Before we get into God’s word, let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and to fellowship with you through your word. We ask that you prepare our minds to openly receive your words. We repent for sins we have committed that may keep us from fellowshiping with you fully and thank you for the forgiveness through your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

John, Chapter 1 (ESV)

The Word Became Flesh

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

The Testimony of John the Baptist

19And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Behold, the Lamb of God

29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

35The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.[g] 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus[h] was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

I am no biblical scholar

Ahh, the disclaimer! I will note some things that relate to wisdom from God, but will not discuss the chapters verse-by-verse. We could turn each verse of the Bible into a blog post and lesson - it is that full! We’ll just take a few “bites” at a time, and let it sink into our Spirit.

However, everyone is invited to add their own insights into the comments section so we can all grow from the gifts God has given to each of us. If you are a newer Christian that would like more information about the chapters, start by downloading a free copy of E-sword - there are some great Bible commentaries that will help with the word. The next step is to get involved with a Bible study group.

Notes on John, Chapter 1

As we develop a personal relationship with God, we allow him to teach us the central principles that connect all these seemingly disjointed activities of daily life. The Book of John provides more information concerning the miracles of Jesus’ ministry than the others. The intent of the apostle John was so that “You may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

Verse

1) We see in Genesis 1 that God created the world with his words. God’s word has enormous power, and he has given that same power to us. We can use that to create life by using words of faith; much like God. Conversely we can sow words of doubt and fear in our lives that can achieve quite the opposite effect.

Application: During the next 30 days, I am praying for God to help me stay quiet until I can allow the Holy Spirit to show me what words I need to say. Even if we do miss God’s will, God meets us at the point of our faith. He will be there the next conversation, ready to lead us again.

3) This applies to the current day - when we look at anything from nuclear power to Plasma TVs, God made them and did so for a purpose. When I am using or purchasing something, I should consider “How may I glorify God with this?” A practical example is the Internet. God gave it to us for increased communication of the Gospel, and communication around the world of other information and ideas. Unfortunately we can use the Internet for purposes that contradict God’s will in our lives and hurt us in the process. Has anyone tried to scam you via email? Did you know 25% of all Internet searches are for pornographic material?

Application: Am I glorifying God with even the little things in life? I sometimes forget that God is all about the little things.

12) This is Christianity in a nutshell - If we receive Jesus and believe in his name, we are given the right to become children of God. I still have trouble reaching my arms around the enormity of that concept.

Application: I’m asking God to show me the depth of his love for us. I’m a bit excited and scared at the same time how this will happen.

13) Building on the last verse, when we become Children of God we are reborn.

• The first time we were born in the physical sense, what we can see - blood, bones, etc (our flesh), We also have the desires of the flesh (like when I come home from work - I know I should go exercise, but my flesh cries out for me to sit on the couch).
• When we are reborn, this takes place in our spirit. This is not seen with eyes or can be touched. We will see evidence of this transformation in our lives though, as we allow the God to work within us.

Application: I struggle with what seems like the same things, over and over. Sometimes these stumbling blocks appear so real. In fact, they are not. We are reborn when we accept Jesus Christ as our savior. I will try to remember, “Can God conquer this dilemma?”. Since the answer is yes, then we are all set - God is living within us, so we have all the tools required for victory.

14) God came down from heaven to walk around with us. That is pretty incredible to think! Why would he leave heaven, which is perfect to come hang out with people who see the beauty he created each day, yet ignore him. Even his own people (Christians + Jews) disregard his commandments even when we have known his love. What a testament to how dearly he loves each one of us.

I was listening to a story about this very successful businessman who was worth millions of dollars, yet chose to move his family into “the slums” of a major town. Some asked, “Why would you do that?”. He replied that God instructs us to love others as he has loved us. The businessman’s family ministers to these people even though they could be “living it up” in an exclusive neighborhood further out of town; well-protected from crime and the sadness that takes place in the lives of the poor.

38-39) God really means it when he says

Mat 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

He did it for these disciples, and he does it for us.

46) Removing preconceived notions about people, places, and events from our lives allows us to receive from God. God is what makes things anything possible.

48) Not to creep you out, but God sees us at our fig tree (currently, the computer) I forget that God is watching me right now, when I think I am doing something in secret.

Proverbs 1 (ESV)

1The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth–
5Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The Enticement of Sinners

8Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
9for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
10My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
11If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
let us ambush the innocent without reason;
12like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13we shall find all precious goods,
we shall fill our houses with plunder;
14throw in your lot among us;
we will all have one purse”–
15my son, do not walk in the way with them;
hold back your foot from their paths,
16for their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed blood.
17For in vain is a net spread
in the sight of any bird,
18but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
19Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.

The Call of Wisdom

20Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;
21at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22″How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
23If you turn at my reproof,[a]
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
31therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
32For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Notes on Proverbs, Chapter 1

Wisdom is the application of knowledge given to us from God. God’s word provides this knowledge. Although the Bible covers specific situations encountered in life, aquiring wisdom is not teaching us how to handle every situation under the sun. Not only is it impossible to anticipate these situations, but it will drive us crazy with worry or strife in the process.

1-6) Explains the purpose of the Book of Proverbs - so we can receive instruction from God in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity. What God is saying is that we do not have understanding in our flesh. Sure, we may know how to construct magnificent creations, but it all comes to naught without the Lord.

5) If we are wise, we will receive his knowledge. Seems like the “chicken and the egg” - if we were wise, we wouldn’t need Proverbs, right?

Actually, our wisdom is not something we possess, or a destination, either. “Once I get there, I’ll have it all figured out,” is a common struggle for many. If we are open to God’s instruction, then he will teach us more. If we reject the teachings of the Book of Proverbs, or make excuses as to why the words to not apply to our situations, then we are saying that we know more than God. That line of thinking makes us fools by default.

Sometimes when I am done reading the book of proverbs I feel as big as an ant. God isn’t trying to hurt me though. He is just showing me what it is currently hurting me. After repenting of my sins, it frees me completely to receive life and the hope that comes from the leading of God.

7) There is the verse we discussed a few posts back. A reverential awe of God puts us in a position to better receive his Word for our lives. We all know that person who can not receive a word of instruction without flying off the handle. Perhaps that person is us. We must break our pride, or it will be broken for us; either by God, or through the natural consequence of sin. There is no promise that we will have a “Road to Damascus” moment like the Apostle Paul. We may instead reap what we have sown - I surely don’t want that!

This is a tough one, since many of us have issues with the parenting of their mothers and/or fathers. For most of us though, our parents did have some teachings that were of value. If we pray for God’s leading, he will enlighten us as to what those are - I think we find that we already know what they are.

10) Sinners entice others - count on it! The enemy (Satan) prowls the earth, so to speak to steal, kill, and destroy. He uses whoever will give him a foothold. I’m not saying that necessarily possesses anyone (though that does happen), but that we do his bidding when we sin.

11) People plot - this could be as serious as a murder plot, or simple gossip that hurt the character of a co-worker. We must not “dance with the devil” for even a second. In Genesis 39:12, the wife of Jacob’s master is trying to seduce him. He doesn’t even stay to consider her beauty or to receive one little kiss. He leaves so suddenly that his cloak is left behind. We need to be the same way with these situations.

You might be saying, “yeah but I can’t do that!” I’m not saying that we need to stand up and say “This is wrong, God says so, blah blah,” and give them a sermon. If they are not Christians they will not care, and it will not do any good. Find an excuse to get up if we can not change the subject. After a short while, they will either consiously or subconsciously realize that we do not wish to participate. Yes, it may lose us some friends, but those aren’t friends we need anyway.

22) God sometimes opens our eyes to the utter foolishness of man. The closer we get to God, the more strange the world’s ways are. It’s like we have our heads in the sand and the tide is coming in. God does not do this so we can step back with our hands on our hips, saying “Man, I’m glad God made us so darn wise” (which I have done once or twice). He does this so we can live an obedient life to God. Our lives will be a walking testament to God’s love for mankind.

23) Again, God states that he will teach us his ways if we are obedient to his calling.

24-31) In court, a judgement can be either good or bad, depending on what side we are on. These verses show what happens when we deny God and his commands. Some say, “How can God be loving if he allows this?”

Suppose there is a judge in our county that consistently rewards murderers, rapists, and thieves. Would he be a good judge? The killers might think so, but not the law-abiding citizens. That is the case here. If we think God is cruel for allowing the wicked to reap what they sow, then I suppose that shows who we really are…

33) Whoever listens to God WILL dwell secure and will be at ease without dread of disaster. Note God uses absolutes here. God isn’t wishy-washy with his promises to us. He is firm in this - the problem is that we do not hold up our end of the bargain to see if it is true.

God’s promises to us are simply marvelous - I challenge each one of us to commit to these readings each day.

• Start with some prayer to God. Ask him to bless you with his peace and love. Pray also that he will open your mind to receive knowledge of him
• Find a regular time free of distractions to read God’s word
• Take your time, it is not a race : )
• Read once for comprehension, then go back to find answers using study tools
• Discuss any difficult parts with a Bible study group or member of the ministry
• Oh, and enjoy!

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Thanks for visiting, and have a blessed day!

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