3 Everything was created through him; nothing – not one thing! – came into being without him.
4 What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.
5 The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.
6 There once was a man, his name John, sent by God
7 to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in.
8 John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.
9 The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light.
10 He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice.
11 He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him.
12 But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.
13 These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.
15 John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me. He has always been ahead of me, has always had the first word.”
16 We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift.
17 We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, This endless knowing and understanding – all this came through Jesus, the Messiah.
18 No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day. Thunder in the Desert
19 When Jews from Jerusalem sent a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest.
20 He didn’t evade the question. He told the plain truth: “I am not the Messiah.”
21 They pressed him, “Who, then? Elijah?” “I am not.” “The Prophet?” “No.”
22 Exasperated, they said, “Who, then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something – anything! – about yourself.”
23 “I’m thunder in the desert: ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”
24 Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party.
25 Now they had a question of their own: “If you’re neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?”
26 John answered, “I only baptize using water. A person you don’t recognize has taken his stand in your midst.
27 He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I’m not even worthy to hold his coat for him.”
28 These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.
29 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out,
30 “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I’ve been talking about, ‘the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.’
31 I knew nothing about who he was – only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God.”
32 John clinched his witness with this: “I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him.
33 I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
34 That’s exactly what I saw happen, and I’m telling you, there’s no question about it: This is the Son of God.”
35 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching.
36 He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb.”
37 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus.
38 Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, “What are you after?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 He replied, “Come along and see for yourself.” They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s witness and followed Jesus.
41 The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We’ve found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”).
42 He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, “You’re John’s son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas” (or Peter, which means “Rock”).
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, “Come, follow me.”
44 (Philip’s hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.)
45 Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!”
46 Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.” But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.”
47 When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body.”
48 Nathanael said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.” Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”
49 Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus said, “You’ve become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven’t seen anything yet!
51 Before this is over you’re going to see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.”
This first chapter of John is so rich and full of wonderful news for humanity.
I thought of how much respect John the Baptist had for his cousin Jesus and how he stayed in his lane. He was the voice in the wilderness to proclaim the entrance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah for all mankind. What a wonderful purpose. John new his purpose and did not waiver from his destiny. He did so with fervor and humility. Ultimately, he was Jesus “Wing Man” when it came to getting folks to know Him.
While my son and I was doing our devotions this day, he echoed the above sentiment, “What you wrote is exactly my thoughts too, especially about humility.”
There was no false humility or pride with how John handled his posse who was with him that ultimately followed after Jesus as soon as they met him. There was no pride, no schism, no protest. Matter of fact there was joy in being able to be a sounding trumpet and voice to show people that Jesus the Messiah and King of all Kings was here now on Earth to bring salvation, deliverance, and restoration back to God (Our/The Father).
A prayer for me is “Jesus, forgive me for anytime I did not give you the respect you deserve. You are my Savior, my Lord, and deliverer. You have sacrificed your deity to give me a chance at eternity with God. You laid your life down for me and everyone else so that once we believe in you – we can be free! Thank you for what you have done and continue to do so that I can have LIFE and that LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY.”
I am so in awe that Jesus is the LIGHT in the World and Brings us LIFE! It is so comforting to know we can have a clear vision (clarity without hindrance or darkness clouding our sight), as well as, we can enjoy a life of safety, freedom, with ultimate joyful promise that eternal Heavenly residence is ours. And why? ALL BECAUSE God so LOVES us that HE gave his ONLY Begotten SON (Jesus) so whoever (meaning everyone can and has the opportunity of choice) believes and trust in Jesus as their personal deliverer and Savior can have LIFE and Redemption.
What a wonderful WORD and Witness! Amen Indeed.
Although, 2023 focus was on getting free indeed – through Mental Health Awareness and truly developing a closer bond in Faith with God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and our Holy Spirit resident; we just began to touch the surface of walking in our LIFE and that LIFE MORE Abundant journey and destiny. So, let’s continue to “EXPLORE MORE of HIM in 2024!” Let the press forward into a complete liberation not cease! He who the Son sets free is FREE INDEED! Time to be FREE INDEED from EVERYTHING that has kept us in bondage. NO MORE doubt, fear, shackles, insecurity, and delusions. Let’s grab hold of PEACE and PURPOSE today and every day afterwards.
As I continue to press forward on my new journey and a new perspective for 2023 (And continuing it for EXPLORE MORE OF HIM in 2024): FREE INDEED – LIFE, Peace, Purpose, and Mental Health & Wellness Matters, I know I have to not get weary while in pursuit of well-doing so that I will reap if I faint not. By refocusing on health and wellness, mental enhancement, and spiritual fortitude – I want to reach something different in my life where I can see freedom exuding from every pour of my existence. Freedom to flourish is my aim.
I think about how the first step of my personal freedom was an acceptance that with Christ as my redeemer I can do all things and be all things and overcome all things as He did. He who the Son sets free is free indeed!
John 8:34-38 The Message Version
34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.”
If you don’t know about Christ or why I subscribe to faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior then I will extend the offer for you to get to know Him for yourself. It is your choice. You will answer one way or the other for the choice you make here on earth – as we all will. So, the following information provides just a few suggestions, scriptures, and a prayer to help you move into a closer realm of understanding of what Christ is all about and can be about for you.
What isC.P.R. + N.O.W.mean to me and anyone who reviews this message?I think humanity is at a code blue status and is about to flatline into a death crisis if we do not pivot so, we need to have a recussitation stat or we will cease to exists!
Isn’t it time for you, me, all of us to live our best lives! Let’s shift it into gear for next-level living where we are actually obtaining the “hoped for good” in our lives. Time for us to achieve the bucket list of goals we once thought were so far off and removed from our grasps. We can and will do this one step at a time, one dream realized at a time, one conversation at a time can spark the fire needed to fuel our promise fulfillment! Amen INDEED!
Let the conversations ensue and the shifting manifest into a tangible reality for our next-level transformation into what we were born to do – live life and that life MORE Abundant here on earth as it is in heaven.
Time to kick that devil to the curb and join the plan Jesus has for us! John 10:10 King James Version The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices. Enjoy the journey! Shalom to all!
Let’s start living our best life N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is OUR Witness!TRUST God to help you navigate through your life’s journey into a vitalized and healthy destination!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”
P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Below provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.
HERE I AM LORD, HELP ME TO CHANGE INTO THE PERSON YOU BIRTHED ME INTO EXISTENCE TO BECOME. ALLOW MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (OUTLOOK AND THOUGHTS) BECOME NEW. LET ME KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE GOD AND IF I TRULY TRUST YOU THEN I CAN BE LIBERATED – BASICALLY SET FREE TO LIVE A LIFE HERE ON EARTH LIKE YOU DESIRE ME TO EXIST FOR AN ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. HELP ME TO VIEW YOU CLEARLY WITH A STEADFAST FOCUS! I ASK THAT ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAS HINDERED ME BEFORE OR IN MY FUTURE BE REMOVED SO THAT I CAN OBTAIN THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE FOR ME TO LIVE IN PEACE, LOVE, STRENGTH, POWER, AND FEARLESSLY. THANK YOU FOR EQUIPPING ME WITH ALL THAT I NEED (HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS AS MY SAVIOR) TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THIS LIFE’S JOURNEY. I AM GRATEFUL, HUMBLED, AND WILLING TO BE YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT. I AM HERE AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME AND PROVIDING ALL THAT I HAVE NEED FOR ACCORDING TO YOUR RICHES IN HEAVEN. AMEN (SO BE IT)!
John 10:10 The Message Version
6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep rustlers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
Please DO Share this: Message, Bookmark the site, Comment on the POST, Like the information, and Subscribe to continue to get updates. Thank you for stopping by as I am a work in progress walking out / typing out my purpose along my life’s journey. Selah and Shalom ~ Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8
Miriam S. Stevens aka "The Brand Paramedic", is an online social multimedia network strategist. She works with entrepreneurs, special interest groups, and non-profits to develop a social media campaign, marketing strategy, and customer engagement blueprint. She offers this three-prong approach to successfully connect business brands with their clientele. As the creator of MsStevensPR.Com, Miriam encourages productive, one-to-one focus meetings to pinpoint a company’s vision, research their targeted audience, and develop the right implementation plan.
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