AnotherJohn.Com

  Zechariah 3:1-10 In today's reading, the courtroom has become the laundry room as it becomes the sanctuary. The prophet Zechariah sees a vision of the high priest Joshua standing before God. Think of God as judge and Joshua as defendant. To the priest's right is the accuser, the prosecutor, so to speak. The accuser has a case against Joshua. Taking this vision to stand for the people of Israel, the accuser has a case against the people. They are dirty. There is no question because Joshua stands wearing filthy clothes. This should be a slam dunk case for the accuser. Instead, God rebukes him. Then Joshua's dirty clothes get replaced by party clothes. Maybe even royal clothes. Again, there's no denying what the right verdict against Joshua should be. The Lord, however, doesn't take delight in condemning our obvious guilt. Instead, God promises Joshua redemption. Rome wasn't built in a day, says the old adage. Oh, but God's grace can work wonders in a day. Th...

  Psalm 17:1-15 We sat across from a young girl at a church luncheon recently. She told me how good the food was and, in a quieter tone, what she didn't like as much. Without missing a beat, she started talking about her dad. "My dad's the best chef." I'm not sure if she said he was the best in the world, but it wouldn't have surprised me. He is, at least, the best where he works. And not by a little. His is the best food. He works the most. The company would be lost without him. Not only that, chewing the last bit of her food, she told me he's also the best dad. Her jubilation got him my vote. As a child should be able to do, that young one felt so much comfort and confidence in her best dad. I put a mental pin in that memory, hoping I'd have a chance to tell you about it one day. Then, today, I read Psalm 17:15. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist prays for deliverance from his enemies. He trusts that God would vindicate him. He believes with all his ...

 Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube **Monday: The Wrong Train** **Reflection:**   Consider the proverb mentioned: "If you get in a train and realize you're in a wrong train, get off at the nearest station." Reflect on areas in your life where you may be on the "wrong train." Are there paths you're pursuing that lead you away from God’s purpose? **Scripture:** Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." **Questions:** 1. What are some signs that you might be on the wrong path? 2. Have you ever rationalized staying on a wrong path? Why? 3. What steps can you take to 'get off at the nearest station'? --- **Tuesday: Facing Temptation** **Reflection:**   Temptation isn't just for the wayward; it visits everyone. Recognize the subtle ways temptation presents itself in your life. **Scripture:** 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And Go...

  March 6, 2025 Exodus 5:10-23 If you take pains to work for the good of others, you'll know the pain of setbacks and uphill challenges. To love justice and mercy yourself is to face the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil that do not (Ephesians 6:12). Why does scripture remind us to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9)? Because it doesn't always feel like good is overcoming evil (Romans 12:21). Joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5), but by midday we've already had our fill of strife again. And that's not even taking into account our personal struggles and circumstances. Moses knew these feelings well. He heard and listened to the God that appeared to him in the burning bush. He heeded the call. He walked with his brother, Aaron, and told Pharaoh God's command: Let my people go (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh responded by adding burden to the work of the Hebrew people. Of course, in that moment, they didn't appreciate what Moses did. ...

  Stay blessed...john

  2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 "He actually cares for these Earth people." That's General Zod's revelation that changes his strategy to battle Superman. From there, he and his two minions wreak havoc not on Superman the person, but on the people he cared for. While two of the bad guys prepare to throw a bus full of Earth people, my favorite super hero exclaims, "The people!" Maybe the devil should have changed his strategy against Jesus. I read an interesting bit of commentary over Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Every temptation we read is personal. Jesus had to make a choice for himself. The devil's offers impacted what happened to Jesus. But what if he would have, somehow, thrown the well being of other people in the mix? We know how much Jesus loved the people. So, how would he have responded? That may seem out of touch for the story. But not when you consider what Jesus does for the rest of his ministry. He teaches, heals and turns toward the cr...

  Ezekiel 1:1; 2:1 "The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established" (Proverbs 19:21). God's purpose doesn't always align with our plans. Have you ever noticed that? And have you come to the conclusion that's a good thing? The lesson is that we need to learn to realign our plans to God's purpose. To be sure, it's not always clear what God's purpose is. It's much easier to hatch some idea for what we want to do. After all, we know what we want out of life, supposedly. We are sure what makes us happy, for now. Thankfully, when we recognize how fleeting our desires can be, it's good to know God's purpose stands. One of the barriers we often have to understanding God's purpose is our struggle. Today, then let's take courage from the prophet Ezekiel. God strengthens . That's what Ezekiel's name means. The prophet and his people surely needed God's strength in exile. That's ...