March 9th Devotions
Memory Verse:
“Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
**Each one of the following devotions were written by one of the many people at Keystone Church that have recently committed themselves to a deep and accountable and community study of the book of John. They have been on a journey that has had them spending daily time in this book, and this is some of their reflections that they are sharing with you.**
“Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
**Each one of the following devotions were written by one of the many people at Keystone Church that have recently committed themselves to a deep and accountable and community study of the book of John. They have been on a journey that has had them spending daily time in this book, and this is some of their reflections that they are sharing with you.**
Day 1
Read John 14:15-31
(Today’s devotion written by Ian Davis)
This scripture tells me that to love Jesus is to keep His commandments. In other words, to be obedient. He repeats this 3 times through these verses. In our recent sermons, we have seen significance to the number 3. In John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him 3 times, each time followed by a command. For Peter to show His love, he needed to be obedient to Jesus' commands.
I believe that this is a way that we also show love to our parents; Jesus is our Father, after all. Growing up, when I did listen to my parents, there was harmony in our home. My Mom was proud of me, and I felt that love. Looking back, I can definitely see the stress I caused when I was and did not listen and do what my parents told me. And yet, like God, they were patient with me.
Like our parents, I believe that we experience harmony with God when we are obedient to Him. And we become disconnected from Him and lost when we are not. I do this by learning His commandments and living them out. As humans, we are self-centered by nature, so a lot of times, I initially want what's in my best interest , like a "first thought wrong" kind of thing. God's Word flips the script on that line of thinking and tells me to consider what He wants and is what I'm doing serving His kingdom?
Verse 16 tells us specifically that if we keep His commandments that He will pray to the Father, and He will send us another Helper, the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ as our Savior, He sends us the Holy Spirit. Until then, we rely on the world for our needs. I myself have tried to find solace in many vices throughout my life; be it food, shopping, porn, video games, you name it. Nothing ever filled that void like the relationship that I have with Christ. Again, when I follow Him and His will, I get the peace and contentment I have always needed. Nothing has ever calmed the storm in me except for God.
It is comforting and awesome to see the promises God makes to us in this chapter. That He will not leave us orphans, that He will send the Holy Spirit, that if we ask anything in His name, He will pray to the Father, and He will do it. All we are called to do is accept Jesus as our savior and keep His commandments.
In what ways am I obedient in keeping the Father's commandments?
What worldly things do I use to fill what only God can fill?
What am I willing to do to let go of these things?
How are my day to day actions serving the kingdom of God and not self?
I pray that we work to keep God's commandments and focus on His promises today.
(Today’s devotion written by Ian Davis)
This scripture tells me that to love Jesus is to keep His commandments. In other words, to be obedient. He repeats this 3 times through these verses. In our recent sermons, we have seen significance to the number 3. In John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him 3 times, each time followed by a command. For Peter to show His love, he needed to be obedient to Jesus' commands.
I believe that this is a way that we also show love to our parents; Jesus is our Father, after all. Growing up, when I did listen to my parents, there was harmony in our home. My Mom was proud of me, and I felt that love. Looking back, I can definitely see the stress I caused when I was and did not listen and do what my parents told me. And yet, like God, they were patient with me.
Like our parents, I believe that we experience harmony with God when we are obedient to Him. And we become disconnected from Him and lost when we are not. I do this by learning His commandments and living them out. As humans, we are self-centered by nature, so a lot of times, I initially want what's in my best interest , like a "first thought wrong" kind of thing. God's Word flips the script on that line of thinking and tells me to consider what He wants and is what I'm doing serving His kingdom?
Verse 16 tells us specifically that if we keep His commandments that He will pray to the Father, and He will send us another Helper, the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ as our Savior, He sends us the Holy Spirit. Until then, we rely on the world for our needs. I myself have tried to find solace in many vices throughout my life; be it food, shopping, porn, video games, you name it. Nothing ever filled that void like the relationship that I have with Christ. Again, when I follow Him and His will, I get the peace and contentment I have always needed. Nothing has ever calmed the storm in me except for God.
It is comforting and awesome to see the promises God makes to us in this chapter. That He will not leave us orphans, that He will send the Holy Spirit, that if we ask anything in His name, He will pray to the Father, and He will do it. All we are called to do is accept Jesus as our savior and keep His commandments.
In what ways am I obedient in keeping the Father's commandments?
What worldly things do I use to fill what only God can fill?
What am I willing to do to let go of these things?
How are my day to day actions serving the kingdom of God and not self?
I pray that we work to keep God's commandments and focus on His promises today.
Day 2
Read John 10
(Today’s devotion written by Autumn Gildroy)
In John 10, Jesus reveals profound truths about who He is and how He relates to us. In this passage, He calls himself the Good Shepherd, contrasting His role with the thief. He paints a picture of a shepherd who cares for His sheep, leads them to safety, and even lays down His life for them. Jesus is showing the depth of His love for us. Unlike hired hands, who may run when danger comes, Jesus is fully committed to us. He is not only willing to protect us; He is willing to give His life for our safety and well-being.
The ultimate sacrifice—Jesus laying down his life on the cross—demonstrates the immeasurable love He has for us. The Good Shepherd doesn’t merely lead us; He guides us with His sacrificial love. He knows us by name, and He calls us to follow Him. We can trust Him fully, knowing He has already laid down His life for us.
Throughout life on earth, we will have obstacles we are going to encounter. Sometimes it is something small like a bad day at work or something bigger like the loss of a loved one or a spiritual battle. In John 10:10, Jesus says; ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’ This verse is significant. In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, Jesus offers us a promise that is both comforting and profound: He came that we may have life—and have it to the full. This statement is not just a casual remark, but an invitation to experience the very fullness of life that only He can provide.
Jesus makes a striking contrast. He warns us about the thief—an image of the enemy, whose only goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief represents forces that are working against us in ways both obvious and subtle. He steals our peace, our joy, our contentment, and our hope. How often do we find ourselves distracted, anxious, or disillusioned by the trials of life, as though something precious has been taken away from us? The enemy’s work is destructive, chipping away at our sense of purpose and fulfillment. He whispers lies that suggest we aren’t enough, that we will never measure up, or that the joy and peace we long for are out of reach. He leads us to places of emptiness, where we chase temporary fixes—whether in the form of success, status, relationships, or material wealth—only to find these things leave us unfulfilled.
Jesus warns us that the thief’s goal is to leave us broken, isolated, and hopeless. But there is good news. In the midst of this battle for our souls, Jesus stands firm and offers us a far greater promise. Jesus boldly declares, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The word full here is key—it speaks of a life that is rich, complete, and overflowing. Jesus did not come simply to give us existence; He came to offer us abundant life—life in all its fullness, vitality, and purpose. This abundant life is not about escaping challenges or living a life free from suffering. Instead, it’s about a deep and enduring peace that transcends circumstances. It’s a life that comes from being fully alive in Christ—knowing Him intimately, walking with Him daily, and resting in the assurance of His love and care. It’s a life that isn’t limited by the fears, insecurities, and struggles that often threaten to steal our joy. It is a life that is grounded in eternal truth and unshakable hope. So, what does this “ full life” actually look like in practical terms?
As we reflect on Jesus’ words in John 10:10, we are faced with a choice. We can either allow the thief to continue to steal, kill, and destroy the peace and joy that Jesus offers, or we can choose to step into the abundant life that He promises. That is not a passive offer; it’s an active invitation to receive all that Jesus has for us and to live in the fullness of His love. Jesus calls us to trust Him, to lay down our own attempts at finding fulfillment, and to embrace His way of living. He offers us peace, joy, and purpose, but we must choose to follow Him, to listen to His voice, and to allow Him to lead us into the abundant life He offers.
To reflect, ask yourself these questions:
What do you learn about the world that you live in from the themes of this story?
How is your heart stirred toward the lost that need saved after this part of this text?
(Today’s devotion written by Autumn Gildroy)
In John 10, Jesus reveals profound truths about who He is and how He relates to us. In this passage, He calls himself the Good Shepherd, contrasting His role with the thief. He paints a picture of a shepherd who cares for His sheep, leads them to safety, and even lays down His life for them. Jesus is showing the depth of His love for us. Unlike hired hands, who may run when danger comes, Jesus is fully committed to us. He is not only willing to protect us; He is willing to give His life for our safety and well-being.
The ultimate sacrifice—Jesus laying down his life on the cross—demonstrates the immeasurable love He has for us. The Good Shepherd doesn’t merely lead us; He guides us with His sacrificial love. He knows us by name, and He calls us to follow Him. We can trust Him fully, knowing He has already laid down His life for us.
Throughout life on earth, we will have obstacles we are going to encounter. Sometimes it is something small like a bad day at work or something bigger like the loss of a loved one or a spiritual battle. In John 10:10, Jesus says; ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’ This verse is significant. In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, Jesus offers us a promise that is both comforting and profound: He came that we may have life—and have it to the full. This statement is not just a casual remark, but an invitation to experience the very fullness of life that only He can provide.
Jesus makes a striking contrast. He warns us about the thief—an image of the enemy, whose only goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief represents forces that are working against us in ways both obvious and subtle. He steals our peace, our joy, our contentment, and our hope. How often do we find ourselves distracted, anxious, or disillusioned by the trials of life, as though something precious has been taken away from us? The enemy’s work is destructive, chipping away at our sense of purpose and fulfillment. He whispers lies that suggest we aren’t enough, that we will never measure up, or that the joy and peace we long for are out of reach. He leads us to places of emptiness, where we chase temporary fixes—whether in the form of success, status, relationships, or material wealth—only to find these things leave us unfulfilled.
Jesus warns us that the thief’s goal is to leave us broken, isolated, and hopeless. But there is good news. In the midst of this battle for our souls, Jesus stands firm and offers us a far greater promise. Jesus boldly declares, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The word full here is key—it speaks of a life that is rich, complete, and overflowing. Jesus did not come simply to give us existence; He came to offer us abundant life—life in all its fullness, vitality, and purpose. This abundant life is not about escaping challenges or living a life free from suffering. Instead, it’s about a deep and enduring peace that transcends circumstances. It’s a life that comes from being fully alive in Christ—knowing Him intimately, walking with Him daily, and resting in the assurance of His love and care. It’s a life that isn’t limited by the fears, insecurities, and struggles that often threaten to steal our joy. It is a life that is grounded in eternal truth and unshakable hope. So, what does this “ full life” actually look like in practical terms?
- It’s a Life of Purpose: The abundant life Jesus offers is a life with purpose—a life that goes beyond mere survival or seeking fleeting pleasures. It is a life where we understand that we were created for a reason, and our purpose is to love God and love others. Jesus gives us meaning, and direction, guiding us in how to live and how to invest in things that last.
- It’s a Life of Peace: In a world full of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, the abundant life is characterized by peace. Jesus offers a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) — a peace that doesn’t depend on our circumstances but comes from knowing that God is in control, and that He is good. When we experience His peace, it guards our hearts and our minds from the chaos around us.
- It’s a Life of Joy: Abundant also means a life of joy. Jesus came to bring us joy that is not dependent on what we have or don’t have, but rooted in our relationship with Him. This joy is not a fleeting happiness based on temporary circumstances, but a deep, sustaining joy that comes from knowing we are loved by God and that He is with us through every trial and triumph.
- It’s a Life of Freedom: Jesus came to set us free— from sin, shame, and fear. The abundant life is marked by freedom to live as God intended, without the chains of guilt, condemnation, or addiction. It’s the freedom to be who we were created to be, walking in the grace and mercy that Jesus extends to us.
- It’s a Life of Eternal Hope: The full life of Jesus is not just about the present, but about eternity. Jesus has made a way for us to experience eternal life with God, starting here and now. This means that no matter what happens in this world, we have the hope of a future with God that cannot be taken away.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words in John 10:10, we are faced with a choice. We can either allow the thief to continue to steal, kill, and destroy the peace and joy that Jesus offers, or we can choose to step into the abundant life that He promises. That is not a passive offer; it’s an active invitation to receive all that Jesus has for us and to live in the fullness of His love. Jesus calls us to trust Him, to lay down our own attempts at finding fulfillment, and to embrace His way of living. He offers us peace, joy, and purpose, but we must choose to follow Him, to listen to His voice, and to allow Him to lead us into the abundant life He offers.
To reflect, ask yourself these questions:
- What areas of my life have I allowed the thief to steal my peace, joy, or purpose?
- How can I actively surrender those to Jesus today?
- What does the abundant life Jesus promises look like for me in my current circumstances?
- How can I live more intentionally in the peace, joy, and purpose He provides?
What do you learn about the world that you live in from the themes of this story?
How is your heart stirred toward the lost that need saved after this part of this text?
Day 3
Read John 4:7-26
(Today’s devotion written by Jocelyn Petroy)
Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well.
Most Samaritan women would go to the well in the morning to avoid the heat, however this particular woman went to the well during the afternoon, most likely, to avoid the people of her village because of her shame, yet Jesus still found her.
Jesus, knowing full well her history, engaged the woman and asked for a drink, which completely surprised her. It would have been easy for her to turn and run away, but she stayed and talked with Him. She wanted to know more about this promise of living water that He talked about. Amazing things happen when we stop running from our shame and instead sit with the Lord. Jesus knew that the woman was chasing relationships, and trying to fulfill her purpose with men, when what she really needed was a relationship with Him. Jesus is the fulfilment of our purpose. He is the living water that we truly need, not earthly things! Yet, how often do we as Christians find ourselves trying to fulfill our purpose with earthly things that surely aren’t what we need?
(Today’s devotion written by Jocelyn Petroy)
Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well.
Most Samaritan women would go to the well in the morning to avoid the heat, however this particular woman went to the well during the afternoon, most likely, to avoid the people of her village because of her shame, yet Jesus still found her.
Jesus, knowing full well her history, engaged the woman and asked for a drink, which completely surprised her. It would have been easy for her to turn and run away, but she stayed and talked with Him. She wanted to know more about this promise of living water that He talked about. Amazing things happen when we stop running from our shame and instead sit with the Lord. Jesus knew that the woman was chasing relationships, and trying to fulfill her purpose with men, when what she really needed was a relationship with Him. Jesus is the fulfilment of our purpose. He is the living water that we truly need, not earthly things! Yet, how often do we as Christians find ourselves trying to fulfill our purpose with earthly things that surely aren’t what we need?
- How often do you take time to just sit with the Lord instead of running from your shame?
- With what are you fulfilling your purpose- earthly things or Jesus?
- How can you change your desire for earthly fulfillment to fulfillment from God?
- How can you make this a part of your prayer today?
Day 4
Read John 3:1-21
(Today’s devotion written by Pat Neuschwanger)
This is going to sound like a theme; and it is, and that’s a good thing. I’ve mentioned studying God’s Word with a group recently, the different study habits it requires, and the difference in my understanding that it’s producing. I wish I’d changed my reading habits long ago, and also wish that I’d changed them driven by my own discipline. That’s not the way it happened. I needed people (God’s community) to help increase (and improve) my accountability. I’m hoping this resonates with some. Realizing this need is not a bad thing, but a good point to realize the value of… If “the shoe fits” in this case, take the action to “wear it”, talk to the pastor or anyone who is part of a Life Group, and get connected with one. I think you’ll be surprised how quickly you start to realize the same benefits.
The study of the book of John has changed a lot of things about my understanding of God’s Word. One of those things is my perception of how Jesus lived His life and shared His truth. Not that it is as “deep” now as it can or should be, but I had very little detail and depth as to my understanding of this. I made assumptions like:
This passage in John 3 and Jesus’s exchange with Nicodemus is anything but casual and uplifting. In fact, after Jesus explains that one cannot enter the kingdom of God without being born again, He compares our understanding of how, where, and in what direction the wind blows to the Holy Spirit; basically stating that, “just because you don’t understand everything about it doesn’t mean that it (the Holy Spirit) doesn’t exist.” (reference – Macarthur Study Bible, pg 1581, note on John 3:8). And shortly after that, He essentially “scolds” Nicodemus for his lack of understanding these concepts while being an influential teacher throughout Israel.
But if you take time to read this passage a couple of times, I’m going to suggest that Jesus’s meaning will become QUITE clear. I believe such is that there is One route to everlasting life, that it is through belief in Jesus, and that God the Father (yes, the Creator of the universe!!) wants NOTHING MORE than a relationship with each of us (John 3:16 is VERY clear)!
In addition to the above, what else becomes clear as you continue reading through verse 21? (Why Jesus came, human nature and our focus on things of this world versus eternity, etc.)
Looking introspectively, what changes can you make right now to positively affect your own walk with God?
Who else can you help and/or pray for today in this vein?
(Today’s devotion written by Pat Neuschwanger)
This is going to sound like a theme; and it is, and that’s a good thing. I’ve mentioned studying God’s Word with a group recently, the different study habits it requires, and the difference in my understanding that it’s producing. I wish I’d changed my reading habits long ago, and also wish that I’d changed them driven by my own discipline. That’s not the way it happened. I needed people (God’s community) to help increase (and improve) my accountability. I’m hoping this resonates with some. Realizing this need is not a bad thing, but a good point to realize the value of… If “the shoe fits” in this case, take the action to “wear it”, talk to the pastor or anyone who is part of a Life Group, and get connected with one. I think you’ll be surprised how quickly you start to realize the same benefits.
The study of the book of John has changed a lot of things about my understanding of God’s Word. One of those things is my perception of how Jesus lived His life and shared His truth. Not that it is as “deep” now as it can or should be, but I had very little detail and depth as to my understanding of this. I made assumptions like:
- Jesus was always friendly in exchanges (except when he tossed tables in the temple... John 2:13-17)
- He always lifted up those He taught
- He was rarely confrontational in His exchanges with people
This passage in John 3 and Jesus’s exchange with Nicodemus is anything but casual and uplifting. In fact, after Jesus explains that one cannot enter the kingdom of God without being born again, He compares our understanding of how, where, and in what direction the wind blows to the Holy Spirit; basically stating that, “just because you don’t understand everything about it doesn’t mean that it (the Holy Spirit) doesn’t exist.” (reference – Macarthur Study Bible, pg 1581, note on John 3:8). And shortly after that, He essentially “scolds” Nicodemus for his lack of understanding these concepts while being an influential teacher throughout Israel.
But if you take time to read this passage a couple of times, I’m going to suggest that Jesus’s meaning will become QUITE clear. I believe such is that there is One route to everlasting life, that it is through belief in Jesus, and that God the Father (yes, the Creator of the universe!!) wants NOTHING MORE than a relationship with each of us (John 3:16 is VERY clear)!
In addition to the above, what else becomes clear as you continue reading through verse 21? (Why Jesus came, human nature and our focus on things of this world versus eternity, etc.)
Looking introspectively, what changes can you make right now to positively affect your own walk with God?
Who else can you help and/or pray for today in this vein?
Day 5
Read John 17
I have wanted to take a trip to Israel and walk out some of the stories in the Bible. By that, I mean it would be pretty incredible to be there and walk those actual paths and see what the story intended for me to see. It would be neat, but I also wonder how much of it would be a tourist trap of just people telling you this happened here when we really don’t know for sure if it did. That comes from the realization that this happened to me when I visited the Equator outside of Ecuador and was duped in a few of those tourist stories.
It would be neat to walk where Jesus walked. But it is even more incredible to imagine sitting at His feet and experiencing His teaching. Could you imagine what it would be like to look into Jesus' eyes and see the idea that John starts his gospel with when he says that Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” What is it like to look at someone that portrays truth when you see Him? In this passage, we get a piece of this. Jesus prays for us. He actually prays for you! These are the words that reveal His heart about what He desires and hopes for you. I have had prayer warriors pray for me, some of you reading this devotions are those. It means so much to know that I have the support and love of so many people. But this….this is Jesus! This is way more incredible and I hope you don’t take offense to that. This deserves some time…some time sitting and thinking about it…soaking it all in.
What part of Jesus' prayer means the most to you?
How are your prayers like Jesus’?
How can you learn about how you should pray for others from this prayer?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
I have wanted to take a trip to Israel and walk out some of the stories in the Bible. By that, I mean it would be pretty incredible to be there and walk those actual paths and see what the story intended for me to see. It would be neat, but I also wonder how much of it would be a tourist trap of just people telling you this happened here when we really don’t know for sure if it did. That comes from the realization that this happened to me when I visited the Equator outside of Ecuador and was duped in a few of those tourist stories.
It would be neat to walk where Jesus walked. But it is even more incredible to imagine sitting at His feet and experiencing His teaching. Could you imagine what it would be like to look into Jesus' eyes and see the idea that John starts his gospel with when he says that Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” What is it like to look at someone that portrays truth when you see Him? In this passage, we get a piece of this. Jesus prays for us. He actually prays for you! These are the words that reveal His heart about what He desires and hopes for you. I have had prayer warriors pray for me, some of you reading this devotions are those. It means so much to know that I have the support and love of so many people. But this….this is Jesus! This is way more incredible and I hope you don’t take offense to that. This deserves some time…some time sitting and thinking about it…soaking it all in.
What part of Jesus' prayer means the most to you?
How are your prayers like Jesus’?
How can you learn about how you should pray for others from this prayer?
How does this become part of your prayer today?
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