Meditating The Word

Episode 239: John 10

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 10
The enemy is a thief and a robber. He snuck into the earth. But Jesus entered the earth legally, born of a woman. He is the great shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture. I recognize his voice and follow him. He calls me by name and leads me through life. He walks ahead of me, and I follow him because I know his voice. I won't follow a stranger, but will run from him because I don't know his voice.
Jesus is the gate. Through him alone, I am saved. I can come and go freely, he leads me to good pastures. The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. But Jesus came to give me life more abundant. 
He sacrificed his life for me. Unlike a hired hand who would run when he sees a wolf coming. He would abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And would allow the wolf to attack them and scatter the flock. A hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
But Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep, and I know him. Just as Father God knows Jesus and Jesus knows the Father. Jesus sacrificed his life for me to bring me into the sheepfold. I will listen to his voice. The body of Christ is one flock with one shepherd.
Jesus sacrificed his life so he could take it back again. No one could take his life from him. He sacrificed it voluntarily. He had the authority to lay it down and also to take it up again. For that is what Father God commanded.
The proof the Jesus was the Son of God was in the work he did in the Father’s name. But many people didn't believe him then, and many don't believe now, because they are not his sheep. His sheep listen to his voice; he knows them, and they follow him.
Jesus has given me eternal life, and I will never perish. No one can snatch me away from Jesus, for the Father has given me to him, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch me from the Father's hand. 
The Father set Jesus apart and sent him into the world to carry out his work. I believe in Jesus and in the evidence of the miraculous works he has done. Jesus and Father God are one. And I am in God, and God is in me. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/sightLicense code: MQINPJV8OYVTEZU1

Episode 238: John 9

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 9
In a way, we are all born blind... born into sin and unable to see the truth until we are saved. And we look for reasons why; someone or something to blame for all the things that are wrong in our lives. But sometimes it isn't because of anything I did, or anything my parents did, but just the simple fact that I live in a cursed world since the fall. 
But God is longing to display his miraculous power in and through me. I must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to me, fulfilling the purpose I was created for. The night is coming and it then will be too late. The night will be so dark that no one will be able to work.
But Jesus is the light that pierces the world's darkness. Through him, I am able to see. I have been healed through his sacrifice. 
God deserves all the glory for anything good in my life. Everything good comes from him. 
Jesus was sent to the world to render judgment, and to give sight to the blind. I once was blind, but now I see. Because I acknowledged my blindness, he removed my sin. He has given me revelation truth.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ak/hypotheticalsLicense code: SOXBDTUD3NI3EKKQ

Episode 237: John 8

Today's Meditation is on John Chapter 8
Jesus always made time to refresh and recharge himself by spending time alone with Father God. I know that doing the same thing is critical if I am going to live the God kind of life. 
Jesus was never in a rush. When the Pharisees brought the woman to him who had been caught in the act of adultery, they asked if she should be stoned, as that's what the law required. But he took his time. He stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger as they repeatedly demanded an answer. Finally, he calmly stood and said the one who had never sinned should throw the first stone. Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 
I can see the accusers, looking around at each other, then hanging their heads as they quietly slipped away one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. I can see Jesus standing and looking around, and then looking at the woman with compassion as he asked her where her accusers were. "Did no one condemn you?"
I can see the woman in her guilt and shame... wondering what would happen next lifting her eyes to look at Jesus, and very softly whispering, "No Lord." 
Then he spoke again, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
In this moment he showed not just compassion over what had happened in the past, but also over her future. He offered forgiveness, but also instruction: to go and sin no more. 
He treats me the same. He has forgiven my sins, paid for them with his blood, with his life, but he asks that I sin no more. He loves me enough to not leave me in the condition in which he found me. 
Jesus is the light of the world. Because I follow him, I don't have to walk in darkness. I have the light that leads to life. Because I know him, I also know the Father. Because I believe in him, I have been redeemed from my sins and I experience eternal life. 
Jesus did nothing on his own, but said only what Father God taught him. He always did what pleased the Father. 
I am a disciple of Jesus, and remain faithful to his teachings. I know the truth, and the truth has set me free. 
I used to be a slave to sin. But now I am a child of God, part of the family forever. I have been set free by Jesus, the Son of God, and I am truly free. 
God is my Father, and I love Jesus because he came to me from God. He did not come on his own, but God sent him. 
But the devil is a murderer and has been since the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of all lies. 
But I belong to God and gladly listen to the words of God, the words of truth. Jesus had no wish to glorify himself, God glorified him. He is the true judge. I obey the teachings of Jesus, and because I do, I will never die!
Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the great I Am.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):http://uppbeat.io/t/capturez/x-cellLicense code: ZKQ4VVRLEQNSCUNN

Episode 236: John 7

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 7
Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in him and made fun of him. But Jesus answered to a higher calling -- that of Father God. He waited on his timing. He knew he would be hated by the world because he openly pointed out evil. 
Some people believed he was a good man, others believed he was a fraud deceiving the people. And a few believed he was the Messiah. But when he taught, those who heard him knew there was something different about him. He spoke with wisdom and authority. His message was not his own it came from Father God who sent him.
He spoke with such power and authority, that even the guards sent to arrest him returned empty handed saying "we have never heard anyone speak like this."
I want to do the will of God, and Jesus spoke the Father's will. He didn't seek glory for himself, but honored the Father by speaking truth, not lies. 
In order to judge correctly, I have to look beneath the surface. Things are not always as they appear outwardly. It is human nature to look on outward appearance, but God looks on the heart and knows the motives of my every thought and action.
Because Jesus did the Father's will, walking in and living out his divine purpose, nothing could happen to him until his time had come. The same is true in my life. If I live my life aligned with God's will, walking in and living out the purpose I was created for by Father God, no evil can befall me. I am under God's covenant of protection.
I was thirsty, and Jesus called me to himself and gave me living water. Rivers of living water flow from my heart. Holy Spirit is available to everyone who believes in him. That's why Jesus had to return to the Father, so the Comforter could come. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sonder-house/cherry-blossom-jackson-loveLicense code: AFJKXSECCDYXC3T9

Episode 235: John 6

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 6
A lesson that is taught over and over again throughout scripture is that God can take what I have -- no matter how seemingly small and insignificant -- and turn it into more than enough.  
Jesus took 5 barley loaves and 2 fish and fed 5,000 men plus women and children, and they gathered up 12 baskets full of leftovers. 
I serve an extravagant, miracle-working God. He can walk on water and still the angry seas. I have nothing to fear because he is with me. 
I don't concern myself with perishable things like food. Instead, I spend my energy seeking the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, I have received eternal and more abundant life. 
The only thing God requires of me is that I believe in the one he sent, Jesus Christ, his son. He is the true bread from heaven and he gives life to the world. 
Jesus is the bread of life. And because I have accepted him, I will never be hungry again. I believe in him, and he has given me living water. I will never be thirsty again. He will never reject me.
Just as Jesus came from heaven to do the will of God who sent him, I dedicate my life to doing God's will and not my own. It is the Father's will that all who believe in Jesus should have eternal life. And he will raise me up at the last day.
I am taught by God. I listen to the Father and learn from him and come to Jesus. Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven. He offered up his body as a sacrifice so that I might live. And now, because of him, I will never die. I take part of his flesh and his blood in holy communion. I remain in him, and he remains in me.
The Spirit alone gives eternal life. My human effort accomplishes nothing. The very words Jesus spoke are spirit and life. 
I will never desert Jesus. Where would I go? He alone has the words that give eternal life. I believe and know that he is the Holy One of God. He is the Anointed One, the Son of God, my redeemer and my Lord.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/endless-spiritsLicense code: ZCI8EKONB5VYJAIN

Episode 234: John 5

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 5
Jesus has provided salvation -- spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, financial -- complete salvation. He has provided everything needed for life and godliness. The question is, do I want it? Do I want salvation badly enough to let go of excuses and reasons and blame. Will I reach out and grab hold of what he has already provided? And having accepted it, repent of my sinful ways and live a Christ-like life. 
Jesus has healed completely. He has made me whole and righteous before Father God. 
On my own, I cannot do anything of significance. Even Jesus said he could do nothing by himself. He did only what he saw the Father do. I will follow in his footsteps and do only what I have seen Jesus do. The scriptures detail his life and his work, giving me the perfect example to follow. 
Jesus came to earth as a man to show me what is possible. If he had come in all of his deity power and glory, I could not follow his example.
The Father loves me, just as he loves Jesus. And Holy Spirit will show me everything I need to do -- and even greater works than healing. Jesus has given me the authority to act in his name. Just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, Jesus has given me life -- life more abundant. 
I honor Jesus and Father God who sent him. I study his Word and believe in God, and he gives me eternal life. I will never be condemned for my sins, because I have already passed from death into life. 
The time is coming when even the dead in their graves will hear his voice and rise again -- those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life. God's judgement is just. 
Jesus had others testifying about him: John the Baptist, the teachings and miracles Jesus performed, and Father God testified about him as well, saying "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased." 
I have never heard the audible voice of Father God nor seen him face to face, but I have his message in my heart, because I believe in Jesus, the one he sent. I search the scriptures and they all point to him, the one who gives life. I embrace him in faith. I have God's love within me and I live to enjoy the praise that comes from the one true God. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/serenityLicense code: UBKMUFMPSPCJUGOX

Episode 233: John 4

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 4
It comforts me to know that Jesus also got tired. He took on human form and laid down his deity powers. He grew tired and needed rest. Just as I get tired and need rest. He got hungry and thirsty. Just as I do. 
But he has given me the gift of living water that quenches my spiritual thirst. It has become a gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit, flooding me with endless life.
Father God knows my heart. He knows everything I have ever done. He knows everything about me. There are no secrets from him.
I know who I worship. And I worship him in my heart. Jesus showed me a new way of living and a new way of worship. I worship the Father with a right heart. This is what God desires, for God is Spirit and he longs to have sincere worshipers. I adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.
The wait is over. Jesus is the one I have been looking for. 
Just as he has given me living water, he also nourishes me spiritually as I do the will of God. Jesus gave me the authority to continue his work, to spread the good news of the gospel.
The fields are ripe for harvest. My mission is to bring people to eternal life. Sometimes I will harvest, and sometimes I will plant the seed. Either way, I celebrate with great joy. 
I believe in Father God, and in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit -- not just because I have heard from others, but because I have experienced them for myself. I have witnessed firsthand miracles performed by God.  
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-barracuda/sojournLicense code: LU13P4MEKYXEQB9V

Episode 232: John 3

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 3
Jesus performed many miracles during his ministry here on earth. These miraculous signs were evidence that God was with him.
He came to teach us about the Kingdom of God, and about the spiritual rebirth that would give us entrance to that Kingdom. 
I have been reborn, baptized both by water and by the Spirit. Humans can only reproduce human life. But I have been reborn spiritually. I was spiritually dead because of sin, but now I am spiritually alive because of the Holy Spirit.
No one has gone to heaven and returned to the earth. But Jesus came down from heaven to save me. Just as Moses lifted the bronze serpent on the pole in the wilderness so the Children of Israel could live, so was Jesus lifted up on the cross so that I could have eternal life by believing in him. 
I will fix my gaze on him alone, and not my circumstances. He is my salvation both for this world and for eternity. 
God loved me so much, he gave his one and only Son, so I could believe in him and not perish but have eternal life. I cannot fathom the depth of his love. I cannot imagine the cost of his sacrifice. Although I deserved harsh judgement and death as the wages of my sin, Jesus did not come to judge me, but to save me through him.
He took my place in the courtroom. He paid my price. And now there is no judgment against me, because I believe in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 
God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 
But I was drawn to the light, and now others can see that I am doing what God wants. I reflect God's light into the darkness. 
I can't receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 
Jesus testified about what he had seen and heard. I accept his testimony and can affirm that God is true. Jesus was sent by God. He spoke God's words, for God gave him the Spirit without limit. Father God loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. I believe in Jesus, and I have eternal life. He doesn't condemn me for anything I have or haven't done. I have been forgiven, redeemed, and made whole. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sanchii/piercing-darknessLicense code: DI8BNZDDBZPHFFRD

Episode 231: John 2

Today's meditation is on John Chapter 2
To have the humility and obedience of Mary. When Gabriel told her she was going to have a child by the Holy Spirit, she said "Be it unto me according to your word." When the wine ran out at the wedding at Cana, she told the servants "Do whatever Jesus tells you." She exemplified total trust and submission. There is nothing more beautiful to God than that.
This first miracle that Jesus performed is rich with symbolism and meaning. Just as the water in the clay jar was turned to wine, this clay pot that is my earthly body was washed with the water of the word, purified, transformed and filled with the new wine of the Holy Spirit. 
Just as at the wedding feast, this new wine is the best wine. There is nothing better, nothing more exquisite than being filled up with the Spirit of God. 
I am consumed with a fiery passion for the things of God. When I see God's house and God's Word trampled on, and being exploited for monetary gain, I am filled with a righteous anger. God's house is not a marketplace. It is a house of prayer, a place of refuge, a place to worship my God and bring him my highest praise. And the Word is God-breathed, filled with the very power of the Father himself. 
While others may demand a miraculous sign in order to believe in God, his Word is my proof. It is my title deed. God knows my heart. And through God's Word and through the life of Jesus, I know God's heart. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/anna-yarbrough/in-search-of-peaceLicense code: MQLGCIHRSKPXAFJB

Episode 230: John 1

Today's Meditation is on John Chapter 1
The Word has always existed, even before the beginning. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He existed from before the beginning with God. God created everything through the Word, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. That light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. 
God sent John the Baptist to tell his chosen people about the light, so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. He was a witness of the light. A messenger to speak the truth about the light. The perfect Light of Truth was coming into the world to shine upon everyone. 
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, his chosen ones, but they rejected him. But to all who believe him and accept him, he gives the authority to become children of God. I have been reborn, recreated. Not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. I have experienced his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son, overflowing with tender mercy and truth.
John testified about him to the crowds. The one who was far greater and existed long before anyone or anything on earth.
From his abundance, from the overflow of his fullness, I have received one gracious blessing after another -- grace heaped upon more grace. The law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. Jesus unveiled the truth wrapped in tender mercy. No one ever before gazed upon the full splendor of God except his uniquely beloved Son, who is cherished by the Father and held close to his heart. And Jesus unfolded the full explanation of who God truly is.
John was a voice shouting in the wilderness -- an urgent, thunderous voice -- crying out to everyone to clear the way and prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
He baptized with water, but Jesus brought complete salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 
When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove from heaven and rested upon him. God had told John that this would be the sign of the Chosen One. 
Jesus is the stairway between heaven and earth. He has made a way for me to enter the Kingdom of God. He has shown me greater things. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/youre-holding-meLicense code: ZEW0JLO7UALTBTP1