AnotherJohn.Com

  Psalm 139:1-6 Click here to listen to today’s devotional This week, I have taken intentional time to journal about my inner life. It has been both challenging and necessary. I’m sharing these reflections with you so you can also ask God to search what temptations, worries, or burdens might be pulling you this week. As someone who spends much of my time thinking about God-related things, talking about God, and preparing others to encounter God, this week has been a reminder that there is a difference between working for God and being present with God. A question I have wrestled with is, What is happening in my soul while I am doing all the things expected of me as a pastor? I am entering a new season of ministry. New church. New community. New relationships. New expectations. There is excitement, but there is also uncertainty. I have been reflecting on the verse I preached on in my first sermon: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11...

  Galatians 5:2-6 Listen to today’s devotional One of our daughters used to ask for a "peanut butter and jelly sandwich," but without the jelly. When I would clarify that she actually just wanted a peanut butter sandwich, she would correct me. She wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just no jelly. Some things just belong together. Add cheese to the burger and ice cream to the pie, because sometimes more is better. But not with the gospel. In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul addresses a serious addition. Some believers were being told that faith in Christ wasn't enough. They needed Jesus plus circumcision. Jesus plus obedience to certain religious requirements. Paul is clear, though, that Jesus plus something else means that "Christ will be of no benefit to you at all." To be sure, his concern isn't the physical act of circumcision. His concern is where people place their trust. When we start believing that God's acceptance depends on something we ...

 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...

  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...