THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:6-18
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
Can you think of a ‘bad’ neighborhood near you?
A less than desirable area where you’d prefer not to live?
Jesus moved into a less than desirable neighborhood.
He moved in with us.
Humanity has turned God’s paradise into Satan’s garbage dump.
We have exchanged God’s glory for shame, misery, cruelty, darkness.
Our world is unsafe, and no amount of laws can make it better.
The problem is within us, we have lost our creation identity.
But God comes to us in Jesus, when we refuse to come to Him.
God knows the mess or struggle or weakness you are in.
God wants us back as His children; He comes to us in Jesus to do that.
We see God’s glory humbled in Jesus, dying so that we might be restored.
Restored as God’s children, as Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
Jesus wants to make His dwelling with you; will you let Him in?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I cannot clean up my heart for You, I need Your help. Thank You for coming into my life, for restoring me as God’s child, and helping me shine with God’s glory!
John was sent by God to do His will – a witness to tell of the Light of Christ.
Christ was sent by God to show us the way home – He was the Light to lead and to guide us.
We too can be God’s children if we but open our heart and believe, children of the Light. Christ made this a possibility when He came to our world.
All I need is an open heart to receive Him and to live for Him.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall Jehovah’s friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.
Ever are my longing eyes
On the Lord, whose watchful care,
When my foes their plots devise,
Keeps my feet from every snare.
Turn to me, Thy grace impart,
I am desolate indeed;
Great the troubles of my heart;
Save Thou me, O Lord, I plead.
Look on mine afflicted state,
Freely all my sins forgive;
Mark my foes, their cruel hate;
Keep my soul and let me live.
Shame me not; I hide in Thee;
Truth and right preserve me still;
Mark Thy people, Lord my God,
Save Thou from every ill.