Six:Eight

Today we continue our study of the signs of Jesus. According to John a sign is a visible experience of God working through Jesus in the world for our salvation. The healing of the invalid in this story shows that God seeks out the lost to save them - that’s the work of God. He’ll accomplish His mission regardless of what we say, think, or do.

The focus of this story, as with others in John, is on ‘believing’. This story illustrates the new dimension of believing without the immediacy of seeing.

Today we start a new series called ‘Signs’, looking at eight moments in the Gospel of John which are signs pointing to Jesus’s identity and saving work for us. Signs in the Gospel of John which show the way to new life in Jesus. Like signs on a roadtrip, these signs of Jesus show us something very important: that God is at work in the world through Jesus for our salvation. We start today with the Wedding at Cana.

Our words are powerful for good or evil. Look through your latest social media posts. Do they reflect truth, respect, and fairness? How have you responded when someone has corrected you for your speech - with listening and prayer, or with defensiveness? Is there anyone you need to apologize to for your behavior online?

Today’s message looks at what Proverbs has to say about being happy, joyous, or content, but it’s important to understand, we aren’t talking about happiness in the sense of ignoring or suppressing sadness. The happiness Proverbs speaks of is deeper, more profound.

The job of Christian parents is to instruct their children in wisdom and the fear of the Lord. To introduce them to Jesus, through both word and lifestyle. Mainly through them being able to witness your own walk of intimacy and conviction with Christ. This week, find ways to invest wisdom in your children and then place them in God’s hands, trusting that He’s in control.

A wise person is patient with others and mature in handling anger. When you experience anger, pray, slow down, breathe, listen, be patient and remove yourself from the situation if you need to cool down. As far as possible, extend mercy and forgiveness to the other person, remembering how God handled his wrath against sin.

Wise relationships are rooted in a relationship with God. Are your relationships self-serving or loving?

God is the Creator and Source of all we have, and as Christians we honor Him with our “first-fruits” and by using our money in generous ways and avenues of service.

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings primarily from King Solomon. This 7 week series we begin today looks at wisdom and themes within it, considering practical areas where God’s wisdom can shape and change how we live. We’ll see that a well-ordered life brings contentment. The question today is, what are our life priorities? And a followup question may be, if someone took inventory of our lives, would they be too crowded for Jesus?