We commonly call it "networking". It's tapping in to resources, job possibilities and opportunities through people we know. Obviously the more people we know the greater the possibilities and opportunities. As the old saying goes, it's not so much WHAT you know as WHO you know.

"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

This is the ultimate networking. We've tapped in to unlimited potential and possibilities through intimate knowledge of the only true God and Jesus, His sent One. But it's really important that we truly know Whom we claim to know.

We were recently discussing in a Bible study group what the Bible reveals about the one true God and the nature of His Son, Jesus. As we sorted through these things against the backdrop of Christianity's traditional confusing teaching, it became apparent that truth was becoming very real and personal to several in the group. The truth of John 17:3 was becoming a reality, as only the Spirit of God could do.

The greatest battle front in spiritual warfare over the last 2,000 years has been over the nature of our Creator and His Son Jesus and their relationship to each other. That should come as no great surprise because a clear understanding of their fundamental natures set us on the course for intimacy and relationship with them. This truth and relationship forms the basis for the oneness and unity that Jesus so eagerly desires of His followers (John 17:21), and that serves as proof to the world that God has sent Jesus into the world. No wonder this is such a strong battle! The stakes could not be higher.

It is clear to me from the Bible that correct truth - doctrine - must serve the purpose of behavior. An intellectual understanding of the nature Yahweh and His Son Jesus is valuable only so much as it serves as the basis for relationship with them. That relationship them serves as the pattern for family relationships within the body of Christ, and ultimately those relationships are what primarily attract the world to the message we proclaim.

May life-transforming encounters with our Father and His Son Jesus impact others around us even as we are personally impacted.

Steve

He and his team of three were the ultimate showmen. The pitcher appeared at the beginning of the game in center field and threw a strike past the batter at home plate. He later would pitch one entire inning blindfolded. Twice I was privileged to watch this amazing feat by a legendary softball pitcher and team called The King & His Court.

There is another King & His court that I would love to have seen firsthand but I was born about 2,000 years too late. And yet I'm told that it is to my advantage to have personally missed the scene:

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you ... But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." ( John 16:7,13 )

However much we might yearn to have been a first-hand eyewitness of Jesus, the greater advantage is in living in the "Helper era". The coming of the Helper was possible only by the sacrifice and ascension of Jesus to the Father's right hand. And now we are privileged to be led by it into all truth and a knowledge of what is to come.

Regardless of how confident we feel in a knowledge of truth and the future, our ultimate confidence is found in the inner presence and instruction of the Helper; the Teacher. Progress may seem painfully slow, but it is steady and assured because of this dynamic inner presence.

I believe the Helper primarily works in three ways: through firsthand study of God's word, through attention to the preaching and teaching of the word, and through group interaction around the word with God's people. The Helper can do nothing apart from the word.

I am continually amazed at what I learn when I interact with God's people in Bible study. Insights and understandings that would otherwise have been elusive come to light. I return to personal Bible study with a fresh perspective that allows greater understanding and growth.

The Helper is fully available to us today. May we take advantage of its teaching ministry in all its forms.

Steve

Is it really about dirty feet or deeds of humility?

"So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. " (John 13:12-17)

Cars and modern transportation long ago replaced foot travel on dusty roads in sandals for most of us. Washing another's feet serves a far less practical purpose today but few things remain more humbling.

Jesus choose the setting of the Last Supper - the Passover meal in which he elevated the bread and the cup to symbolize his sacrifice - as the occasion for this humbling practice of foot-washing. It provides a compelling picture of humble service.

Whether literal foot-washing was instituted by Jesus as an ongoing practice by believers is arguable. But the deliberate choice to show preference to others through acts of humility is not: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor" (Romans 12:10).

A kingdom citizen places others in the family of God ahead of self. It's easy enough to state but far more difficult to practice. I'm a firstborn perfectionist who prefers things my way and in my time. I'm constantly humbled by those around me who model the truth of Romans 12:10 far better than I do. These are the ones who sacrifice time and effort to bring shut-ins to church services, care for church facilities, prepare meals for the sick and for church dinners, talk and spend time with those who are hurting.

To be devoted to one another and give preference to one another is a conscious choice. I thank God for those of you who daily make these choices and inspire the rest of us to do the same. Truly the Kingdom is demonstrated and modeled through such selfless choices.

Steve

Is it really about dirty feet or deeds of humility?

"So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. " (John 13:12-17)

Cars and modern transportation long ago replaced foot travel on dusty roads in sandals for most of us. Washing another's feet serves a far less practical purpose today but few things remain more humbling.

Jesus choose the setting of the Last Supper - the Passover meal in which he elevated the bread and the cup to symbolize his sacrifice - as the occasion for this humbling practice of foot-washing. It provides a compelling picture of humble service.

Whether literal foot-washing was instituted by Jesus as an ongoing practice by believers is arguable. But the deliberate choice to show preference to others through acts of humility is not: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor" (Romans 12:10).

A kingdom citizen places others in the family of God ahead of self. It's easy enough to state but far more difficult to practice. I'm a firstborn perfectionist who prefers things my way and in my time. I'm constantly humbled by those around me who model the truth of Romans 12:10 far better than I do. These are the ones who sacrifice time and effort to bring shut-ins to church services, care for church facilities, prepare meals for the sick and for church dinners, talk and spend time with those who are hurting.

To be devoted to one another and give preference to one another is a conscious choice. I thank God for those of you who daily make these choices and inspire the rest of us to do the same. Truly the Kingdom is demonstrated and modeled through such selfless choices.

Steve

I know a man who says It is his life purpose. He views it as the goal of his life. He feels that everything he says and does should revolve around this great purpose.

"Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." ( John 12:20-21 )

"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Is there anything greater that any of us could aspire to but that people see Jesus in us? Could there be any more persuasive argument for His true character, nature and message than His fullness within? His presence within will declare His radical kingdom message and perfectly reflect His Father.

Perhaps the need of the hour is not for a more persuasive argument but for a more compelling example. In my zeal to defend and declare the person and message of Jesus I can easily negate my words with a less-than-Christ-like attitude. And if others hear about Jesus but don't see Him within they will not likely sit up and notice and be changed.

If others are to see Jesus in us they will see us dying to ourselves so that Christ can live within: "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." ( John 12:24 ). They will see us taking seriously His call: "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." ( John 12:26 ).

"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Will sincere seekers find Him individually and collectively within us today? Will they hear His kingdom message through us? Will they see His compassion and deeds of mercy in and through us? As an old song goes, "you're the only Jesus that some will ever see". May all we encounter today easily mistake our identity for Jesus'.

Steve

A good beginning does not automatically guarantee success. The fastest horse, car or runner at the start of a race may not have the endurance to be victorious in the end. How we persevere is at least as important as how we begin.

"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." ( John 8:31-32 )

If a good beginning was all that was necessary then Jesus would have commended these believing Jews and moved on to seek out other people of faith. But believing was just the beginning. Endurance was essential and was based upon one key thing: continuing in the word of Jesus. This was the true proof of discipleship and the doorway to liberating truth.

The word of Jesus is the word of God. "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner." ( John 5:19 ). Jesus could accurately be described as "Mr.Word" - the literally personification of God's word; the "word made flesh".

To continue, or abide in Christ is essential. It involves a continual devotion to both the Man and the message. "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me" ( John 5:39 ).

I've met those who professed faith in Christ but displayed little evidence of continuing in Him. They "punched their ticket" on the day of their baptism but their faith seemed forever locked in that moment in time. Freshness and spiritual vitality seemed absent; faith was a historic event, not a present reality.

Continuing in the word of Christ is the pathway to discovery, vitality and joy. A lifelong commitment to knowing both the Man and the message breathes true life into an otherwise decaying and dying mortal soul.

Spiritual vitality is not found in some new pursuit but in remaining in the ever-old and ever-new word of Christ. Through it truth is formed and we are transformed.

May we each experience true spiritual vitality as we continue in the word of Christ, which is also the word of God.

Steve

Many of you reading this are reading from your place of employment. In the midst of your hectic day you may be pausing for some brief spiritual refreshment as you consider these words. As you do, I need to ask you this question: What are you working for?

Your likely answer is, "A paycheck. The financial means to put a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on the table."

I certainly would not disagree, but hopefully you are working for these reasons and more.

"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." (John 6:27)

The well-known Lord's Prayer contains a similar, but often misunderstood phrase: "give us this day our daily bread". The true thought is best expressed in saying, "give us this day the bread of tomorrow". It is an appeal to be fed the life of the age to come today.

We are called to assume responsibility for personal and family needs through employment, but if we work for today's "bread" to the neglect of tomorrow's "bread" we have missed the true nourishment that our Lord Jesus has for us. He promises to give us "the food which endures to eternal life".

I've lately been drawn back to the priority of cultivating relationship with Jesus my Lord. I often directly approach the Father in prayer, as Jesus Himself taught, but I've lately been much more aware of the fact that it is in Jesus that I approach the Father. There is much more to it than just tacking on, "In Jesus' name" at the end of prayer. Abiding in Christ is the prerequisite to coming to the Father.

As I seek to converse with Jesus my Lord I realize how much true "bread" He feeds me. He instructs me in the ways of my Father, and actively works with me to understand the Father's word. I'm more keenly aware of the fact that "no one comes to the Father but through me" (John 14:6). As my Advocate, He ushers me in to the presence of the Holy One where I could not dare go otherwise.

Amidst your daily work, may these brief thoughts supply you with some much-needed spiritual "bread' today.

Steve

His questions sometimes seem to reflect the fine art of understatement. Asking someone who has been sick for thirty-eight years if he wants to get well should generate a "well, duh!" response. But if there is one thing Jesus ISN'T it is naive and out of touch. His insightful questions serve a very specific purpose.

"A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, "Do you wish to get well?"" (John 5:5-6)

Jesus' question would indeed have seemed naive if it weren't for the qualifying statement, "and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition". It obviously wasn't from ignorance that such a question was asked.

This type of questioning was not confined to just one incident. An obviously blind man once cried out to Jesus for help and Jesus responded with the question, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Luke 18:41). Again, it was not from ignorance that such a question was raised.

There is power in naming the need. A key tenet of Alcoholics Anonymous is to state before a group, "Hi. My name is ..... and I'm an alcoholic". It is nearly impossible to live in denial when we have verbally stated the need.

Jesus always operated on the level of need and knowledge of those who sought His help. His help was channeled to their spoken need according to their level of faith. A lack of faith by others was His - and their - greatest hindrance (Matthew 13:58).

The old adage, "be careful what you ask for" seems to apply here. The sick man asked for help with an obvious need but he had a far greater need that he could easily have asked for - eternal life in the coming kingdom. No doubt life in the age to come was what Jesus most desired for this man, and hoped to provide through meeting his obvious need.

What is the GREATEST need you have? What is the GREATEST need for your family? Your church? Carefully consider the single greatest need and then speak it verbally in the presence of your Savior who is eager to bring the powers of heaven to bear on that need. And then in faith ask, believing that you have received that which you seek (Matthew 21:22)

Steve

Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it isn't real.

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." ( John 3:8 )

The effects of the wind are observable but the wind is invisible. The effects of the Spirit are also observable but the Spirit is not. And so it is with those of us who are born of the Spirit - we are born along by the "wind of the Spirit" and, while we can observe the results, we cannot see the Spirit which moves us along.

None would question the reality of the wind because we have all seen evidence of its existence - rustling leaves, dust, the sound of its moving. There is also ample evidence of the Spirit in the life of the believer - well-timed words, being "in the right place at the right time", deeds of compassion, and lifestyle and words that proclaim the gospel.

To be "born again" ( John 3;3,5 ) is to enter into a new, invisible realm. It's like a ship at sea guided by a propeller and rudder - the movements are easily evident but the forces directing the movements are hidden below the surface.

Those who are born of the Spirit don't fully understand the direction of their lives. My family and I have been moved from place to place over the past thirty years, and some of the movements remain a mystery to this day. Why were we several years in some places, and only a few short years in others? Why were we pulled away from dear friends we had just begun to know? Why was some work left apparently incomplete? On the surface these movements seem erratic, but below the surface are forces moving along a steady course.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." ( Proverbs 19:21-NIV )

Each of us have dreams, goals and aspirations too numerous to count or act upon. But within each spiritual person are those plans that are destined for action. Undeniable doors of opportunity open. Resources become available. Partners with similar dreams and plans come alongside us. The Spirit is clearly moving us along on a predetermined course.

I stand in amazement at the way of the Spirit but, more importantly, I stand in amazement at the One who is daily teaching me the way of the Father's Spirit. I thank Him for what He is teaching me even now as I write His words. May this day be for you a day of wonder and amazement as you feel the propeller and rudder of the Spirit guiding you on path determined for your life today.

Steve