Today we are reading John 2. In this chapter we read about the miracle at the wedding in Cana. “On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. ‭‭John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why do you think Jesus chose to do this miracle? How did this miracle serve the Gospel? Who do you usually see at a wedding and how might this be an important start to Jesus’ public ministry? How do you demonstrate your faith publicly? Pastor Tim

Today we are reading John 1. In this chapter we read about “the Word become flesh”. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ John has a unique way to tell the story of Jesus. We don’t see the birth narrative. We don’t read anything about Mary or Joseph. This is especially interesting since John had been charged with caring for Mary. Why do you think he wrote the way he did? If you were reading the Bible for the first time and this was your first book and chapter, what would you conclude? May God bless you to tell the story of Jesus! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 16. In this chapter we read Paul’s farewell greeting to the church in Rome. “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭20‬, ‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How would you summarize this greeting? Does Paul give advice? Does Paul give encouragement? Does Paul give praise? How do you conclude your messages? Paul views these people as his spiritual children. When you communicate to your children, what kind of support do you offer? May God use you as an encourager today! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 15. In this chapter we read about Paul’s intended trip to Rome and Spain. “This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬-‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Paul’s travel plans are all about his mission work. What is the purpose behind your travels? Imagine if you were consumed with preaching the Gospel and did so every time you traveled! How would your trips be different? Who do you think would be impacted the most? May God direct all your plans! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 14. In this chapter we read about individuality in expressions of faith. “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Have you ever been at a church that was really different from what you were used to? How did you react? What were your “take-aways”? My general rule is that if God is blessing their ministry then there is probably a lot I can learn from them. Different is not the same as wrong. May God teach you something new today. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 13. In this chapter we read about subjection to authority. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why is it hard for us to be subject to some authorities and easy for others? What explanation do you give when you don’t want to be subject to an authority? What debts do you have? How does God want you to handle what you owe? What are the blessings of obedience? May God give you a peaceful spirit. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 12. In this chapter we read about living a Christian life. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬ when you read these words, which part is the most difficult to live by? We don’t want to have enemies but sometimes there are people who are against you or speak negatively about you. What should you do? Be humble. Leave the battle in God’s hands. God is more than able to handle any situation. God bless you in all your relationships. Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 11. In this chapter we read about the mystery of God’s mercy. “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why has God shown you mercy? Where do the Jews, God’s chosen people, stand with regard to salvation? The fact that makes things clear is this: There is one name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved—Jesus. No Jesus, no salvation. So, ethnicity is not the main thing, Jesus is the main thing. May you be filled with the joy of your salvation! Pastor Tim

Today we are reading Romans 10. In this chapter we read about how important it is for us to preach and teach the word of God. “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭10‬, ‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Our faith must be shown in our actions but that alone is not enough. We must clearly articulate the message of the Gospel so people can be brought to salvation through faith in Jesus. You have likely known that message your entire life. When do you most often find an opportunity to speak your faith? May your words and your actions give glory to Jesus! Pastor Tim