Hi Sumites, Lynn Donovan here.

A few weeks ago, I was stuffed in the backseat of a rental car with my two granddaughters. My son and his wife were driving us to an overlook in Portland where we would view the entire city and the volcano in the background. It was spectacular.

Somewhere in the conversation topics that ensued in the backseat, ranging from gymnastics, hair styles, boys, and parents, my eldest granddaughter shared a story about a girl at school who said to another girl who didn’t believe in God that “said” girl would go to hell.

Wow, nothing like being put on the spot. So, here is my best recollection of my response to this statement. “Well, you know that we all will make a choice about our beliefs in Jesus and God. And the girl who told the other girl she would go to hell probably heard that from her parents. But, what this sounds like to that child is that God is mean.”

I continued, “Why would anyone want to find out more about a God that is mean?” They both listened earnestly. Parents ears in the front seat tuned in.

“God doesn’t send people to hell. He doesn’t hurt people or make them sick. He loves them and cares about every detail about our lives. He loves our dogs, and he is with you kids in your classrooms at school. He would never hurt you.”

“This little girl only heard that God is mean and cruel but never learns about the good Father that we really have.”

“Now, on the other hand, the devil will do everything to hurt, destroy and make you sick.” At that point the conversation bounced to another topic. But the truth was made clear. God is good and it’s the devil that is the “bad guy.” (PS. Just for clarity, God doesn't send people to hell. Indeed, we choose hell for ourselves. *gulp*)

Sometimes you just have to tell people about the real God, our Father. Who is kind, loving, and filled with goodness and forgiveness.

John, Chapter 14 reveals the entire purpose of Jesus ministry. His ministry, not His death and resurrection.

The ministry of Jesus was and IS: To reveal the Father. And reveal that He is good!

The entire exchange with Philip is our invitation to “know” the Father. To understand and experience God, as an intimate and good Father, because we have seen and know Jesus.

The implications of being known and knowing God as Father are so far reaching, I doubt we can unpack it all, if ever.

Jesus leads the disciples to a statement that is life changing.

Verses 19 & 20: A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Knowing the Father will lead us to comprehend who we are because He is in us, and we are in Him. We understand the power and authority we hold. The significance and the identity we receive from this statement, is a complete mind-blow.

If we are in God, and God in us, why would we fear the future. If this is true, we can do all things through Christ. We are more than conquerors. We are the head and not the tail. We are loved, strong, stable, fortified, provided for, never forgotten, abandoned, or insecure.

In all truth, I've only slightly begun to unpack the implication of these verses in my life. But knowing this, assures me that I hear God’s voice, that I will overcome everything the devil sends my direction, I am secure in my life, health, finances and I have a GREAT hope for every day of my future.

Sure, sometimes the chaos of the enemy works to pervert this truthful knowledge but, my greatest warfare is to simple return to the truth. Jesus is in God, the Father, and I am in Jesus and He is in me. This is the beauty of the Holy Spirit that abides within. God in us. How could we ever lose?

Gang, if you understand the implications of this message in John 14, please share. I’m waiting with great anticipation to hear what you think.

I love you. PS. If Jesus is in the Father, and you are in Christ and I am in Christ, does this mean we are all connected and within one another?

So many crazy and profound thoughts to consider.

Lynn

John 14:5-6 – “Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The three ‘I am’ statements in verse 6 are incredible in their significance and as a result, provide tremendous pointers to living a life in the Kingdom of God. Remember, the Kingdom of God is here and now because the King is here within us, so we have access to his Kingdom now.

Interestingly, it is Thomas (the doubting one) who initiates Jesus’ bold statement. And it is his question that I wanted to focus on in this post.

Not Knowing

We like to know things, don’t we? I sure do. I enjoy that feeling of being in control. Knowing what’s going to happen and/or where we are headed next helps us feel more in control. Control is often accompanied by a feeling of safety.

We SUMites know a lot about NOT knowing when it comes to the timeframe in which our partner might join us in following Jesus. Or if they ever will. Accordingly, lots of other things follow that not knowing. All the uncertainty about committing to activities and people at church? Or even attending church? What schools our kids might attend and on and on. It brings with it a lot of uncertainty.

The way to God gets a little muddy for we SUMites. We want our house to be full of God but can it when the partner we love doesn’t share our heart for God?

And so we wait. And wait some more.

Pressing in

Interestingly, I believe Jesus answers our questions as much as He does Thomas’. And I take great encouragement from observing Lynn’s life, Ann’s life and Dineen (retired co-founder) life. Amongst all the hurdles, challenges and waiting, they all chose to press into Jesus. And to keep pressing in. Because they chose to believe that he is true to his word: that he is the Way to the Father, he is the truth (John 1 tells us he is the Word) and the life, that is, he is the source of all we need.

All three of them have discovered the wonder and beauty of intimacy with Jesus and realised grace upon grace within their families and homes. No, it hasn’t been easy, but they made a choice to follow Jesus and He is always faithful to those who make that choice.

Let me close with a snippet of a prayer I prayed at church on Sunday. I pray this over all of us:

“Jesus, help us to become good at waiting. Waiting can be hard and often scary. Waiting for test results, a diagnosis, bones to heal, a job offer, or what’s in store for the next season, the next year. Teach us that it’s okay not to know. Fill us with more faith to wait upon you. To lean into the wait by seeking you first. You are the tree of life, the magnificent wise oak tree, help us hang out under your foliage while we wait … until you shine the light upon our path, produce the fruit in us for greater overflow. In Your loving and ever faithful Name. Amen”

Wait well, dear SUMites. Keep choosing Jesus every day.

Much love

John 14:2-4 ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Why does Jesus tell the disciples about the mansions smack in the middle of their turmoil?

He is assuring them they won’t be abandoned.

WE WON’T BE ABANDONED.

What isn’t mentioned in this passage by Jesus is the significance of our eternal dwellings to us as believers. In my book, Marching Around Jericho, I share an experience where the Lord showed me my heavenly dwelling. It was profound and the impact of that encounter has never left me. Go back and read it in Chapter 18, Glimpses of Glory. You will be encouraged.

I want to share with you here the understanding that God gave to me that day. It was a message for all of us who walk the unequally yoked path. Here is what I wrote:

Excerpt from Marching Around Jericho: I unpacked this experience with the Lord for weeks afterward. He brought clarity and purpose for this unique experience. “Lynn, I want you and those you serve (SUMites) to know that every sacrifice they make, all they endure, every tear, each and every prayer is building their dwelling in eternity. What my children say and do every single day creates. Every time you choose faith over fear and belief over doubt, hope over deception, you are placing another piece into the glorious dwelling place of your eternity.” 

It is real. 

This encounter was life changing for me. A lifetime of laying down my desires for my husband became beautiful flowers and horses. *grin* A life of serving in Bible study, raising kids to faith, a smile at the cashier at Walmart. A kind note sent in the mail and a blessing or prayer written in the comments of my blog, all of it is meaningful and holds purpose in the realm of the kingdom. Prayer by prayer, gold brick by gold brick.

----

We are building something so profoundly meaningful and rewarding. Be encouraged when you serve in silence, when no one notices or says thank you. Be aware of what you are building because my friends, IT IS MORE AMAZING THAN YOU CAN DREAM.

I love you. Ask in your prayer time this week for the Lord to reveal a glimpse of your dwelling. Or tell him what you want to see or do in your Kingdom home.

Share with me what you have dreamed about your eternal home. I want to dream with you. Celebrate with you. I want to encourage you. Blessings and hugs, Lynn

SUM Nation, what do you think about our study thus far?

The comments have been filled with wisdom and such great insight. We have an amazing community of believers in our Church Without Walls.

Let's jump into John, Chapter 14. Read it here in NKJV

This first two verses in this chapter are awesome. 

Verse 1. Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Let not your heart be troubled. Oh, my friends, this seems to be a season of troubled hearts. I can't tell you how many of you have shared crazy and difficult situations with me. And I'm walking through the most difficult season of my life. Yet, Jesus speaks to you and to me..... "Let not your heart be troubled."

Think about this, Peter was troubled. He was catching on that a disaster was eminent and his entire world, his beliefs, his hopes for his future were about to implode.

I can tell you that I faced this very place on April 26th when I sat in an ER room and the head of oncology walked in to explain what was wrong with Mike and what was about to happen to him, to us!

 "Lynn, let not your heart be troubled. I have overcome the world." I heard these words over and again throughout the past six months. It's not easy to handle this very difficult and challenging world we live in. Yet, even after a meltdown, where I felt weak or mad at myself for having the meltdown, Jesus would help me re-center. Help me step back into truth. Help me to hope again.

We are fast approaching Rosh Hashanah and the 10 days between lead up to Yom Kippur. You know I have watched the Lord close out so much in September to make way for the new assignments in October. And if you remember, He gave me a promise, October 6th. 

I cling to that promise and look forward with HOPE for a new season. And this new season is for all of us. God will remove people, relationships, jobs, and even relocate you during this season. It's because He has new, and He has more for you. So, believe and be ready.

I'm excited to discover what our good Father has for me. And for you. 

Think right now, what is God closing out of my life. Tell me in the comments and let me know how to pray. I love you. Lynn

PS. We will start on verse two on Monday. *grin*

There are a number of you who have been readers here at SUM for a long time. And then there are those who have read the book Not Alone/Raising Kids.... You met my daughter, Caitie, here on the blog and on the pages of that book. (Raising Kids)

On Friday, my daughter married her dream man in a beautifully simple ceremony and on a perfectly clear and sunny day in Portland. It was a small and intimate setting in the woods with a few close friends and family. That's my daughter. 

So, in the midst of a lot of crazy, we enjoyed some goodness. It was a bummer that Mike wasn't able to attend. However, in the ceremony, Caitie made sure to mention her daddy and that he was there in spirit. 

I cried. 

So, all you mamas who are still in the trenches, don't give up. Don't stop loving and NEVER stop praying for you children. Here are a few photos. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, SUMites, for walking this walk with me. 

PS. The granddaughters were the hit of the weekend, besides the bride and groom, and we all enjoyed an impromptu and wonderful family reunion on Saturday. 

Back to the series in the book of John on Friday. Love you!

Prayer for Caitie and Matthew. May the Lord bless your covenant with love, peace, and provision. May you find fulfilment, joy, and laughter as you discover the purpose for your lives together. I pray you discover contentment, sacrifice, holiness, and service together. May the Lord keep you close, safe, and in His hands all the days of your life. Know that mom and dad love you and are proud of you. In Jesus name. AMEN

Glory and a New Command

(Read to the end. The prayer at the bottom is good) John, chapter 13, concludes with two messages. The first, Jesus is glorified.

But what does that mean? I jumped into some research and the one-word-summary that fits is: honor.

Father, is bestowing honor upon Jesus. And the honorable actions and life of Jesus bring honor to God. I believe these few passages are conveying meaning and depth that I’ve yet to grasp. Our understanding of what is implied is limited.

In other words: THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

Yet, I can’t unpack it fully. I can only compare this glorifying to how it feels when we are respected, honored, and appreciated for what we accomplish and stand for. It’s deeply satisfying and fulfilling. It’s peaceful and meaningful. Hmmmmmm probably a very weak description for what is actually happening in this portion of scripture. Please add your thoughts in the comments.

Secondly, tucked in this chapter is a new commandment: Verse 34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 

35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

What came to mind when I read this is the obvious command to love, but then my thoughts were, What are the commandments of Jesus?

1 & 2. The greatest commandment, Love God with all your heart, soul, mind. Second commandment, love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:37-39.

3. Love your enemies. Matt 5:43-44

4. Forgive others. Matt 6:14-15

5. Do not judge. Matt 7:1-2

6. Give to the poor. Matt 19:21, Matt 6:3-4

7. Be humble and serve others. Matt 20:26-28, John 13:5-20

8. Pray for your enemies. Matt 5:44

9. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matt 6:33

What is interesting to me is that all these singular commandments lead to a life of love.

Forgiveness of friends and enemies opens our closed and bitter soul to love and peace.

Judgement/offense shuts love off. Humble service allows our viewpoint to change and builds compassion within. Praying for our enemies is difficult and teaches us we can do hard things and yet, not allow our hearts to harden. All of the commandments lead us to the Kingdom of God and right living.

This is the path of love.

This is the path to peace and contentment.

This is the Kingdom of our God. Everything about the life of Jesus was to reveal our Father and His Kingdom. A Kingdom of love.

This begs the question: What is the door to the Kingdom? Well, the answer awaits us in chapter 14. Stay tuned.

The most important thing about this Kingdom of love begins with knowing you are loved. Truly love, accepted, enough, and made powerful because God loves you.

In our world of strife, grief, and fear, this truth is always under assault. For me, sometimes, I have to cry out, pray, and ask God for a greater encounter of His love.

My friends, this is a great prayer and God will respond, just remain persistent. I couldn’t have walked these past six months without knowing God really loved me. He wants you to know that too. He will affirm, reaffirm, and do it again.

Just ask. Okay, here we go. Father, today I feel less-than, unworthy, beaten down, discouraged. Today, this very day, I need a love encounter with You. Reveal your love and approval in a way that changes my discouragement to great hope, wonder, and expectancy. 

Jesus, reveal yourself and power in my life. Show me where you are today and lead me in wisdom to make decisions that are centered in love and reflect Your character. Reveal love to me today in a way that changes me. In Your name, Jesus. AMEN

Betrayal….

How do we deal with this, the cruelest, of culprits?

John 13:18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.”

The next section of our Bible study dives deeply into the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. There are a number of issues at hand that reveal heart motives, instruction for life, and lessons in belief. This short section of scripture is vast in its implication.

Read it here (link to NKJV).

Jesus shares with the disciples his future betrayal, why? Verse 19: Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.

Sharing future events lends to greater belief and faith within the disciples. Rember from my book, Spiritual Enforcer, where I cover belief. Our beliefs are at the core of our destructive or successful lives. What we believe matters. (PS. get the book, thank you)

Betrayal is the cruelest of all emotions. The undoing of trust. And in this scenario, Jesus is betrayed to his torture and death by a close friend??? Did Jesus really trust Judas? Hmmmmm, I’m not so certain. However, it’s clear that Jesus gave him the benefit of the doubt, hoping he would change by assigning the money management to Judas.

Side note: Jesus had a lot of money. He wasn’t a poor man. And the gifts He received during his three years of ministry were significant. A LOT of money flowed through the hands of Judas. In fact, Judas betrayed Christ for money (30 pieces of silver). I realize that we, the church, are inclined to view Jesus as a poor missionary. But he wasn’t poor. He wore a garment that cost a year’s wage. There are scholars that believe the home where the last supper was held was owned by Jesus. Jesus was the Master of the house. Luke 22:7-12

Onward… The passage that jumped out at me in this entire story is this:

John 13:18b He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.

This is a reference by Jesus to Psalm 41:9. Fascinating. But what does it mean? My research points to a vicious act, as though kicked by the heel of a horse. Ugh.

My friend, the unequally yoked know this feeling. There isn’t one of us who hasn’t experienced this devastating kick to the chest from a betrayal. So much so, that the pain feels physical like our breath has been knocked from our chest.

This is the precise moment that two things become crucial. We must take that pain to Jesus. And over time, heal, forgive, and then command fear, pain, and betrayal to leave. This process must happen fairly quickly so that the devil does not gain a foothold in our soul.

Not easy.

And not without boundaries or separation from our betrayer, if necessary or appropriate.

What is also fascinating is Jesus calls Judas out…. In front of all the others.

I’m surmising here but Judas likely responds with emotions such as shame, anger, and betrayal.

THUS, satan enters into his soul. John 13:27

Whoa…..

What if this was the moment that Jesus offered redemption specifically to Judas? He offered him a moment to confess and turn from his destructive future????

Okay, these are my thoughts. Bring on your summaries. This passage is deep and wild. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

As I was preparing this teaching last week about washing feet, I received the following text from a SUMite. She had no idea I’d just started this study and this week we were reviewing John, chapter 13, Jesus washed the disciple’s feet.

This is what she wrote to me:

I haven’t shared this with anyone, but I thought, you know what, Lynn’s heart would love this, and she would know how miraculous this moment was. 

I’ve been wearing that victory bracelet every day since you sent it, even during the separation (and I had no intention of getting back together with my husband) Then I prophetically drew his ring on one day in a church service a few months back in response to a message I heard on The bible story when Elijah accidentally cooks poison gourds and makes everyone sick but prophetically throws flour in the pot and it feeds His people.

Well last week I wanted to go get a pedicure cause my feet were rough, but I decided not to and instead, do it myself. 

I was in the bathroom and suddenly my husband says to me, “Let me wash your feet.” I sat there on the edge of tub with him. I just sat there in silence and in awe of what God is doing in him and in our marriage.

 Lynn, he washed my feet! I’ve held that close to my heart and I’m only sharing it with you because it was so precious to me. You and your obedience to the call on your life are a huge part of my story!

My friends, God can restore, redeem, refresh, rearrange and restart. Every now and again, we get to participate in the divine and witness His love and miracles in our lives.

This is one of those moments.

Thank you, Father.

Share today how you have witnessed the bible come alive in your life? I can't wait to read these testimonies. When you share your story, your words are written down in the annals of heaven. I love you. Lynn

Did you read the summaries in the comments of the previous post? Link here. They are SO GOOD!

Question: Why is this particular study important to an Unequally Yoked marriage?

Answer: Jesus said in John 13:34-35: ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This commandment really is a summation of all that Jesus taught and modeled. But before we look at the end of Chapter 13, we need to take a look at the Feet Washing.

Let me begin this next portion of our Bible Study be agreeing with your summation that Chapter 13 is about service. Indeed, this passage is about service, born of a heart of love. But there is something magnanimous going on here.

While studying in July, I’ll remind you, Father was teaching me about what holiness means to Him. Jesus had, still does, have me camped in John 13-17.

One morning while reading this passage, Jesus asked the question: John 13:12: Do you know what I have done to you?

This question is so interesting. It implies that there is something more here than the simple service of washing dirty feet. Hmmmmmm. But what is it. I prayed, Lord, what is it that you are doing here? What does this mean the washing of feet? What is it that you have done to these followers? What does this all mean?

John 13: 10: Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”

I sat there stunned as revelation came to me.

Clean….. Jesus is actually speaking of making them clean….. CLEAN

Then I asked, Jesus, what is clean? Then I heard the prompting of the Holy Spirit, look it up. So, I whipped out my concordance. (I looked online). The exchange between the Lord and Peter is the key.

The Word, clean, from the Greek Lexicon: ethically:

1. free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt
2. free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine
3. blameless, innocent
4. unstained with the guilt of anything

Then the Father said to me, Lynn, this is the moment when they were sanctified. Made holy. This is holiness. This is the love of the Father demonstrated through My son. Then He sealed this act with His life-giving blood the next day. 

You see, Lynn. The disciples were made clean (sanctified and holy) because of my love (John 14: 7.. We will get there in the study). 

Lynn, you and all who choose My Son, Jesus, are made clean. This means every time you fail. When you are frustrated with Mike after 32 years serving him, your service cleanses you and him all over again. When you have a thought that you failed because you were angry, frustrated, fearful, the blood cleanses you again and again. 

The foot washing cleansed the disciples again, although they were already clean because of their belief and faith. But that night they were fearful. They were confused. Peter was frustrated with Jesus, yet they were cleansed over and over through the blood. The foot washing was the cleansing ceremony to which even the betrayer, Judas, was offered. 

When you fail and have a meltdown because of your challenging life-circumstances, it’s the blood. You are clean. You are clean, sanctified, and made holy. That is why you are welcomed into my Court and into My Presence.

I wept. Recently, I’ve felt so much failure. I have thoughts, I am supposed to be a mature child of God, so WHY did I let those words come out of my mouth. Why did I hurt that person. Why didn’t I do this sooner. Why do I fail to trust God for absolutely everything?

The Lord knows and yet He cleanses. He says just keep trying. Stay the course and believe.

Sanctified, in our doubts.

Made holy, when afraid.

Cleansed when disappointed

Welcomed into His profound Presence.

This is holiness. And this is the answer to the question,” Do you know what I have done to you?” Jesus said to the disciples, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

We are the people of the “after this.” We are made holy again and again, when we are fearful, regretful, ashamed, and at our wits-end.

We are STILL welcome to sit on the Father’s lap and tell Him all about our life and ask for his divine help.

I’m undone!

What has the Lord cleansed that utterly changes you? How does the Lord's Presence recalibrate your life? Whose feet need washing? Yours? Your spouse? Your kid? Your co-worker? O Lord, teach us. What does foot washing look like today in 2024?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Your summaries. Your experience. Revelations of this passage. I can't wait to read your wisdom. I love you, Lynn

Last week on of our SUMites, Beth shared the following in the comments. It's really good. So, please copy and pray. Hugs, Lynn

Beth: Because praying for the lost is dear to me, my prayer partner and I formed this prayer sheet for our congregation to use during the last two Lenten seasons...it can really be used anytime so I would like to share it with my SUM community. Let's keep praying for our loved ones until Jesus returns or He comes for us!

Lenten Prayer Focus
Seven Days – Seven Prayers
Praying the Scriptures assures us we are praying according to God’s will as we pray His Words back to Him. And His purposes are accomplished…
Commit to praying these verses daily during Lent for your loved ones to know and follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Sunday – God of salvation, may ____ declare with his/her mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in his/her heart that God raised him/her from the dead, saving him/her…for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – adapted from Romans 10:9, 13