Come and see

Follow me…John 1:43

Jesus had begun the process of choosing his disciples.
He knew that after he died on the cross and rose from the grave,
the men who had known him intimately, would be used as
his witnesses, to begin spreading the Gospel to all nations.

The first 4 disciples Jesus chose …
Peter, Andrew, James & John were fishermen.

They were not wise, or highly educated…
but obediently followed… when Jesus asked them to.

Jesus renamed Simon … Cephas, which is an
Aramaic word. Translated into Greek, it means
Peter…or… “rock.”

Peter would be “the rock”, to organize the
first Christian churches, built on the solid
foundation of Jesus Christ.

The next day Jesus left for Galilee. He found
a man named Philip, who was from the town
where Andrew and Peter lived, called
Bethsaida.

When Jesus saw Philip, he simply
said…

“Follow me.” John 1:43

Jesus never begged people, or tried to manipulate them.
When He spoke…they willingly came.

They didn’t negotiate a salary or ask about the fringe benefits.

Most days, they probably didn’t know where they would sleep,
or what they would eat. They simply trusted Jesus would provide
for all of their needs.

When Philip was called, he hurried to find his friend Nathanael…

He said…we have found the Messiah, the one who Moses and
the prophets wrote about. Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Nathanael replied…
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”

He was a little bit skeptical, but that didn’t discourage Philip.

He urged his friend to come and see.

When Jesus saw Nathanael he said…

Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. John 1:47

Nathanael must have been a man of integrity, for Jesus to make such a statement…

Nathanael said…How do you know me?

Jesus said, Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

Nathanael said, Rabbi, you are the Son of God, the King of Israel.

Jesus said…

You believe, because I said, I saw you under the fig tree. You shall
see greater things than these. Soon you will see heaven open up and the
angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Jesus was speaking of His ascension into
heaven after his death recorded in
Luke 24:50-51 & Mark 16:19-20.

Nathanael was probably the disciple later called Bartholomew, named in
Matthew 10:3.

Jesus called his disciples, not because of their ability, but because they were
willing to submit to his call and lay aside their plans and agenda.

The world is full of crime and violence.
War and terrorism is raging in many parts of the world.

God is calling us from all walks of life, with no favoritism, to come
together and unite as a family of God.

The story of creation teaches us, we all come from one set of parents…
Adam and Eve.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed each time we read
His word and spend time with Him.

In James 1:5-8 we have a promise
from God…

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

In studying the scriptures, we begin to learn about God.

We realize that He has emotions and feelings, just like we do.

We were created in His image, and each day He has a special mission
for us to actively participate in.

When we are born, we do not have the natural ability to understand the
scriptures, but when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are “reborn”
or “born again”.

The Holy Spirit lives inside us and patiently works with us, to teach
and guide us…just like earthly parents, only with a kinder, unselfish
and compassionate love.

In John 8:32 Jesus promised…

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall
know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

God rejoices when we love Him with our whole heart and accept Jesus as
our Savior. I believe it also gives Him great joy, when we take the time
to develop an intimate relationship with him. It brings an awesome
sense of peace into our life. Only then, can we begin to realize we were
created for a divine destiny.

Each day is planned by Him. He is in complete control and we never
have to be afraid of the future.

His umbrella of love will protect us, when storms come our way…
His illuminating light will stream through the clouds and guide you
through the darkness and despair of this world… to his haven of
safety and comfort.

I invite you today to come and see the Messiah. He’s waiting with open
arms to welcome you into our family of God.

He loves you and you never have to feel lonely or afraid again.

Jesus said…
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, has everlasting
life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death
unto life. John 5:24

O most merciful Father,
Holy is Your name…

Thank you for the gift of this beautiful new day and for sharing with us the story
of how you chose your disciples. I am a sinner and need your forgiveness and
mercy. Jesus, come into my heart. Be my LORD and Saviour. Show me how to follow
where you lead. Guide my path in truth and peace. Fill me with wisdom and
knowledge, so I may share the good news of the gospel with all nations. There
is nothing too hard for you. Cast out the spirit of fear and anxiety from my
heart. Help me to lay down my desires, to fulfill yours. Show me how to serve
you all the days of my life.

Open the door of faith to all who are unsaved. Call them quickly Father,
so no one will have to die and go to hell.

Guide the minds and hearts of our leaders and military in all nations. May they each
submit to the authority of the LORD Jesus. Take out of power all who will not conform
to Your will. Change our laws to reflect your holy laws. Rule and reign in our
schools, government, homes, world…and unite us as one family under
God, in love and peace.

Shine your saving grace and mercy into the hearts of our enemies and help them
to accept Jesus their LORD and Saviour.

Threats of war and violence are in our midst…but we ask you to shelter us
under the shadow your wings, to keep us safe and secure.

We lift up prayers to you for Sinikka and her family. Bless them abundantly and grant them favor and
blessings wherever they go. Bring Sinikka’s family to faith in Jesus soon.

Father we pray for a young woman who is troubled and being abused by her parents. She is so
upset that she is cutting herself. We ask for your divine intervention and healing of this child.
Rescue her from abuse and turn her parents hearts to repentance. Father we ask you to
help this child find hope and healing in your word. Send a loving person to mentor and
counsel this young woman so she does not feel alone or abandoned. With you, all
things are possible.

Father we ask for healing of Murlene, Baby Moody, a man who has an injured finger, Barb, Gloria, Jacey and her children,
Shirley, Johnny, Gene and his family, Norm, Carol, Fritz, Virginia, Elizabeth, a boy who shot and killed his father’s girlfriend
and unborn child, Norm Benes and Kathy, Evelyn, Walter, Carl, Nancy, and all who are sick and hurting.
Father you have said, wherever two or three are gathered together, there are you in the midst of them.
We know you have the power to heal and help us. Your Son Jesus bore our sicknesses and diseases
on the cross. By his stripes, we may be healed. Teach us what you want us to learn through these
times of testing. Help us to grow in faith toward you and offer to you our bodies as living sacrifices.
LORD, if you will you can make us whole…never the less, not our will, but thine be done.

We unite our prayers and offer to you the sacrifice of joy and praise.
Thank you LORD, for you are good, and your mercy endures forever.

In Jesus’ name we pray…

Amen

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

Your sister and servant of the LORD,
Valerie Rousseau