Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40Pondering Heaven
Day 05 | THINKING ABOUT HEAVEN

CLOTHING IN HEAVEN
 
2 Corinthians 5:1-5
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”

It seems natural that we all wish to be clothed.  My dog doesn’t care, but since the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, all we humans want to be.  If your neighbor’s house was on fire and they came to your house seeking protection and had no clothes on, would you get them some clothes to wear? Sure, anyone would.

Most theologians believe that God will provide temporary bodies for us in heaven as we await the resurrection of our glorified, permanent bodies, which we’ll receive at the resurrection.
 
In Luke 16, Jesus gives a story about Lazarus and the rich man.   In that story, they can see each other, though Lazarus was in Paradise and the rich man in Hades.   Thus, we have a teaching by Jesus of recognizability in heaven, even if we’re in borrowed clothes.

We’ll recognize one another in heaven, but most importantly, you will be recognized by God and by God’s Son.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for Your marvelous plan for eternity for us, Your children. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40Pondering Heaven
Day 04 | WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
 
Luke 23:43
“Jesus said, ‘Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”

Nearly everyone has lost loved ones, and that’s a difficult part of life.

So, where does a person go when they die? Is that all there is?

As Jesus told the thief on the cross in today’s verse, “You will be with me in Paradise.”

It’s helpful to read this verse in context to understand the full story of WHO this person was and what he did that led Jesus to say – from the cross – what He said.

On the day Jesus was crucified, two others were also being crucified at the same time… two criminals.

Luke 23:39-43 – “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”

Notice what he said and, therefore, what he believed: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

That criminal BELIEVED in Jesus, the Messiah. He did nothing else. No good works. No attending church. No baptism. All he did was BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And so, when the criminal died, his spirit immediately went to PARADISE, a temporary heaven awaiting the coming of the NEW Heaven and NEW earth.

When we die, our spirits go there too.

Prayer: LORD, Thank You for the marvelous plan You have for us who believe in You. Amen.  

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40Pondering Heaven
Day 03 | PAUL AND THE THIRD HEAVEN

PAUL AND THE THIRD HEAVEN

2 Corinthians 12:2-4
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”

Paul is talking about himself here and is referring to a supernatural experience in which God brought him into His very presence in the highest heaven where He dwells.  He was allowed to see and learn things that God wanted him to know.

1 Kings 8:30 – “And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”
 
Isaiah 66:1 – “Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool;’”

To explain the heavens… The first “heaven” is considered to be where birds and airplanes fly, the second “heaven” is considered to be where the planets and stars reside, and the Third Heaven is where God resides.

Paul describes his experience with humility and mystery, questioning whether it was an in-body experience… and says he heard what was beyond human words, an experience that parallels Stephen’s vision (Acts 7) and John’s revelation (Revelation 4).
 
It’s noteworthy, too, that Paul never presented this experience as something believers should pursue.  And yet, this experience – and that of Stephen’s and of John’s – gives us a glimpse and a hope that “the best is yet to come.”

Prayer: LORD, though You have provided us with much beauty in this life, we are truly looking forward to what You have prepared for us with YOU forever. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40Pondering Heaven
Day 02 | WHY THINK ABOUT HEAVEN?

WHY THINK ABOUT HEAVEN?

Colossians 3:1-2
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” (NLT)

There are LOTS of things we can think about in every 24-hour day. The news, our family and friends, our jobs, our country, the world, the future … and on and on. In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us to “Set your sights on the realities of Heaven.”  
 
CS Lewis summarized it well: “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in.’ Aim at earth and you will get neither.”  
 
Certainly, life as we know it is a mixed bag. Sunrises and sunsets are still beautiful, as are the mountains, the lakes, the oceans, and flowers and trees. But there’s also much sadness and anxiety in the world. Much hatred, worry, discouragement, fear, doubt, accusations, murders, kidnapping, and the list goes on.

So, WHY think about heaven? As CS Lewis said, if you want to be a POSITIVE influencer here and now, it helps to “set your sights on the realities of heaven.”  

So, how might you do that in practice?  Well, for one, finish this “40 Days Pondering Heaven” devotional series. And while you doing that, imagine a place called heaven.  Imagine there is no pain, or sorrow, or tears, or hurt, or stress, or anxiety, or worries… but instead, a place of LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.

Prayer: LORD, help me ponder Your heaven, a place FULL of love, joy, peace … and Jesus! Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40Pondering Heaven
Day 01 | THINKING ABOUT HEAVEN

THINKING ABOUT HEAVEN

Philippians 3:13-14
“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”  (NLT)

How many places have you lived in throughout your life? Have you ever moved to a different place? Before moving, did you think about your new place, the weather, the placement of the furniture, the neighborhood, and so forth? If you did, you’re NORMAL ☺.

We naturally tend to look ahead when we move to a different location or situation. We have the God-given ability to IMAGINE what it’s going to be like and start “dreaming” about the new location, what we’re taking with us, and many even start arranging the furniture in their minds before even packing to go!

In today’s verses, Paul teaches us about his SINGULAR focus on heaven, which was especially important for him given all the suffering he endured throughout his ministry. Looking forward is an amazing HUMAN characteristic that we can choose to do… or not. (Remember… We are the only creatures made in God’s image and thus we have this ability to look forward).

Think again about what Paul said... “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”  

Take a minute now and think about that.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the place You’ve prepared for me and all Believers in heaven, forever with You. Amen.
 

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  40 | JESUS RESTORES PETER

JESUS RESTORES PETER

John 21:15-17
 “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter replied, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter said, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then take care of my sheep,’ Jesus said. A third time he asked him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ’Then feed my sheep.’” (NLT)

Jesus desired to restore Peter (aka Simon, son of John) and show Peter that he was forgiven. Peter had denied Jesus three times… and thus Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” three times.

Two Greek words for “love” are used here.

The first two times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” He uses the Greek word “agape,” a love with total commitment and devotion.

Peter answers all three times, “Yes Lord, You know that I love (phileo) You.” (A brotherly, close-friend love.)

The third time Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love (phileo) me?” This upsets Peter, but he answers the same, “Yes Lord, you know that I (phileo) love you.”

Peter’s forgiveness and restoration were necessary as Jesus knew what was ahead for Peter and the other disciples.

Note also to what great extent Jesus will go to see someone come into the Kingdom of God and be forgiven and restored as needed.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for your patience with me and all other Believers of all times. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  39 | JESUS AND THE MIRACULOUS CATCH OF FISH

JESUS AND THE MIRACULOUS CATCH OF FISH

John 21:1-14
“Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.  …  
“Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ ‘We’ll come, too,’ they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
“At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, ‘Fellows, have you caught any fish?’ ‘No,’ they replied. Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’  …
“When they got (to shore), they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire and some bread.  ‘Now come and have some breakfast!’ Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.”

Jesus has risen from the dead, and for the next 40 days, He appeared to many people. One of those group appearances was to the disciples as they were fishing.

This story is one of a miraculous catch of fish on Jesus’ word to “throw out your nets on the right-hand side.”  Now, these guys are experienced fishermen, have been fishing all night, and probably threw the nets on the right side MANY times that night. Yet, they did it again, and WHAM…  more fish than they could haul in.

Jesus – God in the flesh – controls the fish in the sea and, in this third appearance to the disciples, has some fun with them and shows that He is their Source.

Prayer: LORD, You are my Source too. And thank You for Your prediction of both your death AND resurrection – and then – for making both happen just as You said. The most miraculous event in all of human history. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  38 | JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES

More from John 20
“Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ Then she gave them his message.
“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.  Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.  …  ‘As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’ Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ …  Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me.  Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’
“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

Jesus raised the value and place of women like no other religion.  Thus, women were the first to the tomb and to know that it was empty and Mary was privileged – by Jesus – to tell the disciples.

Of note is that they (the disciples) were meeting behind closed doors out of fear for their lives.  Thus, when Jesus arrives, he says, “Peace be with you.”  Then, Jesus commissions them – sends them – to minister in His name and tells them to “receive the Holy Spirit.”  Jesus knew that without the Spirit, they would NOT be able to complete the tasks Jesus gave them. “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19)

Then in a verse that looks to the future and sees you and me, He says to “Doubting Thomas” – “You believe because you have seen me.  Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”  That’s you and me!

John ends his book with: “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

Prayer: LORD, I do believe that YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.  Thank You for giving me the right to become a child of God.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  37 | MARY, JESUS, AND THE EMPTY TOMB

MARY, JESUS, AND THE EMPTY TOMB

From John 20
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying.  As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb.  and saw two angels. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.  He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’
“She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).  (NIV)
“Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” (NASB)

Can’t you just FEEL the emotions of this scene?
 
Mary did NOT expect the two-ton stone to be moved or the tomb to be empty.  And yet, after Peter and John confirmed it was empty, we find her at the tomb crying.  She first sees the angels and then Jesus (whom she expected to be dead) and then – with His one word “Mary” – she immediately recognizes His voice, WHO he is, believes it is Him come back from the dead, and hugs him for all she’s worth, just as we would a loved one returned.

Jesus knew her name… and she recognized His voice.  Do you?

Prayer: LORD, thank YOU for your death, burial, and resurrection!  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  36 | THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS

John 19:6-7, 15-19
“So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they shouted, saying, ‘Crucify, crucify!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take Him yourselves and crucify Him; for I find no grounds for charges in His case!’ The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and by that law He ought to die, because He made Himself out to be the Son of God!’
“So they shouted, ‘Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king except Caesar.’
“So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified. They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, carrying His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is called, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men with Jesus in between. Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: ‘JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.’”

It is incredible how crazy – even insane – a crowd can become… today or thousands of years ago. In this case, it is God's chosen people – the Jews – and yet, despite all the prophecies about the coming Messiah in the TANAK (our Old Testament), when Jesus arrives – in fulfillment of those prophecies – He is rejected by the Jewish leaders and thus, by the crowds as well. Of course, Jesus knew what was to be from the beginning… that His death was absolutely necessary for us to have blood shed for our sins' payment (forgiveness).

Crucifixion is one of the most painful forms of execution ever. Yet there is a tender moment in this gruesome scene when Jesus looks at his mother Mary and says, "Mother, behold your son." And then to his close friend John says, "Behold your mother." He was entrusting His mother’s welfare and keeping to John, and they both understood that request.

Prayer: LORD, thank YOU for enduring the cross for ALL of us who have and will come to You as Lord and Savior. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  35 | JESUS’ ARREST, TRIALS AND “WHAT IS TRUTH?”

JESUS’ ARREST, TRIALS AND “WHAT IS TRUTH?”
 
From John 18
“So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, ‘It’s better that one man should die for the people.’”
“The woman asked Peter, ‘You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?’  ‘No,’ he said, ‘I am not.’”
(Later) “‘You’re not one of his disciples, are you?”  He (Peter) denied it, saying, ‘No, I am not.’ But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?’  Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.”
(Later) “Pilate asked, ‘So you are a king?’  Jesus responded, ‘You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.’
 ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.” (NLT)

John 18 begins the story of Jesus being arrested in the Garden, tried (at night, which was illegal in a capital case), Peter denying Jesus three times (as predicted), and then Jesus being asked that pivotal question by Pilate, “What is truth?”

Have you ever been falsely accused? Perhaps not in a capital case, but of something?  Maybe when you were a kid and something got broken when the folks were out but not by you. And yet, perhaps you got blamed and even punished.  How did you feel? Angry? Upset?  Wanting vengeance?  Well, imagine Jesus – as He was in that spot – and yet, this was the purpose for which the Father sent Him to earth.  He knew He was about to be falsely accused, sentenced, and then crucified. And yet, He went through it all… for YOU, and me, and for every other person on planet Earth would has lived or will ever live.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the price you paid for me. I am ever so grateful.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  34 | TRUTH AND UNITY

TRUTH AND UNITY

John 17:17, 20-23
“‘Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth … I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.’”

Today, the church is divided. We have denominations leaning left, right, and center.  We have churches that believe in the Word of God and focus on it every week and those that don’t.

And yet, Jesus is petitioning His Father in heaven for our unity: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one.” And why?  Because if we are ONE – as the Father Son (and Spirit) are one – the world will take note and believe that God the Father sent Jesus Christ the Son.

And note too, that WE today are included in Jesus’ prayer: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”   (That’s us!!)

UNITY.  How do we achieve that?  Jesus said: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
 
Sanctify means “set apart” for God’s special use and purpose. But Jesus also makes it crystal clear… God’s Word is TRUTH.  Not political correctness or reinterpreting the Bible and not adding words and phrases to what we have in the Word… just reading it and taking it at face value. Super-simple hermeneutics.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for including ME in your prayer.  I do believe in YOU, the Son of the Living God.  Further, I believe in all of the Word of God.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  33 | THE REAL LORD’S PRAYER

THE REAL LORD’S PRAYER

John 17:1-5
“Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.’” (NAS)

(Although we often think the “Our Father who art in heaven” is the “Lord’s Prayer,” THIS ONE really is what Jesus’ prayed to His Father… often called the “High Priestly Prayer.”)
As we “listen in” on Jesus’ talk with His Father, it’s clear that Jesus wants to glorify His Father, also that He has been given authority over all flesh, and has been given the right to give eternal life to His followers.  Jesus was on a mission from God the Father, and has now accomplished it.

In a way, it’s strange to hear Jesus talk to the Father, especially when we remember that God is ONE God but that also God is three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit.  But when we recall that Jesus set aside the privileges that were His in heaven when He came to earth, the conversation takes on a heavenly tone.

Notice also verse 5 – “Now Father glorify Me together with Yourself, WITH THE GLORY WHICH I HAD WITH YOU BEFORE THE WORLD WAS.”  

Remember, Jesus is the Word in John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD.”

It is clear that Jesus is eternal and existed as God with the Father and the Spirit before Genesis 1:1.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for allowing this prayer to Your Father to be recorded for our benefit today… two thousand years after you spoke the words on earth.  And thank You for the eternal life you have given me.  Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  32 | THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 16:13-14
“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].  He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.” (AMP)

Jesus continues here telling and teaching His followers some last-minute things He wants them to know before He goes to the cross. Jesus is trying to help them understand why He must go away.

Consider… for over three years, they have walked, talked, and lived with Jesus. They have watched His miracles, heard His sermons, seen Him heal, and so much more. Now, Jesus is preparing them that His time has come – the MAIN reason for His visit to planet earth – to die for the sin of the world.

And then, Jesus tells them some GOOD news… the Holy Spirit (aka “Spirit of Truth”) will be coming, and (although they didn’t get it at the time) even though Jesus in the flesh could only be one place at a time, the Spirit of God, is “omnipresent” – present everywhere at once.

Further, Jesus tells them that the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth.”  How amazing is that! But wait, that was then… what about now? Good news! Upon receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes inside us to reside and guide us and more! So, all that Jesus is telling His followers THEN applies to we followers of Jesus today too! The Spirit will disclose what is to come, speak God’s truth to us, remind us of what Jesus said, and more!

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. Thank You that, for starters, He cleanses me, comforts, gives me gifts and fruit, and leads me into all truth, Your truth. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  31 | THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES

John 15:1, 5, 7-8
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

Jesus is talking to his disciples using terms that would be very meaningful in that time and place.

Picture a grapevine. Picture Jesus being the VINE and Father God the vinedresser. Then WE are the branches that bear the fruit.

It’s clear that branches need a vine to be alive and bear fruit. It’s also well known that some branches need to be pruned (cut or trimmed) to remove the dead parts so that they can bear more and healthier fruit. These verses also teach that we are designed to bear MUCH fruit…  thus proving we are Jesus’ disciples (aka followers).

Fruit-bearing is inevitable with abiding. Galatians 5 teaches about the “fruit of the spirit” – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – which is what can be expected from a good “branch.”

But additionally, we are promised answered prayer… “Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.” Many grab this promise as a “name it-claim it” verse, but it is not. YES, our God does answer prayer, but this verse starts with “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you” and to do that it takes focus, time, and acceptance of HIS authority in our lives and submission to Him.  “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) should then become as common for us as it was for Jesus, who was always talking to His Father. Then it becomes safe for the LORD to say to the sanctified Christian, “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Prayer: LORD, lead me to the place where I live in such harmony with You that I am bearing much fruit for Your honor and glory. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  30 | THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:16-17, 26-27
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive … But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Jesus promised His followers (including us) that the Holy Spirit would be coming (after Jesus ascended into heaven). Jesus also taught that the Holy Spirit would:

1. Be with us FOREVER
 
The Amplified Bible further defines the roles of the Holy Spirit in our lives:  Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor,  Strengthener, and Standby. And unlike Jesus who was with the disciples for a bit more than three years, God’s Holy Spirit will be with us forever! We need the Holy  Spirit to help us live the Christian life.

2. Teach us all things  

Have you discovered yet, that you don’t KNOW it all? The Spirit will help us continue to learn about God.

3. Bring to our minds the things Jesus taught and said

I find that the Lord (though the Spirit) brings verses to mind when I need them. When I’m writing, preaching, or talking to someone, God’s Word comes to mind – via the Spirit.

4. Give us PEACE

The Holy Spirit is called the “Comforter” for a reason. This world is NOT our final home and we’re NOT in heaven yet! Thus, the Spirit can remind us that HEAVEN is up ahead and can give us PEACE that passes all understanding, EVEN when we’re in the midst of a storm. He gives us “perfect peace” (Shalom Shalom), as it says in Isaiah 26:3. That is ours through the Spirit of God.

Prayer: LORD, thank you for this marvelous gift of the Spirit of God and all He does in my life. Help me to never grieve or quench His work in me. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  29 | JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE ONE

JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE ONE

John 14:8-11
“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me.’” (NKJV)

Admittedly, the concept of the Trinity is challenging. It is beyond anything we know in the natural. And yet, even though the word “trinity” is not found in the Bible, it is taught throughout.

In this instance, after Jesus has told them, “in my Father’s house are many mansions,” and getting them focused on heaven, Philip asks to see the Father.

Jesus answers, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father (because) I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
 
Again, nothing in our experience compares to that. Thus, it’s a struggle to understand.
There are other things in the Bible that are also challenging for we humans to understand (how about “everlasting life” as nothing we know on planet earth lasts forever – not even products with a “lifetime guarantee” Ha!).

Verses like Genesis 1:26 allude to our triune God too: “Then God said, ‘Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness.’”  Note the word GOD here in Hebrew is “Elohim,” which is the plural of “Eloah,” which means (non-plural) God. Note too, “us” and “our.”
 
In these verses in John, Jesus is speaking the truth… “I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.”

Prayer: LORD, although I don’t fully grasp it, I believe you are ONE God yet three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. Thank YOU for all that you do for me. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  28 | THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

John 14:5-6
“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

After telling His disciples about heaven, which He is preparing for them, Jesus answers “doubting” Thomas’ question with one of the most important statements in the entire New Testament: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

We are living today in a broken world that has a totally messed up opinion about something so essential as TRUTH.  Pontus Pilate asked that critically important question to Jesus at his trial: “What is truth?”

To some people today for whom “TRUTH” means whatever they want it to be, concept of absolute truth (truths that are TRUE independently of whether you acknowledge it or not) is wrong and undesirable.

Thus when Jesus claims to be THE way, THE truth, and THE life (NOT “A way” or “A truth”); people then and people today who are without Christ, disagree and even detest His statement.  They consider it narrow-minded, bigoted, out-of-date, non-inclusive, and “hate speech.”

As Jesus warned the multitude in the Sermon on the Mount: “Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of false prophets.”  (Matthew 7:13-15)

In John 17, Jesus is praying to His Father and prayed: “Your WORD is truth.”  He also prayed, “sanctify them with the truth.”  He was asking the Father to “set us apart” for special use, to make us holy.

Prayer: LORD, thank You for being “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” and that I have come to know you as Lord and Savior.  Help me to help others understand that your offer is open to all who will call on the name of the LORD. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  27 | LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

John 14:1-3
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (NKJV)

Picture this: Jesus has predicted his own death (John 12), and now he and the disciples are in the upper room. They've just had the Passover meal together; Judas shocked them all by leaving as Jesus identified him as the betrayer; Jesus washes their feet and also tells Peter that he will deny him (Jesus) three times.

Now Jesus knows that his followers are troubled by it all and so seeks to comfort them by telling them about heaven… the place prepared by Jesus himself for them to come to when done with this earthly life.

With all the people around us today, the evil, the ugly, the broken, it's sometimes hard to imagine heaven, and yet that is precisely what Jesus is telling his disciples to do – picture heaven.

When I talk about heaven, I like to think back to the Garden in Genesis. How beautiful, serene, lush, glorious, and peaceful it must have been. Although there are some beautiful spots here and there, today's world doesn't hold a candle to the creation of Genesis or to the same beauty we can look forward to in heaven!

Jesus Himself is going to prepare that place, and as we learned in John 1:3, “All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him, not even one thing was made that has come into being.” So, if things were AMAZING in Genesis (before sin entered), and the same Builder is preparing heaven, then we have a LOT for which to look forward!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the comfort that these words from You to your followers – then and now – provide. I'm looking forward to eternity in heaven with you! Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  26 | A NEW COMMANDMENT

A NEW COMMANDMENT

John 13:33-35
“Where I am going, you cannot come, so now I say to you.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NKJV)

These words were spoken by Jesus to His disciples at the “last supper” just hours before He was arrested, tried, and crucified. Thus, He says, “Where I am going, you cannot come.”

Earlier, when Jesus was asked by a legal Pharisee trying to trip him up: “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment?” (and keep in mind there were 613 Jewish commandments in the Law). Jesus answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now, as his earthly ministry is nearing the end, Jesus says, “So now I say to you.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Have you ever lost a loved one? Remember the loss and grief you felt? Remember how much close friends and family meant as you got through it? Well, Jesus knew his followers would soon be grieving too, as he would soon be gone, thus one reason he gave this command.

Part of what we learn here from Jesus is that we, Followers of Jesus, need one another. Not just in times of loss, but all the time. That’s why there’s no substitute for worshiping together with other believers and being there for one another during tough times, good times, and the in-between times. We are to “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who are rejoicing.”

Prayer: LORD, thank You for thinking of everything. Thank you for this command for us to LOVE one another. Help me make that love of my brothers and sisters in Christ a lifestyle, thus showing that I am one of your disciples. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  25 | WHEN I AM LIFTED UP

WHEN I AM LIFTED UP

John 12:23-24, 32
“Jesus replied, ‘Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory.  I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.’”

The last half of the book of John deals with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

These words from Jesus occurred just after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a young colt riding over palm branches and the crowds yelling “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John 12:13)

Jesus was again trying to prepare his followers for what would happen to him. He had done so before, but no one understood.

Here, Jesus gives the illustration of a kernel of wheat and what it must do to produce an entire stalk of wheat which is part of a plentiful harvest. Jesus was telling them that what was going to happen to him would produce a plentiful harvest – of believers who followed Jesus.

It’s easy to criticize Jesus’ disciples for not “getting it” when Jesus told them of what was coming. The crowds too, hoped that Jesus was the new, mighty “King of Israel” and would help kick the Romans out so that Israel could again be in charge.

Jesus, though – the Son of God – was on a mission. And that mission included needing to die (like a kernel of wheat), planted (like in the grave) and then, as in verse 32: “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

Jesus was preparing his followers for his coming death, burial, and resurrection.
 
Prayer: LORD, it’s always been easier for me to see your hand at work as I look at things that have happened. For these disciples, I can understand how difficult it must have been to comprehend what Jesus was trying to tell them. But I want to thank You again for ALL that you did. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day 24 | MARY ANOINTS JESUS’ FEET

MARY ANOINTS JESUS’ FEET

John 12:3
“Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (NAS)

This dinner party – which included Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Jesus, and the disciples – occurred during the week before the crucifixion of Jesus. Of course, only Jesus knew the exact timing of that, and the focus for all who were there was on the annual upcoming celebration of Passover.

This particular action by Mary occurred during supper. It wasn’t unusual to wash the feet of guests or perhaps put on a drop of oil when guests entered, but it was highly unusual to do so during the meal itself. And then to use the VERY costly perfume of pure nard and then to wipe with her hair was unheard of.

Mary’s gift was incredibly generous. She used a great quantity of the costly perfume that was often used in trade. Judas (the disciple’s greedy treasurer at the time) believed this perfume to be worth 300 denarii, which was about a year’s wages for the average worker back then.

Additionally, women letting their hair down in public was not proper, but Mary does that here using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet.

So what can we learn from this story?

First, there is nothing we can give our Lord that is too much. He deserves it all.

Next, letting down her hair in public showed she didn’t care about the reaction of others. She loved her Lord and showed that love in a beautiful and touching way.

Spurgeon puts it this way: “You must sit at his feet, or you will never anoint them; he must pour his divine teaching into you, or you will never pour out a precious ointment upon Him.”

Prayer: LORD, thank You for all you have done for me. I don’t always show it, but I am thankful. Amen.
 

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day  23 | JESUS WEPT

JESUS WEPT

John 11:32-36
“Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, ‘See how He loved him!’" (NAS)

This story is about Lazarus' death, a close friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha.

Have you been there… lost a loved one or close friend?
 
Also, in this chapter, we read “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.’” (John 11:25-26)

So, the question is… since Jesus is God in the flesh and just told them that "He who believes in me will never die," why did he weep?
 
Because by weeping at this time and place, Jesus shows us that:
=>He was God, but also truly man.
=>That there are times when there is no shame in tears.
=>That He was not ashamed of His humanity.
=>That He was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3)
=>That Jesus identified with others in their sorrow.
=>And that Jesus loves people.

The famous preacher CH Spurgeon wrote: "Sometimes we are told that if we really believed that our friends would rise again, and that they are safe and happy even now, we could not weep. Why not? Jesus did. There cannot be any error in following where Jesus leads the way."
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being fully God and fully man too. It is comforting to know that you experienced what we experience, and thus You see what we're going through. Help me, guide me, lead me. I put my trust in you. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day 22 | NEVER PERISH

NEVER PERISH

John 10:14, 27-30
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Have you ever felt insecure? I mean, is there anything in your life that you can depend on 100%?
 
As we continue to read here in John, Jesus continues to teach that HE is the “Good Shepherd” (a perfect illustration for the 1st century). A good human shepherd, back then, would know his sheep and they would know him. He knew which of his sheep were timid or bold, fast eaters or slow, considerate of others or all in for themselves.

On the other hand, the sheep would recognize their shepherd; his voice, his smell, his appearance, his rod and staff. And because they KNEW and trusted their shepherd, they followed him.

Psalm 23 talks about this too: “The Lord is my shepherd … He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul.”

Back to John 10, Jesus is teaching about the security of His sheep. “…eternal life … never perish … no one will snatch them out of my hand ….”
 
Let me say to you that is the kind of relationship Jesus wants to have with YOU too. It’s not an “iffy” kind of thing, but one that is personal, secure, and everlasting.

Trust Him.  Receive Him.  Listen to His voice. Follow Him.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being MY Shepherd. Help me get better at listening for your voice and then following You and forgive me for all the times I haven’t. Amen.

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days in the Book of John
Day 21 | THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

John 10:10-11
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (NKJV)

In the sheep-farming business of Jesus’ day, there were three groups: thieves who wanted to steal sheep and get something for nothing, “hirelings” (hired-hands) who were only there for the pay and ran away from any danger, and the good shepherds who truly cared for their sheep.

These verses also speak into the bigger picture of the world from the “In the beginning” of Genesis 1:1. Since that time, there has been an ongoing battle between God and Satan. It’s important to know that they are NOT equal. Only God is God and unlimited, whereas Satan is a fallen created angel with limitations.  However, for now, Satan is alive and well on planet earth and is trying “to steal, to kill and to destroy” anything and anybody. (Think: sickness, disease, evil – all from Satan.)

Jesus, however, has come that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly!

Jesus goes on to state that HE is the good shepherd – His fourth “I am” statement – and that the “good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
 
Isaiah the prophet said: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.” (Isaiah 53:6)

WE are the sheep, and Jesus gave His life for us so that we might – if we choose – have everlasting life.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Thus, why Jesus came to earth: to become our “Good Shepherd,” to give His life for we (dumb) sheep so that we might be born again and have eternal LIFE with God our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: LORD, thank you for being such a Good Shepherd for me. I admit that I need your shepherding every day and am thankful for the abundant and everlasting life you have provided me. Amen.