Tag Archives: the book of John

June 7
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“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, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus should fear only one thing: The displeasure of his or her heavenly Father. 

Our world is a marketplace of fear and trouble.  If we forget for even a moment that God is bigger than any trouble or peril we shall ever face in our lifetime, we will lose heart.

Jesus has plainly told us that we will face trouble in this world, so any trouble we encounter should not come as a surprise. However, He has also told us that we should not fear or lose heart: “I have overcome the world.”

Face each day with this confidence!  – Luther

Tagged , , , , ,
June 6
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4, NIV)

According to God’s word (Galatians 5:22-23a), the fruit of the Spirit — that is, the outward expression of God’s presence within us — is this: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

It may take a while for a tree to actually produce the fruit it was created to bear; and it may take us a while to mature into the disciple whose life is known for love, joy, peace, and the other manifestations of God’s life within us. However, we shall never realize our destiny in this regard without abiding in Christ.

Make Him the One in whom you “live, move, and have your being” (Acts 17:28), and your life will bear fruit. Guaranteed.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
June 4
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17, NIV)

Another thought on this passage of scripture, also cited on the previous day: “The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him.”

We sometimes think it strange when our view of a particular matter seems so at odds with the point of view of those who do not know Jesus. Try the view of forgiveness: The Christian disciple is always ready to forgive and reconcile; the world-wise person sets a line past which forgiveness and reconciliation is impossible.

Do not think it strange that the world neither sees the value of forgiveness, nor understands why anyone else would: The world neither sees Him, nor knows Him.  But you, faithful disciple of Jesus, do see Him; you do know Him; and while the world may not see Jesus, the world does see you.

Let your light shine! – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →