Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

Matthew 3-4, Mark 1, Luke 3-4, and John 1

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John 1:32-34

Day 293 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* moves further into the New Testament - focusing this morning on John the Baptist's ministry, including the baptism of Jesus. The commentary notes the intrigue regarding how "sophisticated city people would go out of their way [from Jerusalem] to be taught by a rough man of the wilderness whose preaching is unusually harsh and demanding." Those who come to John are referred to as "vipers" and called out for their sin and warned of damnation. Today's reading also focuses on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and how Satan found Jesus at His most vulnerable - after 40 days and nights of fasting - and how Jesus stood on scripture to defend against temptation. 

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition

While there are several aspects of this morning's reading where one can focus, I am struck by John's clarity regarding who Jesus is - John is unequivocal that Jesus is the Messiah.  His testimony to the Jewish leaders reflects his confidence in Jesus.

I am reminded how all believers must have confidence in who Jesus is, including who He is in each of our lives as personal Lord and Savior..  Both Peter and John stood with confidence before the Sanhedrin:

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE my personal Lord and Savior.  I know this and I have confidence in this.  I have personally witnessed the heart and life transformation in my own life and in the lives of those around me.  I am grateful Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving.  I know I have sin in my life, including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Luke 5

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. v11

Everyone has a story - including Peter, who's mother-in-law was healed by Jesus (Luke 4, Mark 1).  Peter also saw Jesus produce a haul of fish that Peter and his fellow fisherman could not produce or experience, even on the best of days fishing.  On top of that Peter was likely there for all (or nearly all) of Jesus' miracles that included the Transfiguration, the Resurrection, and Pentecost.  During the period after the Resurrection when Jesus appears to many, Peter arguably experienced the most powerful example of Jesus' grace and forgiveness.

For more on Peter's story - see this.

I like IAmSecond.com as a place where folks, including many public personalities, share their stories.  I've shared my story through Celebrate Recovery where I have gained victory (still fighting) over anger and others sins.

Peter dropped his livelihood to follow Jesus and boldly proclaimed the Gospel - in the face of grave danger.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

Ultimately, Peter became integral to the early church's existence and Peter brought the Gospel to the Gentiles.

We must all get to a place where we acknowledge the need for Jesus and just drop everything to follow Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me victory over the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Mark 11

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” v33 

The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the Jewish elders challenged Jesus and could not with confidence claim that Jesus was not the Messiah, the Promised One.  The world and all of its evil influences challenge our belief in Jesus daily. We can stand on the Bible but I believe we should also stand on what Jesus has done for us personally - we all have a story.

At one point in my life, I believed I had it all and I could do anything, yet God challenged my arrogance and got me to see how He was the source of everything and that I had belonged to Him and came from Him.  God got me to see how everyone needs a Savior and Christ is that Savior.  It has taken many years for me to surrender more of my life to Him and I am still a work in progress - yet I stand today confident that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  He is real and what He has done in my life is real.  I am less arrogant, more at peace, more patient, etc.  

I may be challenged by the world - but with God's help I will remain steadfast and I will not relent in my faith.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  1 Peter 3:15 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and You are my personal Lord and Savior.  You came to save me and indeed You did more than save me, You gave me life...and blessed me far more than I could ever imagine.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am week and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.