The Book of John_Day 21

You can come back from that

Read – John 21

Jesus appears one more time to His disciples while they are fishing. Jesus reassures Peter and encourages His disciples to always follow His example.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Sometimes our first impression of someone leads to false assumptions. Sometimes, we struggle to give someone a second chance when their sin disappoints us. The pressure is high in our society to make a great first impression. If we succeed, we tend to keep our guard up. We assume that if people knew our secrets, they wouldn’t want to be around us anymore. 

Peter betrayed Jesus after promising he never would. Even after seeing Jesus alive again, Peter heads back out to sea to return to what he was doing before Jesus called him. Peter must have felt an overwhelming sense of shame and loss as he loaded the boat to fish that day. He had blown it. He might as well go back to his old job because God definitely couldn’t use a traitor like him to spread the great news that Jesus had died for our sins and was alive again.

Psalm 103:10 says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” The very thing Peter feared was proven a lie by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thank God He didn’t leave Peter alone. He forgave him and sent him on a mission to preach His word. What a beautiful description of love as Jesus returns to the circumstance where He first called Peter and gives him a second chance.

“If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22).

We are not useless to God when we mess up. When God forgives our sin and uses us despite it, our life is a witness to Jesus’ love and power. 

Have you committed a sin you feel has made you useless to God? Are you willing to risk people’s opinion of you to find help when you need it?

The Book of John_Day 20

You can start over

Read – John 20

Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ followers, goes to His tomb only to find that He’s not there! Jesus appears to Mary and several others, fulfilling all that He had said about rising from the dead.

Our culture loves the idea that anybody can begin a new life. We watch reality television shows that make us believe we can all become an instant celebrity. We love the American dream because it tells us that we can be anything we want to if we try hard enough. But the reality is we have no hope of changing ourselves. The only way we can put away sinful habits is through a relationship with Jesus made possible by His death and resurrection.

On the cross, Jesus clothed Himself in our sin. When Peter and John looked into the empty tomb, they saw Jesus was not there and He had left His burial clothes. John 20 shows us that Jesus left our sinful nature in the grave when He rose from the dead.

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

We do not have to be controlled by our desire to sin. Not only do we not have to be clothed in sin, the resurrection means we get to be clothed in something better. In Colossians 3:12, Paul says, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Following Jesus allows us to put away our old lives and begin new ones.

What old habits do you need to do away with?  What is one thing Jesus wants you to start doing?

The Book of John_Day 19

Jesus did what we could not

Read – John 19

Jesus is flogged and crucified. He dies on a cross and is buried in a nearby tomb.

Right before Jesus took His last breath, He spoke the words, “‘It is finished’”.

“It is finished” (John 19:30).

In His three years of ministry, Jesus completed the task set before Him. He voluntarily chose to sacrifice Himself, knowing His death would pay the penalty for our sin and create a way for us to become right with God and have a relationship with God. We were born sinful and separated from God. Accepting that Jesus is our Savior is the only way we are able to restore that relationship. Jesus finished what we could not.

Jesus died so we could believe. John tells us that this testimony of Jesus was given, “so that you also may believe” (John 19:35). The events of Jesus’ death on the cross were recorded based on an eyewitness testimony. You and I were not there to see this with our own eyes, but someone did see these things and recorded them. God gave us someone tangible to believe in by sending His son, Jesus, here to Earth. Jesus gave His life to make a way for us to have life (John 10:10).


Jesus said that Peter would deny Him, but later come back to follow Christ (Luke 22:31-34). Do you carry the fear that Jesus is surprised by your sin? What does it mean to you to know that Jesus loves you despite what you have done or will do?

The Book of John_Day 18

Where do you turn when everything goes wrong?

Read – John 18

Religious leaders arrest Jesus and take Him to the high priest for questioning. Peter follows behind and denies knowing Jesus. After holding their own hearing, the Jews press charges against Jesus in the Roman court.

Some days alarms don’t go off, cars won’t start, and nothing goes as planned. But those mishaps pale in comparison to moments when we may lose a job, lose a loved one, or lose our health to an incurable illness. Our future is unforeseen.

The scene in John 18 is an unimaginable disaster. Jesus is betrayed by one of His closest friends. He is arrested and bound by a band of officers and soldiers, then interrogated and treated like a criminal. Seemingly, everything had gone wrong.

“For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world” (John 18:37 ESV).

But in reality, everything was going according to plan. John makes it clear that Jesus was not a victim of circumstance, but in complete control. Jesus foretold these events. He turned himself over to them “knowing all that would happen to him” (John 18:4), and He declared to Pilate, “‘For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world’” (John 18:37 ESV). How could Jesus continue to submit to the situation? He trusted in God’s perfect plan.

In the same way Jesus trusted in the goodness of the Father despite His circumstances, we can trust that God is in complete control over every aspect of our lives. Even when events are outside of our control, we can rest assured that God is graciously orchestrating everything for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Today, thank God for His goodness and His authority over all circumstances. Ask Him to help you remember this truth in the face of any difficulty.


How does knowing God is in control of all things change how you see the difficulties in your own life?

The Book of John_Day 17

Who do you pray for?

Read – John 17

Before heading to His death, Jesus stops and prays for Himself, His friends, and all of us who would believe in Him in the future.

If you want to know what someone thinks about God, listen to their prayers. Do they ask God only for wealth and possessions, or for others’ salvation? Do they appeal for God’s intervention?

In John 17, we’re allowed to eavesdrop on one of Jesus’ prayers. Although it is only moments before He will be betrayed, beaten and crucified, Jesus takes time to pray on behalf of His disciples. He shows His heartfelt concern, not only for the men He has taught for years but for those who would later hear His message, including you.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21).

The intimacy and familiarity with which Jesus speaks to God is evident. For eternity, even before “the foundation of the world,” Jesus and God the Father have shared a perfect loving relationship. Through Jesus, we get to enter into their perfect loving union. You have received eternal life and restoration to a loving and intimate relationship with God through Jesus.  God is not far off, and Jesus’ concern for you is not distant. He prayed for you. Even today, the Son resides next to the Father, continuing to appeal on your behalf (1 John 2:1). Today, thank God for allowing you to enter into a completely loving relationship with Him through Jesus.


How are you encouraged by the fact that Jesus prayed for you?  How can your confidence in God’s love for you affect your actions, even in the face of those who hate you (John 17:14)?

The Book of John_Day 16

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Read – John 16

Jesus teaches His friends about the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives. He also teaches them the power of praying in His name.

In this world we will have trouble — that’s a given. But there is hope! In John 16, Jesus explains to the disciples that while He would be leaving this earth, they would not be left alone. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. He is our comforter, our peace, our strength, and our teacher. That was part of God’s plan from the beginning. The Holy Spirit is ready and available to be part of anyone and everyone’s life. God did not leave us to navigate life in this world on our own.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).

Depending on your background, you may find the thought of the Holy Spirit weird or even scary. But the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, and God only gives good gifts. The Holy Spirit’s main role is to bring us comfort, encouragement, and understanding.

God sent the Holy Spirit to lead us and comfort us. The Holy Spirit corrects us and lets us know when we need to address sin in our lives. He guides us, nudges us, and leads us as we take our next steps in faith. The Holy Spirit also reveals truth to us, truth that brings about change in our hearts, our minds, and our character as we seek Him and obey Him. He brings us peace, comfort, and strength. He is our companion.

Is there something the Holy Spirit is nudging you about? Do you have a next step to take or a sin that needs to be addressed?  Do you trust the Holy Spirit and believe that He is always with you? Why or why not?

As You Go – Pray 04-13-20

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

April 13th, 2020

Two men. Same betrayal. Different outcomes.
“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16:7

Monday, post- Easter, is where we live life today in our story of redemption and forgiveness. The cross couldn’t destroy Jesus on Friday. The grave couldn’t hold him on Sunday. Now, sin can’t define us on Monday. Although we celebrated Easter in a new fashion yesterday, we viewed the same story of hope and victory filling the screens. We know without a doubt that our Monday is filled with a future completely under God’s control.

The darkness of Friday captured the stories of two men. Both men were guilty of betrayal but experienced  totally different outcomes. Monday for Peter and Judas, disciples of Jesus, ended up totally different. Matthew captures the essence of their stories well:

Peter: “Surely you are also one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I DO NOT KNOW THE MAN!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:73b-75)

Judas: “When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5)

The shame and guilt of betrayal hung heavy upon both men’s shoulders. Years of listening, questioning and following Jesus was gone in a flash. Driven by fear and greed, these once trusted disciples betrayed their friend, mentor and Savior.

Monday never came for Judas as he sought forgiveness in the wrong place. Guilt overwhelmed him to repent yet he sought forgiveness from religion and not from the one who could forgive and restore. His betrayal ended without forgiveness and no hope for Monday.

Monday came for Peter. This once proud and arrogant follower of Jesus betrayed the one he loved on that dark Friday night. The agony of the weekend left him empty and hopeless. He literally ran to the one who could restore and redeem his life. At the hands of Jesus, Peter, the broken man, received forgiveness and a new life.

“No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each time. We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home. But the bathrooms are all ready, the towels put out, and the clean clothes are in the airing cupboard. The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give it up. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present to us: it is the very sign of His presence.” Adapted from Noticing the Dirt by C.S. Lewis

By the time Peter got home he was very muddy and tattered but he noticed the dirt. Two men. Same betrayal. Different outcomes. For one, death, the other, forgiveness. Peter chose the only one who could make a difference. Peter found life again to live on Monday.

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
God is great,

Pastor Lynn Burton

The Book of John_Day 15

Does your life need some pruning?

Read – John 15

Continuing His parting words to His friends, Jesus explains that the way to stay connected to God is by following His example. He also warns that they will be hated and misunderstood.

Pruning is the process of cutting limbs from a plant to keep it healthy and productive. If there are branches that are not producing any fruit, they will be cut off completely. As we follow Jesus, we also require pruning in order to grow and change.

Love is a fruit. Patience, kindness, gentleness, joy, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control are all fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). These characteristics are evident in people who are connected to Jesus, the vine.

What others see is a reflection of what’s going on inside of us. As a follower of Jesus, others should see fruit in your life. If you are not seeing fruit in your life, maybe it’s time to connect with Jesus. Get connected to the source that will give you abundant life and produce that fruit in you.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

If you are in a season of pruning, it is because you are connecting to Jesus. You are growing, you are changing, and Jesus is making you into something more beautiful, something richer and better than what you already are. Jesus is not content with letting you stay the way you are — He wants more for you. He wants the absolute best for your life! 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Jesus cares for you, and although the process may be painful and uncomfortable, He is not OK with letting you stay where you are when something more beautiful is waiting. Jesus will perfect you because He is concerned for you.

Is there evidence of fruit in your life?  What are some practical ways to stay connected and growing in a relationship with Jesus?

The Book of John_Day 14

How to show Jesus you love him

Read – John 14

Jesus gives final instructions to His friends, explaining what they should do when He’s gone and tipping them off about the Counselor who is to come.

Obedience is not easy. Submitting to someone’s authority can be difficult. It may seem easier at times to do what we feel is right. In John 14, Jesus is clear about who is in charge — He is obedient to the Father. 

We can find a concise definition of obedience in James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” An important part of obedience is reading the Bible. However, reading words is just the first part of being obedient. The more important part is putting those words into action. When we read about giving generously to the poor, we actually go do it. When we read about forgiving our neighbor, we actually forgive them. This is true obedience.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

In John 14:15–23, Jesus tells us why obedience is such a big deal. He connects our obedience to our love for Him. He declares that our love for Him will give us a desire to be obedient. As we learn more about Him and fall deeper in love with Him, we will want nothing more than to be just like Him. The love of God prompts our obedience, not the other way around.

What areas of your life don’t look much like Jesus?  What is one thing you can do today to make your life look more like Jesus’ life?

The Book of John_Day 13

This is what forgiveness looks like

Read – John 13

Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, and they share one last meal together. Jesus warns Peter about the separation to come, but Peter doesn’t understand.

We’ve all had to wrestle with forgiveness. We can’t escape hurt feelings or being wronged, and neither could Jesus. In John 13, Jesus models forgiveness in a way that doesn’t allow us to hold grudges. He is sitting at the table with His disciples, fully aware that Judas and Peter are about to betray Him.

Jesus’ forgiveness extends beyond simply saying “I forgive you.” Forgiveness is not just something He says; it’s something He puts into action. Jesus kneels and serves them as He washes their feet, including Judas and Peter. He makes no exceptions. He offers His forgiveness to everyone, no matter what they have done or will do.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).

It’s easy read this chapter and be amazed that these men sat at the table with Jesus then turned their backs on Him. We can wonder how Jesus offers forgiveness to men like this, but falsely believe we cannot do the same to the people that have hurt us.

The game changer is realizing we are the same as the men at the table with Jesus. We are the ones who deny Him, and He washes our feet. We were far from God, denying Him with our life and deserting Him in our choices, yet He still came for us. That kind of grace cannot stop with the one who benefits from it — we must extend grace, too.


Have you accepted Jesus’ forgive- ness in your own life? Are there things you can’t believe Jesus would ever forgive you for?
To whom in your life do you need to extend forgiveness? How can you forgive that person today?