As I read the book of John, I am reminded that Heaven is a real place that is being prepared for us. In this chapter Jesus leaves us with these words. "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." This chapter has so much in it but this verse sticks with me, it really hits me deep down in my gut. We know that life is hard and tragic things happen daily but our Lord and Savior has overcome all of it! I read this verse over and over again and one thing kept coming to me in my spirit. The word, WORLD, says it all in this verse. Compared to Heaven what is the WORLD? The world is full of pain, heartache, deep sorrows and tragedy. But Jesus has overcome all of it!
I live in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex where I am surrounded by churches, tons of churches! I am not referring to YOUR church. I am referring to church as a whole. I have been a part of many, many churches that are concerned with getting today's generation in church. So they use secular music, secular movie clips, and try to make Jesus seem more like the world. I do believe that we have to be creative these days in our approach and method of reaching people. But, there is too much compromise going on. We can't come down to the level of the World and when we do, I think we cloud the message of Jesus Christ. If we STAND for Christ, people will not like us. The Bible says so in this chapter. Are we really taking a stand for Jesus when we glitz it up?
He has overcome the world and so it is up to us to take a stand for Him.
Lord, I am not always sure how I can take a stand. What in my life keeps me from doing that? Help me to truly be a Jesus Freak as some people say. I need to look and act differently from the World that you have overcome. Heaven is a real place and the things here are temporary, yet I get so consumed at times by my troubles. Lord, remind me of this when my flesh becomes consumed with things of this world. I want to be more like you and if people think I am weird, then I am doing something right! I want to take a stand for your son, Jesus. Father give me the strength to be BOLD!
6 comments:
Amanda, I love your boldness because you do with all heart and a tender spirit!
All I can say to that is "amen." :-)
And on a completely unrelated note, you now have me thinking about fried salmon patties and chicken and dumplins.
Also, I love your Mother's Day post - what a sweet tribute to your close friends and family!
I read... I just cant thank you enough for getting me involved in your study... and I AM LEARNING SO MUCH!
I read.
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Lord, just incase I didn't ask in your name.
I pray that you will move us to a new home in Arlington, by the end of the month of June. I pray that an offer will be put on this house by the end of the month of May. I pray that you will heal my daughter of bronchitis, and remove the ezcema from Isabel'a and my eyes. I ask all of this in Jesus name.
Amen
V33 "I have told you things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. BUT TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
Knowing things in advance helps us to have peace, for we know what to expect. It gives us peace when things are not necessarily peaceful. I love the last part of that verse. Take heart. I have overcome the world. Praise God he has overcome. It gives me peace in the midst of craziness that it all works out. He is faithful to his promises. For he has overcome the world!
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