Being With

Being With

John 17: ²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. ²⁶ And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

============

Figuring out what was wrong with each person, I found out ways to avoid people. “That person was too mean” and “That person is too snobbish” I said about the “In crowd.” After my evaluation of many people I found myself alone. I mean, they weren’t friendly anyway.

• There were times when I chose not to join the crowd.
• There were times when I looked at the differences in other people as a problem.
• There were times when I separated myself because I could not find anything I had in common with the people around me.

JESUS continues HIS prayer for all who believe in HIM. HE asks the FATHER for HIS followers to be “with” HIM, to see HIM in HIS glory. But what does it mean to be “with” JESUS.

• GOD wants me to want HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways, especially when it is difficult.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM even when people around me do not.

Being “with” GOD means I stand for what HE stands for. HE sent HIS SON to save the world, yet the world turned their eyes away HIM. HE sees the disunity amongst humans and knows the hearts of mankind. HE draws those who truly believe in HIS SON so they can be “with” HIM in agreement. I am with GOD and I look forward to being “with” the SON in all HIS glory, someday.

• Do you agree with the way GOD handles things?
• Do you try make situations perfect so you can be with people?
• Will you allow GOD to change your heart so you can agree with how HE handles situations?
• Will you be “with” GOD today in faith instead of being against HIM with your own plans?

A Prayer for All

A Prayer for All

John 17: ²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

============

Searching for a church became a task. “This one is too political” I said about one church. “This one has a terrible singing group” I said about another. “This one is too hypocritical” I said about another. On my way to visit a church, I passed about twenty churches within two miles. “What are we saying to each other? I wondered.

• Sometimes I wonder if we can have unity.
• Sometimes I wonder if we can work together.
• Sometimes I wonder if we will settle for one person going to hell because we found our crowd and “that” person did not.

JESUS prays for everyone who believes in HIM. HE shows HIS heart and love for all of HIS creation by saying a prayer for them.

• JESUS wants me to speak unity in HIM to everyone I meet.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE was sent to save me and the rest of the world.
• JESUS wants me to receive the glory HE has given me.

Be as one, believe the FATHER sent JESUS and receive the glory JESUS gave to us, is the simple request JESUS gives. Working together to bring people to JESUS sounds simple, but I find this very difficult. I mean, JESUS did warn us about manipulators who use HIS name to get what they want, yet bear no fruit. This can be confusing. How can we “Be one?”

JESUS wants me to start by having unity with HIM. HIS peace will enable me to reach others with HIS love, not “my program or my offering.” JESUS wants my love to be pure and solely focused on raising HIS reputation as the one and only cure for every ill to humanity.

Though this task may be overwhelming in a society where belief in JESUS is only done as a club, HE wants me to press on, seeking those HE sends me to and sends to me. I am grateful HE is in me and I in HIM.

• Will you join JESUS in bringing HIS lost people back to HIM?
• Will you believe JESUS was sent to bring back those who left HIM?
• Will you accept the glory JESUS has given you so you can reach those only you can reach today?

Not From Here

Not From Here

John 17: ¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

============

“How do you get to the highway?” I asked. The local person politely replied with directions. “Is there a place to get a burger around here?” I asked. The person chuckled and said “You aren’t from around here, are you?” They pointed to the only diner in town then said, “We are know for our burgers!” I had never heard of them.

• Sometimes in life, I feel like “I’m not from around here.”
• Sometimes in life, I want directions.
• Sometimes in life, I desire to fit in, but wind up sticking out like a sore thumb.

JESUS continues in HIS prayer for HIS followers. HE asks the FATHER for protection of HIS followers from the evil one. HE states HE is not from this world, nor are HIS followers. HE knows navigating the world’s ways would be difficult.

• JESUS wants me to be set apart from the world, but be in the world to speak HIS truth.
• JESUS wants me to accept being sent into the world to proclaim HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to believe HIS word is from the FATHER, which holds all truth.

People can remember when I was born and they believe that was my inception. BUT GOD says something different. HE created me way before my parents were born. Sounds strange? Yes it does. However, JESUS makes it clear, that this world is not my home.

JESUS wants me to tell people there is another place where sickness, sadness and hatred do not exist. HE shows me that human efforts can only bring temporary pleasure or relief. This world was cursed by GOD when he threw the evil one out of heaven. Now HE sends me to the world to keep HIS created beings from being deceived. I am grateful for HIS protection.

• What are your desires?
• Do you ever want what GOD wants?
• Will you reduce thinking the world has more to offer than GOD by seeking HIS truth today?

Importance

Importance

John 17: ⁹ “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. ¹⁰ And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. ¹¹ Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. ¹² While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. ¹³ But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.”

============

Hearing “No, you cannot stay out that late” made me want to do it all the more. I mean, my friends weren’t “bad” and they were allowed to stay out late. I sat and thought about sneaking out of the house, but could not figure out how I was going to get back in.

• I made, hanging out in the streets, important to me.
• I made, being with the crowd, important to me.
• I made, wanting to party, important to me.

JESUS prays to the FATHER and states what is important to HIM. HE asks to “Keep those given to ME, as one.” He also asks that “They may have joy.” These things are extremely important to GOD.

• JESUS wants me to have unity with others who believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to have joy that can only come from HIM.
• JESUS wants me to have and everlasting relationship with HIM.

Health, wealth and happiness are important things to me, but sometimes they get in the way of what is important to GOD. It’s not like GOD doesn’t cat for these things, it’s just that they can be a distraction from what is truly important to GOD.

There is a lot at stake by losing a person forever. I may not have a shirt in the right color or the latest phone, which would sometimes make me pout. BUT GOD would rather I pout over a loved one who does not believe in JESUS as the one and only Savior, who could be lost for eternity. Salvation is important to GOD, and I am slowly making it important to me.

• What is important to you?
• Have you asked GOD what is important to HIM?
• Will you allow GOD to use you for what is important to HIM today?

Thankful

Thankful

John 17: ⁶ “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. ⁷ Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. ⁸ For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

============

Remembering the bonuses of the past, I was excited to open the check. It was much lower than it had ever been. My excitement immediately went away. I had worked pretty hard that year and could see no reason for the deficit. I was not happy.

• I wanted to trade in my thankfulness for a complaint.
• I expected more when I should have expected nothing.
• I based my happiness on what I could see, rather than knowing what was really happening.

JESUS speaks to the FATHER about HIS disciples. But the words really point out just how far JESUS went to help them.

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS made HIS name known to me.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS gave me the words that came from the FATHER.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS came from the FATHER who sent HIM to save me.

Getting back to the bonus. I asked about the lower amount the next day. “The company did not do as well this year, however, you got the highest  in the department” the person said. I was angry when I should have been thankful. Sometimes I treat GOD the same way.

JESUS went out of HIS way to make sure humans would return back to HIM. I must receive JESUS’ words and believe HE came from the FATHER, just as HE said. This belief gives me a thankful heart. I drop my complaints and praise GOD for what HE does. I am thankful.

• Are you thankful?
• Will you be able to look at what GOD has done for you today?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS blessings and thank HIM today?

One Job

One Job

John 17: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, ² as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. ³ And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. ⁴ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. ⁵ And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

============

“Open up the office” was the only thing I had to do the next day. The party was getting good, so I stayed a little longer. After the party I made it back to the room and went to bed. When I woke up, I realized I had missed opening time for the office. I raced downstairs and tried to explain, but there was no good explanation. I was fired. I only had one job to do and did not do it.

• I did not think the job was that important.
• I did not think having “fun” was a problem.
• I did not think enjoying myself would get in the way of anything.

JESUS speaks to the FATHER in plain view of HIS disciples. HE talked about the one job HE came to do being finished. But what was this one job? Was it to heal a few people or raise one or two people from the dead? It was much more than that.

• JESUS says to me “I came to give live to those who believe I provide life.”
• JESUS says to me “ I have taken care of all sin for all eternity.”
• JESUS says to me “I have been raised up to the highest esteem by the FATHER.”

Being created by GOD to tell people about JESUS is my one job. Unfortunately I spend a large amount of my time away from doing that. The FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are the one and only true GOD. While HE forgives my sins and allows me to be distracted by the world, HE still yearns for me to hold JESUS to the highest esteem.

JESUS must be recognized and praised. The more I can do this, the more I am doing the one job HE put me here for. HE wants me to collect others to do the same, Those who believe in HIM will praise HIM forever., I am eternally grateful for JESUS who saved me from eternal death.

• What is your purpose in life?
• Do you think it is to scrounge around for more money or worldly pleasure?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and join HIM in telling people about HIS SON today?

Strife Overcome

Strife Overcome

John 16: ²⁹ His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! ³⁰ Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”

³¹ Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? ³² Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. ³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

============

When I went to a certain neighborhood, I was chased out because of my race. When I got back into my neighborhood, I was chased home by a few thugs in an otherwise nice place. “Where can I go?” I wondered.

• There have been times when I searched for an accepting group and could not find it.
• There have been times when I felt unloved by enemies AND those who were supposed to love me.
• There have been times when I felt like no one cared.

The disciples said to JESUS “Now YOU speak plainly to us and we believe.” JESUS replied, “Now you believe?”, as if to say “What about all of the miracles?” JESUS did not scold them, rather HE warned them of things to come. “You will leave ME alone.” HE said.

• JESUS knows I have and will leave HIM when I seek “my” own way.
• JESUS still wants me to have peace so I can return to following HIS way.
• JESUS desires that I place my faith in HIM so I can “be of good cheer.”

Overcoming the world meant JESUS did not commit a single sin while HE was alive. HE fulfilled every prophecy and was now eligible to become the perfect sacrifice to pay off the tremendous debt to mankind. I cannot fathom how much pressure it was to know the sins of every human. I can’t even remember my own.

JESUS loved me so much that HE died for me. The FATHER loved me so much that HE allowed HIS only SON to die for me. The HOLY SPIRIT loved me so much that HE lives in me and watches me sin and begs for forgiveness for me. My strife is overcome.

• Are you feeling alone?
• Do you think on one cares about you?
• Will you turn your life over to JESUS so you will never be alone again?

Loved

Loved

John 16: ²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶ In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; ²⁷ for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. ²⁸ I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”

============

After being dumped by someone I liked, I said “no one will love me.” I felt dejected. After a while, I went out with someone else. After a job elimination I said “No one will hire me.” I felt lost. After a while, I found another position.

• I have felt abandoned.
• I have felt lonely.
• I have felt unwanted, undesired and unloved.

JESUS speaks plainly to HIS disciples by saying “The FATHER loves you because you love ME.” JESUS was giving HIS disciples a direct connection to the FATHER, who has all power.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about me.
• GOD wants me to know HE wants the best for me.

Love seems to be rare these days. With the major focus on humans ripping each other apart with poisonous words, there is not much room for love. BUT GOD sees those who love JESUS. HE can see though all of the sin, anger and hatred to find those who are truly seeking HIM.

HE guides those HE loves with the HOLY SPIRIT and forgives all sin through HIS SON, JESUS. GOD is marvelous and I feel loved by HIM. I am no longer lonely because of GOD.

• Do you feel unloved?
• Do you feel dejected?
• Will you love JESUS so HE can open your eyes to how much GOD loves you?

Stands For

Stands For

John 16: ²³ “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

============

“Make us look good” was the statement posed to me. I was at a career fair, recruiting students from my alma mater. “What great stories can I tell?” I thought to myself. I came up with some of the facts and statistics that made the company look great.

• I really wanted people to come work for the company I worked for.
• I desired to show the benefits of working at “my” company.
• I wanted to show people what the company stood for.

JESUS says a familiar statement again. HE said “Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name HE will give you.” So does this mean I can ask for “anything” I want? Maybe not.

• JESUS wants me to ask for things that represent HIM well.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE wants.
• JESUS wants me to ask the FATHER for salvation of family, friends, neighbors and those who hate me.

“In MY name” doesn’t just mean mouthing the words “In JESUS name.” I believe it means “Represent ME well.” If what I am asking for involves anger, lust, envy, hatred, malice, slander, or greed, then more than likely I may not get it. Or even worse, maybe GOD will give it to me and let me fall away from HIM.

GOD wants all humans to be saved. That’s what HE stands for. Getting a new phone may be nice, BUT GOD wants “that” person in your life saved. All of heaven rejoices when one person stops rejecting GOD and accepts JESUS as their Savior. FATHER, I ask for those who are my family, friends and neighbors to know JESUS in a saving way. In JESUS name, amen.

• What are you asking for deep down in your heart?
• At the core of your thinking, which GOD can see, are you asking for things for you or for HIM?
• Will you ask for things that represent JESUS well?

Cannot Be Stolen

Cannot Be Stolen

John 16: ¹⁹ Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? ²⁰ Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. ²¹ A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²² Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

============

Seeing the broken glass made my heart race. I looked into my car and to my dismay, all of my music had been stolen. All of that hard work, meticulously collecting the right songs that pleased my moods, was gone. I was not very happy.

• I have been robbed.
• I have had thieves threaten to shoot me.
• I have lost several items to burglars, liars and people who I was supposed to trust, stealing ideas, to claim it as their own.

JESUS explains the temporary nature of sorrow. It will only be here for a little while. BUT GOD has a remedy for sorrow that surpasses all understanding.

• GOD wants me to focus on joy rather than happiness.
• GOD wants me to be filled with joy rather than fleeting pleasure.
• GOD wants me to take joy into difficult days with difficult people.

Happiness, I find, is fleeting. I mean when things are new and shiny, I may be “happy”, but when the thing gets old, rusty or torn, I may not be as pleased with it. BUT GOD wants me to have something that lasts forever, namely joy.

When I am filled with joy, pain becomes temporary. I mean, when that stuff is stolen, or that person is causing strife, joy kicks in and enables me to calm down from being riled up. Joy doesn’t always stop me from getting angry, hurt or upset, but it is there to soothe me back to a place where I can see and hear GOD. No one can steal my joy because it comes from GOD.

• Are you hurting and trying to be happy by the world’s standards?
• Do you think happiness is the goal?
• Will you ask GOD for joy that is overflowing and can cover all of your situations you may ever face?

Clearing Up Confusion

Clearing Up Confusion

John 16: ¹⁶ “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”

¹⁷ Then some of His disciples said among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” ¹⁸ They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is saying.”

============

“What do YOU want from me?” I cried out. I wasn’t really asking the question, rather I was venting frustration over the situation. I was sick and tired about being sick and tired! Enough was enough. I felt. Yet I was a bit confused. “Why do I have to go through problems anyway?”

• There have been times when I have been confused about GOD.
• There have been times when HIS words do not seem clear.
• There have been times when GOD has taken me through a situation and I wondered if HE cared.

JESUS tried to explain the impossible. HE told HIS disciples that HE would die and rise again in a confusing way. This time HE said this statement in a parable rather than straight out. Even if HE said this directly, the statement would have been impossible to comprehend.

• GOD clears up my confusion by making HIS message simple.
• GOD clears up my confusion by telling me HE loves me and cares for me.
• GOD clears up my confusion by enabling me to tell others HE loves them and cares for them.

There are many messages humans say about GOD that cause confusion. BUT GOD makes HIS message clear. HE says “I love you so much that when MY SON volunteered to take your punishment, I agreed and allowed HIM to be blamed. I also raised HIM from the dead and gave HIM all power.”

JESUS wants my message to be simple. “Believe in JESUS and you will have everlasting life.” Unfortunately, this simple message gets clouded with, “must do’s” that wear people out. “You must attend church weekly, and you must serve, and you must give this amount and you must pray and wear yourself out. GOD wants my service to be “easy” and my burden to be “light.” I am glad HE carried “all” the load.

• Are you confused about GOD?
• Do you think you have to work harder to please HIM?
• Will you stop trying to make GOD do things and watch HIS mighty power work in your life?

True Finances

True Finances

John 16: 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

============

Over time, the coins I took to the bank added up. I got excited over seeing the balance grow. I could now afford to buy anything I wanted. “Maybe I will buy some pants” I said to myself. I mean the ones I had were ragged and outgrown. “I deserve something better.”

• Money made me excited.
• Money made me think there was a problem when I did not have it.
• Money made me want more of it so I could depend on its power.

JESUS had a lot more to say to HIS followers but ran out of time. HE spoke about the HOLY SPIRIT in a generous way. Somehow, the HOLY SPIRIT will give away everything that was entrusted to JESUS.

• Truth is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Glorifying JESUS is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Salvation of those around me is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.

Truth, praise and salvation are extremely important to the FATHER. But sometimes I fall into the trap, thinking human made finances are more important. I mean, GOD wants me to be more upset that one of my neighbor’s may be rejecting HIM, than worrying if their grass is not cut to the right length.

JESUS treasures humans and wants me to do the same. HE wants me to be as greedy as I want to be, as long as my greed is for human salvation. GOD’s currency is opposite that of human currency, which raises false hopes, false expectations and false security. GOD’s currency is truth and I believe in HIS true hope and security.

• Are you as concerned about your neighbor’s salvation than if you can pay a bill this month?
• Do you care about others more than the latest thing you want to spend money on?
• Will you accept caring for what GOD gives you more than what you can get out of life?

Going Away

Going Away

John 16: ⁵ “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹ of sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰ of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; ¹¹ of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

============

We were not supposed to smile during this particular event, yet he would bring levity to the tense situation. After a while, we were all laughing. When a serious person walked into the room, we tried to stop, but that made us laugh all the more.

• I remember great times with people who have “gone away.”
• I remember what people, who have “gone away”, have said.
• I remember the joy that people brought me who have “gone away.”

JESUS tells HIS disciples not to be sad that HE was about to “Go away.” They did not understand what HE meant because GOD, the Messiah, was not supposed to die. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• JESUS had to die for my sins so HE could save me.
• JESUS had to be raised to life so HE could fulfill the promises HE made in scripture.
• JESUS had to send the HOLY SPIRIT to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

Death is something we all will “possibly” face some day. The HOLY SPIRIT was sent to be my HELPER while I am alive. HE guides me to remind people that JESUS is the one and only Savior. HE convicts those who do not believe, fortifies belief in the FATHER and judges the enemy who opposes belief in GOD.

I will miss those who have “gone away.” My prayer is for those who remain, to believe in the SON for salvation.

• Do you believe in life after death?
• Do you think “All roads lead to GOD?”
• Will you take a moment to focus on the only road to eternal salvation, namely JESUS, today?

(In loving memory of Sterling Sullivan)

Lessons for Readiness

Lessons for Readiness

John 16: “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. ² They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. ³ And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. ⁴ But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

============

In the book it said to keep a few stick matches in a dry place. I remembered this when an emergency happened and the leader had to take one of us to the hospital. “Stay here and make a fire in the fire area to stay warm.” They sped off in the rain. I did not have any matches and besides, the wood was wet. I was not ready.

• There were times when I felt unprepared for life.
• There were times when I did not heed the words to get me prepared.
• There were times when I had to go through difficult circumstances in order to be prepared.

JESUS tells HIS disciples four “things” to prepare them. HE did not want HIS disciples to be unprepared for the difficulties they would face. HE does the same for me.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIS commands so I will not stumble.
• JESUS wants me to know that some church leaders will harm me, thinking they are following GOD, but really are not.
• JESUS wants me to understand the HOLY SPIRIT will bring to remembrance what JESUS taught me.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is with me always.

Growing up in belief of JESUS can be difficult. I mean sometimes I expect life to be easy, with no problems at all. BUT GOD warns me that problems will come from unexpected places, some that I expect to be safe. As humans try to make sense out of life, mislabeling the symptoms, GOD shines even brighter.

HE strengthens those who follows HIM and prepares us for life’s difficulties. This give me hope and dexterity that would otherwise cause me to crumble and give up. JESUS is my power and I am elated HE fights my battles.

• Do you try things on your own and find yourself in a mess?
• Have you looked at your life and see nothing but problems?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE can strengthen you to believe HE will handle your battles?

Needing Help

Needing Help

John 15: ²⁶ “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. ²⁷ And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

============

Sitting alone in my apartment was driving me crazy. I did not know many people in the town where I worked and was forced to commune with co-workers. I applied for a few positions away from that place, but found nothing. I felt doomed to stay there “forever.” I started my life over. I was no longer going to be the chief of parties. I wanted to learn about GOD.

• At one point, something changed inside me.
• At one point, I desired to follow GOD.
• At one point, my worries, fears, doubts and complaints were put aside for a new outlook on life.

JESUS gives HIS followers something to look for. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT, who is the HELPER. JESUS also gave HIS followers purpose, namely to bear witness of HIM being our Savior.

• The HELPER will gives me words to comfort others.
• The HELPER fills me up with joy.
• The HELPER changes my mind from worry to victory.

Feeling all alone is sometimes overwhelming. I mean at every turn, there seemed to be a problem that I could not fix. BUT GOD wanted me to look to HIM for all of my answers. Instead of thinking “I” had to solve everything by “myself”, GOD sent me the HELPER.

When I couple myself to GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, I am filled with joy that makes no sense. I can then serve others and speak about JESUS in word and action. I always need help and I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me.

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel worthless?
• Will you accept your calling and allow GOD to speak to many people through you?
• Will you also stop thinking you are broken and let the perfect HOLY SPIRIT reside in you today?