John 3:16

God loved the people of the world so much that he was wiling to sacrifice his only Son. His love was so great that it compelled him to send Jesus to die upon the cross in our place for our sin. The cross is where we see the fullness of God's love; a demonstration of his love. Out of love God gave his greatest gift. The second half of the verse is the benefit for those who believe: should not perish but have eternal life. Those who do not believe continue in their sin into eternal suffering, but for those who believe, God rescues from eternal death and gives them eternal life.

This is probably the most well known verse in the Bible and as a result it is often used out of context as a means to win converts. Have you really considered what John said before and after this verse. Have you really considered the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in verse 1 through 21? Do you realize that the demons believe but do not have eternal life and that Jesus explains, in Matthew 7:21-23, that many people say they believe but do not have eternal life. Many have used John 3:16 to convince people to believe and pray the sinners prayer only to deceive them into thinking they are saved. Please be careful how you use this verse. Salvation is a work of God in the heart; it is not from a convincing argument.

Micah 6:8

What is it that God has told us that in his view is good and what are his requirements for us? He list three things: Do justice, Love kindness, Walk humbly with God.

Do justice: doing that which is just; behaving to what is morally right and fair; treating people in a way that is considered morally right, reasonable or proper.

Love kindness: being kind; having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature; showing a tender, considerate, and helpful nature.

Walk humbly with God: the act of being humble; having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance; our value and importance is rooted in God who we walk with.

Who can we look to as a role mode;? As I write and post Bible studies from the Gospel of John, I find Jesus to be the one we are to become like.

Revelation 13:8

When I read this verse I had to stop and think and ask who are the ones who worship the beast? Those who names were not written in the book of life. When are names written in the book of life? They are written in the book before the foundation of the world. What is the significance of the names written in the book of life? Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:4 that before the foundation of the world, God the Father chose us in [Christ]. It appears that the names in the book of life are the ones the Father will cause to be born again (1 Peter 1:3). Those are the ones who will not worship the beast and as a result will be overcome by it (Revelation 13:7).

Galatians 2:20

Being crucified with Christ is the process of being broken. It is through this brokenness that Christ lives in me giving me victory over my enemy. It is through this brokenness that I become like Jesus and through this brokenness I can become someone's blessing. As Jesus was broken for me I am to be broken for others. This is so contrary to the pride that rules our lives in the world and results in such bitter conflict.

Hosea 10:12

This verse instructs me to do three things: Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness, Break up [my] fallow ground. Notice the relationship between sow and righteousness, reap and kindness, and break up and fallow ground. Why is it important to do this? Because it is time to seek the Lord to enjoy his rain of righteousness. How we live is an important matter for us and God.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness are great reasons to love and serve the Lord.

Psalm 25:4 - 5

We need to quiet ourselves before the Lord and think about the importance of what is being said in these verses and then sincerely pray them back to the Lord.

Psalm 28:7

A great verse to start the day with. As I go through the day I know the Lord will strengthen and protect me, but my response is to trust him with all of my heart. He rescued me from my journey to hell and put me on the path to eternity with him and filled my heart with joy. How can I not sing to him in gratitude?

Psalm 119:105

One should intentionally study the word for better daily living (a lamp to my feet) and better direction into the future (a light to my path). As we study and meditate on the word we receive nourishment for travel along the path.

Psalm 141:3

There are times when the mouth seems to have a mind of its own and says things I don't want said. It is a constant struggle between saying words that lift up the Lord and words that lift up self. With the Lord's help there is progress.

Psalm 139:23 - 24

How willing are we to ask God to search our heart for that which shouldn't be there and then expose it? How willing are we to allow God to deal with what he finds so that we live in a way pleasing to him?

Psalm 119:71

Before us our culture has two attractive idols that share worship with God by many Christians. These idols are comfort and safety. As we seek comfort and safety we are not able to embrace affliction and learn from God as we should. There is much evidence in Scripture that spiritual growth comes with the passing of time and suffering.

Psalm 119:33 - 37

Five special verses that can be formed into a prayer for today. Pray about each of the five: teach me, give me understanding, lead me, incline my heart, and turn my eyes.

Psalm 119:9, 11

The best way for a young man, or any person, to stay pure is to use the word as a guard and the best way to have the word available is have it stored in your heart.

Psalm 118:28 - 29

What joy it gives me to know that the God I have given my life to is good and that his loving kindness is everlasting. For that I give thanks and extol him.

Psalm 107:1

Thank you for the living hope we have in Jesus Christ that we will be able to enjoy your goodness and love forever.

Psalm 100:3-5

Psalm 100 is so rich. Don't just glance at the verses posted; read them carefully and take with you a special blessing for your day.

James 1:2-4

A Christian psychologist once said, "Growth and maturity only come with the passing of time and the presence of struggle." Compare this saying with what James said. What do you think?

Psalm 86:5 - 7

Consider, from these verses, all the Lord provides us with. It sure draws my heart to him.

Psalm 70:4

How much do we love our salvation? Does that love stimulate us to share God's greatness with others?

Romans 8:11

There is much evidence that God raised Jesus from the dead and we who have the Spirit living within us will likewise be raised. That is a uniqueness of Christianity. Jesus is the only person to ever live a perfect life and then die for our sin. Have you received the gift of life from Jesus?

John 14:1 - 3

Several summers ago Michele was in Michigan and went for her morning run on the same road I used to run on each day when she was just a child and I was not much older than she is now.

Psalm 34:13 - 14

Good advice when life becomes difficult and our sinful nature wants to take over.

Psalm 27:1

This verse stood out during my devotional time this morning.

Psalm 25:4 - 5

A special text to mediate on this Lord's day.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Do you have faith that is validated by works, a love that labors to meet the needs of others, and a hope that is steadfast in your walk with the Lord?

1 Corinthians 1:18

This verse kinda divides the population into two groups.

John 1:1

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