The Connection HisWay Church
One Church, One Body in Jesus Christ
John's Devotional
Devotionals Inspired by God's Living Word
Dear reader,
We encourage you to be in the word growing in your understanding of God's amazing living word. If there is a spacific scripture you would like John to share in please goto our contact page and send us an email.
Thank you for your feed back
Pastor John
BE CHRIST CENTERED and SHARE YOUR HEART FOR GOD'S WORD
On this page John will be reflecting on the lessons of God's word in his heart as the Holy Spirit, leads and encourages the Connection in Love for ourselves, and others! We look forward to your interaction with encouragement, discernment, and love through the Holy Spirit, leading those who do not know Christ and his glorious salvation, and eternal life with the Father
Pray
Home is where the heart is, and I am home in Christ, who
redeemed me, and poured out His blood to cleanse me of
my sin. Home is where the Holy spirit dwells in us, our hearts
filled up with the spirit of truth. Amazing is His love for us.
I am so grateful for Him, as I see Him in the work being done
in those who serve our Lord. So many times, we, as leaders
take for granted those who serve with us. I feel so secure in
knowing, those who serve alongside me are never lost, and
neither am I, because we together form one unit, the body of
Christ, and He is the great Shepherd!
So here I am, haven't written in my devotional since November 2014, and I apologize for not doing so, even if it’s only me writing to My Father God. To all who do read these devotions I'm sorry for my actions or, no actions, however we may look at it, and I have no excuse, so please forgive me. Much has happened since 2014, and ministry life is moving faster than ever with much to do. Thankfully God has provided the provisions, and humble servants, to maintain the tasks set before us.
We have moved, 3 times, merged with His Way ministries, purchased a building, and are currently restructuring our paradigm to facilitate the actual needs of the church body and the community around us, to better serve to encourage not enable, meet the needs of those who desire a hand up not a handout. To draw churches to unity in the body of Christ to further the vision of God's Glory of unification, One Shepherd, One Teacher One Hope, One Flock! Forever and ever.
I know it is every churches hope to lead as many people to salvation, and lead them to a relationship with the Father, we believe unity will provide the means for all to come without reservation, knowing that we all stand as one to love and encourage each other, instead of being divided over trivial human differences, which hinders the greatest command to Love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our minds, and all our souls, and the second to love others as ourselves. Christ is the same, yesterday, today
And Forever, Blessings to all
Pray
'I Love You Lord"
Read John 21
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2021&version=NASB
How often do we proclaim that we Love the Lord?
We wake up, get up go to work carry on through the hustle and bustle of the day. Have we learned to put him first? In This passage of John this event happened after the resurrection. Jesus was making a point to them to keep their faith and not only trust in him but to start with him first in ALL WE do! The illustration of Jesus making them breakfast is a great example to the Loving relationship of him always being there, it is up to us to show that Love we have for Him. How do we do that?
You will long for personal communion with God.
“My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you. In this parched and weary land where there is no water, your unfailing love is better to me than life itself” Psalm 63:1, 3 (NLT).
You will love the things that God loves. You should love the Word of God. Job said, “I have
esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
You will love other Christians.
1 John 3:14 says, “If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it
proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead.
Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know
murderers don’t have eternal life within them” (NLT).
You will hate the things that God hates.
You should hate those things that are offensive to God.
His nature is becoming your nature. God hates sin. You should do the same.
You will long for the return of Jesus Christ.
You live in a sense of readiness to meet Christ. If
Jesus comes back tonight, you say you are ready. If Jesus comes back a month from now, or 10
years from now, that is up to Him. Only He knows the day or the hour, and you are looking
forward to it.
You will keep His commandments.
In John 14:21 Jesus said, “He who has My commandments
and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I
will love Him” (NASB).
Don’t underestimate or overestimate how strong your faith is. God will give you what you need when you need it. We should trust in Him.
God can do a little with a lot. He wants us to use what we have so we can participate in His working. He takes what we have and uses it.
God wants to reach a lost world, and He chooses to reach people through people.
Father God thank you for always being there for me when I doubt, Thank you for your example of Love, may all your children grow closer to you each passing day and grow in that Love so we become a strong united church and may all your grace and glory be reveiled so the whole world can come to know and show your unconditional Love. AMEN
Pray
"FOR THIS YOU WERE CALLED"
1 Peter 2:21
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:"
NKJV
None of us likes to suffer. There is nothing pleasant about struggling with difficult people or dealing with persecution for your faith. Yet, the Christian is not one that can really be separated from suffering. In 1 Peter, the apostle calls believers to patiently endure harsh treatment from their authority. He was speaking to slaves about masters, but we would understand it better in terms of employee and employer.
Why would God call us to suffer under another person's authority? It could be for many reasons, but the main one is that our patient, loving endurance during those times can be used of God to bring that person to Christ. When we act in love despite being faced with hate, we declare to the world that we are different. This causes people to consider the words we say and the message of hope we speak. In reality, our loving suffering may be the tool God uses to save a soul. That may be hard to imagine, but our God is no stranger to using difficulties to produce deliverance. This is illustrated best in the life of Jesus. He suffered under the authority of man, even to death, and yet it was for our salvation. Now He calls us to endure so that others may see Christ in us.
Life Lesson: We should follow the steps of Jesus, being willing to suffer for the sake of others.
Dear God,
I admit that I do not enjoy suffering, especially because of those around me, yet I ask that You would use my life in those situations to display Your love and grace. Give me the power through Your Holy Spirit to show love and not hate. Help me to be willing to endure rather than fight back. Thank You for the gift of everlasting life that was purchased on the cross. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Romans 13:6 (NIV)
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
We the people are the church! not a building, nor a title, not a religious order, based upon human doctrines, we are the Church (the bride of Christ).
Acts 16:31(NIV)
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Believers are the Church. We live in a fallen world, filled with unbelief, and darkness. We are the Church, commanded by Christ to make disciples, to shine a light in the darkness, yet we huddle in the buildings, seeking refuge instead of realizing the world belongs to God and, we can make the difference, by living each moment for God. Why do we pay taxes? Because that is an act of worship to God. We are to provide for the authorities, so that they can provide for themselves. We pay their wages, so they provide services to benefit us.
Our very existence is Church, our everyday lives is Church, paying taxes, grocery shopping, social events, driving, working, playing, dealing with our problems, and dealing with the needs of others is Church. From the time you wake, until the very time you sleep forever its Church. Church is all around you.
Church is life, so live it to the fullness of Christ in you.
Pray
Your in control Father,
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Mark 12:30-32 (NIV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Luke 10:27, Matthew 12:37-39.
Amazing that each Gospel states the same commands, to LOVE.
Why bring love into the carrying the burdens of others? We forget sometimes, That loving someone means sacrificing yourself to the needs of others, as well as sharing your own burdens with others. Give, and take is all inclusive, can't have one without the other. Christ died for all of us, showing his unconditional love, dying for the burdens of others, our sins, a death he accepted on our behalf, bearing our shame, dealing with our pain, and loving us even as he breathed His last breath.
Yet here we are, holding on to our burdens, chained to them, and unable to get free, even after all Christ has done. Not only do we hold on to our own , but we turn away those burdened. We're just too busy, trying to deal with our own issues, instead of sharing in the law given to us, through Christ," To love one another ".
We will suffer, be hated, be persecuted, and even die for believing in, knowing, living, and loving the name of Jesus, and yet with all this we still follow Him. We as followers then, we should consider others, before ourselves, dealing with burdens, issues, addictions, trials, and transgressions. We are all "Works in progress," so let's work together in resolving our burdens, and love each other to the fullness of Christ.
In Him be the Glory Forever.
Pray
Psalms 25:14-15 (NIV)
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
The Lord confides in those who fear him. But what does that mean exactly? The dictionary defines confides, to impart secrets trustfully/ discuss private matters or problems. Answers.com defines it to tell someone something, and be able to trust them with information that’s been given to them.
Those who fear the Lord, meaning those who obey, trust, believe, and love Him with faithfulness, He confides in. Is this you or me? You see, He makes His promises(covenant) with those who do. King David said, his eyes were ever on the Lord. Ever is always, not just Sundays or during small group, bible study, or church gatherings, its all the time. God is good, all the time. how could we know, unless we spend all the time with Him. Live are every day existence with Him in our minds, heart, and soul, and He confides in us, giving to us the promise of eternal life with Him, Through Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, that gives us the strength to endure the obstacles of this world, thus through Him we are released from the snares that bind our feet. Because only He can, we are too weak in our flesh(sin). God put trust/confides in us! WOW!! Let's not lose that trust. Remain steadfast, stay the course, allow Him to work in you, through you, around you daily, and LIVE with Him always.
May the peace of the Lord
enrich, and surround you,
Pray
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
We receive life everlasting, with the everlasting God.
It’s so amazing to think, as broken, and sinful as we are, we can find rest in Him, and salvation through Christ, who saved us from Death, (for the wages of sin is death). We praise you Father for the opportunity to serve the living God, who is merciful, gracious, and loves us unconditionally. Our Hope is in you God, the Father of all creation; we give you thanks, and all the Glory, forever and ever.
So, my question to all of you, is this; DO YOU BELIEVE?
If you choose to believe, remember to repent (turn away) from your sins, forgive others, love God, know the Son, receive the gift of the Holy spirit.
be renewed, for through Christ we find freedom, and love everyone, as you love yourself.
May the peace in knowing our Lord give you Strength, and encouragement
Pray
Romans 16:3-4
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."
NKJV
Paul not only won souls but also made friends. Throughout his ministry, Paul demonstrated great kindness toward others and exhorted others to treat one another well. He gathered around himself some true friends... friends who were not only willing to exchange kindness one-for-one with him, but they were willing to lay down their time, finances and even lives sacrificially to help Paul. These were not here today gone tomorrow friends, but were true friends in every meaning of the word. We should be like that with one another.
I am reminded of a story about a young Private First Class in the United States Army during the brutal fighting of World War II. In the midst of a skirmish, the unit had been forced to retreat due to heavy gunfire and was pinned down in the trenches. His best friend had been hit in the exchange and the unit retreated so fast he was left behind lying in the field. The young soldier could see his friend and began to climb out of the trench to get him. His Sergeant stopped him saying, "Son, your friend is gut shot. That means he is going to die. There is nothing you can do for him, and if you go out there, you will die as well. We do not need to lose two soldiers today." The private looked his Sergeant in the eye, set his jaw and scrambled out of the trench. Reaching his buddy, he too took a bullet in the belly but managed to pull his friend back to the trench. His buddy was dead. The Sergeant looked at his friend and looked at the private and said, "Son, your friend is dead and now you are going to die. Was it worth it?" The young soldier looked down at his own wound then looked up and said, "Sir, yes sir, it was worth it, because when I got there, my friend looked at me and said, 'I knew you would come."
Church is not a building; it is a group of people who are serving side by side in the army of God. Sometimes we get wounded, and sometimes we see another get wounded. The battles can be heavy and at times, the potential for hurt can be great. Are you the kind of friend that soldier was?
Life Lesson: We should want to treat other people better than we do now.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You that Your love was so great for me that You died for me. Lord, give me the courage to step into the gap for others. Putting aside all fear and selfishness, allow me the opportunity to come along side of someone in their time of need. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Pray
Hebrews 10
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10&version=NKJV
Read this Chapter and let me know your thoughts?
Iron Sharpens Iron!
Is there a scripture you would like me to share?
I would Love to hear from you!
Contact us
Pray
1 John 2:1 (NIV)
2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
John, the apostle of Love, calls out to the Children of God, to shed light on the troubles we feel, and face in our sin. He asks us not to sin, but knows that we all fall short, and that we are of a sinful nature. We often, if not always feel ashamed of it, and tend to back away from the presents of God, because of the humiliation we feel, (at least I know I've done it) John, lovingly guides us to the wonderful answer, Jesus. Jesus Christ died for our sins, cleansed us with his blood, paid for you, and me, so that we could be free of this shame, but only if you believe him.
Ask yourself, do I believe him. Not just in him, but actually believe what he said, what he did, how he did it, why he did it, and did he do it for us. You see family, if we trust and, believe Him, we are saved, and the sins you"ve committed are already forgiven, because as John put it " we have an advocate in the Father, Christ Jesus- The righteous One". He came to save us all, and Yes, that includes you (if you believe). He came down from Heaven, taught us how to live, then he suffered for us, and died for all our sins. He was buried, but on the third day he rose, conquering death, he showed us life after death, then he ascended to Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
John clearly spells out the Grace, and mercy found in Christ through The Father, and he wants us to know we are forgiven, for if we aren't or if we are doubting Christ, and if sin has a hold on us, we will be imprisoned by it forever. For the wages of sin is death.
Be free of sin, and embrace our advocate, which is Christ in you
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Pray
Romans 15:1 (NIV)
15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Please find the time to read all of this chapter (Romans 15)
Many of us struggle with this, but if we are in Christ, and Christ in us, we shouldn't have a problem lifting up our weaker family members, yet we still struggle, why?
Our very nature, causes us to perform in a matter of competitiveness. The strong survive, the weak do not.
This is not God's intent, more so he does his best work, in our weakest moments. You see God sent his only son Jesus to the earth to save us, yet not only the strong, the weak as well. He didn’t have to come, God is God, the creator of everything, yet he humbled himself to be a servant, and savior to an undeserving world. We claim the right to be Christ followers, prove it, how? by the very essence, that is Christ in you. We need to rethink all worldly ways, and embrace the truth, which is the word of God. This very example show us how we should bear with the failings of the weak! Christ(All Powerful) died for you.
You see, we are all weak, or there will always be someone stronger. Do unto others as you would have done to you.
Romans 15:7(NIV)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Remember we all serve a purpose, God loves each of us, and desires a relationship with all of us. We need to do the same, Love one another, help each other. praise God together, and spend life eternal together.
May the Father Bless you.
Pray
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
Paul is advising the Thessalonians not to be idle, or in more common terms lazy. Instead of waiting for something to happen, Make it happen. It says that the farmer deserves the first of his crops, why? because he worked for it. A church that works together, shows the body of Christ in motion, and shines the light in a dark world, but a church that remains idle, will loose itself to a dark world.
Make a difference, in your life, in your marriages, in your finances, in your health, in your church, and in your relationship with Our Father, and stop being idle (LAZY). All we do takes work, and if you want to change the world, your environment, your leadership, your churches, your walk with God: well, it starts with each one of you. (AND ME) Stop thinking the others will do it, and just do it. We as Christians need to start encouraging work ethics, in all believers, and stop enabling the ones who remain idle. In order to have a functioning body( Body Of Christ) all it parts must perform its duties, otherwise it falters, or becomes sick, and even worse, disabled, unable to move or function at all.
Accountability ,first for yourselves, then to assist your fellow believers. It starts with you, make the difference, watch as changes occur, miracles happen, and growth prevail in your lives. Commit to the Lord, all you do ,and you will succeed. Lets go to work.
Peace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Pray
If you don't feel like you're getting the love you should get, then maybe you should ask yourself if you're giving the love you should give.
Too often we look only at what other people are doing for us instead of what we are doing for them. However, the Bible instructs us to look out for the needs of one another, to look for ways to serve others, and to walk in love with each other. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. "Love is so important, because every person needs love. People in the world are hungry for love; they're looking for a source of real, genuine love. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that What a man desires is unfailing love. We, as Christians, have an opportunity to give that love, which the world desperately desires. So instead of wondering why you're not getting the love you should get, decide to give the love you should give.
We can be joyful at all times not because we are spared affliction but because we are completely satisfied in Christ.
Jesus promises that we will suffer. In Matthew 10:17-18, Jesus warns his followers, "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles." Although that quote may seem distant or irrelevant to Christians today, the point remains that, in the words of Christ, "if the head of the house [Jesus himself] has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!"Not only does Jesus promise that believers must suffer, the Apostle Paul assures us that the path to being an heir of God demands sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Romans 8:17). Similarly, Paul writes this to those in the church at Philippi: it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him (Philippians1:29).Clearly, we, as Christians, will not be spared affliction. (In addition to the Scriptures above, see Acts 9:15-16, Philippians 3:10-11, and 1 Timothy 1:8-9.)Despite being assured affliction and suffering, Christ-followers can be joyful nonetheless.We can be joyful not by creating a bubbly-faced facade of happiness to hide reality but rather by confidently knowing that, in the face of immense sin and suffering, we are secure in Christ. Why fear and be saddened by those who can only kill the body when you're protected by Him who can keep you from hell (Luke 12:4-7)? Or, to put it positively, rejoice that you have received the Holy Spirit, who guarantees your eternal salvation—and thus, your eternal joy (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).The faith that justifies is the very same faith that satisfies. Saving faith satisfies us by weaning us from the short-lived satisfaction of sin to ultimate satisfaction in Christ.Thus, despite the fact that suffering will come even—or, perhaps, especially—to us who profess faith in Christ, we can have great joy not because we are spared affliction but because we are completely satisfied in Christ.
Pray
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Matthew 15:11 (NIV)
What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Hello! this is an eye opener. So often we speak before thinking, how its effects the person we're confronting, and the people around them. Lashing out, and degrading people is wrong, we all know this, but we do it anyway. My mother use to say " think before you say something", the Bible says to hold your thoughts captive. This allows you time to process and, discern your thoughts, before you react to a situation where you may defile yourself, and hurt the person
your confronting. Better for us to uplift one another, and both save face, in God's sight. Remember, we are all part of something greater than ourselves, we are the body of Christ, so uplift brothers and sisters, show love, compassion, and be Christ like in your speech.
Pray
Romans 3:23(NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
All fall short, not some ,not just you, no, we all fall short.
This is the passage to remember when, we Christians struggle, and are questioned by non-believers. They expect us to be above reproach, and yes we should be, but sometimes we fall short, God sent his son for this very reason, to save the world, and this is a great time to reflect with non-believers, who may criticize your actions. Explain your short comings, and that you, like they, are a work in progress. We all fall short of God's Glory. Bringing a non-believer to the understanding that we, like him are sinners, may open the door for God's love and salvation. We have the wonderful gift of grace, mercy, and are forgiven because of Jesus Christ our Savior. Can they say the same? They can, but it takes a little spark to fan the flame. In the midst of adversity, we yield to our faith, not the sinner in us.(flesh)
Christ be with you Always
Pray
James 1:2-3
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kind, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Perseverance definition, steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a
state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Wow! So we embark on our journey, as believers, we face difficulties, obstacles, and, heres a biggie, discouragement. Its amazing to think that many Christians think they won't have to face these issues, or deal with trials, as they occur, but the fact is we not only have to face them, we need to be thankful, and joyful as we go through our trials. Despite all difficulties
we must remain steadfast in our faith. This is a growth process, that gives us purpose, hope, direction, and encourages us to move forward no matter the circumstances. "Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven".
Perseverance!!, "Steady now" Faithful Believers.
Go and be a Blessing, in Christ Jesus,
Pray
1 John 4:16 (NIV)
And so we know, and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Many times during our wonderful reunions, I've talked about, how do we get closer to our Father. The answers are so clear, if you remain in him, and in the Word( which is Christ) you'll discover the joy of releasing yourself to the Holy Spirit, and following a true and, lasting relationship with Him. By loving yourself more, you soon feel the Father in you, and your Love will grow, and soon you'll everyone will see the wonderful re-born, re-stored, re-furbished, re-plenished, re-kindled, reconciled YOU. God's love shines in those who send this love outwardly to others.
So go, and make disciples, this is what Jesus commands us to do. See now how easy it is. Just love on someone, or show it in your actions. We are all God's children, and if God is Love, living in us, we are the image of Him, thus give yourselves, and others the joy of your love today.
Blessing, and love in Christ Jesus.
Pray
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
God shows us that when we, Trust, hope and Love Him, we can be renewed, strong and won't be weary.
We walk in His Glorious light. Refreshed by the Holy Spirit we will not tire of our walk, but feel His presence in us, through us, and around us. He stands before us in majesty, power, honor and Glory, giving us Grace Mercy, and Unconditional Love. " For if God is with us , who can stand against us.
How is your walk with God?
Pray
look forward to
hearing from you
JESUS IS LORD