“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29

In 2006, the Reverend Philip Dunn was diagnosed with cataracts, he was 45 years old. Philip was also diagnosed with macular degeneration which caused damage to his sharp and central vision, with no cure, he became blind. His world had turned black and dark but Philip preached light into the lives of his church members in Charleston, West Virginia. He would hear the Bible on audiotape to prepare for his sermons and silently hoped God would restore his sight one day. “I knew in my heart I was going to be able to see again, I just didn’t know when,” explained Philip.

Such an amazing testimony of his faith that he never left hope of his healing even though it was a long wait of 14 years in darkness. He said, “Even as my vision got worse and things got more difficult, every day I woke up, I woke up with an expectation that maybe today I would get my miracle,” he said. It took many years of patiently waiting on the Lord, but Philip Dunn finally got his miracle.

It all began when he started having extreme headaches in his left eye, doctors decided to operate on it, thinking that it was a ruptured cataract. Post-surgery he had a patch on his eye while recovering, but once he removed the patch, he couldn’t believe his eyes, literally.“I went into the kitchen, and my wife said, ‘Honey, you took the patch off,’ I said ‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘what do you see?’ I said, ‘I can see you!’ She was the first face I saw in 14 years.”He believes that it was Jesus who healed him and he gives thanks to Him with a grateful heart.

Faith is seeing beyond our own eyesight. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a Rewarder to all who have faith in Him.

“Faith is an active creative force.” – J.H. Oldham

God’s Word: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’” – Mark 9:23

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.” – John 19:38

In 1986, Christopher Thomas Knight entered the North Pond woods in Maine at 20 years of age, saying goodbye to no one. His parents never reported him missing to the police. He stayed alone in the woods for 27 years, stealing supplies to survive.

Knight was finally captured by game warden Sergeant Terry Hughes on April 4, 2013, while burgling the Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine. He was sentenced to seven months in jail on October 28, 2013, of which he had already served all but a week while awaiting sentencing.

Why would someone become a hermit for 27 years? He was fearful of people. He was fearful of being caught stealing food. He was fearful of being discovered.

Do not let the fear of others affect your testimony of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He stood up and died for you and give any fears that you have to Him.

“Jesus came treading the waters, and so he puts all the swelling tumults of life under His feet. Christians – Why be afraid?” – Augustine

God’s Word: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN †

“Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” – John 19:11

Since the 1960s when London Luton Airport first opened, most pilots knew the one runway as 08/26, by heart.

The designated runway numbers represent the angle of the runway to magnetic north.

But in 2020 that changed. It was redesignated 07/25.

Why the change? It is due to the earth’s magnetic pole slowly shifting. In the more than 60 years of operation, there have been about 6 degrees of shift. That is enough to redesignate a runway.

The airport will have to repaint all numbers on the runways and replace all taxi signage. Additionally, the airport must notify all authorities of the changes and coordinate with the FAA to update the information on charts and equipment.

It's a process that cost more than $350,000.

Jesus Christ does not shift and He does not change. He is the Truth and He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the Truth and in Him, there is no shifting.

"Stand firm for Christ in your life. Nothing else will make a difference." – Charles Colson

God’s Word: “ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, ‘Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?’ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” – John 18:26-27

In materials science, fatigue is the initiation and propagation of cracks in a material due to cyclic loading. Once a fatigue crack has started, it grows a small amount with each loading cycle; typically producing hairline cracks on some parts of the fracture surface. The crack will continue to grow until it reaches a critical size, which occurs when the stress intensity factor of the crack exceeds the fracture toughness of the material, producing rapid cracking and typically complete fracture of the structure.

The Lord knows the metal we are made of and what will crack us. For Peter, his three denials were his catastrophic failure. But cracks in Peter’s faith in Christ began to show when he told Jesus he would not die (Matthew 16:22) and could not wash his feet (John 13:8).

In our own strength, our faith will crack and fail. But thank God that in Christ, we can endure all things. Today in prayer, give your failures to Him and rejoice that He is a loving and healing Lord.

“Oh, friends. We need to ask ourselves where we’re denying Jesus’ truth in our lives. Where are we denying Jesus’ healing? Or denying Jesus’ forgiveness — for ourselves or others? Where are we denying Jesus’ redemption? Where are we denying Jesus’ hope?” - Lysa TerKeurst

God’s Word: “The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN †

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” – John 17:20

Commentator and broadcaster Tony Snow announced that he had colon cancer in 2005. Following surgery and chemotherapy, Snow joined the Bush administration in April 2006 as press secretary. Unfortunately, on March 23 Snow, 51, a husband and father of three, announced that the cancer had recurred, with tumors found in his abdomen—leading to surgery in April, followed by more chemotherapy. Snow went back to work in the White House Briefing Room on May 30, but resigned August 31. Christianity Today asked Snow what spiritual lessons he has been learning through the ordeal.

He said the following about intercessory prayer: “When our faith flags, he throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it. It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up—to speak of us!”

Tony died two years later.

We need to be men and women who regularly pray intercessory prayers for others, especially for their salvation. Today in prayer, look to the Lord and pray for those who you know who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

“To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way we can express our love for them.” – John Calvin

God’s Word: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN †

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

The seal of the president of the United States is used to mark correspondence from the president of the United States to the U.S. Congress, and is also used as a symbol of the presidency itself. The central design, based on the Great Seal of the United States, is the official coat of arms of the U.S. the presidency and also appears on the presidential flag.

The presidential seal developed by custom over a long period before being defined in law, and its early historia remains obscure. The use of presidential seals goes back at least to 1850, and probably much earlier. The basic design of today's seal originated with Rutherford B. Hayes, who was the first to use the coat of arms on White House invitations in 1877. The precise design dates from 1945, when President Truman specified it in Executive Order 9646. The only changes since were in 1959 and 1960, which added 49th and 50th stars to the circle following the admissions of Alaska and Hawaii as states.

In the center of the Seal of the President of the United States is a dominant likeness of the American Eagle.  A bundle of arrows, a symbol of strength and war, is clenched in the Eagle's left claw.  An Olive branch is held in the Eagle's right claw, signifying peace.

Today the Eagle's head is turned to his right with an intense focus on peace.  Prior to the term of President Harry S. Truman, the Eagle's head was turned to his left with a focus on war.

Our focus needs to be on the person who gives peace – Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we have peace in Him because we trust that He died for our sins.

“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?” – Gerard Majella

God’s Word: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

The Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace in England is now 250 years old and is the largest grape vine in the world. It was planted in 1768 while Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was in charge of the gardens at Hampton Court.

Brown directed the planting of the Great Vine from a cutting taken at Valentines Mansion in Essex.

In 1887 it was already 4 feet around the base. It is now 13 feet around the base and the longest rod is 120 feet.

The Vine is grown on the extension method where one plant fills a glasshouse, as Victorian gardeners thought this method would produce a larger crop.

The average crop of black dessert grapes is about 600 pounds, however in the autumn of 2001 it was 845 pounds - the best crop ever.

When we stay connected to Christ, we can continually produce fruit. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has chosen you to be His instrument on earth and seek to stay connected to Him and to do His will.

“I was but a pen in God's hand, and what praise is due to a pen?” – Richard Baxter

God’s Word: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” – John 15:16

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6

The island of South Georgia, which is part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, resides in the Atlantic portion of the Southern Ocean, about 900 miles east of the Falkland Islands and 2,976 miles west of Cape Town, South Africa. Although the island and its nearby waters abound with animal life, human settlers on the island are few. A small number of scientists and support personnel maintain British Antarctic Survey stations at Grytviken on King Edward Point and at Bird Island, off the northwestern tip of the island, and constitute the island’s only inhabitants. The island periodically served as a base for whaling and scientific expeditions during the 19th century, but it is best known as the site of the final leg of the arduous journey made by British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who first crossed South Georgia Island in 1916 while in search of aid for his ill-fated Trans-Antarctic expedition. There isn’t an airport on South Georgia Island; to get to South Georgia Island you must take a ship that is a 2 days sail from the Falkland Islands.

The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. We all must put our faith in Him to receive eternal life. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father.

“Christ is the only way to salvation.” – Ulrich Zwingli

God’s Word: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:14-15

In 1973, Vernon Grounds, then president of Denver Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary, challenged the graduating class with the truth of John 13:14-15. Dr. Grounds told the graduates that he was going to present to each of them a tangible symbol that could help them in their future ministries. As the classmates filed quietly to the front, they wondered what it would be—a special Scripture verse, a little book, or an inscribed medallion? To their surprise, it was a small square of white terry cloth. One graduate, who went on to serve as an overseas missionary, said, “We were commissioned to go into the world as servants. That small piece of towel, frayed and grubby from years in my wallet, is a constant reminder of that moving moment and of our basic call to serve.”

The greater things in life are serving God and serving others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He has called you to follow Him and to be a servant.

“Wash what is dirty, water what is dry, heal what is wounded. Bend what is stiff, warm what is cold, guide what goes off the road.” – Stephen Langton

God’s Word: “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“‘Father, glorify your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’” – John 12:28

In his book “Your Father Loves You”, author J.I. Packer writes the following: “Scripture views the glorifying of God as a six-fold activity: praising God for all that he is and all his achievements; thanking him for his gifts and his goodness to us; asking him to meet our own and others' needs; offering him our gifts, our service, and ourselves; learning of him from his word, read and preached, and obeying his voice; telling others of his worth, both by public confession and testimony to what he has done for us. Thus we might say that the basic formulas of worship are these: "Lord, you are wonderful"; "Thank you, Lord"; "Please Lord"; "Take this, Lord"; "Yes, Lord"; "Listen everybody!" This then is worship in its largest sense: petition as well as praise, preaching as well as prayer, hearing as well as speaking, actions as well as words, obeying as well as offering, loving people as well as loving God. However, the primary acts of worship are those, which focus on God; and we must not imagine that work for God in the world is a substitute for direct fellowship with him in praise and prayer and devotion.”

When we fellowship with the Lord, we cannot help but help bring Him glory. Today in prayer, reflect the glory of God by focusing your gaze on His grace and love revealed in the person of Christ.

“The glory of God, and as our only means to glorify Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life.” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2:12

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.’” – John 8:31

In May 2022, a 26-year-old woman who drove her SUV down a flight of stairs claimed she was “following her GPS instructions,” according to police in Portland, Maine.

Officers with the Portland Police Department didn’t buy the woman’s claim, stating they “felt it was her excessive blood alcohol level” that led to the unusual crash.

The officers said the woman, driving in a Toyota Highlander, drove through the police department garage, across a pedestrian plaza, and down the stairs.

“We are fortunate that she didn’t strike anyone and this ended with just a small amount of property damage,” the Portland Police Department said in a Facebook post. “Please don’t drink and drive.”

The woman was issued a summons for allegedly driving drunk.

It is curious that some people are overly obedient to machines, but they will not follow the Lord. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you a heart that is ready and willing to follow after Him.

“Nothing is really lost by a life of sacrifice; everything is lost by failure to obey God’s call.” – Henry P. Liddon

God’s Word: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.” – John 7:13

Karl Wallenda was a German-American high wire artist and founder of The Flying Wallendas, a daredevil circus act that performed dangerous stunts, often without a safety net.

On March 22, 1978, 73-year-old Karl fell 75 feet to his death while walking a cable strung between two hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In reflecting on the time around his death, his widow explained that during the months preceding his death Karl transitioned from a lifestyle and attitude of confidence and courage to one of fear and precaution. He morphed from being an aerialist who lived to fly across the wire, to a hesitant high wire actor who was concerned about the fear of falling.

This fear of falling or failing is today known as The Wallenda Factor. It refers to people and situations where the fear of failure smothers the joy of soaring. It refers to people and situations where problem-solving erases an affirm and build process, where counting the

“no” votes are more important than counting the “yes” votes, and negatives are more important than positives.

As Christians, we should give our fears to Jesus. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we need not be fearful in any situation.

“Whenever I hear about Christ as Savior it appears that he saves us from sin – and I don’t wish to deny that – but in my experience, he does more than that: he releases us from fear, and I think fear is the great killer.” – Ivor Smith-Cameron

God’s Word:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered.” – John 6:43

For the month of February 2015, Leah Shapiro had one goal: no complaining. “I think I just wanted to be more self-aware and mindful of what I was putting out there,” she said. Shapiro and more than 1,000 other people signed up for the Complaint Restraint project. The goal? Creating a more positive life by eliminating negative statements. “There’s no secret sauce,” the website says. “Simply stop complaining.”

At the end of February, Shapiro said the Complaint Restraint project was hard but worth it. “I slipped a lot,” she replied. “But I’ve had more examples this month of me being more positive and better things happening.” She learned to deal with her negativity when she felt it rising inside her by keeping a journal. She even saw improvements in productivity at work, finally tackling a project she’d been avoiding and whining about. “It was something I found so boring, and then I just cranked it out. And I just felt so good having accomplished it.”

Chronic complaining is a sin. Today in prayer, confess any sin of grumbling and complaining to the Lord.

“Anyone who complains or grumbles is not perfect, nor even a good Christian.” – John of the Cross

God’s Word: “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” – James 5:9

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2022, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN †

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me” – John 5:39

David Baron was born to a Russian Jewish family in Poland and received a good rabbinical education. Even as a child he sought the Lord God and thought deeply on spiritual matters. He was anxious about the many divine condemnations of all men’s inborn, inescapable sin.

He diligently studied the Old Testament and found many verses talking about God’s mercy. But it wasn’t until he immigrated to England that he met some Christians and he began to study the New Testament.

For over a year David studied, finding that observances, rituals, study of the Talmud, works, and ceremonies meant nothing in the sight of God. Only faith in Jesus Christ is acceptable to the Father, who then gives salvation as a free gift!

Contrary to the repeated teaching he had received as a child, David discovered that Jesus did not hate Jews, but loved them with deep compassion. The realization overcame him and he dropped to his knees, praying that God would give him that saving faith in Christ.

In his testimony, David said: “Though some years have now passed since that memorable evening, I can still sing the same song and am even more determined to ‘trust in Jesus, and not be afraid.'”  David co-founded the Hebrew Christian Testimony to Israel missionary organization, in London, with the purpose of converting Jews to Hebrew Christianity.

The Bible is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Throughout its books, it declares that Jesus is Lord of all. Today in prayer, worship the Lord and give Him all of your life for His glory.

“The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ.” – John Stott

God’s Word: “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.’” – Luke 24:44

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’” – John 4:34

John Wesley was an English pastor, theologian, and evangelist, who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. A lady once asked Wesley if he knew that he would die at midnight the next day how would he spend the intervening time. He replied, "Why, madam, just as I intend to spend it now. I would preach this evening at Gloucester, and again at five tomorrow morning; after that I would ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon, and meet the societies in the evening. I would then go to Martin's house...talk and pray with the family, as usual, retire myself to my room at 10 o'clock, commend myself to my Heavenly Father, lie down to rest, and wake up in glory."

Do you desire to do God’s will in your life? Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He desires you to live for Him and seek to do His will every day.

“Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” – Augustine

God’s Word: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” – Acts 20:24

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30

In 1995, John Ashcroft was a newly elected senator. He gathered with close family and friends in a room adjacent to the U.S. Capitol building just hours prior to his swearing-in ceremony.

It was a solemn time of dedication and commitment.  The senator's 83-year-old father--frail from a debilitating heart condition--summoned the strength to issue a simple admonishment to his son.  He warned of the "arrogance" of life in Washington and charged his son to embrace humility.  "Nothing of lasting value in the world had ever been accomplished in a spirit of arrogance," the father said.

As those assembled prepared for a moment of private prayer, the senator noticed his father struggling to get out of the sofa and join in the prayer.  "Dad, you don't need to struggle to stand," he said.

His father responded. "Son, I'm not struggling to stand.  I'm struggling to kneel."

As we grow in Christ, we need to become more humble and give more glory to the Lord. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is worthy of our praise and give Him glory throughout the day.

“We must view humility as one of the most essential things that characterize Christianity.” – Jonathan Edwards

God’s Word: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“In reply, Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” – John 3:3

William E. Biederwolf, former president of the Winona Lake Bible Conference, told the following story:  A young sculptor worked painstakingly on the statue of an angel.  When the great Michelangelo came to view it, the artist hid nearby and waited to hear the master's comment.  Michelangelo looked intently at the sculpture with breathless suspense.  At last, he said, "It lacks only one thing." Hearing this, the young artist was heartbroken.  For days he could neither eat nor sleep. A friend became so concerned for him that he went to Michelangelo to ask what the statue lacked. The master replied, "It lacks only life; with life, it would be perfect."

Some people are like that statue.  Outwardly, they have an admirable appearance.  They are good by the standards of the world.  They live moral, exemplary lives.  They are respected citizens who are active in charitable functions.  They are faithful members of their churches.

But never having been born again, they lack one thing – spiritual life.

Happiness, peace, and contentment can only be found in Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that in Him you have a rich, eternal life.

“For a soul to come to Jesus, is the grandest event in its history.” – Joseph Alleine

God’s Word: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” – John 2:11

In February 2014, in Holmes County, Mississippi, Coroner Dexter Howard has no qualms using the word for the resurrection, as it were, of Walter Williams.

Howard received the call from Williams' hospice nurse, who told him that the 78-year-old had passed away.

Howard drove to Williams' home to collect the body for funeral preparations. He checked Williams' pulse at about 9 p.m. and pronounced him dead. "There was no pulse. He was lifeless," Howard said.

The coroner completed his paperwork, placed Williams in a body bag, and transported him to the funeral home, he said. There, something strange happened: The body bag moved.

"We got him into the embalming room and we noticed his legs beginning to move, like kicking," Howard said. "He also began to do a little breathing."

Paramedics arrived and hooked Williams up to monitors. Sure enough, he had a heartbeat, so they transported him to the Holmes County Hospital and Clinics.

Howard was absolutely certain Williams was dead. The only reasonable explanation he could think of, Howard said, is that Williams' defibrillator, implanted beneath the skin on his chest, jump-started his heart after he was placed in the body bag. "It could've kicked in, started his heart back," Howard said. "The bottom line is it's a miracle."

The same God who performed miracles in the Bible continues to do so to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He continually shows us His glory and place your faith in Him.

“A miracle is an event beyond the power of any known physical law to produce; it is a spiritual occurrence produced by the power of God, a marvel, a wonder.” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” – Exodus 14:31

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DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN  †

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” – John 1:12

Adopted by his grandparents in Surrey, England, Eric Clapton was born as a result of a brief relationship between his mother and a Canadian soldier who left before he was born. For many years he grew up believing his mother was his older sister, and it was only after she married and moved to Germany that the real truth emerged. Eric struggled long-term with the circumstances of his birth and this significantly contributed to his too well-publicized problems with alcohol and drugs.

One night during the Blind Faith ’69 tour two Christians came to his dressing room and asked him to pray with them. he saw “a blinding light” and sensed God’s presence. Afterward, he began telling people that he had become 'a born-again Christian.’

But Eric again became addicted to alcohol during his successful solo years of the 1970s. He eventually says he hit ‘rock bottom’ in 1987. Following rehab, he “surrendered to God” and his life eventually came together again. He writes, “

“In the privacy of my room, I begged for help. I had no notion who I thought I was talking to, I just knew that I had come to the end of my tether … and, getting down on my knees, I surrendered. Within a few days, I realized that … I had found a place to turn to, a place I’d always known was there but never really wanted, or needed, to believe in. From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night, to express gratitude for my life and, most of all, for my sobriety. I choose to kneel because I feel I need to humble myself when I pray, and with my ego, this is the most I can do. If you are asking why I do all this, I will tell you … because it works, as simple as that.”

No matter what our situation in life, the Lord of the Universe wants to adopt us as His children and give us a wonderful eternity. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He is a loving God and He has given us the right to become His children through Jesus Christ.

“Unless we have seen in Jesus what God is like we would never even have dared to think of ourselves as being able to become the children of God. It is what Jesus is that opens to us the possibility of becoming the children of God.” – William Barclay

God’s Word: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2022, Devotional E-Mail   

DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN †