Thriving 365 ~ John 1:24-29 (more thoughts)

Here are a few more thoughts on this passage I wanted to share...we are taking it slow I tell ya! Savor it in sweet friends...

Start your day in prayer seeking for the Lord to speak powerfully to you through His Word and Holy Spirit!

Thriving in Truth~

Read John 1:24-29.

Take out your journal and write a few thoughts that you have about these verses.


Why do you think those things stand out to you?


What is God saying specifically to you right now?


What are your thoughts about what John's response to the Jewish leaders?


How do these verses challenge, convict, or encourage you today?


How could you apply that to your own life today?


Thriving Together~

We have seen how John let the Word define His identity. He knew who Jesus was and what the Scriptures said...and he let that define him. We also continue to see how John lets that define his ministry. He is not only sure of his role in the kingdom for himself, he is boldly sharing it with others.

They want to challenge him in baptizing. They remind him of who he is NOT...Elijah, Christ, or even a prophet! Doesn't that happen many times in our ministries? We follow God's call in faith and then Satan (and others around us) begin to question it. Just who do we think we are? We certainly aren't Jesus, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, Billy Graham, or John Piper! How in the world do we even dare to step out and ministry!

But, John looks to Jesus. He admits that he is not worthy to even untie the straps of His sandals. He knows he is not the Christ! He doesn't try to be either. Oh, ladies so many times in our ministries we forget that we are not Christ...yet we are loved by Christ! We get so busy doing it all ourselves and forget to look at Jesus. We get so immersed in the doing of it all...and loose sight of the one among us that is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We shift our eyes onto proving to God and others that we really do have it all together and are worthy of our ministries (marriage, parenting, workplace, church, community, etc.) instead of resting in His strength and listening to who HE says we are in His Word.

John didn't feel threatened and have the need to defend his ministry to these Jewish leaders. He focused on the Word...in flesh...Jesus Christ. That changed everything! It changed how he saw himself, his ministry, and his life. He looked to HIM and could minister boldly in the light of that TRUTH.

Satan wants to remind you and I of what we are not, who we are not, and shift our eyes from Truth to a lie. He wants us to work in our own strength and to desperately please those around us. He wants us to try to "prove ourselves" to others in ministry. Because whenever we look to those around us to define our ministries and our worth...we will be miserable and discouraged..and ineffective for Kingdom ministry.

Let the Word define who you are and how your ministry will go. Fight the battle of identity with TRUTH! May we be able to look among us and see Jesus...knowing we are unworthy of anything at all...yet believing the promise He brings of Sonship, power, and love! In the Truth of God's Word may we boldly go and minister in His strength and TRUTH!

"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."

Praise you Jesus!!!


Thriving Outside~

Are there areas of your ministry that you are striving in your own strength?

Have you had people question you and your ministry lately? How will you respond?

In what ways would TRUTH in God's Word change how you minister in any area God has called you (marriage, parenting, workplace, church, community, etc.)?

How can John's example of belief and boldness encourage and challenge you in your own ministry today?

How will you take what God has said to you today through His Word into your day in application?


Thriving 365~
Frances