These exercises all follow the approach advocated in God Up Close and in the synopsis on this web site. The reading allows an exposure to the context, and the one or two verses in the "Retain" section provide each day's spiritual food. Enjoy!

Sunday

READ John 1:1-14.

RETAIN John 1:13. (Memorize it if possible. For suggestions about memorizing, see chapter seven.)

REFLECT on the following:

• Think of as many parallels as you can between physical and spiritual birth. Is spiritual (re)birth better described as a process or as an event?
• Why do you think John differentiates between "the will of the flesh" and "the will of man?"
• Who deserves the credit for spiritual birth? What characteristic in fallen man does this conclusion go to war against?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Give God thanks for His great mercy to you in providing a way for you to become His child through Jesus Christ.
• Intercede for someone who needs to know Him and be born anew.
• Think of someone to whom you can extend His love today.
• Join the people of God at your local church in heartfelt worship.

Monday

READ John 1:15-28

RETAIN John 1:17.

REFLECT on the following:

• Does John mean to imply that Moses was a stranger to grace and truth? Can you think of episodes in Moses' life where it is clear that he enjoyed a substantial experience of God's grace?
• Jesus exhibited both grace and truth on a consistent basis. What happens in human experience when someone exhibits lots of grace, but little truth? Lots of truth, but little grace? Can you think of living examples of each error?
• How can a recognition of God's standards ("law") lead someone to realize his need of grace?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Examine your heart to determine whether grace and truth find a biblical balance in your dealings with others. If things are off-kilter, which of the two do you need to increase? Think of a way to move to the center, if only in a small step, today.
• Sing "Amazing Grace" (aloud or not as conditions permit) as an expression of your heart's appreciation to God.
• List three people who are treasures of God's grace to you. Call or write a note to at least one of them today and let him/her know of your gratitude.

Tuesday

READ John 1:29-51

RETAIN John 1:45.

REFLECT on the following:

• Think about the difference in perception between the use of "found" in verse 43 and its use in verse 45. How is this true to human nature?
• What does this verse contribute to the question of how Jesus made (and makes) disciples?
• Can you think of passages in Moses' writings (Genesis-Deuteronomy) which point to Jesus? What does this phenomenon say about the relationship of history to Jesus Christ?
• The prophets wrote of Him, yet people thought He was (only) a prophet. What was there in Jesus' personality that reminded people of Elijah, Jeremiah, or the other prophets?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Is there someone in your life whom you can help take a step toward Christ today? Pray for them and for that step.
• Give God thanks that even when you assume He isn't doing anything He is still at work in your life.
• In your circle of friends, who especially needs to be "found" by Christ? Pray for him/her today.

Wednesday

READ John 2:1-11.

RETAIN John 2:11.

REFLECT on the following:

• If Jesus "manifested His glory" at Cana, who saw it? Is it possible to be in the presence of a manifestation of God's glory and miss it? Does verse eleven suggest anything about the way God often makes His glory known today?
• Does the result of this miracle suggest anything about the purpose of miracles generally?
• Cana exhibited Jesus' power of creation. Contemplate the parallels between the creation of fine wine and the creation of new spiritual life in the disciples.

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Render thanks to God for the lavishness of His provision for joy.
• Think of ways you can bring joy to someone else's life today.
• Write out your testimony, detailing the differences Christ has made in your life.
• Incorporate the key points of your testimony in a letter to someone who doesn't know Christ.

Thursday

READ John 3:22-36.

RETAIN John 3:30.

REFLECT on the following:

• John the Baptist refused to be envious of Jesus' success. What did he stand to lose by Jesus' surpassing of his fame?
• Is a yearning for fame compatible with a complete commitment to the exaltation of Jesus Christ?
• Was John the Baptist sad because he knew that his day in the sun was drawing to an end? What was his attitude?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Ask God to give you a heart like the Baptist's, consumed with advancing the exaltation of the Lord Jesus.
• Evaluate any personal rivalries you may be involved in, and whether they ought to be ended in the interests of Jesus Christ.
• Consider whether you are known as a person whose central passion is the glorification of Jesus.

Friday

READ John 4:7-26.

RETAIN John 4:23.

REFLECT on the following:

• What is the difference between worshiping in spirit and worshiping in truth? What happens when one or the other is neglected?
• Would the woman at the well have gone on anybody's list of "best candidates for conversion in Sychar" prior to this conversation?
• How good are Christians at making such predictions? What does your answer suggest about evangelistic methods?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Ask God to give you Christ's eyes when it comes to seeing people and their hurts.
• God "seeks such" to worship Him. Give Him thanks that He sought you, and ask for His wisdom and courage in being His vehicle in His seeking of others.

Saturday

READ John 4:46-54.

RETAIN John 4:53.

REFLECT on the following:

• Jesus criticized people's desires for signs and wonders, then gave the nobleman a sign. How do you put these things together?
• The nobleman believed Jesus twice in the passage (vss. 50, 53). What was the content of his faith in each case?
• Do people often trust God for a solution to a personal crisis before they trust Him for salvation? What does your answer suggest about human nature?

RESPOND to God (you may want to do one or more of the following):

• Think of an area where your willingness to trust God has been less than consistent. Apply the lessons of the nobleman in dealing with this area.
• How do you feel when someone who knows you calls your truthfulness into question? Have you ever given God cause for a similar response?
• Thank Him that even when your faith is weak, He is strong.

Go to Week Two.