Week February 9, 2025
Monday, January 10, 2025

Morning Scripture
“Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”
John 2:6-11 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.6-11.NKJV
“Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
John 2:6-11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.6-11.NLT
“Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”
John 2:6-11 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.6-11.NKJV
“Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
John 2:6-11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.6-11.NLT
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father God, thank you for providing us with the best there is. Remind us, Lord, not to be overtaken with all things that look and feel like joy; not to overtaken by the first thing offered to us. Remind us to know that you have what is best ready and waiting for us. Father, thank you for every sign in which you reveal your glory. Father, we wait expectantly for the joy that you prepare for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Mercy!!! I know this prayer may be different from the versions of this story we’ve heard all of our lives. But when I read this scripture this morning, it struck me differently. I realized that there is more and better coming my way. I realized sometimes we believe we have what is best for us, but when we lean into the Master, He restores and provides us with better-better. Lord, there is so much more than the wine in this parable. What “water” in your life would you like Christ to turn into “wine?” Glory Hallelujah.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father God, thank you for providing us with the best there is. Remind us, Lord, not to be overtaken with all things that look and feel like joy; not to overtaken by the first thing offered to us. Remind us to know that you have what is best ready and waiting for us. Father, thank you for every sign in which you reveal your glory. Father, we wait expectantly for the joy that you prepare for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Mercy!!! I know this prayer may be different from the versions of this story we’ve heard all of our lives. But when I read this scripture this morning, it struck me differently. I realized that there is more and better coming my way. I realized sometimes we believe we have what is best for us, but when we lean into the Master, He restores and provides us with better-better. Lord, there is so much more than the wine in this parable. What “water” in your life would you like Christ to turn into “wine?” Glory Hallelujah.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Morning Scripture
“After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”” John 2:12-17 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.12-17.NKJV “After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples. It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”” John 2:12-17 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.13-17.NLT |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for a reality check. Jesus, thank you for reminding us that the temple, the church, is a place of worship. Thank you for reminding us that intent has power. Father, forgive us when our intent is personal gain and profit. Forgive us when our intent in the temple is unjust, impure, and not focused on the upbuilding of your kingdom. And forgive us for not serving the needs of those who come to the temple for healing and worship. Father, heal our hearts and guide our thoughts so that our actions uplift and represent the love and care for others, that is your calling for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Note: it is important to remember that the money changers and the sellers of animals were selling in the temple making it difficult and distracting to worship; cheating travelers out of quality animals for sacrifice; and charging extra to change their money to local currency. Jesus was not angry because people were in the temple, He was angry because the people were being taken advantage of. What are our churches doing today? Are we taking advantage of people because they come weak and in need of consolation? Or are we earnestly loving them and sharing the Gospel? What are we here for? Things that make you go hmmm. PS. My heart said church-hurt. People traveled to worship and were hurt by the actions of the church. As Jesus begins his ministry, I can only imagine the people - some excited for a new church community in Jesus, rooted in love and not judgment, while others are simply skeptical about being taken advantage of again and again with empty promises. I love this conversation in John. The concepts are so relevant today. We must ensure that the steps we take in our churches are steps to uplift and not divide God’s kingdom. Now more than ever. |
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Morning Scripture
“So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”” John 2:18 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.18.NKJV “But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”” John 2:18 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.18.NLT |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for being a demonstrative God. Your love and presence are known by your daily miracles - the breath we breathe, our healing and our recovery, the flowers and the birds, our family and our friends, our ________ and our _______. Father, you have already given us signs and wonders, forgive us when we demand that you prove yourself. Father. We are grateful for every miracle and wonder that you have placed before us. Guide our hearts to see your loving presence in all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray and praise. Amen. |
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Morning Scripture
“Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:19-22 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.19-22.NKJV ““All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” “What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.” John 2:19-22 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.19-22.NLT |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, guide our hearts to see beyond the obvious. Guide our hearts to see what and who you have in store for us. Guide our thoughts as we read your Word so that your promises and prophecies are revealed to us. Father, we desire to hear from you and know the plans you have for us. Father, hear our prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Why this path? The Jews in the temple have studied the word for years but at this point are only focused on the Words. They do not have a heart for the true meaning and understanding of the prophecy. We read the Bible all the time, and it is my prayer, that we see beyond just words to the heart and promises of God. |
Friday, February 14, 2025
Morning Scripture
“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” John 2:23-25 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.2.23-25.NKJV “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” John 2:23-25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.2.23-25.NLT “Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” John 2:23-25 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.2.23-25.NIV “During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.” John 2:23-25 MSG https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.2.23-25.MSG |
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things. Father, thank you for this Word that reminds us that you know our heart. Father, guide our hearts to be true and loving. Please continue to pour your love and mercy into our hearts so that we may have grace and love in ours for others. Lord, it is our prayer that when you examine our hearts, you will feel our love and care for you. You are an awesome God who cares for us when we don’t know how to care for ourselves. Father God, on this Valentine's Day, let us remember your love and sacrifice for us so that we can extend that love and grace to others. Happy Valentine's Day, Father, and may the love you have given us extend from hand to hand, not just this day, but every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Happy Valentine's Day - Let's Celebrate the BEST Love of All. Amen
Morning WorshipIt's In My Heart (To Serve the Lord)
Harvey Watkins, Jr https://youtu.be/ND1V0Ppb-NY?si=xqaPJsJabcquONoO It's In My Heart (This Melody of Love Divine)
Mahalia Jackson https://youtu.be/IfyAJ4st0_Q?si=GN6NDj9fwK29uXGh Disclaimer: The youTube link above may not play on all devices. Please tap the URL and that one should play. Thank you and apologies. This is a link from youTube, no copyright infringement is intended.
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