This week’s devotions are based upon Sunday's message from John 1:1-14
‘He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.’ (John 1:10-13)
REJECTED
Jesus was the creator of the world, but most rejected Him. He came to Israel but they rejected Him. He came authenticating His identity through many miraculous signs, but He was rejected.
RECEIVED
Yet some did and some do receive Him. Darkness and unbelief cannot withstand the mercy of Jesus. Every day people are coming to believe in Jesus. All around the world the light and life of Christ are entering countless lives.
REGENERATED
We are told that those who receive Jesus are adopted into God’s family and are given new life (regeneration) by the Holy Spirit. However, the truth is that anyone who does believe is enabled to do so by the grace of God. From our perspective, we choose to believe; however, the reality is that the darkness of our hearts is overcome as we are ‘born of God’ and according to His will.
If you’re a Christian, you have been born again according to the will of your Father in heaven. May our hearts be filled with the love of God, no matter what we are going through at this time.
OVER TO YOU - PRAY AND WORSHIP OUT OF THE BIBLE
I’ve made a few comments. However, it’s more important that you engage with the text yourself. Take a moment to pray and listen to God’s voice out of today’s text.
‘He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.’ (John 1:10-13)
I find it helpful to use the following questions which are based upon The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).
1. Praise - What does this text teach me about God? What can I praise Him for?
2. Petitions - What does this teach me about His will for me and others? What could I pray for from this text? This is a good time to pray for our non-believing. friends. It’s good to ask, Is the Holy Spirit leading me in any specific response?
3. Peace-making - Is the Holy Spirit convicting me of sin for which I need forgiveness? Do I need to forgive others?
4. Protection - Ask for God’s protection generally and for any specific areas of vulnerability. Am I believing lies regarding the truths in this text?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
There are no Community Group meetings until January.
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