Monday Dec 7th John 3

The book of John talks a lot about "feelings" and how to live with each other because John is the disciple who was a true friend of Jesus.  Their relationship went beyond that of teacher and and disciple....it was one of friend.  I believe Jesus wants that same relationship with each of us.
The message that jumped out to me in this chapter is seen in verses 22 thru 36.  Both Jesus and John the Baptist were baptizing people and this brought confusion in the followers of both.  Those followers felt the need to put the other teacher down in order to make their teacher look right.  I love John the Baptist's response when his followers began to express their 'jealousy' because more people were going to Jesus to be baptized instead of to John.
"27John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. " NLT

I love it........I am filled with joy at his success!!!  This response is having a Kingdom perspective.  We are to be excited and happy about the success of others.  In fact a Kingdom perspective is "It's not all about you!"

I grew up in church and the older I get the more disgusted I get about how far so called Christians have come from the true discription of what a Christ Follower was called to be.  No wonder people aren't flocking to churches.  I wouldn't want to go to one if it was a place where people felt free to expose other's sins or put others "in their place" because they were crossed on a "bad day"!  Where is the love and acceptance and the concept of "turn the other cheek"?   If someone hurts you and asks for forgiveness you are to accept that forgiveness even if they do this 7 times (Luke).  We read the scriptures but don't apply them to our everyday life.

I believe the Lord is bringing us back to what He desires in His People!!!  We are to be an example of Him in the world and in the church.  If you feel the Lord is "stepping on your toes" so to speak...pay attention.  Be humble...forgive and ask forgiveness.  The enemy loves nothing better than when the Body of Christ is turning against itself.  It is time we began working WITH Jesus and not WITH our enemy (satan)!!!  How powerful the Church will be when that begins to happen.

We are called to be Light and Salt.....let your light shine and your savory salty personality draw others to Christ.  It's time to live in His Kingdom and bring others to that Kingdom!!!