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Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:12-13

There are certain rights that come along with being someone’s child. You can enter the home. You don’t have to beg for food. You can come to talk through a problem or look for help.

Because we are all children of God, we have rights as children with God.

We can come to God in prayer and ask for help. We have the right to join God in heaven. We have the right to be filled spiritually. As children, we have those rights. And as a loving, responsible parent… God provides them.

We are not just lowly subjects that God commands and toys with. We are his children. He treats us as his own. Thanks be to God for that!

Be God’s — every day.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

This verse comes among Jesus comparing himself to a shepherd. The shepherd’s job was to protect the sheep from harm, which involved restricting their movement to some degree. If the shepherd let the sheep roam free, they could not be fully protected.

Our life as Christians is similar. At times we may perceive “limits” that our faith places on us. We may hear from others that we are missing out in something amazing. We may get jealous and tempted.

A roaming sheep probably enjoyed its freedom, too. Until the wolf came.

The path of following Jesus does suggest there are things we should not do. Rather than perceive them as limits, we should see them as ways of keeping us safe. Jesus doesn’t prevent us from enjoying life — there is plenty to enjoy. Instead, we are guided to avoid what can cause us harm.

Be God’s — every day.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15: 12-13

The command to “love one another” is an often cited phrase. This version of that command goes a bit further: it defines what that love looks like.

Loving one another doesn’t just mean being nice or, even more mildly, not being evil. To love one another means to sacrifice — giving something of yourself for their own sake and benefit.

How can this sacrificial love be a model for you? For your marriage? For your friendships? For how you spend your time? How you give to charity?

God calls us to love sacrificially — there is no greater live than this. We all live in Christ’s image when we love in this way.

Be God’s — every day.

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live when Christ lived. Partly just because society was so different — no computer? — but also to have been a witness to what Christ was saying and doing. It would have been amazing!

Well, if I was literally there. With Jesus. If I lived somewhere else, what it have mattered?

Jesus couldn’t be physically with everyone at all times. He came on a mission, and equipped his disciples to spread the word. With Christ’s departure, the Holy Spirit descends (see the story of Pentecost in the book of Acts).

Sometimes being apart is what we need. The same is true in time/space with the human Jesus Christ. Living now is just as great a time to follow Jesus.

Be God’s — every day.

The woman said, Sir, I see that you are a prophet.
John 4:19

This short verse comes from the longer story of Jesus meeting “the woman at the well.” There are so many nuggets of greatness that come from this broader passage (John 4:4-42), so it is definitely worth re-reading the whole thing.

Here is a synopsis…

Jesus comes to a town and ends up chatting with a Samaritan woman while at a well. It was strange enough to be talking to a Samaritan — and Samaritan woman at that — let alone a woman with a past. Jesus already knows who she is, what she’s all about, and what she needs. When the woman hears Jesus speak, she recognizes his majesty, and ultimately shares her testimony with others.

While there are lots of things in this story to reflect on, take note today that Jesus already knew of the woman’s past and sin, even though she did not want to admit to it. He did not condemn her. He simply showed her that he knew the truth, and showed her a better way.

Jesus knows you — deeply. Your gifts, your thoughts, your sins… Everything. even that thing you don’t want to own up to. At first that sounds scary… But recognize that, like the woman at the well, Jesus isn’t condemning you for it. He simply wants you to see it and find a better way.

Be God’s — every day.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
John 5:19

Jesus did nothing apart from God the Father. We, too, are part of what God is doing.

This also means we don’t have to try extra hard to become a piece of God’s plan — we already are. We don’t have to hope for God to intervene around us — he already is.

Reflect on the past… Do you see how God was working? Look around your life today… Can you see how God is active?

We may not always know why God is working how he is, but we can have confidence that he is at work indeed.

Be God’s — every day.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:27-28

Listen for Jesus…

Maybe not literally, but listen with your heart.

There are certainly times when God speaks to us. Maybe in a quiet moment, or in a time of difficulty. Or maybe it’s through the words of someone else. As his sheep, you will recognize his voice.

I’ve heard God speak to me before. I’ve heard him say a few things:

“I love you, and you have gifts I need you to share.”

“Just wait. We will always be together — not based on what you do, but because I won’t let you go.”

“Set out on this journey. It may feel uncomfortable, but there are things I need you to do.”

Perhaps those weren’t literal quotes… But when I could feel God speaking to me, those were what I felt and the message I took away.

What do you hear?

Be God’s — every day.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.
John 15:5

It’s good to be back. My own bed, my own shower. Back to normal routines.

It’s also a shame to have to get back to the daily grind. My connection to something bigger feels so much more real on these work trips. While this shouldn’t be lost upon return, I don’t think there is any doubt that “real life” can get in the way of our connection to God and the work he has commissioned us all as believers to do: Love one another.

The theme verse for the week was John 15:5, used to help explore our connections to one another and to Jesus Christ. Late one night I had a conversation with one youth who is clearly struggling with his connections to his family, his friends, and God. I pray that those struggles continue to be signs of growth, that he build in the faith and find his unique connection to this world.

At the end of the week, I asked each youth to describe their relationship with God in one word. Responses varied from “hope” to “forced” to “inconsistent” to “growing” to “scorched” to “frustrating.” All of these are honest responses from a group of young adults clearly progressing through a faith journey. Weeks like this help put the focus on where they are on that journey.

How do you connect? What one word describes your relationship with God?

Be God’s — every day.

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27

Jesus makes this statement not long after a whole group of people — 5,000 — witnessed the miracle of being fed by what should only have fed a few. There is a whole walking on water incident in between… But needless to say being fed is still fresh in people’s minds.

Jesus recognizes that he is attracting crowds fueled by their own self-interest: be fed, be healed, see a miracle. Everyone’s expectations are set to “now” — what will this Jesus do today? His words are his way to re-direct expectations to what really matters.

What are your expectations of Jesus? Is he supposed to make everything perfect for you today? Do your prayers ask for short-term gain?

Sure, there are things that we need. The people Jesus fed certainly needed to eat. But it’s not about eating. It’s not about right now. Expect bigger things.

Be God’s — every day.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

These statements are made by Jesus to his disciples when he knows he will be arrested and crucified. He gives a sermon of sorts sharing all kinds of wisdom. He offers peace. He teaches that He is in the Father and the way to the Father. He preaches about the vine and the branches.

What would your parting words be?

On a few occasions I’ve thought about this. The day/night after the original 9/11 I happened to be traveling, and in a rental car with near strangers we talked about who we’d call and what we would say. Surely my answer is different now.

Perhaps this blog captures in some way the legacy of wisdom I’d like to share upon my departure some day. Then I can just refer people to it… Would be efficient. Then I could focus on making sure I say I love you to those who need to hear it.

A somber topic… But one that stimulates some interesting thoughts. Give it a shot.

Be God’s — every day.