Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The All-Important Spirit

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The All-Important Spirit

 

Scripture:  John 6:59-65

Reflection:

 

Many people will say the Christian Journey is too hard.  What is so hard about surrendering to Jesus Christ and accepting HIS teachings of eternal life?

Why do we believe what is morally right is the will of God?  Could this be a reason why many will give up on the Christian Journey?

 

The Spirit of God gives us life and the flesh gives us death.  So why don't we value the Spirit in us more than we do?

 

Prayer: Loving God, open my eyes to what is important in life.  Help me on my journey so I can truly learn to surrender what I believe and accept you will. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - His Body and His Blood

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

His Body and His Blood

 

Scripture:  John 6:51-59

Reflection:

 

In Jewish culture blood equals life.  Therefore the blood of Jesus is the life of Jesus that we must take in the very core of our hearts.  By doing so we have moved from an external relationship to an intimate and loving relationship that feeds on the life of Jesus Christ.

Why did Jesus stress the point of eating his flesh and drinking his blood?

 

When was the last time you feed your heart, mind and soul?

 

Prayer: God, we realize you are in Jesus Christ and He is in you.  As we fill ourselves with his body and blood we are also filling ourselves with you.  Thank you. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Bread of Life

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Bread of Life

 

Scripture:  John 6:35-40

Reflection:

 

Jesus made two statements in the book of John, "I am the living water and I am the bread of life."  In order to understand these statements what do we need to do in order never to be thirsty or hungry again?

We, (everyone) have been given an all inclusive invitation for eternity through Jesus Christ.  Have you responded to this invitation?  Why or why not?

How does this bread from heaven differ from the manna in Exodus 16?  

 

What are the benefits of this bread from heaven?

 

Prayer: Lord, you keep putting a hunger in us for you.  Many have accepted and many have rejected.  We thank you that Jesus Christ has not turned us away because we accepted the bread of life that sustains our soul. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Witness of God

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Witness of God

 

Scripture:  John 5:37-43

Reflection:

Why didn't the Jewish leaders believe God sent Jesus and the scriptures pointed to Jesus even though they were the scholars of the Law and Scriptures?

Why do we read the Bible with closed minds?

What type of Messiah was the Jewish leaders looking for in life?  What type of Christ are you expecting in your life?  Does your expectation align with the scriptures?

 

Prayer: God, as we reflect on scriptures, teach us to read with an open mind and remind us how you continue to reveal yourself to us through your actions.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Death and Life

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

Death and Life

 

Scripture:  John 5:25-29

Reflection:

Re-read the scripture above, what are the two types of dead people John is referring to?

How are you making yourself to live in the presence of God through eternity?

 

Will you be able to recognized those who are spiritually dead in your life?

Prayer: Lord, keep me near the cross so that I may rise and live with you through eternity. Point out my spiritual deadness so I can be alive day and night.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Acceptance Means Life

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

Acceptance Means Life

Scripture:  John 5:24

Reflection:

What does it mean to believe and accept Christ in your life?

How have this acceptance change your relationship with God, neighbor and self?

 

Why will we pass from death to life?

Prayer: God thank you for the life we have through your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Life, Judgment and Honor

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

Life, Judgment and Honor

Scripture:  John 5:21-23

Reflection:

There are three functions of Jesus Christ in this passage, what are they?

How have you responded to these three functions in your life?

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for Jesus Christ!  We give you honor because you have given us a chance for eternal life after we leave this earthly life.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Creator and the Son

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

The Creator and the Son

Scripture:  John 5:19-20

Reflection:

When we are confident in our relationship with God, The Creator, our heart, mind and soul is one with God.  Therefore, what we do is not our will but God's will.  So why is it so hard for us to be obedient to God's will when love is the core?

When the people accused Jesus of being equal to God, what was his response?

Did Jesus' accuser expect him to fear them more than he feared God?  

Why do we fear humanity more than we fear God? 

Prayer: God, give us hope and strength as we walk in your will and way.  Teach us that humanity scare tactics doesn't destroy our relationship with you. In your God we have confidence to be aligned to your will including our heart, mind and soul being one with you.  Because we are one with you God, we feel, see and heart all you do.  Since there is no fear in you there is no fear in us because we walk with you as one.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Savior of the World

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Savior of the World

Scripture:  John 4:39-42

Reflection:

 

How wonderful for many to believe in the testimony of one person whose background and life may have not been accepted by the community.  If this woman was in your community would her testimony move you to believe?  Why or why not?

The people in the village gave this woman a new life, renewed strength and hope because Jesus broke the communication barrier between her and them.  What communication barrier needs to be broken in your life?

Jesus was recognized as the Savior of the World to the people in this village.  Why did they truly believe he was the savior of the world? Remember they are Samaritans.

 

 

Prayer: Living God, remind us daily why Jesus is the savior of the world.  Remind us he came to bring peace and reconciliation to all of us. Teach us your love so we can show why the savior of the world came. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Most Satisfying Food

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

The Most Satisfying Food

Scripture:  John 4:31-34

Reflection:

 

Once again this text reminds us of Jesus' obedience to God.  When we are obedient to God we are physically and spiritually full.  Why didn't the disciples understand?

When was the last time you truly did the will of God and you felt you did God's will?

What is the work Jesus was sent to complete?

 

Prayer: Lord of the universe, there are days we want to do what we like to do and not what you want us to do.  Help us in our disobedience so we can do what you like us to do daily. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Sharing the Wonder

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

Sharing the Wonder

Scripture:  John 4:27-30

Reflection:

 

The passage of scripture shows that Jesus is willing to engage anyone in a conversation even if it means challenging the law.  So why do you think the disciples didn't ask the question on their mind?

Once Jesus reviewed this woman innermost heart and her current relationship she was not able to keep this good news to herself.  What was the significance of her leaving her water jar?

 

When we refuse to look at ourselves and we experience an encounter with God,  we are humiliated by our self-disgust.  Just like this woman, she had an epiphany moment she had to share with the village, but then proposed the question "Could he be the Messiah?"  

 

When the light of truth put the spotlight on you, how will you handle what you have refused to look at in yourself?

 

 

Prayer: Most High, keep the spotlight on us so we can see our humiliation and we can confront ourselves.  As we confront ourselves, allow the experience being of one we want to share with others. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The True Worship

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The True Worship

Scripture:  John 4:16-26

Reflection:

 

Jesus said, "God is Spirit" and this is true worship.  Since God is Spirit, why do we confine the Spirit to a box, a building and a particular way to worship?  Isn't the Spirit free to move?

As we read this passage, we realize the Samaritan way of worship is different from the Jewish way of worship.  Why?

 

Did the Samaritan woman change her perception of Jesus, when she realized he spoke the truth about her life?

 

Prayer: God of Grace and Mercy, free us from self-enclosed, self-trapped  worship.  Show us how to worship you in Spirit and Truth. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Living Water

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Living Water

Scripture:  John 4:10-15

Reflection:
 
God's gifts comes in many forms, but for this Samaritan woman the only gift she saw was Jacob's well.  Why is that even though she's an Israelite as well?

Why did Jesus use the imagery of living water?  What is so significant about this "living" water?

When we speak of spiritual matters those who have a relationship with God ought to understand when we lack spiritual water our spirit is being dehydrated and void of God.

Read Jeremiah 2:13

Prayer:  Creator of the living, keep refreshing us with your living water so we can only have a one time thirst for you.  Amen. 

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Breaking Down Barriers

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

Breaking Down Barriers

Scripture:  John 4:1-9

Reflection:
 
What was the difference between John and Jesus regarding baptism?

Depending on what side of Judea Jesus was traveling from, why would he go through the hills of Samaria to get to Galilee? 
   
What two barriers did Jesus breakdown at the well with the Samaritan woman?  

What was Jesus' human limitation in this passage?  How can you relate to this? 


Prayer:   God of humanity, you know our limitation because Jesus experienced the same, you know the barriers in our lives because Jesus encountered barriers that often block us from seeing you.  Show us the places we need to go to breakdown barriers and provide us the resources along the way.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The One from Heaven

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The One from Heaven

Scripture:  John 3:31-36

Reflection:
 
Since Jesus has a first hand account of what is in Heaven, why didn't the Israelites listen and accept his testimony?

What does it mean, God gave the Spirit without measure? 
   
When we believe in the Son of God we made a choice to choose eternal life.  Read Deuteronomy 30:15 and Joshua 24:15?  

 What are some of the things we can do to bring God's wrath upon us? 


Prayer:   Creator of all, thank you for the voice of Jesus who you poured out your Spirit upon him.  Continue to speak to us daily so we can hear your voice from those who truly testify about you.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Love and Judgment

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

Love and Judgment

Scripture:  John 3:17-21

Reflection:
 
Re-Read John 3:17-21, what does this saying mean to you, "The one who was sent in love has become our judge"? 
   
How can we see beauty, love or compassion in others when we are blinded by our self-righteous view or judgment of what beauty, love and compassion ought to look like?  

What happens when we try to open the eyes of others to see their judgment has impaired their vision spiritually and physically? 


Prayer:   Mother God, you sent your Son to a judgmental world in need of salvation.  We pray that today when we hear the words of love and compassion our hearts will turn to the one you sent in love Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Love of God

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Love of God

Scripture:  John 3:16

Reflection:
 
Who makes up the world that God loves? 
 
Since God loves the world, why do some nations and people believe God only love them?

This passage reminds us that God loves us even if we don't love God?


Prayer:   Holy God, pour out your love on all of us.  Teach us how to love when we have been unloved and lonely in life.   Your love can open us to love one another.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Uplifted Christ

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

The Uplifted Christ

Scripture:  John 3:14-15

Reflection:

If you possess eternal life, what do you have?

What does eternal life look like?

How do you reflect eternal life on earth?


Prayer:   God of peace and love reveal to us eternal life so we may understand what it mean to have an uplifted life.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barcaly - The Duty to Know and the Right to Speak

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

The Duty to Know and the Right to Speak

Scripture:  John 3:7-13

Reflection:
 
Why was Nicodemus having a hard time understanding the simplicity of Jesus' words?

The Spirit of God can made bad people good.  Have you witness this transformation in your life?  What was bad that is now good?

What kind of relationship do you have with God?  Intellectual or experience? Why?

 
Prayer:   Loving God, many of us believe it's too easy and simple of a message you give to us.  Often we want to think deeply about the message instead of experiencing you.  When you turn people and situations around this is our witness to the simplicity of the Gospel.  Thank you for your love and the ability to speak to us using things we see daily.  Amen.

Ash Wednesday and Leten Study - March 5-April 9

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - Born Again

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

 

Born Again

Scripture:  John 3:1-6

Reflection:
 
When we felt and heard God's call for us to repent and be born again, this was the beginning of a relationship of obedience.  How obedient have you been to God lately?

Being born again we have access to the Kindom of God and Eternal life.  What is your reflection of eternal life?  How are you represent a small portion here on earth?

 
Prayer:   All wise and all knowing God, keep calling us into relationship with you through obedience.  Many have heard your call and few have accepted to be born again.  Remind us who have been born again what a privilege to be in a relationship with you. Amen.

Weekday Devotional with William Barclay - The Man Who Came By Night

Daily Devotions with William Barclay

365 Meditations on the Heart of the New Testament

The Man Who Came By Night

Scripture:  John 3:1-6

Reflection:
 
Why did Nicodemus came to Jesus at night?

Write your definition of rebirth, born again?

If you have been born again, what has been your most radical change on this transformational journey?



 
Prayer:   Holy God, many of  us have been reborn by water and spirit because we have repented and recognized we needed a deeper relationship with you.  We realize in the night time hours we will seek you so that others will not know we don't know all the answers.  Teach us to come to you anytime and reveal to us what rebirth and being born again.  Amen.