Melinda Cone

 Scripture Reading For Today John 1:19-34 The Testimony of John the Baptist 19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizin...

Today's Prayer Lord,  We come to You in prayer  seeking Your holy presence.  Please wrap Your loving arms around us  & fill the empty spaces in our hearts.  Thank You, Lord, for never leaving us  nor forsaking us.  Cover us with Your precious blood  & comfort us with Your peace  which surpasses all understanding.  IJN, Amen! (Author -unknown) Today's Scripture Reading John 1:1-18 Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist,  to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light...

Romans 15:1-13 Living to Please Others 1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.  2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.  3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” a   4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.  6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.  8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews ...