A takeaway from 1 Kings 22 is that everyone needs a friend but not all friends will be honest with us and tell us what we need to hear. We need friends that are truthful, but the truth is not easy at times like the truth of God’s Word which sometimes reproves and corrects us.
With Jesus, we have a friend that is honest with us. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Light. He knows what path to take and what decisions are the best. What a friend we have in Jesus!
We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.
John 17 – To what hour does Jesus refer? How are the Father, Son, and disciples related? What will be accomplished through believers manifesting their oneness of life with the Father and Son? How is Jesus glorified in you?
John 18:1-27 – As Judas and the soldiers come, what indicates a voluntary surrender by Jesus? How does Jesus distinguish right and wrong? How can you? How has Jesus taught?
John 18:28-40 – Why don’t the religious leaders go into Pilate’s judgment hall? Describe Jesus’ kingship (see John 6:15 and 12:13-15). For what purpose is he in the world? For what purpose are you in the world?
John 19:1-16 – What is different about Pilate’s statement about Jesus and his actions (See John 18:38 and John 19:4-6)? For what reasons do the Jews want to kill Jesus (See John 5:18, John 10:30-38, and Lev. 24:16)? How does Pilate misunderstand Jesus’ power? What causes Pilate to yield to the Jews’ demands? What power do you have over circumstances?
John 19:17-30 – What is the significance of Pilate’s title and the chief priest’s complaint? What is Jesus’ state of mind while on the cross? What has Jesus finished (see John 17:4)?
John 19:31-42 – What happens to Jesus after he dies? Why don’t the soldiers break Jesus’ legs? How do they make sure He is dead? What scriptures are fulfilled (See Psalm 34:20, Psalm 22:16, Zech. 12:10)?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.
To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.
For the last few weeks, the journey has taken me through John 14-16. In life, things are sometimes cloudy. We don’t completely understand and have a lot of questions, but with faith, we can look up high to gain a vision for the future. We pray for answers and for God to shine the Light.
Things were cloudy for the disciples too. In John 13:36 through 14:11, Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus said they could not follow now but would follow later. The takeaway from this passage for me is that if we know Jesus, we know the Father so let us work hard to keep the number one priority our number one. If we are one in Christ, things are not cloudy at all, but clear and bright.
As explained in John 14:12-21, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit. He says to believe in Him to acquire the Holy Spirit. Then, those who believe create a network of people that share this power beyond comprehension from heaven. It’s the power source that brings devotion and joy to facilitate God’s purposes.
Focusing in on the passage John 14:22-31, the evidence of love is obedience and Jesus demonstrated His love on the Cross. Because of His love, the paradigm was shifted, and the gloomy outlook was lifted. We gain momentum from the victory as each day in the future is brighter and brighter.
We are told in John 15:1-17 that Jesus is the vine, the Father is the vine dresser, and the disciples are the branches. To produce fruit, there needs to be some pruning by the vine dresser. Look at adversity as part of this pruning to make one fit for service. Like Christ who went through a painful death yet proved His love on the cross, we are to let our love show in how we live out our lives and help others.
We are told in John 15:18-27 that there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and His followers. We noted that the world will tell us we will never be triumphant but don’t listen. As one in Christ, there is courage to step out of our comfort zone and bring glory to God.
We gained precious insight from reading John 16:1-11 as Jesus explained that the goodness of God would reside inside our heart and soul. The indwelling Spirit would be available to us at all times to teach, guide, and help us apply our faith.
Reading John 16:12-24, there are three aspects of the Spirit’s work with the believer. One is that the Spirit guides into all the Truth. He will communicate Truth from the Father because there is a relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit. The second aspect is provision. A believer can ask for help in Jesus’ name through prayer to carry out God’s work. The third aspect is encouragement to turn the tide.
A thought from John 16:25-33 is that in this world there will be trouble, but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the Cross, access God’s power through prayer, and follow the Way from instructions found in His word.
When adding up all mixed emotions from despair to joy, let us solve all problems with Jesus. The answer to any problem has Jesus as the common denominator. Ask for God’s help in prayer because He can take a temporary defeat and turn it into a major victory with great joy.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
A thought from “Grace Brings Peace Forever” is that in this world there will be trouble, but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the Cross, access God’s power through prayer, and follow the Way from instructions found in His word.
Like in the song Every Good Thing – The Afters, there is a Way to peace and joy. Make the poem below, your declaration as you step ahead this day.
My faith in Jesus
Takes away my worry
For my soul is healed
And I can tell my story
Of the goodness of the Father
Who in His grace provides
Access to the Holy Spirit
Who always guides
This photo of Lake Hamilton was taken near Hot Springs Arkansas. Settlement began in this area when people gathered to enjoy the healing properties of the thermal springs. This day with God, we gather to enjoy the healing power of grace that fills our soul and makes us whole.
Because of Jesus, we receive grace that brings healing for our soul now and forever. Jesus explains His relationship with the Father in John 16:25-33. The disciples have a relationship with the Father too because they have loved Jesus and believed (v, 27). Jesus came from the Father and entered into the world (v. 28).
Jesus is the key to peace with endless possibilities with Him in our lives. There is harmony because we are one in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is with us because we believe in Jesus, and step by step follow the prompting of the Spirit. There is goodwill between people, there is calmness under stress, we can conquer worry, and there is peace forever!
Worry affects our health in a bad way but there is no need for worry because God has every good thing in store for us. In this world there will be trouble but we can take heart because there is comfort. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the Cross, access God’s power through prayer, and follow the Way from instructions found in the Word of God.
This day, we are filled with hope, with joy, and with peace because of Jesus who gives access to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we get worn out, anxious, and exhausted. Then we seek You Father God for renewal of our soul. You care for us, and our souls are healed. There is less worry, less anger … but more good things like peace in our soul and joy in our heart. We have access to the Holy Spirit to guide us for the rest of the day and for every tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 