Living with the Book
John
by
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John 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn 1:1; ESV)
The word “Word” was well known to both Jews and non-Jews of John’s day. Greek philosophers had been pondering the “Word” or life force behind nature and all of life for centuries. Jewish Rabbis of the day frequently used “Word” instead of using the name of God. The OT uses “Word” about 400 times to discuss divine communication from God to man. John opens his book by saying to Jews and Gentiles alike that if you want to know the creator of the universe, the guiding force behind all of life, and what the creator desires you to know so you may live your life to the fullest, then look to the Word of God.
John 6
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. (Jn 6:16-17; NIV)
John tells us about the time he saw Jesus walk on water. This story is also told in the books of Matthew (14:22-34) and Mark (6:45-52). When all of the accounts are read together, we learn Jesus sent the disciples into the storm, saw them struggling against the winds in the evening, and let them struggle all night long.
We also learn what Jesus was doing while the disciples struggled. He was watching over them the entire time; not just watching, but also praying. The Lord went to save the disciples from their storm but only when He knew the time was right.
Are you in the midst of a relentless storm – a hurting relationship, failing marriage, a wayward child, financial difficulty, physical illness or whatever it might be? Do you have confidence that your situation is not out of our Lord’s sight and not out of His control? Are you aware that He is watching and praying for you and that He will come to you when the time is right? He never comes too soon, but we can be assured He never comes too late.
Each time you read this story, make note of the storms in your life this day. The next time you read this passage, record the outcome. Look back at the storms you wrote about the last time and write an update on how your Lord worked in that situation.
The Story of My Storms
Date: Today’s storm:
Looking back:
Date: Today’s storm:
Looking back:
John 13
“For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” (Jn 13:15; NASB)
God Himself washed the disciples’ feet. It is almost impossible to comprehend how He humbled Himself to serve us. His instruction to the believer is, “do as I did to you.” Have you humbled yourself enough to be this type of servant? Did you notice Jesus didn’t just wash 11 pair of feet? He also washed Judas’ feet knowing Judas was about to betray Him. What “enemies” in your life have you not been serving with humility? What are your reasons for not following Jesus’ example?
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About the Book
We should spend our entire Christian life searching the Scriptures to learn about God and His will for our lives. Throughout our lifetime, we may study a book of the Bible many times. We will also hear messages and read commentaries or other books that help us better understand God’s Word. Most of us take the insights we receive on various occasions, make a quick note, and promptly lose them.
Living with the Book provides a permanent place to keep a record of what you learn when you study these New Testament letters. Add to your journal over the years, each time you return to this gospel, hear another message, or read a book that provides new insight into these Scriptures.
Living with the Book provides insight into the times and the context in which God’s Word was first delivered. They will also challenge you to consider how the passages you are studying apply to your life today. As you read through a book of the Bible, spend time meditating on His words. Pray about them. Write down what God is telling you from these passages and how you have been responding.
About the Author
Maybe you are wondering what qualifies Philip and Linda Charlton to write the content that is in these Bible-based journals. Well, here are a few facts:
Philip and Linda have been married since 1976. Philip had been an executive for 26 years with the same company. Linda had been a homemaker and small business owner. Life was comfortable in the small town we lived in near Madison, Wisconsin. Eventually we became convinced God wanted us to change careers. Phil earned his Master’s in Biblical Studies then we moved to Cincinnati Ohio to join a non-denominational start up church. Phil served as Chief Operations Officer and occasional teaching pastor. Linda immersed herself in one-on-one mentoring and in leadership of women’s bible studies. We loved every minute of serving in this capacity, leaving in 2011. Today, Phil has his own consulting company and occasionally fills the pulpit of churches in need. Linda continues to operate her small business. Together we are writing, studying the Word and editing the journals. Those are the facts. You will notice that none of that qualifies us to write the Living with the Book journals. Although we can’t compare ourselves to the great characters of the Bible we can learn from them. Moses didn’t feel qualified. Peter, James and John were just fishermen. Deborah was a mother. Their successes required only two things: their willingness and God to do the work. Nothing has qualified us to write the Living with the Book journals. We were just willing. We have had a great time doing so and have truly been blessed by the hard work and hours of study. Now, we are anxious to see what God does with them.