Live to Love Scripture Encouragement

John 21:1 After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way.
This is now the 5th appearance after Jesus’ resurrection and the 3rd to the disciples. He had told Mary to tell them He would meet them at the Sea of Galilee which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.
The fact that Jesus manifested Himself, informs us that He wants to be known. He wants His disciples to know His love and purpose. We are the same way. When we want to be known, we manifest ourselves to the people that we want to know, and that we want to know us.
Don’t you think He still wants to be known? Don’t you think He still wants people to know His love and purpose? That’s why He manifested Himself to His disciples and to you. He will manifest His love and purpose in us if we believe He lives and give Him access to our lives. May we abide in Him today and expect Him to show up when and where He wishes. Remember, we are His body!

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 20:31 “but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
There are limits to what John had time and space to relate concerning Jesus, but it is adequate for any to believe and have life in His name. Our problem isn’t what we don’t know about Jesus, which is infinite. Our dilemma is rightly responding to what has been revealed in Jesus.
We see from this verse why John wrote down the things He saw and heard concerning Jesus. It was to give a gospel that God would work with in your life. He declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, sent to reconcile sinners to God. He is the Son of God, the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to the Father.
John introduced Jesus saying that in Him was life, and the life was the light of men (v. 4). We live to love with Jesus because He has given us His life, and that love is the light for everyone He puts in our paths. Rejoice with me that we have life in the name of Jesus.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

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John 20:30 “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;”
I’ve heard it said recently that we only have a few weeks worth of the life of Jesus recorded in the gospels. John indicated as much in this verse. What is recorded is incredible, but there is so much more to which the disciples were eye witnesses.
However great and wonderful you and I think Jesus is, He is infinitely greater and more wonderful. So whatever praise we give Him, He is due more. Whatever love we show Him, He deserves more. Whatever worship we give Him, He is worthy of more.
Today as we love Jesus and walk with Him, let’s exceed what we think and feel is adequate or expected, for His glory.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 20:29 “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’"
Have you believed that Jesus is Lord and God without seeing Him in bodily form? Have you believed after hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you are blessed, according to Jesus Himself.
Thomas and the rest of the disciples were blessed also to see the resurrected Christ. They believed and have born witness to the reality of the Word of Life. All who have heard and believed are blessed, blessed with eternal life in Jesus.
Do we realize how blessed we are to believe in Jesus? We didn’t bless Jesus by believing in Him. Faith in Christ is the blessing of God. The apostle Peter wrote concerning Jesus in 1 Peter 1:20-21. “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
We live to love with Jesus because He loved us and blessed us by giving us faith when we heard the gospel. If He has blessed us, He will bless many more as we love and share the gospel. Let’s be ready for the opportunities He gives us today to live to love with Him.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 20:28 “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’"
John didn’t tell us if Thomas actually touched Jesus’ hands and side. He had seen enough to be convinced that standing in front of him, was the resurrected Christ. He declared what everyone who believes declares. Jesus is Lord of all, and Jesus is God. That is what we proclaim as we witness to the resurrection.
Some say Jesus is a good example to follow. Others suggest He is just another way to God along with the ways of Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Many dismiss Him as a mythical construction.
What do you call Jesus? If anyone calls Him Lord and God, then you can be sure they know He lives. They also, like Thomas, understand that Jesus knows and loves them.
May we be faithful witnesses to Jesus as we submit ourselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Let us honor Him as the Lord God Almighty.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com