Not Alone 11.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of John, please read Chapters 13-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online.
If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013-16&version=9

Today we will read about Jesus washing His disciples feet; Jesus foretelling His betrayal, death, and second coming; and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter what you are going through Jesus is with you to help you through it.

Eleven of the 12 apostles were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Along with the multitude, they too had joined in praising and worshipping Him as He arrived in Jerusalem. "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:12-13).

Later, the disciples were fearful and troubled because Jesus foretold of His being betrayed by one of them. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake." (13:20-22).

Some of the most comforting words of Jesus were spoken at the very moment that the religious leaders were planning how to kill Him and He knew it. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.......Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.......Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." (14:1-4, 12-14, 27-28).

The disciples were probably very confused at the time, but today the picture is much clearer for us as we read the full story. However, like the disciples we occasionally are faced with fears of what tomorrow may bring. When we are facing finacial loss, divorce, disease, handicaps, death of loved ones, addictions, or other turmoil it can be easy to be confused and scared. However, we need to remember that the Lord knows how to take care of our tomorrows We too can have the utmost confidence in our Lord's comfort knowing that He is with us through it all. We must choose whether we will or will not allow our hearts to be troubled. Every disappointment offers an opportunity to overcome stress, fear, and depression, and to develop patience and faith in God.

We can be rest assured that no matter what we face we are not alone, we are comforted and protected by the all mighty Jesus who lives in us. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (15:1-8).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As Your children we need to regularly examine our hearts to see if there are things, pursuits, or attitudes that are drawing us away from Your heart and thrusting us once again into the mindset of the world. Our heart’s examinations are not intended to condemn us but to refresh our spirit and remind us of our godly heritage. Father, since You know our hearts more than we do ourselves, reveal to us that which helps and that which hinders our Christian walk. As we walk in obedience to You we’re grateful for the peace and rest we receive in knowing that You do not condemn us but deliver mercy to help us in our time of need. You do not stand over us in judgment, but You walk alongside us assuring us of Your unwavering love and unending mercy that will see us through on this side of the journey. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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