https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4 first journals en-us 2016-08-12 02:32:39 UTC 2026-01-16 02:50:54 UTC hello@padlet.com rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118079647 I think that this passage is talking about how Jesus came to humanity and was rejected by some. But those who believed he was the true Messiah were given the write to meet His father. 

I personally believe that Jesus was and is the true Messiah and I also believe that God is the all and powerful creator. And I also know what it's like to be rejected by people, but not to the extent that Jesus was rejected]]> 2016-08-12 03:01:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118079647 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118080615 I believe this passage is talking about how we have seen Jesus perform miracles and we should know from those miracles that He is powerful and who He says He is. It mentions how Jesus is the closest in relationship to God than anything else. It also talks about how the world dwells with in us.

 I believe every miracle Jesus performed and I also believe that since He was able to perform these miracles, that He is most definitely God's son. I also believe that The Word does dwell within us, but that it is up to us whether we use it or not, and I try to bring the Word outwards as much as possible, but I know I can still do better. ]]> 2016-08-12 03:20:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118080615 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118080975 This passage is when John gets questioned by priests and Levites about who he was and what he was doing.  He responds by saying he speaks for God and wants to help accomplish His goal and help everyone know who God is through preaching the Word and baptism. I thought this passage was a very special moment because instead of answering who he was specifically, he basically said, "I'm doing what God needs me to do and that's all you need to know".

 I have not personally been baptized and that's by my choice. I'd like to get further in my walk with Christ and be able to really commit my life to Him through baptism. As I said earlier, I truly believe Jesus is the true messiah and I believe God is the creator, but I just want to get a little further in my walk with Christ and truly get to know Him]]> 2016-08-12 03:27:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118080975 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118148964 Ross good job on the reflections. Make sure you separate your journal into two distinct paragraphs. Here it all looks like one paragraph. Thanks. The feeling of rejection is tough. One of the great things about Jesus is that He can relate to that. Read 1 Peter 5:7 - We can cast our cares on Him because He understands. ]]> 2016-08-12 18:17:21 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118148964 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118149514 Good Ross. Next semester we will spend some time exploring Jesus' miracles. ]]> 2016-08-12 18:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118149514 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118149837 Thank you for sharing that Ross. I respect your decision to wait on following Christ in baptism. I hope this course will help you in strengthening your faith. One of the things I love about John the Baptist is that he was not a people pleaser. He was criticized, rejected and ultimately killed for doing God's will. Fulfilling God's purpose for his life was more important than what people thought of him. We can all learn from that. ]]> 2016-08-12 18:24:19 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118149837 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118863587 This passage talks about John the Baptist's testimony and who he believes Jesus truly is. John talks about how Jesus is the Lamb of God and that through Jesus he saw the Spirit come down and remain. And in this way, John says he believes Jesus is in fact the true Messiah. He also talks about how he didn't know Jesus, but that he came baptizing with water as to reveal Him to Israel.

 I think that we all try at some point in our lives to see if God is there and we try to do things to reveal Him to us. I know that I have tried multiple times to actually tried to get a response from God and on multiple occasions I have seen God answer prayers even if I haven't heard his voice in my head. But most times in my life when I make a good decision, I like to think God was helping me through the situation to do the right thing. ]]> 2016-08-19 03:40:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118863587 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118864517 This passage talks about how Jesus is becoming more recognizable and how people now want to start following him. Andrew and Simon Peter are the first two disciples to start following him. 

One thing that stuck out to me was when John called Jesus the Lamb of God. Jesus has been reffered to as this several times in several different books of the bible but each time it is said it reminds me that Jesus died for our sins. Lambs and other livestock were usually sacrificed during this time period and it really hits home that Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins, and that to me is an act of true love. He put others before Himself and that's what makes Jesus, and God for that matter, so amazing to me.]]> 2016-08-19 03:55:53 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118864517 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118865054 This passage talks about Phillip being added to the disciples. We also see Nathaneal in awe of the fact that he is in the presence of Jesus after He shows Nathanial he truly is the Messiah. I believe Jesus also makes a prophecy here when he says, "you will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

This passage really reminds me that Jesus truly was a man that walked the earth. There has always been so much debate in the world around me about whether Jesus was real or the Messiah, but I know in my heart that He did walk this earth, he is the true Messiah, and that he still walks this earth inside our hearts. Each one of us has the Spirit within us but we each have to individually be willing to take a leap of faith and trust in Him to guide our hearts and actions which is one thing I strive to do each day.]]> 2016-08-19 04:05:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118865054 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118866078 This passage talks about the famous story where Jesus turns water into wine. Jesus is at a wedding, they run out of wine, so the servants fill up jugs with water and Jesus turns it into wine. This is one of the first of many miracles Jesus performs throughout His ministry. 

I find it slightly funny that when they run out of wine Jesus' mother turns to Him like He needs to do something and Jesus is pretty much saying, "mom, I've got this". This is an extraordinary miracle and it impresses me each time He shows His powers, as it should. I love reading about miracles in the bible and I also love seeing prayers answered today that seem to me like miracles. ]]> 2016-08-19 04:23:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/118866078 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119081716 The beginning chapter of this book is talking how we all worship. We do this because that's what we were born to do. And we worship because it's our response to what we value most. Giglio talks about how worship is everywhere, it's happening all around us. Worship is THE activity of the human soul, it's the Holy Spirit moving within us. But this is only when we worship God. Giglio talks about there's so much worship around us but always worship pointed towards God where it should be. Many people worship various other people or things in life. We were all designed for God to worship God, and a lot of people have strayed from that perspective on life. He dables with the question of why we are all here and what our purpose really is. Our purpose is to spread His word, glorify His name, and praise Him with all we posses.]]> 2016-08-22 02:27:23 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119081716 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084175 Good insight Ross. Every good thing we do is from Him. He alone is good but we are made in His image. ]]> 2016-08-22 02:56:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084175 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084245 Great reflection. It's even more significant when we remember that the Israelites had to select the "BEST" lamb from their flocks. One without blemish. Jesus' sacrifice for our sins worked because the blood He shed was not tainted with sin. ]]> 2016-08-22 02:57:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084245 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084373 Great Ross. I'm glad you know this. There is a ton of evidence to support the historical Jesus and the fact that He was here 2000 years ago and did the things that are written in Scripture. ]]> 2016-08-22 02:58:26 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084373 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084472 Me too Ross. I love the miracles. This one also shows what a nice guy Jesus was. He did not have to do that miracle but did it out of kindness for him mother and the wedding party and to some degree was putting himself at risk by revealing Himself earlier than He had planned. ]]> 2016-08-22 02:59:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084472 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084584 Great summary. Worship is not a thing we do or always related to church and music. It is a state of being and a lifestyle we live based on what we most desire. You can tell a lot about what people worship by noticing what they are into. ]]> 2016-08-22 03:00:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119084584 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119973772 This passage explains how people were selling things in a temple. They had pretty much turned the temple into a market place. And once Jesus saw what was going on he was not happy. He started to trash the place because he was so mad they had disgraced a holy place. He also made a prophecy about his rising three days after he dies.

I think we all do things that may frustrate God. Hopefully no one does this intentionally, I know I don't knowingly want to make God angry. I also think that His anger is usually just disappointment in us because we were made for better things and when we sin even more I think it upsets God a great deal. Just like any other good parent, He only wants whats best for us.]]> 2016-08-26 04:25:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119973772 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119973996 This is a shorter passage. It basically talks about Jesus performing signs or miracles at a festival. And after seeing these things people start believing. 

I think a lot of the time we want to see physical proof that God is there. And I also think that's a very selfish way of living. We shouldn't have to always see something to believe in it. The proof I see that God is real is the bible and tons of small miracles here and there. I don't think asking for miracles or a sign that He exists is a good thing to do, and I don't think we should ever question God in anything.]]> 2016-08-26 04:31:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119973996 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119974333 This passage is talking about a lesson Jesus has with the pharisee Nicodemus. He tells Jesus he has seen His miracles and stats he believes Jesus was sent by God. Then he asks Jesus how he can be born again but he doesn't end up understanding what Jesus is saying. In response to this Jesus says if he can understand earthly things he won't be able to understand heavenly things. 

I truly believe everyone has the power to be born again, but it's a choice we have to make on our own. One has to walk away from self interests and give themselves to God first and then to others to help them in any way they can. You have to fully trust in God and all He wants you to do to be born again. Or at least that's what I think.]]> 2016-08-26 04:38:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119974333 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119974663 This passage is talking about salvation and how to obtain a place in heaven. Saying you have to fully believe Jesus is Lord and that through Jesus is the only way into heaven.

This is one of my favorite passages we've read. These verses can give so much hope to so many different people. Heaven isn't something one earns with good deeds, it is something that is obtained through Christ and Christ alone. We have fully believe Jesus came as a ransom for many and died just so His father would spare us. I think that is the most noble moment in all of history ever. It was an act of a true King, and that's how I like to see Jesus as a king, He is above us all.]]> 2016-08-26 04:44:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/119974663 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/120214606 In this chapter we see that we as a human race have been worshiping for a very long time. Even if it's to something we don't know humans have been worshiping to idols, false gods, etc. This is just due to a lack of knowing and understanding of who the real and true God is. Yes we have been worshiping for centuries but in often cases humans praised the wrong things. There is only one God and one Creator and he is Lord. He is the only one we should praise and worship. And God is always looking and waiting with joyous arms for those willing to trust and believe in him. God isn't hiding from us, he's looking for us, those who believe he is the one and true creator. But we have to be willing to open our hearts, let Him in and proclaim that he is Lord. Only through Him are we saved. And God isn't just confined to a church, He is everywhere, and wherever believers are, He is there to watch over them, just as He looks over and guides all who believe. ]]> 2016-08-29 01:53:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/120214606 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407054 Very well put Ross. I don't think God gets angry all that often when I read passages like Psalm 103:8 but I definitely agree that He is often disappointed. Mostly when we do things and He's thinking "But you knew better." ]]> 2016-09-02 18:44:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407054 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407533 Another well placed point. Read what Jesus said in Matthew 12:39. What do you think He meant by this? ]]> 2016-09-02 18:47:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407533 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407964 Good Ross. If anything separates us from God it will be self interest. The key to an authentic Christian life is to be so immersed in God's Word and Ways that our interests begin to align with His. That was the secret to Jesus' success. It takes discipline and sacrifice to get there though. ]]> 2016-09-02 18:48:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121407964 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121408523 Ephesians 2:8-9. We are saved by Grace. Jesus is the benevolent King and that is the greatest form of government we will ever know. ]]> 2016-09-02 18:51:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121408523 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121408742 Good Ross. He is seeking us. We also have a responsibility to seek Him. Read Jeremiah 29:13]]> 2016-09-02 18:52:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/121408742 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332860 This passage talks about how there is definitely evil in the world. Those who perform evil deeds are afraid of the light because they do not want to be exposed. But those who walk with God will flourish in the light.

I personally know that there is evil in the world. I try my best to stay away from it, and when I come in contact with it I try my best to fight it. And I know that with Jesus by my side, I will be able to overcome any evil that comes my way. ]]> 2016-09-13 03:28:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332860 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332901 In this passage we see John at the Jordan river baptizing and preaching too the masses. There seems to be some discrepancy among some of Johns' disciple over baptism. So seeing this, John steps in to explain further the meaning of baptism and its significance.

In the end of the passage John talks about how we can be baptized but unless we recognize God as out one and only, baptism doesn't mean much. I believe that when you get baptized you have to be willing to do or give up whatever God asks you to do or give up. Yes, I believe baptism is a beautiful and wonderful thing but it should be done under the right circumstances and with a ready and able heart.]]> 2016-09-13 03:29:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332901 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332921 This passage is talking about the gloriousness of God. It talks about how Jesus is the one true Messiah and Son of God. Ones faithfulness in God and believing in Him is what will get a person to heaven. 

I truly think God is all powerful and all mighty. I also believe there isn't another way to heaven but through Jesus. I try hard each and every day to make Him proud and what He thinks is just and true. ]]> 2016-09-13 03:29:20 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332921 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332982 This passage talks about how Jesus was preaching in Judea, but since Pharisees started to get curious of his whereabouts, he and his disciples left for Samaria. Once he got there he went to a well for some water because he had traveled a long ways. At the well he and a Samaritan women have an interesting exchange.

I think its' interesting how the Pharisees thought of Jesus as some kind of outlaw, when all he wanted was to bring people closer to his Father. The fact that Jesus even talks to the Samaritan is a principle we can take into our own lives. Even though some people may not think it to be right to interact with certain people we should interact with whoever we please.]]> 2016-09-13 03:29:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123332982 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333080 Worship needs to be a very important part of our lives and this chapter explains why we need worship in our lives. We shouldn't worship just because we think it's the right thing to do. we need to worship because its what God deserves and is worthy of. He is worthy of our praise. And it's not that he just wants to be worshiped, he wants us to worship him in showing recognition that he is almighty and he is all powerful. We should love worship because we were made to worship and we are worshiping the almighty creator that made us. It's awesome to think that the one that created us loves us so much that all he wants is love in return. Worship is at war every day in our lives trying to be the number one priority, as it should be, it is battling the other things in our life that distract us from praising the Lord for all Hes done. But we are not the only ones whose worship has been tempted to be led astray. Jesus even was tempted by satan under God's permission, but with the strength and will of his Father, Jesus did not succumb to temptation. And we should always be careful of the things we choose to worship because a lot of them could lead us away from God, and that's not what we want.]]> 2016-09-13 03:30:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333080 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333137 This passage is the dialogue that happens between Jesus and the Samaritan. He pretty much asks her for water and she says the well is too deep. Then he talks to her about living water as opposed to natural real water. She is intrigued and therefore asks where she can find this "living water". This passage ends before Jesus can give an answer.

The living water is so real and we should all be thirsty to drink up his word which is the living water. I have accepted the Lord into my life but I feel as though sometimes I take sips of the living water rather than trying to be fully quenched of my thirst. And I know this is one aspect of my life that I need to improve greatly. My thirst for His Word.]]> 2016-09-13 03:31:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333137 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333148 The Samaritan woman and Jesus talk about how she does not only have one husband but she has had five. They then have a brief exchange about how there are differences between the Jews' beliefs and the Samaritans'. Jesus then informs the woman that there will be a day when true worshipers will worship God and God alone. Then he tells her that he is the Messiah.

Just like then, I believe that everyone can have their own beliefs. I will never judge anyone for having a different belief than me. But I do believe that in the end, Jesus will take those who believe in and follow him and all I know is that I'll be one of those people he takes with him. And all I can do is try my best to help others see the glory of God that I see. ]]> 2016-09-13 03:31:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333148 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333233 This is a shorter passage and it talks about the disciples returning to Jesus. When they get to him, they acknowledge the fact that he is trying to share the Word with the Samaritan woman so they don't comment on the fact that he's talking to a Samaritan. Next she goes to the town and tells others of Jesus and the passage ends with the people coming to see the Messiah.

This passage spoke to me in the fact that I really need to be more of a disciple of Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman I should go and tell others about the good work of Jesus. I need to give more of my time and energy to spreading His word. And I feel as though I really dropped the ball on that on.]]> 2016-09-13 03:32:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333233 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333378 This passage is talking about a conversation that takes place between the disciples and Jesus. In short, the conversation is almost the exact same as the one Jesus had with the Samaritan woman. But in this case, he uses the Word as a metaphorical food instead of water.

Like Jesus I think I should be hungry for the Word of God. There is nothing that will satisfy my more than the word. And I hope to do a much better job at attaining more knowledge of the word through more study and work to get to know Him better. and I want to take the "food" God gives me and I want to share it with the rest of the world. I just sometimes don't know how to go about doing that.]]> 2016-09-13 03:33:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333378 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333453 God loves us with all that he is and wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him in every aspect of life. There shouldn't ever be a part of our lives that we leave God out of. One of his wishes is for us to know him and know the endless, flawless love he has for us and for us to thank him for this love. To worship God fully we need to be Alive on the inside and awakened by his spirit. We need to be alive and living in the word to the point that the holy Spirit is just spilling out of us for all to see. The invitation to receive the spirit is open to anyone and everyone but the decision to accept that invitation is up to the individual. Though everyone should want to receive the spirit and all of its' holiness. But we also learn in this chapter that the choice to worship comes at a cost. Jesus gave his life so we would be able to praise his father. So we need to make good his sacrifice for us and love and worship his father with all that we have. ]]> 2016-09-13 03:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/123333453 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124360217 3:19-21  Good Ross.  Keep fighting the good fight. 
3:22-30  Totally agree.  Baptism and the decision to trust Christ as Lord and Savior is not to be entered into lightly.  It is the most important choice we make in life.
3:31-36 There is no more noble aspiration in life than to honor Him with our lives. Many don't like to be told that "Jesus is the only way" so we want to be familiar with ways to help them understand why that is so. I hope this course can be helpful in that respect.
4:1-9 Great point. God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11 / Acts 10:34) and therefore Jesus did not. He loves us for who we are and takes us as we are. Jesus was helping this woman the same way He does us all...by getting her going down the right path. The path away from sin.
4:10-15 Thank you keeping it real Ross. I think we all take the sips instead of the plunge much of the time. We are works in progress. God won't give up on us.
4:16-26 Very well said. It's not about us being right. It's about helping people to see that God is real and that He is right.
4:27-30 We get busy and fast paced lives. Like Giglio has said in the Wired book, if we are not careful we find ourselves worshipping temporary things. This is why time with God in the morning is always vital. It helps us stay focused for the day. If you don't already spend some time with God in the AM I strongly encourage that discipline
4:31-38 It's kind of like people waking up and deciding they want to eat healthy after years of fast food and junk. They realize they don't feel well and that they are not going to live as long if they don't change their eating habits. So they make a change to healthy diet. In like manner, people get tired of the sinful lifestyle and all the trouble it brings. They start looking for something better and find it in the Word of God and in the Christian life. Nothing is healthier or more fulfilling for us spiritually. ]]> 2016-09-16 14:28:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124360217 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622091 This carries on from the previous passages. The people that are told about Jesus by the Samaritan woman go to see Jesus for themselves and believe. In the end, they don't only believe in Jesus because of the woman but because they have seen him with their own eyes.

I think this has somewhat been applied to my life. For sometime I was trying to figure out who God is and what His purpose is for me. But then as life has carried on, I've been able to see a lot of His beautiful creation. I have come to believe and trust in Him as my Lord and Savior]]> 2016-09-19 04:06:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622091 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622141 This passage takes place directly after Jesus had spent two days in Samaria preaching to the masses. Once he left, he headed for Galilee. Once Jesus reached Galilee, he was welcomed with open arms by the people. Some of them were also witness to him at the Passover Festival.

Just as the people of Galilee we should welcome Jesus into our lives. I know I personally need to work on opening my heart to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I forget that the reason I am here is to spread his word and I for some reason have a very hard time articulating his word to others. ]]> 2016-09-19 04:06:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622141 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622169 In this passage, Jesus returns to Cana in Galilee, where he turned water into wine. While he is preaching and doing his thing a government official came up to him. Not to bother Jesus but to ask that he he'll the man's dying son. Jesus tells him when he returns home his son will be healed. And when the official returned his son was healed.

This passage is just so powerful and impactful. In this passage alone Jesus shows such power. This is the kind of power that should humble us all and make us look towards the heavens for guidance and thanks. Just even living 18 years, I have seen so many amazing, incredible things that God has given us. It really makes me thank God every day for all that I have.]]> 2016-09-19 04:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622169 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622212 Sometime later after the previous passage Jesus heads too jerusalem. There is a pool there where many disabled people go to lie down. One of the men there had been an invalid for many years and once Jesus sees the many he goes over to him. Jesus then tells the man to pick up his mat and walk, so the man did as Jesus said after being instantly cured. 

God is so amazing and it is so shown through this passage and so many others. These kind of passages just remind me of how great he is and how much he loves all his people. God is so almighty and powerful and I believe everyone should want God in their lives.]]> 2016-09-19 04:07:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622212 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622241 God wants any and all people to join Him in heaven. But the people that truly believe in him will be the ones to ascend into heaven and have a place set aside for them once they get there. Worship is a physical representation of your love for God and your willingness to praise and follow Him. But we aren't the ones who start worship, God does. We worship in response to God and all he does for us. We worship with all our hearts in response to seeing God and when we see God it is our natural inclination to pour out worship and praise to his name. The only time we praise him to the minimum of our abilities is when we have somehow made something else in our lives more important the Lord our God. And this should never happen.]]> 2016-09-19 04:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/124622241 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127416248 Jesus told the man he healed to walk to pick up his mat and walk. At one point the man was stopped by one of the Jewish leaders and he was told he couldn't pick up his mat since it was the Sabbath. He then asked the man who told him to pick up his mat, but when he turned around Jesus had disappeared into the crowd.

Some of my favorite miracles Jesus performs are when he heals the sick or crippled. He is taking them and giving them the strength they need to move and carry on. There's almost nothing more beautiful than someone going through a trial or tribulation and being able to gain the strength to persevere.]]> 2016-09-29 23:38:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127416248 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127417648 In this passage Jesus is continuing to perform miracles and the Jewish leaders don't like that too much because he's working on the Sabbath. Jesus would not stop, and as a result they started persecuting Him. But Jesus says he is doing the work of His Father and that His Father works every day, and so should he. 

This passage really resonates with me in the fact that we all be willing to do the work of the Father. And not just when we feel like it or on a specific day. We should learn to worship, praise, and share His word each and every day.]]> 2016-09-30 00:00:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127417648 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127420576 This passage carries over from the speech Jesus is giving in the previous versus. He is saying how whoever believes in His Father will ascend into heaven but those have done evil well rise to be condemned. He also tells the crowd he is speaking to to not be amazed by what he is telling them.

I truly believe in the entirety of this passage. No one is truly saved unless the give their lives to God and recognize Him as Lord above all. I try my best to make it known that I truly believe He is my one and only Father, but I know I can definitely do a better job.]]> 2016-09-30 00:39:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127420576 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127421284 The beginning this section of text actually continues off the last passage. He talks about how He can't do anything alone, He needs help from his father and that he only seeks to please his father. He goes on to say if he testified for himself it wouldn't be true. The one who knows his true testimony is His father, the one who sent him. And he says we may read the Scriptures thinking they'll give us life, but in reality we have to come to him for life.

Jesus make some great points throughout this passage of scripture. We really can't do this life alone, we need to seek God for guidance and council. And we also need to come to know Jesus through scripture and accept Him into our hearts for everlasting life.]]> 2016-09-30 00:47:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127421284 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127422457 Through this passage Jesus is saying that he does not accept glory from human beings. He also says that even though he says he's the son of God many don't believe him. He then goes on to say that if they don't believe Him, they should at least believe Moses. Because Moses wrote about Jesus' coming and they believed in Moses, but now they don't accept Jesus as their savior.

I think that we are often times led astray from the truth. The truth is that God is almighty and all powerful and He sent his son to be a ransom for many. But sometimes through our actions and decisions we almost seem to glance over the fact that Jesus sacrificed himself for us to have better lives, and we don't always live by that truth.]]> 2016-09-30 01:01:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127422457 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127423304 This passage is actually the leading up to the feeding of the five thousand. At the beginning of the passage, Jesus crosses the sea of Galilee to the other shore, and as usually Jesus had a gathering that followed. When they reached the other shore they realized the Jewish Passover festival was near. And once they realized this they start wondering how to feed all these people.

There are many situations that we come across in our lives that we don't really understand. And this is when we need to look to God for guidance. If we just look to our Father for help, he will almost always help unless it's a prayer just for something you want or something that just isn't in his plan.]]> 2016-09-30 01:09:58 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127423304 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127424009 This is the passage when the famous feeding the five thousand takes place. Jesus takes bread and fish that a young boy gives him and blesses the food. He then asks the disciples to distribute the baskets of food to the masses. Once they are finished Jesus asks them to bring him the leftovers. When they had finally gathered everything they vastly more than what they started with. And with this miracle people who saw it truly believed in Jesus.

This is another amazing miracle that is very famous even today. This is just another instance in showing that when you need Him God will provide. Without God's help they wouldn't have been able to feed so many with just so little.]]> 2016-09-30 01:17:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127424009 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127425071 This is yet another very well known miracle that Jesus performed. As the night was coming to an end the disciples decide to go back to the boat, cross the lake and catch up with Jesus later. Once they were on the boat a strong storm came and shook the boat. But then the disciples saw Jesus coming towards them, walking on water. Then Jesus came to the boat and they were automatically where they wanted to go.

This is yet another situation where Jesus shows his amazing power. Though he is human, he is the Son of God, and his ability to walk on water is testimate to that. God is truly amazing and really brings me great joy to read passages as amazing as this one.]]> 2016-09-30 01:27:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127425071 acort https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127430864 Great reflections Ross.  Thank you for engaging the Scripture.  Here are a few thoughts.  

You are so right about Baptism.  It represents salvation but it is also an act of obedience.  The first in a life of obedience to God.  If we are not ready to let God be in charge of our lives we should not be baptized.  

We should never think ourselves or a particular social caste as elevated above any other.  To God, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  He shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34 & Romans 2:11)

Good point about what we worship.  We give our devotion to many things...but only God is worthy of it.  

Giving your time to the study and execution of God's word is a discipline but one worth developing.  It's a daily walk and effort.  
Well said about our prayer life.  He honors prayers that agree with the will of God.  But we should not expect Him to answer every selfish request we make.  We are often not praying for the right reasons.  

The miracles of Jesus are a constant reminder of His validity.  Who else in history did the things He did and is supported by history?  ]]> 2016-09-30 02:39:49 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/127430864 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637374 This passage immediately follows the feeding of the five thousand. There are people that had come looking for Jesus the morning after but they soon found out he was no longer there. They searched for him and found him on the opposite shore. When they asked when he got there Jesus told them that they should strive for food that doesn't spoil and lasts forever.

This is a significant passage and has great meaning. I really like the fact that he says we should seek food that will last forever and that never spoils. It's a great comparison between food and faith. If you don't do anything with your faith it will spoil and fall away from who you are. But if you actively practice and acknowledge your faith you will more than likely stay closer to God. ]]> 2016-10-14 02:49:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637374 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637404 The people in the last passage continue their conversations with Jesus asking what they must do to do the works of God. Jesus then tells them that all they need to do is believe in him. He says whoever comes to him will no longer be hungry or thirsty. And whoever believes in him will have eternal life in heaven.

And I truly believe this whole passage. To do the work of God is to believe in Him and to spread His word so others may come to know Him personally. Believing in God with all your heart is the best feeling in the world and you truly feel as though you had been missing something your whole life but now you have all you'll ever need because God is all I'll ever need.]]> 2016-10-14 02:49:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637404 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637436 This seems to be a continuation of the previous passage. Jesus is saying he has come down from heaven by His Father and that he is like manna from heaven for them. No one comes to know the Father but through him. But there are some grumbles and discrepancies in the crowd trying to decide whether Jesus was truly sent by God. But Jesus goes on telling them that he is the Son and he is the only way to heaven.

We have all had a moment and or moments when we haven't fully trusted in God. But I think coming out of that situation with a better understanding of who God is makes all the difference and we come to know Him a little more each time we have to seek him for answers. We need to believe with all our hearts that He is Lord and we won't get to Heaven unless we believe that He is our one and only Father.]]> 2016-10-14 02:50:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637436 rmdewey18 https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637471 This passage is Jesus still trying to convince the masses that He is the only way to heaven. He says the only way they can be saved is they eat his flesh and drink his blood. Of course the people don't understand that it's a metaphor so they argue why Jesus wants them to eat him. 

I find it sort of amusing that people didn't always get metaphors and sarcasm. Jesus really wasn't saying for them to turn to cannibalism. He is trying to convey the message that we need to receive him as a whole. We can take parts that we want and leave others. It's an all or nothing deal.]]> 2016-10-14 02:50:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rmdewey18/b7k8b3he0jm4/wish/130637471