle or darkness we might be in, a way out...  Read More

A New ThingBy Lisa Supp“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”—Isaiah 43:18–19 (NKJV)You don’t remember, but it was scary. You tightly gripped the finger that steadied you.A pause.Another pause.Then you let go. Your foot s...  Read More

Time Well SpentBy Lisa Supp“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”—Psalm 90:12 (NASB)The end of something tends to bring perspective. The end of a year, a project, a relationship, or a life, can make us take a step back to consider the time spent. What have we invested in? Where have we toiled? How have we performed, and when did we fall short?This step back...  Read More

When Disappointment Meets the Holy One of GodBy Justus Martin“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)Depending on your current season, this verse might be incredibly uplifting or incredibly discouraging for you. Over the last year, there has been plenty of p...  Read More

1 John 1:1-4What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life - and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us - what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may hav...  Read More