John 9
This story starts with Jesus encountering a blind man. The immediate question I, “Why is this man blind.”
Why does Jesus say this man is blind?
In our lives do we ever ask God why He does things/allows certain things?
Could your struggles, pains, or shortcoming be to God’s glory? How?
At the end of the day, the question we all need to ask ourselves is…Is this about me or God. All things can ultimately be to God’s glory.
When Jesus has his final conversation with the blind man we see that the man does not know who the Son of Man is. Sure he may have heard of a messiah, he knows God exists, and even understands the teachings. However, he did not know the Son of Man. He did not know who Christ was. In our life, many may know the bible, believe in God, and even be a good person. But none come to the Father except through the Son.
Who in your life does not truly understand Christ? Do you truly understand why NONE come to the Father except through the Son? If you need clarification please talk to me or your parents.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
John 5
John 5
The first thing we see in this passage is Jesus healing an invalid (sick person, often too sick to care for themselves). He heals the man and reminds him to stop sinning or something worse may happen. What we also notice is Jesus come to the man and has the first words. HE REACHES OUT TO THIS SICK NOBODY!
How has God reached out to you to show his love? What are some of the blessings in your life? Have you thanked God for them?
What is this something worse Jesus is talking about? Are there things worse than earthly suffering?
Jesus then explains a little more about his relationship to God. He makes it clear that he does what his Father does (much as we do what our Dad or Mom does).
Who are the dead? Who are the living?
Why does God choose dead vs. living in this analogy?
Jesus gets to judge, but how does he choose to judge?
When you are given power, how do you choose to judge?
Finally we see Jesus remind his listeners that eternal life does NOT come through the law. Back then many knew the law inside and out, but didn’t even recognize God’s Son when he stood right in front of them. We are often guilty of this too aren’t we? We know what is right. We know the laws. Don’t drink, cuss, or have sex before marriage. That is right to follow those laws, but Jesus makes it clear that we will be judged next to the law and even one sin makes us guilty.
What gives us eternal life?
Should we just throw away the law?
Can any of us gain eternal life through the law?
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please facebook me at William Kranz or post on the blog site. We are excited to continue this walk with you.
The first thing we see in this passage is Jesus healing an invalid (sick person, often too sick to care for themselves). He heals the man and reminds him to stop sinning or something worse may happen. What we also notice is Jesus come to the man and has the first words. HE REACHES OUT TO THIS SICK NOBODY!
How has God reached out to you to show his love? What are some of the blessings in your life? Have you thanked God for them?
What is this something worse Jesus is talking about? Are there things worse than earthly suffering?
Jesus then explains a little more about his relationship to God. He makes it clear that he does what his Father does (much as we do what our Dad or Mom does).
Who are the dead? Who are the living?
Why does God choose dead vs. living in this analogy?
Jesus gets to judge, but how does he choose to judge?
When you are given power, how do you choose to judge?
Finally we see Jesus remind his listeners that eternal life does NOT come through the law. Back then many knew the law inside and out, but didn’t even recognize God’s Son when he stood right in front of them. We are often guilty of this too aren’t we? We know what is right. We know the laws. Don’t drink, cuss, or have sex before marriage. That is right to follow those laws, but Jesus makes it clear that we will be judged next to the law and even one sin makes us guilty.
What gives us eternal life?
Should we just throw away the law?
Can any of us gain eternal life through the law?
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please facebook me at William Kranz or post on the blog site. We are excited to continue this walk with you.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
John 4
John 4
Here we see one of the most famous “Jesus interactions” of the bible. The woman at the well is an interaction that reminds us of the love our savior has for his people. First it is important to note that Jesus was a Jew and this woman is a Samaritan. These two “cultures” don’t get along and are typically on non-speaking terms, so the fact that Jesus addresses her right off the bat catches her off guard.
What is the living water that Jesus talks about?
Why does Jesus ask the woman to get her husband if he already knows her past
and current situation?
What does Jesus tell the woman about worship?
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus tells this woman about living water even though he is perfectly aware of her life of sin. Not to say he accepted it, Jesus clearly doesn’t want that life for her, but he invites her to learn of the living water. She then returns to her home WITHOUT THE WATER BUCKET. She came for water and discovered Jesus. Suddenly, the water was the least of her concerns.
What things tend to distract us from meeting Jesus? What things do we need to “leave at the well” in order to refocus on him?
Jesus then explains in verses 34-38 that he is sustained by doing his Father’s will.
Can we say as an individual/as a youth group that we are sustained and filled by doing God’s work here on earth?
Reread verse 42. The people believed first because they heard someone else’s testimony. Then they met Jesus and believed for themselves.
Do you believe because you have taken the time to know God or do you believe because you have heard others talk about him? How can we experience God for ourselves?
Here we see one of the most famous “Jesus interactions” of the bible. The woman at the well is an interaction that reminds us of the love our savior has for his people. First it is important to note that Jesus was a Jew and this woman is a Samaritan. These two “cultures” don’t get along and are typically on non-speaking terms, so the fact that Jesus addresses her right off the bat catches her off guard.
What is the living water that Jesus talks about?
Why does Jesus ask the woman to get her husband if he already knows her past
and current situation?
What does Jesus tell the woman about worship?
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus tells this woman about living water even though he is perfectly aware of her life of sin. Not to say he accepted it, Jesus clearly doesn’t want that life for her, but he invites her to learn of the living water. She then returns to her home WITHOUT THE WATER BUCKET. She came for water and discovered Jesus. Suddenly, the water was the least of her concerns.
What things tend to distract us from meeting Jesus? What things do we need to “leave at the well” in order to refocus on him?
Jesus then explains in verses 34-38 that he is sustained by doing his Father’s will.
Can we say as an individual/as a youth group that we are sustained and filled by doing God’s work here on earth?
Reread verse 42. The people believed first because they heard someone else’s testimony. Then they met Jesus and believed for themselves.
Do you believe because you have taken the time to know God or do you believe because you have heard others talk about him? How can we experience God for ourselves?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
John 3
John 3
We start John 3 with a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Reread verse 6-8.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
In verse 8 Jesus explains that the wind blows every which way and we as humans cannot understand it or predict it. He then draws a comparison between the wind and the Holy Spirit.
How can we know when something is of the Holy Spirit vs. our own desires?
What are the fruits of the spirit? (Check out Galatians 5: 22-23)
When you are acting in line with the Holy Spirit, how should that look?
Jesus goes on to explain his mission to Nicodemus. Reread verse 16-21.
Why do we so often think God is out to get us? Where does this attitude come from?
In what ways do you want to stay in the darkness?
Finally, we see John humble himself in verse 30. We see a guy that truly “gets it”. It’s not about his success, his kingdome, or his followers. It is about doing what God tells him to do (prepare the way for Jesus).
In what ways do we need to become less so God can become more?
We start John 3 with a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Reread verse 6-8.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
In verse 8 Jesus explains that the wind blows every which way and we as humans cannot understand it or predict it. He then draws a comparison between the wind and the Holy Spirit.
How can we know when something is of the Holy Spirit vs. our own desires?
What are the fruits of the spirit? (Check out Galatians 5: 22-23)
When you are acting in line with the Holy Spirit, how should that look?
Jesus goes on to explain his mission to Nicodemus. Reread verse 16-21.
Why do we so often think God is out to get us? Where does this attitude come from?
In what ways do you want to stay in the darkness?
Finally, we see John humble himself in verse 30. We see a guy that truly “gets it”. It’s not about his success, his kingdome, or his followers. It is about doing what God tells him to do (prepare the way for Jesus).
In what ways do we need to become less so God can become more?
Friday, March 30, 2012
John 2
John 2
This was much easier to read than John 1 wasn’t it. We see two very clear stories in John 2. As you read these stories, understand there are multiple levels. First, it is real. Jesus really came here, really interacted with people, really turned water into wine, and really flipped tables at the temple. Second, we can learn God’s character through Jesus. John 1 established that Jesus is God; therefore, we can better understand the creator of the universe and what he wants for us by studying who Jesus was on earth.
When Jesus turns water into wine there are two things you can immediately notice…
1. Jesus was about excellence. He didn’t make weak wine or even the same wine that was already being served. He made great wine for the guests.
2. Verse 11 says he revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him. It took a miracle, but the disciples put their faith in Jesus when they saw something they simply couldn’t explain.
When have you seen the glory of God? Have you ever seen something that could only be explained by God’s power?
In order to see Jesus’ miracle, the disciples had to follow. Had they not followed, they never would have seen Jesus turn water into wine. Had they not seen water turned into wine, they wouldn’t have put their faith in him. We need to put our faith in God to see his miracles and as we see these miracles we can put more faith in God.
You can start small! In what ways can you trust God and put faith in him? Tithing? Sharing your faith? Standing up for what is right? Setting aside a special time for God every day?
Make it your prayer that GOD WOULD REVEAL HIS GLORY TO YOU.
In the second story, we see Jesus drive “thieves” out of God’s temple. He wants worship to be pure with no other motives. Jesus did not take God’s house lightly and was passionate about defending it.
Are your motives always pure when it comes to worshipping God? Do you worship in hopes of “having God on your side” or to let other know we are good people? How can we make worship pure?
This was much easier to read than John 1 wasn’t it. We see two very clear stories in John 2. As you read these stories, understand there are multiple levels. First, it is real. Jesus really came here, really interacted with people, really turned water into wine, and really flipped tables at the temple. Second, we can learn God’s character through Jesus. John 1 established that Jesus is God; therefore, we can better understand the creator of the universe and what he wants for us by studying who Jesus was on earth.
When Jesus turns water into wine there are two things you can immediately notice…
1. Jesus was about excellence. He didn’t make weak wine or even the same wine that was already being served. He made great wine for the guests.
2. Verse 11 says he revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him. It took a miracle, but the disciples put their faith in Jesus when they saw something they simply couldn’t explain.
When have you seen the glory of God? Have you ever seen something that could only be explained by God’s power?
In order to see Jesus’ miracle, the disciples had to follow. Had they not followed, they never would have seen Jesus turn water into wine. Had they not seen water turned into wine, they wouldn’t have put their faith in him. We need to put our faith in God to see his miracles and as we see these miracles we can put more faith in God.
You can start small! In what ways can you trust God and put faith in him? Tithing? Sharing your faith? Standing up for what is right? Setting aside a special time for God every day?
Make it your prayer that GOD WOULD REVEAL HIS GLORY TO YOU.
In the second story, we see Jesus drive “thieves” out of God’s temple. He wants worship to be pure with no other motives. Jesus did not take God’s house lightly and was passionate about defending it.
Are your motives always pure when it comes to worshipping God? Do you worship in hopes of “having God on your side” or to let other know we are good people? How can we make worship pure?
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Windows Wide Open
Are your windows open?
By: Michael Weber
Last night that was the question Curt left us with. By “windows open” we mean: Are you living out your faith for everyone to see?
Like we heard last night, a big part of living with your windows wide open is not being ashamed of your faith. It’s being able to live totally following God in any situation and not worrying about what people think, just like Daniel. The reason Daniel was able to do that was because he was consistent. If Daniel only prayed to God a couple times a month, whenever he felt like it or whenever Babylonian Idol wasn’t on TV, then there’s probably a good chance that he wouldn’t START praying when King Darius made it illegal. The same thing applies to us as well.
For us, a consistent relationship with God would include letting God speak to us during our quiet times, prayer, and Bible reading. In addition to maintaining our personal relationship with God, we must also focus daily on how we can follow God with our actions. To name a few, this would include: the way we talk to/about other people, the things we choose to do or not do in our free time, or our willingness to talk to other people about what God has done in our lives.
Now if we don’t commit to consistently maintain that relationship with God when we are alone in our room during our free time …. How will we magically start following God when we are at with people criticizing us for being “Christiany”? Think about it, if you hardly ever pray or read your Bible, what are the chances you will pray at the lunch table before you eat or read your Bible in study hall when everyone can see you? This is exactly why it is so important to be consistent. It won’t happen overnight, but we need to start working toward that consistent relationship with God. Eventually we won’t even have to think about it when we are around other people; following God won’t have to be a tough choice, it will just be what we ALWAYS do.
Take some time and think about each of these questions:
(Write down your answers and remind yourself this week what you want to work on)
1) What do I do to maintain my relationship with God?
2) What are some actions that I choose to do or don’t do because I am trying to follow God?
3) What are some things I need to do more consistently?
4) Am I living with my “windows open” no matter where I am?
5) What are some things that keep me from being consistent?
6) How can I overcome these barriers?
By: Michael Weber
Last night that was the question Curt left us with. By “windows open” we mean: Are you living out your faith for everyone to see?
Like we heard last night, a big part of living with your windows wide open is not being ashamed of your faith. It’s being able to live totally following God in any situation and not worrying about what people think, just like Daniel. The reason Daniel was able to do that was because he was consistent. If Daniel only prayed to God a couple times a month, whenever he felt like it or whenever Babylonian Idol wasn’t on TV, then there’s probably a good chance that he wouldn’t START praying when King Darius made it illegal. The same thing applies to us as well.
For us, a consistent relationship with God would include letting God speak to us during our quiet times, prayer, and Bible reading. In addition to maintaining our personal relationship with God, we must also focus daily on how we can follow God with our actions. To name a few, this would include: the way we talk to/about other people, the things we choose to do or not do in our free time, or our willingness to talk to other people about what God has done in our lives.
Now if we don’t commit to consistently maintain that relationship with God when we are alone in our room during our free time …. How will we magically start following God when we are at with people criticizing us for being “Christiany”? Think about it, if you hardly ever pray or read your Bible, what are the chances you will pray at the lunch table before you eat or read your Bible in study hall when everyone can see you? This is exactly why it is so important to be consistent. It won’t happen overnight, but we need to start working toward that consistent relationship with God. Eventually we won’t even have to think about it when we are around other people; following God won’t have to be a tough choice, it will just be what we ALWAYS do.
Take some time and think about each of these questions:
(Write down your answers and remind yourself this week what you want to work on)
1) What do I do to maintain my relationship with God?
2) What are some actions that I choose to do or don’t do because I am trying to follow God?
3) What are some things I need to do more consistently?
4) Am I living with my “windows open” no matter where I am?
5) What are some things that keep me from being consistent?
6) How can I overcome these barriers?
John 1 Devo
John 1
Okay, anyone else saying what in the world is going on? Please know before you get frustrated and give up you are reading through the TOUGHEST PART OF JOHN in verses 1-18. DO NOT GIVE UP HERE. In summary, verses 1-18 establish that Jesus is the Word, he is God, he is a separate entity (being) from God, he is the way to eternal life, and when you receive him you have the right to be a child of God. If you want to dig in and really study these verses you can check out the Blog post Is Jesus God on this site, but that is as far as we will go on this devotion.
In verses 19-28 we see John struggling to let others know he is not Jesus. John is clear that he cannot save anyone, he is not THE light, and he cannot give someone the Holy Spirit. He is the table setter preparing the way for Jesus. We need to acknowledge that we, like John, can save no one. We can’t make someone meet God and we are not the leaders. GOD IS. We are not the shepherd, we are the watch dogs running around in circles trying to help the sheep look at the shepherd. God is the shepherd, we are just watch dogs.
Do you ever get over focused on the watch dog and lose focus of the shepherd? Do we ever try to impress others with our faith? Parents, pastors, friends, girlfriend/boyfriend? Take this time to refocus on God over anyone else.
Reread verse 29. What does this mean? Why/How would the Son of God (Jesus) do this?
Jesus calls on Simon and names him Peter (rock). As you will see, Peter is anything but a rock. He doesn’t think, he is over anxious, he lacks wisdom, and even unfaithful. However, when Jesus dies Peter pick up the baton and helps start the first churches that follow Christ. Even though Peter was a mess, Jesus always had a plan for him.
Do you know that God has a PLAN FOR YOU?
As you follow Jesus that plan becomes more clear and attainable. ARE YOU OPEN TO GOD’S PLAN?
We also see the calling of Nathanael. I love that Nathanael doesn’t believe and then something simple like Jesus saw him under a fig tree instantly turns him around. Jesus basically says, “Why do you believe in me because I saw you under a tree? I could have just been using binoculars! You have seen nothing.” Jesus tells Nathanael he will see great things when he follows. We also see our second title for Jesus: “Son of Man”.
In what ways have you seen God do great things? If you are struggling to answer this, in what ways have you truly followed him?
As we commit to truly following Christ in our day to day walks, in what ways do you want to see God show up? This is not get a raise when you skip work, find a new girlfriend when you don’t shower, or get a great grade when you didn’t study. What ways do you want to see God show up for his kingdom?
The disciples had Jesus to follow, but how can we follow God in our lives? What is God calling you to do for Him?
THANKS FOR READING GUYS AND GALS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE BLOG OR IF IT IS PERSONAL YOU CAN FACEBOOK ME AT WILLIAM KRANZ.
Okay, anyone else saying what in the world is going on? Please know before you get frustrated and give up you are reading through the TOUGHEST PART OF JOHN in verses 1-18. DO NOT GIVE UP HERE. In summary, verses 1-18 establish that Jesus is the Word, he is God, he is a separate entity (being) from God, he is the way to eternal life, and when you receive him you have the right to be a child of God. If you want to dig in and really study these verses you can check out the Blog post Is Jesus God on this site, but that is as far as we will go on this devotion.
In verses 19-28 we see John struggling to let others know he is not Jesus. John is clear that he cannot save anyone, he is not THE light, and he cannot give someone the Holy Spirit. He is the table setter preparing the way for Jesus. We need to acknowledge that we, like John, can save no one. We can’t make someone meet God and we are not the leaders. GOD IS. We are not the shepherd, we are the watch dogs running around in circles trying to help the sheep look at the shepherd. God is the shepherd, we are just watch dogs.
Do you ever get over focused on the watch dog and lose focus of the shepherd? Do we ever try to impress others with our faith? Parents, pastors, friends, girlfriend/boyfriend? Take this time to refocus on God over anyone else.
Reread verse 29. What does this mean? Why/How would the Son of God (Jesus) do this?
Jesus calls on Simon and names him Peter (rock). As you will see, Peter is anything but a rock. He doesn’t think, he is over anxious, he lacks wisdom, and even unfaithful. However, when Jesus dies Peter pick up the baton and helps start the first churches that follow Christ. Even though Peter was a mess, Jesus always had a plan for him.
Do you know that God has a PLAN FOR YOU?
As you follow Jesus that plan becomes more clear and attainable. ARE YOU OPEN TO GOD’S PLAN?
We also see the calling of Nathanael. I love that Nathanael doesn’t believe and then something simple like Jesus saw him under a fig tree instantly turns him around. Jesus basically says, “Why do you believe in me because I saw you under a tree? I could have just been using binoculars! You have seen nothing.” Jesus tells Nathanael he will see great things when he follows. We also see our second title for Jesus: “Son of Man”.
In what ways have you seen God do great things? If you are struggling to answer this, in what ways have you truly followed him?
As we commit to truly following Christ in our day to day walks, in what ways do you want to see God show up? This is not get a raise when you skip work, find a new girlfriend when you don’t shower, or get a great grade when you didn’t study. What ways do you want to see God show up for his kingdom?
The disciples had Jesus to follow, but how can we follow God in our lives? What is God calling you to do for Him?
THANKS FOR READING GUYS AND GALS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE BLOG OR IF IT IS PERSONAL YOU CAN FACEBOOK ME AT WILLIAM KRANZ.
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