August 12, 2026

Jesus Is Life
We are all children of God. But only Jesus is referred to as His Only Son. He is our example of pure faith.  Of trust, obedience and selflessness.  To be like Jesus is to die to self and to live loving others as we love ourselves.  The Book of John offers revelation about Jesus that we don’t see in other Gospels, perhaps because John saw Jesus as the beloved Son of God whose life, lessons, and holiness were evidence the Messiah had arrived.  John’s perspective is personal, focusing on Jesus’ compassion, truth, and the intimate relationship possible between God and humanity.

While all the disciples were committed to Jesus, John’s friendship set him apart.  Even as Jesus hung on the cross, He took time to choose John as the one responsible for His mother, Mary.  The Book of John feels as if Jesus was at last revealed by a loving friend.  His closeness to Jesus makes his Gospel more intimate. 

We are known as salt and light.  When we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, when we follow His wisdom and His ways, we shine God’s love in all the dark places.  God’s grace is a life altering gift, teaching us the value of putting others first.  Without it, we would stumble and fall. Bad choices, bad words, and judgmental thinking can cause us to lose our footing. God forgives our stumbles!  He leads us past them and into lives of forgiveness and love.
Listen to the words from the true Word!  Don’t be turned aside by mockers, supposed “science,” and those who enslave us to this world and its truly wicked ways.  Stay close to God.  Trust Jesus.  Never surrender His precious eternity for popularity and acceptance.

Dear God, Help me follow Jesus in realistic and non-judgmental ways. May I always remember He spoke in love, He gave grace and He believed in forgiveness.  People will make mistakes.  I make mistakes.  May I always understand a second chance is a gift from my heart, woven through the gentle Spirit of Jesus. 

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:38