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Ask in the name of Jesus Christ, and it will happen…

John 14:5-14
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Jesus left us with this promise. That if we ask of the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, it will be done. When we ask in the name of Jesus, He will do it. He has told us that we WILL do greater things than even He did here on earth.

I have to be honest with you…I am mind blown right now. For years I have been praying with “In the name of Jesus Christ”, not knowing that when I did, it guaranteed that I would receive it. I did not know. Beautiful! I know now.

The battle between the kingdom of God, which is good and righteous, and the kingdom of evil, which is hell bent on destroying you, are both at war constantly. When we pray and activate God’s power in our lives, at the very same time the devil is working to tear that down through what we see. When we ask for something in the name of Jesus, there is no choice but for the world to submit to what we have asked. However, our humanity and bodies can prevent us from receiving the full on miracle that has been given. Once asked for, we must walk having faith that what we have asked for in the name of Jesus will become real.

It is Faith versus sight, and the battle rages on. Keep fighting and asking and praying, all in the name of Jesus. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Incentive…He knows our hearts.

John 14:1-4

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

The promise from Jesus Himself, God with us. He has gone ahead of me to prepare a table for me so that we would be together forever. He gas done so for all of us. The promise of no longer having the weight of this world on our shoulders. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

He loves us still…

John 13:31-38

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him,[c] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

The last days of Jesus are days of continuous teaching and revelation for the Disciples. As Jesus nets His death, He begins to let those closest to Him learn about themselves. Many of them show betrayal, doubt, fear, and in this case they deny even knowing Him. Yet Jesus continues to teach.

The examples of humanity demonstrated through His speaking to the Disciples are incredibly revealing. They stress the all too important fact that regardless of what we do, we belong to Him who created us. We are His beloved. We are His treasures. Love demonstrated unconditionally through not only the forgiveness of sin, but the free and unearned gift of salvation.

Through these verses, we are able to see ourselves reflected through them. It brings to light just how amazing the recent murders of 21 Christians through public beheading actually is. Many people, including the closest people to Jesus, denounce Him. They said that they did not know Him. Yet the 21 that died for their belief in Jesus Christmas did not, even when given the chance to unordered to save their lives.

As believers, we must sound the bell. We must spread the word. Jesus is coming, and in these last of days, it is our directive to share the Good News that Jesus Saves. Speak His name today. Speak the name of Jesus Christ. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Jesus paid it all.

John 13:18-30

18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned[a] against me.’[b]

19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”

22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Prophecy would be fulfilled through this act. Judah would turn against Jesus out of greed. But…before you point fingers, there us a reason we hear of this happening. Jesus loved Judas, ad He loves us. And just like Judas, there are times when we betray Him and choose our own selfish desires rather than what Jesus wants us to choose or do. Lastly, guess what? Jesus stills loves us.

I don’t say this to condone the action of Judas, or to say that somehow sin is OK. What I mean is that if Jesus came to die for us. If Jesus cane to lay down His life so that sins are forgiven. If Jesus took all of our sin upon His shoulders and took them to the grave. Don’t you think He included the sin of Judas also? Or by some weird means of qualification that sin did not get forgiven?

There is no selection process for sin people. Think of the ugliest most horrible sin you can imagine…got it? Ok, now…when a person gives their life to Jesus, that sin is forgiven. Yes it is. Wiped clean by the blood of Jesus. Jesus did not come to judge, He came to deliver and to save. He did that.

If you believe that God sent His only son to earth to carry your sins to the grave on the cross. If you believe that Jesus cane back from the dead, rose into Heaven and will come again to judge all of mankind. If you believe those true events that occurred on this earth, your sins are forgiven and you are saved. At that point, there is no limit to how He will use you to make this world better. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

We have been called to serve…

John 13:1-17
1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served. It is repeated time and time again throughout the Gospels. We are to follow His example. But, boy is it hard.

By the way, I fail daily at this. I’m sure many do, and that I am not alone. I won’t let that fact hold me back though. I will preach the good news and the forgiveness of our daily failures. As we all should as well.

The act of washing another’s feet is pure service to another. An act of showing that others are first, and that it is our job to serve all people. As hard as that is sometimes, such as on the highway as you drive, it is important that we try and try again. Small acts become big acts in the eyes of our Father.

Jesus served us. He forgave us through His own death on the cross. The ultimate service was bestowed upon us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

It so for this very reason that we live…

John 12:20-36 (NIV )

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[g] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

It is for the trial that we live. The happiness, anger, frustrations, or any feelings that you have are just that…feelings. The trial itself is the reason you are here. People will turn to you and focus their attention on you, and when they, God will be glorified.

Jesus knew this, and He was telling us this. We just need to listen to Him and begin to realize that suffering is only temporary, life is eternal with God.

Step into the light and live forever. Run from darkness and into the light. God has His arms open as He waits for you.

Amen
DK

Jesus is coming…

John 12:12-19 (NIV)
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna![d]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[e]
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”[f]
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

News of His miracles spread fast. As Jesus continues to fill prophecy after prophecy, the Pharisees are unhappy and concerned. It is obvious that not all were prepared to be freed. Many lived in bondage, as many do today.

Many Christians around the world have chosen to believe. Some are being killed for their faith in the Living God. Thousands are celebrating in caves and in dark places so that they cannot be seen by those that would kill them. The beautiful miracle is the answer to this question. “If they are in darkened caves and away from prying eyes, then how do we know of them?” It is because their light shines bright and cuts through the darkness. It is the Light of God that has made its way through them and into our lives. That is beautiful.

Now. Here it is. The challenge for all of us. The challenge…to be a light for even one person. To be His Light in a dark world for them. Find someone. You may even know them. It’s time to shine Believer. Do it today! #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Your blessing is multiplied through Him…

John 12:1-11 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[b]” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[c] but you will not always have me.”

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

As we have read before, Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the hearts of all people He came into contact with. He could see who they were. He even knew of Judas and what we to come, yet E loved him anyway and let him stay.

The use of this expensive and fragrant perfume on the feet of Jesus, coupled with the use of her hair tells you that all prophecy would be fulfilled on the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The washing if the feet was a part of the burial process, and to do this in front of all who had come to see Jesus was part of the witnessing of the miracle that would occur. The salvation of all who believe.

Jesus makes it a point to let us know that riches used to glorify Him is correct. Yes, there are poor that could use the money, but you must celebrate the Father with gifts of value. Those things which we see as possible waste, if given to God, will be multiplied to once again be used to bless the poor and lowly in society. It is our job to give to the Father. We are to celebrate and glorify Him with the gifts that He has blessed us with. There will always be the poor and downcast. The time will come again to bless them.

That time for you may be now. It may be time for you to bless the church or a group that gives to the poor. But, you must give to Him who made us and saved us first. The first fruits are His. When given to Him first, your gifts are multiplied. The thief will see it as waste. The selfish will long for that gift which belongs to the Father. Give anyway. Even when it makes no sense to your eyes, give. He will multiply your gift and it will bless more than you will ever know. He does not want your money. He wants your heart. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The fear of losing earthly things can inhibit faith…

John 11:45-57
45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 57 But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him.

The fear is obvious. The Jewish officials are scared that the Romans would take away what they had. That all of the earthly wealth that they were given by Rome would be taken from them. They held onto the seen and had trouble believing that Jesus would bring them everything not of this world. He was here to bring them eternal gifts.

I can only imagine how many on this earth have wealth, whether it be in the form of actual cash or in land or investments that have struggled with belief. I can only imagine how many times they sat at the precipice of a monumental decision that only became difficult because they might lose earthly wealth. How many times a decision was made not because it was the right thing to do, but only because it was the easy thing to do. I am sure those instances are as numerous as the stars in the sky. Our flesh can inhibit so much.

The thought comes to mind that the reason Jesus left to the countryside was to ease some of the pain for those that believed but we’re too afraid to let go if this world’s wealth. He must’ve sensed the agony in them. He must of sensed man’s inability to let go of this earthly wealth and trust Him. He left so that we could seek Him, and when we do, we find Him waiting for us. No matter what we did, said, or will do or say, He waits. Many sought Him then. Many seek Him now.

As your relationship grows with the Holy Spirit, He begins to stretch your faith and grow you. You are placed in positions that require faith, and in places where that faith can be shown publicly to glorify Him. The opportunities are endless and will forever come to you, onlyvif you continue to seek Him. Seek, and you shall find. Ask, and you shall receive.

Tonight I seek His face. I look for in every part of my life. I see His hands shaping me and molding me, and I see His work being the most obvious the further He stretches my faith. I am left only to rely on Him. Without Him, I am nothing. #JesusSaves

Amen.
DK