"He had to go through Samaria on the way."
John 4:4
John 4:4
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Sometimes a God moment may:
- Take us somewhere we would not ordinarily go. (V4)
- Have us do something we would not ordinarily do. (V7-9)
- Say something we would not ordinarily say (V9-23) When we open our mouth, the Holy Spirit fills it.
- Lead us to respond in ways we would not ordinarily respond.(V28-29)
Something New:
This is the nourishment I need-doing the will of God and finishing His work!
Luke 3:20 What other sins did John have?
I believe therefore I should not fear coming in the light. (3:20)
Something to Do:
Seize my God-Moments! Be ready sow or harvest.
21 Comments:
Good morning gigs.
Wendy between you and me and everyone else, smile, today we are on day 271.
I know I haven't commented lately but I have been so tired for the past week. I am excited that we are in the New Testament.
I love the book of John. Today there was so many good nuggets. I enjoyed chapter 3 about Nicodemus. What got me to thinking was chapter 4 verses 20-26 about worshiping God. We don't a specific place to worship God but we do need to worship him in spirit and in truth. I do believe it's important for us to gather together with other believers in our individual churches but I also believe that I can worship God right in my own apartment.
For a few weeks on and off my right leg has been a little sore. I don't know why but I hope it has nothing to do with the cholesterol medication I'm on.
I have a praise report. I had told you all about the problems my dad had with a car he had bought in August. I told you how he took it back to where he got it from. They didn't give him a big problem with returning the car and they refunded his money. He has finally found a new car that he likes. He's going to go and test drive it today. He told me that through all the trials he has had this summer he thought about Job. He doesn't understand why God would look out for him when there are worse things going on in the world. I told him that I've been praying about this car situation.
Dear Tina and Claire,
My prayers are with you. Grace and Peace prayed a beautiful one, and I join my voice with hers.
Heavenly Father, Yahweh Shalom, please bring peace and comfort to Claire and to Tina as they make it through the night. Calm them with Your unfailing love and unfailing faithfulness. Jahova Rapha, God who heals, lay your healing hand upon Claire and take away her pain and her affliction. Wipe the tears from her eyes and give her rest. We know there is nothing too hard for You and we know that Your plan is perfect. Fill us with trust in You to lead Tina and Claire on the path You have chosen for them. Thank you that we have the privilege to lift our voices in prayer for them, "for where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." Jesus, in Your Name I pray, AMEN.
Michelle, congratulations on finding a church home! I pray that you will find your comfort there!
Jennifer Renee, it is nice to see your name above mine again. Welcome back and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Morgen, thank you for this children's sermon illustration yesterday! So simple and yet so profound!
Joy! Nice to see your name and your face sister! Glad you could join us again.
Wendy, I have listened to your vlog and it is right on again! I have a lot to say about today's reading and I will post again on some specific points, but in case I run out of time, I wanted to post this first.
Be blessed today,
Karen, Basel
On to today's reading. I was struck by water as it is revealed today. First, John 3:5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit."
I went back and looked up "water, repentance" as referenced and came up with Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
Spirit: Greek word "Pneuma" meaning in part: the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
a. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the \Holy\ Spirit)
b. sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of \Truth\)
c. never referred to as a depersonalised force
John's baptism and the baptism performed by the Apostles was with water. Jesus did not baptize because He baptized with the Spirit and with Fire (Acts 1 and 2)
Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:2-4 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Wendy, your visual description of a person filled with springs of living water really resonated with me. Angela Thomas, in her study Living your Life as a Beautiful Offering, talks about being filled to overflowing. When you are feeling empty, sit in presence of Jesus and be filled. Then His love, His mercy, His light,... pours over the edge of your vessel to refresh others. I just resonate with that so much. But we can't do it when we are empty.
One last minor point on Luke 3:20, it was Herod's sin, not Johns, though I am sure he had many as he was a man like us.
Be filled today,
Karen, Basel
Wendy, you have no idea how God has used your invitation on Facebook to journey through the NT as a "God moment" for me. I am the one on the receiving end right now and God is wooing my heart back from the place of separation and bondage that you described. The truths you highlighted and shared this morning...they could not have been more specifically what I needed to hear. Thank you my sweet friend.
Today I need to leave my "jar" at Christ's feet, a jar that is my familiar and my comfort, and represents my pain and my past. Clinging to "jars" paralyzes us and "our hearts become diseased by the deterioration of the things we refuse to surrender. Our unwillingness to release things keeps us in bondage, unable to move on, and get on with our lives."
Today God wants to meet me, and all of us, at the well of His grace and love. He is concerned about the "jars" we carry. We can't build our world around our "jar" and if we can't bear the thought of leaving it behind and living without it, it has become too dear. I am asking myself, what do I need to leave behind to move forward with Jesus?
Philippians 3:8 says, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
The woman at the well abandoned her jar, John 4:28. Praying the Lord will give me courage to let go. "You cannot go with God and stay where you are." (Henry Blackaby)
Joy
I hope that Tina and Claire are okay. I tried all day to find time to post yesterday and got behind ... I'll try today to go back.
I was excited at the idea that there were people who were actually baptized by Jesus, and then disappointed to read that it was really the disciples. I'm sure that was some experience, but to actually stand in a river somewhere and have the Messiah Himself baptize you? Amazing! I guess, though, that His spirit baptism is much MORE powerful than even that could have been.
Besides that, John 4:21 struck me today. The woman, after talking to Jesus for only a few minutes, asked if He was the Messiah - and was excited enough to face her fears of the townspeople who made fun of her to go and talk with them. She recognized what was in front of her, and it seems that to do that, she had, whether consciously or not, been looking for Him - waiting for Him. It seems that many people of this time weren't just sitting around thinking that someday, their grandchildren's grandchildren might meet the Messiah, but they were out watching for him right that very minute. Am I doing the same? Am I living my life right now in expectation that He could come back again at any moment? Not usually - I get too caught up in the troubles of THIS world and forget to look ahead to the NEXT one. I need to work on this one.
We are still waiting to hear more about my husband's work situation. We don't know anything more than we did Friday, and the waiting is SO hard. G & P, thanks for the verse!
Hope you all have a great Tuesday!
Good morning, GIGs,
Prays for sweet Claire this morning. Tina, we and He are with you!!!
So many beautiful verses in today's reading. Hard to pick just one, but I'll go with John 3:21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
May we all do what God wants us to do today.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
P.S. Paola, nice to hear from you, Sister, and you, too, Jen Ren [smile]
Hi Jenn-Ren! Glad to see your post. Missed you!
I noticed John 3:11. Jesus is speaking: "I assure you, WE tell you what WE know and have seen, and yet you won't believe OUR testimony." Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all wrapped up in one! I just love our triune God!
Happy Tuesday
Morgen
Dear Girlfriends~ So much to ponder over today, between God’s living Word, and your prayer requests. Makes me so happy I am one of His chosen ones, - how could we do life dear friends without His presence? Knowing His Holy Spirit is inside us guiding us along, as we read His Word, and knowing we have each other to pray over helps us.
As Believer’s – we are prime targets for the enemy. We will have trials and sufferings. Unfortunately, they will not go away. But, it’s during these times, and what we choose to do with them. This group has really taught me to go to Him, and to share my burdens with other Believer’s who will pray. God is so good – yes, we will suffer, but He will draw us so close to him during our hardships. We will know him more. We will see Him and believe and trust him even more. Also, we will be able to praise him as He reveals himself in so many new living ways.
Tina, my heart goes out to you this morning. I read through yesterday’s comments – loved GP, and Karen’s prayers. I will hold you close today, and I am so thankful that little precious Claire is God’s own daughter. It is hard to imagine, but He even loves her more than you do, Tina. Know he is busy working on his plan right now. We trust his ways. We look forward to the glory that will come through this hardship. Lord, hold on to Tina today, and keep her in your perfect peace. Help her through by showing her your way, today. Amen.
Wendy, once again sister, you’ve opened up something – God Moments, now, I’m quite used to anticipating these daily. I watch for them – as I don’t want to miss seeing God in my day! But, the way you described them today, is even different. The times that God takes us somewhere that we would not ordinarily go, or leads us to respond in a different way. These happen during our day, but I’ve not thought of them as being God Moments! Recently, I returned home, after a full day – normally on days like this, I do not return phone calls, but wait to do them the following morning, when I can give the person my full attention. Well, there was one from my mom. She’s one –that I “really would wait on” –smile, but, now I see what happened! I was so drawn to call her, and then of course make it a quickie –to get her off the phone, so that I could have a bit of time for myself (yikes how does that sound!) But. She had a burden, a situation, and I remember so vividly being drawn into it, where I was so unhurried. I actually was lead (only the Spirit!) to have patience with her and truly listen to what she was going through. We spent a LONG time on the phone, and by the end she was calmed and I felt God’s peace. Here’s the interesting part, that I am JUST now seeing – I had this overwhelmingly sense of contentment, and energy, like a burst of energy. Woah! Ya know sometimes, after a long day, than another phone call – you are even more drained, well, it was just the opposite! I am just realizing at this very moment – that I listened to the Holy Spirit take me where I would not normally go, and because I was obedient to His voice, He blessed me with extra energy! How about that, sisters? I’m in awe, just thinking about it! NOW, I realize THAT was a God Moment! PTL – sometimes we see a God Moment –days later! How good is that sisters!
Well, guess what? I’m outta room, and I’ve managed to not even talk about today’s reading! And, it’s time to do my prayer-walk…so I hope to come back later and post.
Ya’ll – you remain very special in my heart! Love you dearly. Lori
Wendy & friends, I've not posted before, but enjoy the readings & vlogs daily -- such a blessing in my life.
So much about your message today resonates with me today (the sowing & reaping & harvest) & I'd like to ask for your prayers this week for a harvest!!! On Thurs., my sis-in-law will be coming to me to my womens small group... (we are reading Lysa Terkeurst book, "What Happens when Women say Yes to God"_ - - she attends church w/ us, this is a HUGE step & new territory for her, as I've been inviting her for a long time & been prompted "keep asking". Suddenly, this weekend she asked me about it, so I asked her to come again & she said ok!! I thought of a "scheme" that involved my willing husband to help w/ care of her kids for that time... Truly this experience could be a pivotal point in her young faith & understanding -- please pray for powerful work of the Holy Spirit in her heart & over our meeting. I pray this will open up new ground in our relationship & help me with the right steps, in action & words.
I pray for the right open opportunity to even give her my bible -- funny how I have an extra! Over summer, my dog chewed my bible. I ordered a new one, but it didn't feel like a "fit" -- too big for my bag. I ordered one that was more suitable & never returned the other... now w/ a new women's bible sitting around... I believe it will soon be hers! Oh sweetness on how that could be!
Thanks for your prayers!
Gwen
hi everyone-i called tina but did not get an answer. please continue to pray for claire and the martins.
SAP for little Claire and Tina, children of God. Hold them please in the palm of your hand today and always.
Dixie
Joy,
It is so nice to see you again! I'm so glad you're joining us for the NT journey. I love what you posted the other day that the difference between the words impossible and possible are the letters I M. In this text-speak world, it is so obvious. We could look at it as our little self "I am" or the big God "I Am." Either way, it works. :)
Gwen,
I think we all know why God led you to order that other bible. I pray that God will just show Himself to your sister-in-law during the study and she will be drawn to come back.
Karen,
I love what you said about water.
Wendy,
We continue to pray for Claire and Tina. My hope and prayer is that they are now home and resting.
In today's reading, I love the two encounters with Jesus.
1. The first one is with Nicodemus, a distinguished member of the Sanhedrin. He is rich and right in the middle of religious authority. Yet, Jesus tells Nicodemus that (inspite of his standing and status), he needs to be born-again. Much like a baby's entrance into this world is through the birth canal, our birth onto the next world is only through one way as well. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Also noticed the three "must" statements in this chapter:
a. v. 7 You must be born again.
b. v. 14 Son of Man must be lifted up (and judged for sin to save us and provide our entrance into heaven)
c. v. 30 He must increase but I must decrease.
2. Jesus met with the Samaritan woman. She is on the other end of the spectrum - shunned and an outcast.
My pastor said that there are two types of wells. One is a cistern which is man made, hewn out of rock. Then there is the spring - fed by underground spring. "Living water" constantly moving and considered a "gift of God." He said we all have different "wells."
Hers was men and relationships. Jesus meets her at a fork in the road in her life. He ministers to her to draw the bridge of common ground. Time and time again she had gone to her well - to her relationships - to her pit and came up empty. When we're feeling empty we need to ask: Whose well am I filling up? Mine or God's? Only God can fill the emptiness in our hearts. We cannot get it from our spouse, our children or our job.
We have to remember that there is no distance the Lord cannot cross to get to us. If we repent, it is only one step back. Turn around and we will find He is right there waiting.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Good day!
Wendy and friends have given me so much to think about today. Wonderful insights to open my heart.
John 4:21"...the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem....[the time]indeed it's here now-- when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth."
I thank you Lord for the gift of being able to worship you in spirit anywhere and anytime, unbound by laws and regulations from the old rules, and only bound by the law of love.
Wendy, I had an amazing “God moment” yesterday at work.
To preface, Michael has a long-time friend who has a history of substance abuse, and has been unsuccessful so far in her struggle to break it. They went to a concert together this weekend, and must have spent some time talking about the rehab facility he was at in July. The next morning he asked us if we would drive them to the AA meeting there this week, so she could visit the facility. She has been encouraged by his example and wants to see if this would be a place to go for help. So we needed to get in touch with her parents to let them know what was up.
Here is the God-moment. The next day her mother came into my workplace-- it was not a coincidence! I told her about Michael's request and asked her if it was OK for us to take her daughter to this out-of-town meeting, and she responded with joy and praise! She said that she had been praying so long for this very thing!
We talked about how parents of children in recovery need to be able to share their struggles with each other, and we discussed the idea of getting a small parent group together. She is a faith-filled woman, and asked for your website, Wendy. She might even be reading about herself today!
I am witnessing the Holy Spirit as a driving force in the events that continue to unfold, and I am just amazed! It's like slow-motion domino art, with one life touching another, touching another, touching another... spreading life and hope! I just need to maintain faith in God's plan for our community of youth, stay in God's Word, and not allow the enemy to mess with my mind.
Please, I ask for prayers for Michael’s friend, Jordan, that she will be open to the promptings of the Spirit to make the right choices, to fulfill God’s will in her life, and for her parents who are struggling with the same desire for healing that we feel for our own son.
Prayers coming for sweet Claire and Tina.
Thank you for the great lessons and inspiration today and every day friends, Karen, Morgan, Rhonda, Amy, Jodi, Michelle, Lori, G&P, and all of you! Loved your story Dixie! Welcome to OK Susan, Gwen, Joyful, Susanj2008, and Judi B, I have included you all in my prayerwork-- I do try to keep up! It is so great to get to pray for all of you by name.
Blessings and prayers,
Jacque
Hi Wendy,
You saw my "God "Moment" live and in person at the FRCC Women's Retreat, when I was asked to share my testimony of how God pulled me from a pit of adultery. It ended up being an amazing opportunity to let the ladies know that they are never too far gone, too lost, for God to redeem them and use their lives for His glory. It was not my plan to share that, but once I recognized my hesitation as a tool that the enemy could use, I knew I had to proceed. It has left me relatively fearless for God. I've already given up all the secrets for Him.
Thanks and God bless,
Debbie G
Hi Everybody,
Tina have you and Claire wrapped right up tight in prayer.
Teeny have been having you and your daughter Sarah in prayer.
Linda (Jewels) you also...How are you doing. Here is a (hug) for today.
Jacque...Love reading your comments...it like reading a great book.
Karen...go away each day with something from you.
Jennifer Renee...Just sending you a warm hug today. Nice seeing you up there.
Lori... Today I had an hr. talk with my Mom. Listening to her about her quilting. She was to a sewing class last Sat. they showed her how to embroider on a piece of tolit-paper for decorations. She was so tickled when it actually worked for her. Our church dinner is coming up and she is going to make these up for the table for selling.
Thanks Everyone you really all are such a blessing.
Seizeing A God-Moment...
When my guys were younger one day while eating supper together we were on the subject of paychecks. I made a comment that I don't get a paycheck. Brady my shy-er one (might of been about 6 at the time)pipes-up and says, "Mom, we are your paycheck!!" Seizing this God moment every time I have doubt about what I am to be doing. This Morning before sending them out the door for school. In our little quiet time. I've read them an article about a certain situation....and told them and reminded them I get a great paycheck every-week...always place my hand upon their foreheads and whisper in their ears God Bless You and Peace be with You... before they leave. Reminder for me: Speak his word always to them.
Did the reading was lots from all of you. Placed myself being the woman at the well today on my walk...with Just me and Jesus.
Have to get going all.. my day got by me...heading up to my sons Dillon soccer game.
Know you will all be in my prayers before this head will rest.
Little Decisions Make a Big difference..."Be very careful, then, how yu live--not as unwise but as wise...Ephesians 5:15
Rhonda
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi girls,
Saping for Claire and all your prayer requests today.
Joy - nice to see you again :)
My God moment - I have recently been led to pray for a friend with stage 4 cancer. She has a 1 year old son. I was led to have a chat with her about prayer, the healing power of God AND made an invitation to pray with her anytime. She hasn't taken me up on the offer but the fact that I made it was out of character for me because she is not really a believer and I usually get too shy/afraid to talk about it. I continue to stand in the gap for a miracle for her. She is becoming a close friend and I'm not willing to see her go so soon!
Thanks for the excellent message Wendy,
Jodie from Ottawa
God Moment- Two weeks ago my husband and I were talking and the subject of fathers came up, and I said you have two fathers, your heavenly father and your earthly father in heaven. (His dad pass away last year), he looked at me and said WOW, now that is deep.
That was the Holy Spirit because I had no idea I was going to say that.- Thats my example of saying something I would normally not say.
Thank You Holy Spirit for those words of encouragement and love to him.
Ladies I am sorry I am not able to read everyone comments but you are all in my heart and prayers.
Love, Debra
debbie-i do remember your testimony. that was a powerful time in the weekend. you ladies were fearless as you shared your testimonies with all of us.
God smiled that day!
Oh my Figs & Gigs,typing from Claire's bedside. She is doing better tonight. I wish I had time and mindset to thank each of you for your beautiful thoughts and prayers,your words have touched my heart to tears!
I do want to say that I read Grace & Peace and Karen's beautiful prayers at 2:30 in the morning(cried a river,but was refreshed) and at 3:00 in the morning Claire was taken off of the breathing tube!Wow,God is amazing!
Wendy,I hope you got my facebook message.
I did post on the carepage if you all want to read more of how amazing our God is:)
Wendy,
I am so happy to be join you ladies. I may not always post but I will be here. May prayers are with all of you.
Wendy, thank you for reminding me that God Moments may take me out of the ordinary. I will be on the lookout for God to take me out of my comfort zone in order for him to use me.
Have a blessed day,
Mary Boswell
Post a Comment
Home