As Stan and I waited for Ricky to bring our breakfast one morning at the Twelve Baskets Cafe, Stan said, “Earlier this morning in my journaling time, I was focusing on a verse from John’s gospel that reminded me of how a neighbor once told me a wonderful thing about his mom.”
“What’d he have to say about his mom?” I asked.
“That she was a great influence on his faith and encouraged him in the same way Jesus’ mother wisely told some people at a wedding.”
“Like Jesus’ mother told some people at a wedding? How so?”
“As you may remember,” Stan replied, “there’s a story about a wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle.”
“I kind of remember that,” I said. “Didn’t that have something to do with water being turned into wine?”
“You’re right,” Stan agreed. “Jesus, some of His disciples, and His mother were at a wedding feast. At one point the wine for the wedding was gone or just about gone and they needed some more.”
“That’s when Jesus did the miracle, right?”
“Right,” Stan replied, “but it was before the miracle that Jesus’ mother told the servants the same thing that my neighbor said his mom told him that was such an encouragement for his faith.”
“What same thing?”
“Do whatever Jesus says!”
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Bible verses to consider:
And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there; and Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the wedding. And when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” John 2:1-5.
And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to have life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Thank you for His obedience in going to the cross. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I’m disobedient rather than obedient in what I’m to do for you and your kingdom. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in being obedient. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name the Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted God’s provision of life with Him through what Jesus accomplished on the cross by His obedience? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with actually obeying what you are to do while you remain here? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to have life with Him through Jesus, but to be obedient in living the new life Jesus came to give? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?