Today we will talk about the amazing and surprising character of John the Baptist. This biological cousin of Jesus came into this world in a miraculous way. (see Lk 1:5-25, 1:39-45 & 1:57-66 or all of Luke chapter one, for that matter!) John continued to live his life differently than most because he was fully dependent on the God he came to glorify. Out in the desert, wearing the most humble clothing and eating the most basic of meals, his focus was intently on softening hearts so that they may be repentant and able to receive the Messiah who he knew was on His way. Like Jesus, John also knew who he was, and would not allow anyone or any circumstance to make him back down from his mission. He spoke with power and he preached in truth.
Day 9 called “Reset” says this about John, “Everything about him screamed wilderness.” (p44) Then the authors mention how “The Israelites were, in fact, very familiar with wilderness living; their history was rich with it.” (p45) They point us to Noah, Abraham and Moses and say, “And each time the wilderness served as a reset button that says: Life as you know it is over, and a new thing has begun.” (p45) And this was the whole gist of John’s message: it is time to reset your lives and Jesus is the only way to do that.
Don’t we all want a “do over” sometimes? Well then heed the words of this wonderful and powerful Saint: “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (Jn 1:23) Only when we repent of trying to live life apart from Jesus can we come to Him, in surrender, and start life all over again. Jesus grants us a clean slate and we can begin to be the loving, kind, gracious, generous and selfless person we were always meant to be. This is the do over we truly need and only Jesus can reset us.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
