Becky Crenshaw

Day 16 – John 7:24  – 36

Day 17 – John 7:37 – 7:53

Day 18 – John 8:1 – 11

Day 19 – John 8:12 – 30

Day 20 – John 8:31 – 59

Devotions for each day…

Day 16:  

“Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. V. 30  This verse shows the providential direction of the circumstances of Jesus life.  Jesus’ enemies could not harm or arrest him because Jesus’ days were ordained by God.  Every detail…  The arrest, crucifixion and resurrection.  Today, rest in the truth that God’s days for you are providentially planned, as well.   Look at David’s words…

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalm 139:16

Everyday of your life is ordained and written, before you even came to be!  This morning, take a moment to praise your sovereign God.  The one who protects you from your enemies and knows every day ahead.

Day 17: 

For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:38-39

Jesus describes here characteristics of the Christian life.  He says that the Christian life is one characterized by a gushing spring of living water.  He is referring to the activity of the Holy Spirit and the vibrancy and power made available through receiving Him.  This verse causes me to evaluate and look closely at the markers of my own Christian life.  Does my heart flow with “rivers of living water?”  

I have received the Holy Spirit, yes.  But do I daily live my life empowered by Him?  Do I daily take heed to Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:18-20 to “Be filled with the Spirit” –  This is an ongoing pursuit of the infilling of God’s Spirit.

Today, let your life be characterized as Jesus describes in John 7:38.  May powerful rivers of living water flow from our heart today.  Let us make it our intention to operate through our source of life… The Holy Spirit.

Day 18: 

“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”  “No, Lord,” she said.  And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”  John 8:10-11

This is a story that speaks well for itself.  By grace I am not an adulterous woman, but I can not even count the many times I lose sight of my first love, Jesus, and turn to idols for satisfaction, fulfillment or joy.  And as much condemnation I try to bring on myself, I hear Jesus words reminding me…. “Becky, I do not condemn you.  Go and sin no more.”

Reader, this morning, know that the accusers who try to throw stones at you are just that, accusers.  The One who matters most has no stone in his hand.  His nail-pierced hands hold only truth and grace.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:17

Day 19:  

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Jesus says that if we follow Him, then we won’t have to walk in darkness anymore.  This darkness is referring to “ignorance of divine things” (Blue Letter Bible).  When we follow Christ, we see our lives differently because His Light illuminates spiritual truth and knowledge to us. All day long.

Today is full of divine opportunity to share the saving grace of Christ with others around you.  In Christ you now have the “light that leads to life.”  Your life is a pathway for others to find Jesus.  That gets me so fired up!  Don’t waste this day on anything other.  Go brighten up the darkened path of those around you who don’t know Christ.  It is truly a matter of life and death.

Day 20:

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John  8:31-32

Freedom is loose word in our culture.  Freedom of expression. Freedom of speech. Freedom to choose.  Freedom….

But Christ gives us Freedom of no other kind….

FREEDOM [eleutheroō]:  to make free and liberate from the dominion of sin

Jesus invites us into a discipleship relationship with Him.  If we abide (remain, continue in) His Word then we will know the TRUTH and then we will be set free.  Are you in need of freedom today?  Are you dominated by sin? Or have you found yourself falling back into an unhealthy pattern that leads to unhealthy habits?  

Do we passively accept worldly media’s definition of ‘freedom’? Or do we “seek first the Kingdom of God “where we learn the Truth about who we are that sets us free?  Today, follow in the footsteps of freedom.  Follow and abide in Jesus.  Slavery has no part in the life of a believer.  In Christ, you are free indeed.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1