October 12, 2026
Monday, October 12
Years ago, I was pastor of South Avenue Baptist Church in Pasadena. There were many wonderful people in that church, and among them was John Phelps. John had been very successful in business, and he was very generous. In 2006, my Houston Cougars won their first conference championship in a long time, which meant they would play in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. The next Sunday, John told me he wanted to send Carrie and me to that bowl game. This was amazing news. Carrie and I were (and are) loyal Cougar fans, but could never have afforded a trip to see the game on our own. The very next day, John’s secretary called me, gave me a list of flights and hotels to choose from. We ended up flying to Memphis the day of the game, spending the night in a nice hotel, and flying home the next day around noon. All told, we were away from home a little over 24 hours. We didn’t sample Memphis barbecue, go to Graceland or Sun Records, or head down to Beale Street to catch some blues music. In fact, we didn’t see much of Memphis at all. Why did we stay such a short time? Simple: I didn’t want to presume on John’s generosity. He promised to send us to the game, so we flew to the game and flew home.
The next time I saw him, John said to me, “I’m surprised you didn’t stay for three or four nights, and make a vacation out of it.” While I was still incredibly grateful for the experience he gave us, I was sad that I hadn’t taken full advantage of that rare opportunity. I had no idea he was willing to offer us so much more than just a trip to a game.
Chances are, you already believe that Jesus is able to save your soul. You are counting on Him to get you into Heaven when this life is done. John kept his promise to send us to the Liberty Bowl, and Jesus won’t let you down, either. But what if He wants to give you much more than that? What if I told you most Christians aren’t experiencing the fulness of what it means to be His child? Unlike my friend John, Jesus makes it clear in advance what He can deliver to us. So today, we’re starting a series about who Jesus really is, and what He wants to do in our lives. In the Gospel of John, there are seven moments when Jesus says “I am…” In those moments, He shares with us that He’s more than we expect from a Messiah and a Savior.
“Lord Jesus, I do believe you are able to save me. I look forward to spending eternity with you in paradise. But if I’m missing the abundant life you have reserved for me right now, please show me. I want to take full advantage of your grace. In your name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
