Read John 15:18-27. He had given them comfort, had promised his Spirit, encouraged them to love each other and bear fruit. Yet, before he said a final prayer for his disciples, Jesus needed to warn them of what was to come. Life in the Vine, in Christ, is not going to be easy. If the … More What if I want people to like me?
Read John 15:1-17. During their final discipleship retreat, Jesus poured his heart out to his friends. He even told them, You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I … More What if I’m fruitless?
Read John 14:15-27. Have you ever been sent to the school counselor’s office? When I was in school, the counselor was for the kids who got into trouble. Now everybody sees the counselor. My sons would see the counselor at the beginning of each school year to go over their class schedule and make sure … More What if I don’t obey?
Read John 14:1-13. The times had been full of confusion and fear. Attacks were coming from all sides, so it was time for a discipleship retreat. Yet, even as they began their time together, Judas had suddenly rushed out, and Jesus told Peter he would disown him three times. The disciples needed to hear words … More What if I ask wrongly?
Read John 13:1-17. He loved those twelve men. They ate, slept, walked, and even fished together. Three years in an intense mentoring relationship. He couldn’t help but love them; he had chosen them, after all. It didn’t mean, however, that they were easy to love. How many times had he shown his exasperation with their … More What if I find feet stinky?
Read John 12: 20-36. His time on earth was coming to an end. Those near him could sense the change in his tone of voice and somberness in his words. He was preparing them for the inevitable. Yet, people were still just wanting to get a glimpse of the man or to hear his voice; … More What if following is hard?
Read John 11:1-16. The sisters had sent him word; their brother, Lazarus was sick. It was important to let Jesus know. He was, after all, their friend, but he was also the one they knew who had the power to heal. But he didn’t go right away. He stayed another two whole days, before heading … More What if I stumble?
Read John 9:35-41. Why does it always seem that Jesus healed only on the Sabbath? I suppose, just like in the news, those are the stories that grab the headlines. They sure did grab the Pharisees’ attention. All he did was to tell the man to go wash the mud off his eyes. Was it … More What if my blindness blinds me?
Read John 8:31-47. Some of the Jews had begun to believe in Jesus. You would think that he would encourage them or say, “I’m happy to have you on board;” but that’s not what he did. No he said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the … More What if I can’t hold on?
Read John 7:37-43. The tension was building in Jerusalem. People could not stop talking about Jesus and the teaching he espoused. They’d never heard anything like it, and they didn’t know what to make of it or the man. Finally, on the last day of the feast, he gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse: … More What if I’m not thirsty?