Jesus' fairwell speech: A walk through John 14-16

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me....Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me....I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father....If you love me, you will  obey what I command....I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you....But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid....I an the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing....As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love....My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends....I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name....If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you....Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you....In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me....I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy....So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy....I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father....But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

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.

http://vimeo.com/6467643

Live on the Edge

As a Bible quiz team, we decided one year to put this phrase "Live on the Edge" in black writing on red t-shirts because we had to sit on the edge of our seats in order to be able to jump first and have a chance to answer whatever question was asked about the two or three books of the Bible we had studied or memorized.

As believers, we always need to be ready to jump up and leave our comfort zones to do whatever God has planned and to go wherever He sends us, whether that place is next door or the other side of the world.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." ~ Hebrews 11:8

Are you where you are because God put you there or because you are too afraid to trust Him for the amazing adventure He has in store when you obey Him wholeheartedly?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9

Every believer needs to have a missionary mindset, which includes being flexible because anything can happen, making the most of every opportunity because the time is short and serving in any way possible no matter what the cost because that's why we're here.

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." ~ Ephesians 5:15-16

Are you living on the edge?

Do you have a missionary mindset?

Hardships

There are two sources of hardships and a different response, outlined in God's Word, to each source.

Some hardships come as a result of our own sins, and Hebrews 12 instructs us how to respond to hardships from that source.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" ~ Hebrews 12:7

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." ~ Hebrews 12:11

Last night, I was not where I should have been, and I experienced God's discipline.

Other hardships come as a result of the sins of others or some other source, and Romans 5 and James 1 instruct us how to respond to that source, of which Job is a prime example.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." ~ Romans 5:3-5


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~ James 1:2-4

Sunday afternoon, I experienced the second type of hardship.

Many times, I think Americans face the first form and mistake it for the second. We are not called to rejoice in the trials which come as a result of our sin but to rejoice in the trials which come as a result of our obedience to God.

How do we determine the source of the hardship?

In the first case, a close follower of Christ will sense the disconnection from God as a result of sin and know discipline is in store.

In the second case, a close follower of Christ will sense the sweet fellowship and peace of God as a result of obedience despite whatever outward circumstances may arise.

Every believer should seek to suffer for obedience to Christ rather than for sin:

"If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." ~ 1 Peter 4:15-16

"So then,

those who suffer according to God's will

should commit themselves to their faithful Creator

and continue to do good."

~ 1 Peter 4:19 ~

Christ's example

As I contemplated the pain of separation from family early Monday morning, God brought to mind the example He set for us by sending His One and Only Son to become a man and die on a cross.

 

We are following in His footsteps whenever we do not claim whatever ease may be ours but rather live as those who have so much less.

 

Recently, I realized how the American dream is basically the opposite of Christ's example. A speaker at Passion 2011 talked about how it is the devil who strives for more and more while Christ continues to lower himself by becoming a man then dying on a cross.

 

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

~ Philippians 2:5-11

 

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.'

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

~ 1 Peter 2:21-25

 

If ever the pain of saying good-bye becomes too much to bear, we have one who gave up heaven itself for us, and He understands more than anyone else ever could.

 

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

~ Hebrews 214-18

 

You are not and never will be alone.

 

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

~ Matthew 28:18-20

 

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

~ Deuteronomy 31:8

 

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,'

even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
~ Psalm 139:1-16 ~

 

We miss all those who have moved away to follow God's leading, but greater is our joy to see them walking in the truth!

Cling to Jesus!

Your sister in Christ,

Kaelyn

Psalm 63:8

Psalm 23 through the eyes of a 14-year-old

Excerpt quoted word for word from my devotional journal from Friday/Saturday, December 28/29, 2001:

Psalms 23

‘The Lord is my shepherd.’

He will take care of me, protect me, strengthen me, comfort me, guide me, and love me.

‘I shall not be in want.’

He provides all I need therefore I should be content.

‘He makes me lie down in green pastures.’

He guides me to a resting place and tells me to use it to be revived.

‘He leads me beside quiet waters.’

He gives me peace, and he expects me to use it wisely to revive myself through Him.

‘He restores my soul.’

When I get weary of doing good or lost in the ways of this world, like not spending enough time with Him, then he brings me back. (I feel that’s where I am, being revived.)

‘He guides me through paths of righteousness for His names’ sake.’

He guides me in the way of His will. He makes sure I follow Him to spread the word about him.

‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me.’

Even when I go through hard times, if a family member died, or a friend, or if I (get a bad grade) get lost in the world, I don’t have to be afraid for you are with me! I love this promise, even though I forget it often.

‘Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’

I’m not sure how to interpret ‘your rod and your staff’ but it could mean the Holy Spirit, the church, his hand, or miracles, whatever it is I can be comforted by Him.

‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.’

You honor my faithfulness before others. For example, I get praised for a good deed in a class or something.

‘You anoint my head with oil.’

You claim me as yours and pronounce me your daughter (a princess).

‘my cup overflows’

I should be so filled with joy that I can’t contain it. (I am sometimes).

‘Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.’

If I stay with God, he will bless and reward me (even if it only comes at the end).

‘and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I will go to heaven and spend eternity worshiping God, my Father.

God loves me and you.

Father, I know you love and want to watch over me so please help me to accept your perfect gift.

Yours always,

Kaelyn

Revolutionary Ideas

So often, we passed along the bad and let the good stop with us.

Someone says something mean, and we are rude to the next person we see.
Someone cuts us off, and we cut off the next person.
Someone says something nice, and we selfishly think more of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3).
Someone invites us over for dinner, and we think we must be extra special.

Revenge and selfishness are natural; grace and selflessness are supernatural.

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." ~ Romans 12:19

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to given than to receive.'" ~ Acts 20:35

So, what if we reverse this ugly trend by passing along the good and letting the bad stop with us.

Someone says something mean, and we say something nice to the next person we see.
Someone cuts us off, and we give up our position to the next person.
Someone says something nice, and we compliment the next ten people we encounter.
Someone invited us over to dinner, and we invite someone else over for dinner.

"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" ~ Matthew 22:39

If you see something you really want, how about buying it for someone else.
If you want to receive a letter, how about writing a letter.

It's really not hard for us to recognize what we want. So, the next time you think, "I want that." Pause and ponder who you may be able to give "that."

Warning: You may not receive the same thing in return, but you will discover greater, long-term joy in sacrifice than in indulgence, which provides temporary pleasure.

"He (Moses) chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." ~ Hebrews 11:25-26

What do you want?

Close to his heart

Have you ever grown so close to the heart of God only to be drawn away by all the distractions of this world?
Have you ever known what God was asking you to do but allowed fear, pride or selfishness to hold you captive?
I have.
Have you ever missed an opportunity only to have God turn around and give you a second chance?
Have you ever come before Him in tears because of your sin and received an outpouring of His grace, forgiveness, blessings and love?
I have.
Just today, in fact, I experienced each one of these.

What an awesome God we serve! :)

Remember

Early Friday morning, I drove through Greenville on my way to visit friends at North Greenville University. Along the way, I passed the road to my high school, the restaurant where I worked for three years, a couple universities where I saw plays or walked around the lake and other landmarks.

As I remembered how God brought me through all those years--good times and bad, I was reminded of God's faithfulness to see me through all the years ahead of me--however few or many they may be! :)

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced," ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11-12

Far too often, I find myself dwelling on what I've done wrong rather than on all that God has done since the beginning of Creation to this very day and beyond!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." ~ Hebrews 12:2