This day, we continue to take in God’s Word. To grow rich in grace through Christ the Son and seek to pass on this abundant blessing to others in order to increase the value of this spiritual treasure until it is beyond measure. Nothing is able to compare to what Holy Spirit can do in the souls of believers.
In reading John 14:12-21, Jesus makes some promises saying those who believe in Him will do even greater works than He has done because He will be with the Father asking the Father to give them access to an advocate … the Holy Spirit of Truth to help and be with them forever (verses 16-17). They can ask for anything and Jesus will make it happen.
So, Jesus says to believe in Him to acquire the Holy Spirit. Then, those who believe can be a network to share with everyone this power beyond comprehension from heaven. It’s the power source that brings devotion and joy to facilitate achieving amazing accomplishments that glorify the Father.
Father God, the currency of Your kingdom is grace which increases in value day by day. This spiritual treasure in the souls of each believer has much more value than gold or silver. It grows in value as it becomes more plentiful in the hearts and minds of Your people. We walk by faith as we go before we know and believe before we receive in Jesus’ name, amen.
The main take away from 1 Kings 18 is that Elijah didn’t hide from those against him. He took risk, overcame obstacles, and let nothing stop him. Those working for the Lord have a great advantage with the power that works within to help break world records in sports or make new discoveries in technology or science. Those who worship the ONE true God work together on God’s team finding a way to make amazing feats happen.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
The takeaway from “One in Christ” is that our most precious and valued possession; our greatest power is all found in the person of Jesus. Knowing what Jesus taught should be our number one priority. 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, so be lifted up by the song Clear Skies by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Like the song says, see clear skies and praise the Father for sending the Light so the way forward is clear and bright.
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.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said He would be with them for just a little longer and the disciples had questions, so things were cloudy for them 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. Peter asked why he couldn’t follow now and that he would lay down his life for Jesus. That’s when Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crows, he would disown him three times (13:38).
Thomas was confused too and said that they didn’t know where Jesus was going so, they didn’t know the way. Jesus told them that He is the way and the truth and the life. That no one comes to the Father except through me (14:6). Phillip asked if Jesus could show them the Father. Jesus said that anyone who has seen the miracles, signs and wonders has evidence that the Father is in Him and they have seen the Father (14:11).
The takeaway from today’s passage for me is that our most precious and valued possession available to us and our greatest power is all found in the person of Jesus. Knowing what Jesus taught and applying what He taught should be our number one priority. 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.
This day Father God, we have questions about the future. Help us to trust You for answers. To turn our cloudy outlook into a bright and clear day. Like the first Disciples at the Last Supper, the future is not clear to us at times. There is doubt but You can remove our doubt so we can step ahead until our faith is complete. Jesus illuminates light, frees our soul, and provides grace so the Light shines forever. There is no more worry because the Good News overcomes the bad and the Light continues to shine because of being one in Christ, amen.
We are nearing the end of our journey through the book of John with a few more weeks to go. We will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.
Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.
The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the last few chapters of the book of John over the next few weeks, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day amazing!
Questions for Reflection
John 13:36 through 14:11 – What questions do Peter, Thomas, and Phillip have? How does Jesus answer their questions? What does Jesus say about knowing God? What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?
John 14:12-21 – Why will the person who believes in Jesus do greater works than Jesus does? What four promises does Jesus give? What will the Holy Spirit do?
John 14:22-31 – How does Jesus answer Judas’ question? What is the difference between someone who loves Jesus and someone who does not? How does Jesus leave peace? How do you experience peace in your daily living?
John 15:1-17 – How are the vine, gardener, and branches related? Why must the branch abide in the vine? How can you abide in Jesus’ love? What is the greatest example of love (v. 12)? What are ways love shows in us?
John 15:18-27 – What three reasons does Jesus give for the world’s hatred of his disciples (See verse 25 with Ps. 35:19 and 69:4)? How is the Counselor related to truth? How does the presence of the Counselor stabilize your life against the world’s hatred?
John 16:1-11 – What is the purpose of Jesus’ discourse with his disciples? What will happen to the disciples in the future? Why will they benefit when Jesus goes away? Who will take Jesus’ place?
John 16:12-24 – What are three aspects of the Spirit’s work with the believer? What do verses 13-15 reveal about the relationship of Father, Son, and Spirit? What promises does Jesus repeat (see verses 16,20,and 22)? How is the feeling the disciples will have compared to that of a woman in delivering a child? How is asking, receiving, and complete joy related?
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.
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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 