Month: July 2025

John 1:10

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. John 1:10 (NIV)

“He was in the world”. Christ became God incarnate, God in human flesh. He walked the earth. Pretty amazing that Jesus left his throne in Heaven to interact with His creation.

We read earlier that Christ was Creator, creating EVERYTHING! And yet, the world did not recognize Him.

Jesus becomes man for the sole purpose of saving the world, reuniting God with His fallen children. The irony is that His fallen children did not recognize their Savior nor their need for a savior.

Things have not changed. We do not see the need for “saving”. I remember my life before Christ. I was what you might call an apathiest. I was apathetic when it came to God. I really didn’t give much thought to theology or God. If He existed, that was fine, as long as He didn’t bother me. I was pretty much on my own and I could figure things out.

Things pretty much went along like that until a friend invited me to church. I went but not when he had invited me. I actually showed up the next week.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

I really didn’t know. Now, as I look back, God was drawing me to Himself.

I continued visiting this church, learning more about Jesus. Eventually, I did surrender to God’s calling and put my trust in Him.

I recognized him. I responded to Him.

I repented and resigned my need for control to Him.

Now… I rejoice!

Be refreshed.

John 1:9

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9 (NIV)

John was not the Light. Jesus is the true Light. True as in genuine.

The true Light is constant throughout humanity and is not swayed by human conditions or societal norms.

Jesus is Who He is.

Everyone has the opportunity to be enlightened. Not all accept this.

I remember those days when I was searching but Jesus was still a mystery to me. I heard the Truth, yet I did not understand. It wasn’t until I was ready, until I surrendered, that the Light was evident!

“I wandered so aimless, life filed with sin
I wouldn’t let my dear Savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord, I saw the light…” — I Saw The Light – Hank Williams Sr.

That’s pretty much how it happened with me. I was seeking but not finding.

Yet, Jesus was coming. He would remove all darkness, all doubt. Shadows would flee from Him.

Illumination is coming! How will the world respond? We will find out in verse 10.

Be refreshed!

John 1:6

We are introduced to a new character in our reading, John. We will hear more from John as we read but this verse is significant.

“There was a man sent from God…” This is really cool! God sent him. He was God’s man for this place and time, chosen and set apart. Wouldn’t it be wonderful that when they write our story, they would use words like “sent by God”! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our lives reflected Jesus in a way that when people see us walking toward them, they think of us as being “sent by God”! And wouldn’t it be wonderful if it pleased God to know that people thought of us as being “sent by God”!

“…whose name was John.” John was a common name. It is from the Hebrew word: Yhowchanan which means Jehovah-favored or, literally, “the LORD has been gracious”. It is interesting that “grace” would precede Jesus. That’s how God operates. Grace is a pillar of the Christian faith. To many, this John’s last name is “theBaptist”. This is the cousin of Jesus. He is the precursor to Jesus.

Again, more to come about John.

This prompts me to think of how I will be remembered. Will it be obvious that I was “sent by God”? Will I have a title associated with me like “the Baptist”? So much to reflect on in these few words.

Lord, help us to live and walk in Your Spirit today so others will see You in and through us. Amen!

Be refreshed!

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 (NIV)

We learned in verse 4 that Jesus is the Light.

This verse tells us that Jesus shines in the darkness. What is the darkness? This could mean the cold, wicked hearts of the lost. Jesus has come to open their eyes and illuminate their souls to the glory of God!

Great plan with best intentions but “the darkness has not overcome it”. This phrase is interpreted differently in different translations. The Greek word used here is “katelaben” which means “to lay hold of”. Some translations render “overcome” as “comprehend” or “grasp”.

The idea of this verse is that Jesus has come into the world to enlighten people and they don’t understand Him. This seems to be a spiritual hurdle. Jesus spoke clearly but they couldn’t understand. Perhaps they did not want to understand.

I remember my life before Christ. I really didn’t want anything to do with Him. Looking back, He was shining in my life but I chose to look the other way. He is patient and He was with me. Eventually, the scales fell from my eyes and I began to understand Him. My walk has been marked with continual growth and understanding ever since.

We need to be patient as we interact with those around us. We are all on a journey. Some are further along in their quest for God and understanding. We need to pause and reach out to those who are not as far along as we are. No judgment, just a helping hand and a prayerful heart.

As you walk, I hope you find these words refreshing!

John 1:4

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4 (NIV)

In the previous verse, we read that Jesus made all things. The verse establishes that Jesus is life. Later, Jesus will say: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (John 14:6)

He is life. Physical and spiritual life.

This verse also connects Jesus to another moniker: the Light. Later, Jesus will expand on this:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

So, in the first few verses of John, we have learned that Jesus is: God, eternal, the Word, part of the triune Godhead, Creator, Life and Light!

He is worthy of our praise!

There is so much more to learn! Thank you for joining me!

Be refreshed!

John 1:3

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3 (NIV)

This verse explores another attribute of Jesus. “Though him all things were made”. “Made” might be a poor choice of words. The Greek word here is a variation of “ginomai”. Translated literally, it means “came into being”.

I can “make” many things… a painting, a cigar box guitar, waffles. The difference is that when I make something, I am rearranging elements to produce something new. Jesus, however, caused things to come into being. He created. He, therefore, is the Creator.

What did He make? EVERYTHING!

Who created the trees? Jesus. Who created the birds? Jesus. Who created the mountains? Jesus.

As we enjoy God’s creation today, let us remember who created it. Jesus!

Be refreshed!

John 1:2

He was with God in the beginning. John 1:2 (NIV)

This verse repeats a point from verse 1: He was with God in the beginning.

Did the author make a mistake? Did he forget that he had already mentioned this?

No. I have learned that when something is repeated in the Bible, it is repeated for emphasis. He (Jesus) with with God from the beginning. This removes any doubt that Jesus and God (the Father) are separate entities. It also highlights the fact that they were there in the beginning. Christ and God are eternal. They were there in the beginning. They, along with the Holy spirit, serve different functions within the scope of the triune Godhead.

We have in one sentence further affirmation that Jesus is eternal and that Jesus is God, not a god but God. He is in divine, wonderful communion with god the Father.

As we approach e throne of God (the Father) through Jesus (God the Son) with the help of the Holy Spirit (God the Spirit), let us give thanks that we are His and He is ours.

Be refreshed!

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

I have decided to update this blog site with a study of the Gospel of John.

You are invited to come along!

What a great place to start. In the beginning. These words are also found in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

It’s the beginning of everything! It’s the start of the start.

Let’s look at the word “word”. The Greek word use here, logos, essentially means “something said” or the “embodiment of an idea”. Here it has another meaning. It is capitalized. It is a noun. It the embodiment of God Himself. It is Christ. It is Jesus.

This verse shows us that Jesus was there in the beginning. Jesus was with God (separate) and Jesus was God (a part of). We are introduced to the concept of the trinity of God, God Three in One: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit.

This verse sets the tone for the rest of the book. As we explore this book, we will discover the miracles, the message and the love of Jesus. It’s a great starting point for ministry to new and old believers alike.

I am not a pastor or a fancy Bible teacher. I do love Jesus and I would love to share Him with you!

Join me for these brief thoughts. Comment if you wish.

My hope and prayer is that as you read, you can be refreshed!