What if...? According to John, it was the first Passover of Jesus' ministry years and he was in Jerusalem. The Temple, however, was more of a problem than a place of worship. So Jesus took corrective action. The focus should not be on the violence of his action, but the victory of his acts. He had 'zeal' for his Father's house. Are you cleansed for worship as you come together with other Christians?

They saw and they were changed. The miracle - changing the water into wine - was not for demonstration to the masses... only a few knew what had take place. But it led them to glorify God and believe who Jesus was -- the Word, the King of Israel, and the Son of Man.

John tells us that Jesus did many 'signs' and that he chose which to include so that we could 'believe.' The invitation to 'come and see' is repeated often in scriptures. Once we have seen, the call follows to follow the Messiah, the King of the Jews, and the Son of Man. What response have you taken?

The importance of John the Baptizer should never be underestimated. He is mentioned over 85 times in the New Testament and it was he who was chosen to introduce Jesus to the world - "Behold, the Lamb of God." What is God calling you to testify about that you have witnessed?

Solomon, when dedicating the Temple, asked the question, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth?" As John begins his gospel he answers to the affirmative - the Word, which was God, pitched His tent (tabernacled) among us. Jesus, the Incarnate Word, was in the beginning with God and was God.

The challenge Jesus used to close his message involved the appropriate answer to the words he had been speaking -- Be a hearer who becomes a doer! The focus is not on weathering storms, but on being obedient.

Two 'ways' to choose from leading to two gates with two final destinies. The call to choose is NOT just to receive the proper reward, but also to be the true disciple who is leading others to the hard and straight way that leads to the narrow gate. Which shall you choose?

What did Jesus mean when he said, "Judge not, that you may be not judged"? From the example he gave regarding the log in the eye, it is obvious that we are still to help remove the speck, but only after we have done the hard work to get the log out of our own eyes. Once we see clearly we are able to develop an accurate view of God, a healthy view of others, an honest view of ourselves, and the right balance within ourselves.

The words of Jesus were actually a command (Imperative Tense) - "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life... Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow..." (Mt. 6:25, 34). Anxiety regarding material possessions is a symptom of not trusting God...and can, therefore, drain from our treasures God supplies. So, don't worry, but find the joy of the Lord.

During this season of the year when gifts and treasures are occupying the forefront of many thoughts and conversations, what do you treasure, what are you focused on, and what has control of your life?