I wake up every morning, roll over, and check my email on my iPhone after I groan about the kids already being awake. This morning Esther’s comment was the first thing I read today. If you missed it, here it is:
Here is a comment from Secrets of the Secret Place in regard to our spending time in the Word.
“God is your greatest fan. As your heavenly Father, He is constantly coaxing you forward into the heights of spiritual victory. When you neglect the secret place, He’s not disappointed in you, He’s disappointed for you. He sees the spiritual riches available to you, and His heart breaks when He watches you getting by-passed. he wants you to share in heaven’s best, and He looks with wistful longing when you short-change yourself spiritually.” Bob Sorge
Let’s not let ourselves be robbed.
OUCH! It was rough starting my day with a butt kicking, but I needed it. Before my play date this morning I dove into John 15 at a crumb filled breakfast table. Then as I sat down to read John 15 I remembered it was “the Vine chapter.” Oh great, more butt kicking! Another reminder that I need to stay connected to the vine.
Indeed, I only had 1 good quiet last week. That was while my 2 year drew on her paper and inside my journal. It is hard to be focused with little hands in your way.
Looking back on my notes John 14 is chalked full of AMAZING verses. One the verses that stood out to me is when Jesus begins by saying “Truly, truly.” I take that to mean “Listen up! This is important!” He goes on to say in verse 12:
12I 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. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Of course, this is why we pray “in Jesus name.” I wonder what greater things are being done in today’s world that what Jesus did in His ministry.
John 14 also talks about the house Jesus is preparing for us. It has many dwelling places. Does anyone else find comfort in knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for you? It gets me excited to see Him!
John 14 is amazing! How are you struck my Jesus’ proclamation, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” ?
Finally, we have the introduction of the Holy Spirit.
25All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But 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. 27Peace 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.
The Holy Spirit is a Counselor, Teacher, and “Reminder.” One of Jesus’ gifts to us is PEACE. I pray that each of you will find peace this Christmas season.
- Robyn returned safely from the Philippines! Yay! You can read more about the trip at the church’s missions blog: http://blogs.reallife.org/outreach/
- We are studying John 15 this week (12/16 -23)
As Esther said, “Let’s not let ourselves be robbed.”
Excellent post. And thanks for passing the “butt kicking” out–I was due for one as well. God Bless you and your family.