ANCHOR DEVOTIONS october 1,2011

The King
John 12:12- 36



"Then Nathanael declared, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.'"
(John 1:49)
There are still a few places in the world that are governed by a king or queen. In the past many nations had kings that ruled over them. The task of the king was to protect and provide for his subjects. The ideas of kingship and kingdom are central in the Scriptures. Adam and Eve were to rule over the creation, and God commanded Moses about how the king in Israel should rule.
Ultimately, no king will be truly righteous and perfectly just other than our King, Jesus Christ. Everything that you and I see or do not see is under His perfect control. He is a good king that cares for each of us, no matter how 'small" or how "big" we are in His kingdom. He provides us our daily needs, in His goodness giving us the sun and the moon, in His great wisdom giving us the ability to invent things, in His kindness giving us a world to live in. The blessings of our King pour out on us like rivers. Even through the disasters and sorrows that this life holds, our King reigns supreme and will see us through.
INSIGHT
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
(1 Timothy 1:17)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 31-32
Psalm 86
Acts 8
John 12:12- 36
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna![a]"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[b]
"Blessed is the king of Israel!"
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt."[c]
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
Jesus Predicts His Death
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!"
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[d] from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?"
35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Jesus Culture - My Soul Longs For You

I Exalt Thee -Chris Quilala Jesus Culture

Jesus Culture Consumed - Oh Lord You´re Beautiful

Where You Go I Go -Kim Walker Jesus Culture

Jesus Culture - All Consuming Fire

HOLY BY JESUS CULTURE

love never fails by Jesus culture

is nice to hear a song that praised only our God..

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 30, 2011)

The Practice of Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-8



"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, and intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
(1 Timothy 2:1-2)
In my 32 years in ministry as a law enforcement chaplain, I've met many special and skilled officers. In a previous Anchor, I told the story of God's protection over a friend who apprehended a burglary suspect. Shots were fired, no one was hurt, and the assailant ended up in jail. This same officer became a part of a narcotics enforcement team, and in another situation, three officers and two suspects were shot. He credits God with helping him. He said, "without God in control of my life, I would not have survived these two incidents...and would be lost today...I have learned first hand the remarkable power of faith, prayer and believing."
Prayer is an integral part of the Christian life. Paul states in several words and in various places that our petitions should be simply asking fervently for God's help and lifting up others. God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet He has chosen us to be His instruments of change in the world through our prayer. What an honor! Why not pray right now?

INSIGHT
President Lincoln said, "I have been driven to my knees many times by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Esther 1-2
Psalm 38
Luke 1
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Instructions on Worship
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 29, 2011)

The True Vine
John 15: 1-17



"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
(John 15:1-2)
Jesus often used images and stories to teach important lessons to His disciples. He used examples from nature, agriculture, social situations and political life to help His hearers better visualize and comprehend His teachings. In the above passage He refers to Himself as the Vine and to His followers as the branches. The image of the vineyard would have been familiar to the people gathering around Jesus. Tending vineyards may have been the occupation of many of them. We, too, can understand that if a branch is not connected to the trunk of the tree, it will not survive.
Though this fact of nature makes sense to us, often we think we can survive without fellowship with Him or with one another. God created us to be a community of people, to be families, to be in friendships with each other. And we desperately need the Vine to help us survive and grow. Without Him we cannot bear fruit and will simply wither away. Let's grow in Him, our true Vine and righteous Branch (see Jeremiah 33:15).
INSIGHT
Stay connected to the life-giving Vine, planted in the fertile soil of the Word, watered by the Holy Spirit, growing as God desires.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 29-30
Psalm 85
Acts 7

John 15: 1-17
The Vine and the Branches
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 28, 2011)

The Prince of Peace
John 14:27-31



"'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33)
The more we hear of terrorist attacks, hostility and hatefulness in our world, the more we long for true peace. I live in Israel where peace is more of a dream than a reality, and many on both sides of conflicts seek it desperately. The problem is most of us look for peace in the wrong places.
Real peace comes only from the One who brings peace between us and the Creator. How can we ever be agreeable with one another if we do not have peace with God, the very maker and sustainer of the universe? And Jesus actually has made it possible to achieve that peace by His atoning work on the cross. So the desired peace is much closer and more achievable than we may think! If only the entire world could grasp that truth. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (see Philippians 2:10).
Are we willing to do what it takes to grasp that? Are we willing to put our trust in the One that has paved the way of peace to God and to one another? Peace be with you!
INSIGHT
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'"
(Psalm 122:6)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 25-26
Psalm 83
Acts 3-4
John 14:27-31
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 "You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
"Come now; let us leave.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 27, 2011)

The Messiah
Exodus 29:1-46



"We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ)."
(John 1:41)
The Hebrew word for Messiah is Mashiach, which means Anointed One. In the ancient days when someone wanted to set another person apart (a king, for example), he would anoint him with oil as a symbol of being set aside for an important task. The person was being consecrated to God. You might compare it to the ordination ceremonies in churches of our days.
The Old Testament has much to say about the Messiah who would come to save His people, Israel, and others from their sins. The many prophecies include the time of His coming, His task and several other identifiable characteristics of the Messiah.
Jesus is the Messiah! He is the one who has fulfilled every prophecy of the Old Testament - each one in an amazing way. And above all, as the Anointed One of God, He has come to fulfill the task given to Him by the Father. Despite the hardship and the pain, He drank the cup to the full. The Anointed One of God fulfilled His calling and perfectly executed the will of God to redeem you as His own!
INSIGHT
Regardless of what people might say about the Messiah, the most important question for you and me is: have we found the Messiah?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 27-28
Psalm 84
Acts 5-6
Exodus 29:1-46

Consecration of the Priests
1 "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect. 2 And from the finest wheat flour make round loaves without yeast, thick loaves without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves without yeast and brushed with olive oil. 3 Put them in a basket and present them along with the bull and the two rams. 4 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 5 Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. 6 Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred emblem to the turban. 7 Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. 8 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics 9 and fasten caps on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons.[a] The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance.
"Then you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
10 "Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 11 Slaughter it in the LORD’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 12 Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar. 13 Then take all the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14 But burn the bull’s flesh and its hide and its intestines outside the camp. It is a sin offering.[b]
15 "Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 16 Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar. 17 Cut the ram into pieces and wash the internal organs and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces. 18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.
19 "Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 20 Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar. 21 And take some blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.
22 "Take from this ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.) 23 From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the LORD, take one round loaf, one thick loaf with olive oil mixed in, and one thin loaf. 24 Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and have them wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. 25 Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD, a food offering presented to the LORD. 26 After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your share.
27 "Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. 28 This is always to be the perpetual share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the LORD from their fellowship offerings.
29 "Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them. 30 The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.
31 "Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place. 32 At the entrance to the tent of meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33 They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no one else may eat them, because they are sacred. 34 And if any of the meat of the ordination ram or any bread is left over till morning, burn it up. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.
35 "Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36 Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. 37 For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.
38 "This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. 39 Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. 40 With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah[c] of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin[d] of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. 41 Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.
42 "For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the LORD. There I will meet you and speak to you; 43 there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.
44 "So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 26, 2011)

The Wonderful Counselor
John14:15-26



"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
These stunning words were written by Isaiah 700 years before Jesus' birth. A main theme of Isaiah is that God is the Savior and Redeemer of His people. His very name in Hebrew, "Yahweh is Salvation" or "Yahweh will save" testifies to this.
A counselor is a person who advises or advocates. Isaiah, speaking of the coming Messiah, calls Him the Wonderful Counselor. And from the accounts of the Gospels, we know Jesus to be just that. When asked whether taxes should be paid to Caesar, His response was straightforward. He pointed out a coin bearing Caesar's portrait and said give to Caesar what is his and also give to God what belongs to Him (Matthew 22:21). What direct and perfect counsel!
Our Counselor, the Holy Spirit, together with the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace will not only guide us in right paths as we travel through a world of problems and questions each day. But also, our Wonderful Counselor pulls on our hearts, draws us to Himself, and brings us into His family.
INSIGHT
"...Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
(John 16:7).
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 23-24
Psalm 82
Acts 2
John14:15-26
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 "If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
23 Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 25, 2011)

The Feeder
Matthew 14:13-21; 15:29-39




"Jesus... was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry."
(Luke 4:2)
Some billion people in our world suffer from hunger, and many die every single day. This is true in several countries, even in some that are not considered third-world. In Israel today where we have more than 700,000 children living under the poverty level, there are many ministries and other non-profit organizations that provide soup kitchens for the needy.
Food is one of the basic needs of our lives. It sustains and provides for our bodily needs. As fully God and fully Man, Jesus knew hunger. When He was in the wilderness for forty days, He did not eat anything, and Luke tells us that He was hungry. As a result, He could sympathize with those that were hungry. When he saw the crowd who had come from far places and had been listening to Him for hours, He fed them.
The physical feeding was to be a picture of how He would fill our hungering souls. The longing we have to be loved and rescued is met in Jesus, our Bread of Life. He cares about all our needs, physical ones and spiritual ones alike.
INSIGHT
If He cares about our most basic needs, then how much more will He care for our other needs?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 18-19
Psalm 80
John 21
Matthew 14:13-21; 15:29-39
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."
33 His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
34 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied, "and a few small fish."
35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 24, 2011)

The Healer
Luke 7:1- 16




"For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him."
(Mark 3:10)

I imagine you have experienced periods of sickness or have been alongside dear ones with incurable diseases. On those occasions we have the tendency to appreciate our health and well-being more than usual. Other times we complain and ask why me? We must remember that in a fallen world, disease, pain and death are expected.

Jesus spent much of His time during His public ministry healing those who were suffering. He restored the demon-possessed, the crippled, the blind and the sick. He attended to them all, laying His hands on them, touching them and even healing them from a distance at times. He was a man of immeasurable compassion.

We need to recognize that while pain and suffering are part of this world, Jesus, the Great Healer, cares about us. The Sovereign One of the universe has a purpose even in our diseases. My prayer is that you will come to Him and find Him as faithful today as He was to the hurting crowds 2,000 years ago. He will carry you through your pain for His glory.


INSIGHT
"If my people... humble themselves and pray and seek my face... then will I... forgive their sin and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 20-22
Psalm 81
Acts 1


Luke 7:1- 16
The Faith of the Centurion
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it."
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don’t cry."
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."

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day beigns

armageddon

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 23, 2011)

The Comforter
Isaiah 40



"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles ..."
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
How many times in your life have you sought comfort? Probably almost daily since you were born! Often we look to others to console us in our pains and sufferings. The comfort of a loving parent, a true friend, a caring pastor, may bring great relief for a time. Yet as we grow older, we know life in our fallen world often brings one hardship after another.
But God is the "God of all comfort." The first question of the Heidelberg Catechism, first published in 1563, asks us What is your only comfort in life and in death? The nut-shell answer is "that I, in life and death, belong to my Savior, Jesus Christ." The fact that we can know that we belong to the Creator of this world, to the One who gave us all things, is a true source of comfort in our unstable and cruel world.
We've all needed a shoulder to cry on and ears that can listen. But we want more than short-term relief. For the long run, we need a comforter who understands us and knows what we are going through. His name is Jesus.
INSIGHT
"We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses..."
(Hebrews 4:15a) For we have Jesus Christ!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 16-17
Palms 79
John 20
Isaiah 40
Comfort for God’s People
1 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
"In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
6 A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All people are like grass,
and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.
7 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever."
9 You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c]
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
"Here is your God!"
10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who can fathom the Spirit[d] of the LORD,
or instruct the LORD as his counselor?
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
or showed him the path of understanding?
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.
18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
To what image will you liken him?
19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A person too poor to present such an offering
selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
to set up an idol that will not topple.
21 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
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.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 22, 2011)

The Gracious One
Romans 3:9-31



"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
(John 1:14)
Too often we are disappointed with ourselves and with others. Often we make promises and vows that we fail to keep. And many are the times we commit ourselves to things that we give up on altogether. Do you share with me a burdensome weight of how we fall short of God's commandments?
But (and Praise God for this!) there is grace. God deals with us not according to what we deserve - judgment and damnation - but rather by grace, a free gift. We cannot earn His grace any more than you could "earn" a gift a friend would give you on your birthday. There is nothing we can do to merit it or gain more of it. If that was so, then it would not be grace. This is the best part but often the most difficult part to truly grasp, that God's grace is undeserved yet freely given.
Though grace is free to us, God through Christ paid the highest price when His Son came down to us, and through a life of suffering, humility and mockery gave us the most precious gift ever: forgiveness of our sins and eternal life.

INSIGHT
You might think of grace as God's Riches At Christ's Expense. It's a free gift; Christ has paid all your debts for you.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 14-15
Psalm 78
John 19
Romans 3:9-31

No One Is Righteous
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."
13 "Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit."
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."
14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."
15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know."
18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[g] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[h] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

ANCHOR DEVOTION September 21, 2011

Secure Hearts
Psalm 112:1-9

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."
(DEUTERONOMY 33:12)
The circumstances of life change frequently. The economy may and does fluctuate. Wars may escalate and devastate. A loved one may sicken or die. There may be a drought or a flood. Insecurity is everywhere!
However dire the events around us, as Christians we know that these are not happenstance. God is always in control. Our hearts can rest secure in Him, knowing He is working in our circumstances with a plan for our good and not for our harm (Jeremiah 29:11). We can trust His never-failing promises to be our Rock, our Fortress, and our Salvation.
Secure hearts give thanks to their Maker for trouble as well as for blessing. The apostle Paul, having suffered many trying circumstances for the gospel, urges us to do just that, because this is God's will for us in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
Are you experiencing a difficulty today? Thank God right now for that problem, and put it in His all-powerful hands. Leave it there knowing our God reigns.
INSIGHT
A mighty fortress is our God,/ A bulwark never failing;/ A helper He amid the flood/ Of mortal ills prevailing. (Martin Luther, 1529)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Samuel 1-2
Psalm 136
Ephesians 3-4
Psalm 112:1-9
1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed are those who fear the LORD,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.

you are God

friend of god

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 20, 2011)

The Life
Psalm 49:1-20



"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'"
(John 6:68-69)
The Hebrew word for life is Chaim. Le'Chaim, "to life," is a common word heard again and again with passion in Jewish celebrations. The Jewish people, like many, love life and enjoy it to the full. But what exactly is life all about? It is obviously more than just making money and having fun. And, believe it or not, it is more than raising our children and holding our grandchildren.
John in his Gospel uses the word "life" some 50 times. Obviously, this was an important word and concept. Jesus is the Life. He has life in and of Himself, and independent of anything or anyone. We have life because it was given to us by Him. And despite all the efforts of scientists, we cannot create life. It is given to us by the source of life Himself, Jesus.
Jesus can give up His life freely because it is His. Our life is not ours. We have no control or choice about the time that we are born, or die (Even in a person's attempt to override that, God's purposes reign!). Be thankful for His great gift of life to us.

INSIGHT
If our lives are not ours, why is it that we live them as if they are completely and only ours?
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 9-10
Psalm 76
John 17
Psalm 49:1-20
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1 Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,
2 both low and high,
rich and poor alike:
3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
4 I will turn my ear to a proverb;
with the harp I will expound my riddle:
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
7 No one can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for them—
8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough—
9 so that they should live on forever
and not see decay.
10 For all can see that the wise die,
that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
leaving their wealth to others.
11 Their tombs will remain their houses[b] forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had[c] named lands after themselves.
12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure;
they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.[d]
14 They are like sheep and are destined to die;
death will be their shepherd
(but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.
15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
he will surely take me to himself.
16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
their splendor will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
and people praise you when you prosper—
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
who will never again see the light of life.
20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
are like the beasts that perish.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 19, 2011)

The Truth
John 8:28-38



"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
(John 8:32)
Truth in our post-modern society has become subjective and not objective. It seems everyone has his or her truth, and who cares if those truths contradict each other? But truth cannot be subjective to each person's understanding. It must be absolute. Can you imagine what the judicial system would look like if truth really were in the eye of the beholder and in the notions and opinions of just anyone?
Jesus told His disciples that He is the Truth. He is the only One that can lead us to the Father, because He is the Truth. The word for truth in Hebrew carries also the idea of faithfulness and trustworthiness. What we begin to comprehend is that Jesus is the Truth of God revealed to humanity, and we can be certain of that. He is faithful to His words, and He is trustworthy. For this reason you and I can put our faith in Him and trust Him with our life now and in eternity. How great it is in times of ideas that are as changing and unsure as the shifting sands to have a Solid Rock on whom we stand.

INSIGHT
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 6-8
Psalm 75
John 16
John 8:28-38
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up[a] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 They answered him, "We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.[

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 18, 2011)

The Resurrection
John 11:1-44



"'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.'"
(John 11:25)
These powerful words of Jesus were spoken to Martha soon after the death of her brother Lazarus. Death is the most painful tragedy. There is no escape from it for any human being, and it is never easy. When family members and friends stand in front of the open grave of the loved one, it is final. They know that he or she will never come back gain in this life.
Jesus tells us that is the resurrection and the life. Not only is He saying that He has resurrected from death and therefore conquered it, but also that he gives hope of a new resurrection to you and me. We have hope that one day, though we die, we shall live, because He has defeated death for us.
Just think of the comfort this gives us as we face the death of our loved ones or even face our own end. His glory will be revealed! As I have stood at the gravesite of friends, I remind myself that while the death and the graveyard seem so final, they are only a transit station for those who are in Christ. I pray that this is true for you, too.

INSIGHT
"...our Savior, Christ Jesus ...has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
(2 Timothy 1:10)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 1-2
Psalm 74
John 13
John 11:1-44
The Death of Lazarus
1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
8 "But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?"
9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light."
11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."
12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[b] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 "Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 "Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."
40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 17, 2011)

The Way
John 14:5-14




"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
(John 14:6)

I am not good at navigating or finding directions. And being a man, I am often too proud to ask people for help. But what a great feeling (often thanks to my GPS) when I do know the way I need to go. I can proceed with ease.

Jesus tells us He is the Way to the Father. He does not claim to be a way, but the way. That means that He alone can show us the way to the Father, and without Him we cannot get to God. In our politically correct world, we do not like the idea that only one person is right. We like to be accommodating. But we can't because Jesus tells us that the way to the Eternal One is only through Him.

No one else in all of history has lived a sinless life that can purchase atonement for our sins by His death. No one else ever raised Himself from the dead. And no one else was ever fully God and fully man at once. That's our Lord! While GPS can give alternative directions to our destination, Jesus is the one way we need. Let Jesus be your single destination in this life.

INSIGHT
Prophets and other religious people may point us the way to the Father, but Jesus takes us there. He is the Way!

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 3-5
Psalm 74
John 14-15
John 14:5-14
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 16, 2011)

09.11.11
The Good Shepherd
Psalm 23



"'I am the good shepherd sheep and my sheep know me... and I lay down my life for the sheep.'"
(John 10:14-15)
How many of us have seen a shepherd in our life-time? Often our image of shepherds is of under privileged men with ragged clothing, wandering around the fields with their flocks. However, while a shepherd may not have been part of "high society," his role was very important, and his work was demanding. A faithful shepherd would take care, protect and provide for his herd. Probably of all animals, the sheep needs leading most.
When King Herod inquired about the birth place of the Messiah, Bethlehem was the answer. The prophet Micah had written about the place from which a ruler would be born who would shepherd His people, Israel. Jesus, who said that He is the good shepherd, is also King of Kings and ruler of the universe. It is this extraordinary combination that makes Jesus a suitable shepherd for you and me. As both shepherd and king He protects us, provides for us, and points us down the right paths. How blessed we are to have Jesus as our shepherd; for in Him we shall not be in want.
INSIGHT
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." (Revelation 7:17a).
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Song of Solomon 7-8
Psalm 72
John 12
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 13, 2011)

The Bread of Life
John 6:35-53



"'But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven...'"
(John 6:50-51)
Bread is such a basic food for so many that governments work hard to keep its price stable. Having lived in Iran during my childhood, I recall the great variety of and the wonderful taste of fresh bread. It was on the table in my home for every meal. When Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of Life, we all identify with the image of bread.
The people of Israel were in the wilderness for 40 years, and God provided for their every need. He covered them by day with a pillar of cloud, shading them from the scorching Middle East heat. At night to protect them from the chill of the desert and from wild animals, He provided them with a pillar of fire. And every day, except on the Sabbath, He gave them abundantly of manna, bread from heaven.
What a perfect picture of how God covers us, protects us, and fills us with all we need. Jesus is our Bread of Life. Just as you and I need bread for our flesh, we also need the Bread of Life for our hungering, wandering souls. And His name is, Jesus, Messiah.

INSIGHT
"'This is the bread that came down from heaven... he who feeds on [it] will live forever.'" (John 6:58).
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Song of Solomon 1-2
Psalm 69
John 9
John 6:35-53
35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day."
41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42 They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?"
43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. 44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’[a] Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"
53 Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 15, 2011)

The Gate
John 10: 1-13



"'I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.'"
(John 10:9)
We live in a time and culture very far from that of when our inspired Scriptures were written. Today the word "gate" we may make us think of the gates at the airport terminal or of gated communities. In Jesus' day gates had a very different and important role in the lives of average people. The gates of the fortified cities were there to protect the citizens inside from wild animals or unwelcomed visitors like thieves or enemies.
Jesus told His disciples that He is the gate. Only those who enter through Him are the ones that come in and go out. He is the One that opens the right doors and gates for us, ushering us into the eternal presence of the living God. If He is the gate, then He is also the only way to enter into the city of God!
There are times each of us gets lost and ends up in a wrong place. Not only do we need good directions, but we also must drive accordingly. For your journey to heaven, enter through Him who is the gate... He has opened it wide to welcome you!
INSIGHT
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise..." (Psalm 100:4)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Song of Solomon 5-6
Psalm 71
John 11
John 10: 1-13
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
1 "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice." 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, "Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 14, 2011)

The Light of the World
John 8:12-30



"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
(John 8:12)
As a child I had fear of darkness. I've known many a child (and older!) with that same fear. I suppose that is why night lights exist. For some reason darkness is not something that we immediately like, unless we are sleeping! Darkness is not natural for us; typically, we are drawn to light. How we bask in the sun as it gives us energy and renews the earth.
One of the titles that Jesus ascribes to Himself is the Light of World. John in his gospel and also in the epistles often uses the theme of light and darkness. He reminds us immediately in his prologue that the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not understand it. Yet, we know that wherever light shines, darkness disappears. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. And for this reason Jesus said that His followers will never walk in darkness. Wherever there is light, darkness is chased away.
In the same manner we can either be in light of Christ or in the darkness of the world and Satan. Won't you come into the Light today?
INSIGHT
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." (John 1:4)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Song of Solomon 3-4
Psalm 70
John 10
John 8:12-30
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
13 The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14 Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"
"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
Dispute Over Who Jesus Is
21 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
22 This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?"
23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins."
25 "Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been telling you from the beginning," Jesus replied. 26 "I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up[a] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 12, 2011)

The Living Water
John 4:1-43



"'Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
(John 4:14)
One of our world's greatest needs besides air is water. Without water there would be almost no food. Changes in our world over the centuries threaten the supply of water we depend on. Devastating fires broke out on December 2, 2010 in the North of Israel. Some 40 people were killed, thousands of trees and other species were burned, and more than 15,000 people had to be evacuated. Some of you may know the terror of living through wildfires. In times like these, we feel how important water is not just for living, but also for surviving.
With water comes life; something even more than physical life is what Jesus offered the Samaritan woman then and you and me today. She knew the importance of water, and when Jesus told her that He could give her living water which would leave her never thirsty, she wanted it.
The gift Jesus offers is far more than just water; it is the answer for our thirsty, searching souls. The living water is Jesus. Are you drinking up His endless goodness and mercy?
INSIGHT
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water."
(Revelation 7:17)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ecclesiastes 11-12
Psalm 68
John 8
John 4:1-43
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17 "I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
43 After the two days he left for Galilee.

ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (SEPTEMBER 11, 2011)

To the Samaritan Next
II Kings 17, John 4




"'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.'"
(John 4:10)
We live in a world of hostility. Crime, wars and terrorist attacks are part of daily life, particularly in the region where I live, the Middle East! But at the time of Christ, there was also a real enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans, a hostility that started back in the time of the Israelite kings. We see the depth of it in the response of John and James when they were willing to call fire to come down to destroy the Samaritan village that did not welcome Jesus.
Yet, Jesus initiates a conversation with a Samaritan woman, one whose reputation left much to be desired. And He spoke to her of living water as she drew physical water from Jacob's well. This Samaritan women, just like Nicodemus in John 3, had no clue about the spiritual things of which Jesus was speaking. Both were thinking of literal, worldly things - going back to womb and drawing water from a well.
Jesus came to the world of hostility to show His amazing love, to bring peace, and to quench our thirst with living water.
INSIGHT
A new era has dawned, as even Samaritans are coming to faith and believing in the God and Messiah of Israel.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ecclesiastes 7-8
Psalm 66
John 6
II Kings 17
Hoshea Last King of Israel
1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. 2 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.
3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up to attack Hoshea, who had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute. 4 But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea was a traitor, for he had sent envoys to So[a] king of Egypt, and he no longer paid tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore Shalmaneser seized him and put him in prison. 5 The king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched against Samaria and laid siege to it for three years. 6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River and in the towns of the Medes.
Israel Exiled Because of Sin
7 All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods 8 and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. 9 The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city they built themselves high places in all their towns. 10 They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. 11 At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the LORD had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that aroused the LORD’s anger. 12 They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, "You shall not do this."[b] 13 The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: "Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets."
14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the LORD their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, "Do not do as they do."
16 They forsook all the commands of the LORD their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal. 17 They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
18 So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, 19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the LORD their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. 20 Therefore the LORD rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence.
21 When he tore Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king. Jeroboam enticed Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. 22 The Israelites persisted in all the sins of Jeroboam and did not turn away from them 23 until the LORD removed them from his presence, as he had warned through all his servants the prophets. So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria, and they are still there.
Samaria Resettled
24 The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the LORD; so he sent lions among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: "The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what he requires."
27 Then the king of Assyria gave this order: "Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires." 28 So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the LORD.
29 Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. 30 The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32 They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.
34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the LORD nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel. 35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: "Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. 36 But the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices. 37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies."
40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.
John 4
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17 "I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.
46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
48 "Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."
49 The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."
50 "Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live."
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."
53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.