What Jesus prayed for us. “Sanctify” (make holy, set apart) them. Jesus prayed that the Father would cause His Word to set us apart for special use. Holiness is not so much the absence of sin as the presence of God’s special calling and spiritual life within us.
Jesus has not yet taken His flock out of the world and its trouble. But He has overcome the world and through Him we are overcomers too. Don’t be surprised when trouble comes. He said it would. Instead, take heart! Face trouble with overcoming faith.
Our power for witnessing comes from the One who testifies about Jesus to us. The Spirit doesn’t speak of Himself. He speaks of Christ. When we depend on His power, we bear spiritual fruit.
The things that fill our eyes are ultimately worthless. The Word of God is eternal and able to save. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
What Jesus said to His disciples. What did Jesus do that we are called to do? How does His going to the Father cause our doing to be even greater? Are you involved in “greater things” for Jesus?
With the increase of smart phones, laptops, and online Bibles, Scripture memorization is becoming a lost art. Yet, our increased access to the Word doesn’t equal the benefit of having it dwell in our minds and shape our thinking. Are you “hiding” God’s Word in your heart?
Some believed in Jesus but kept quiet because of fear. Are you one of those who prefers man’s approval over God’s? Choose to live for the applause of One. Fear God not man.
In the KJV this same verse reads, “But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” When everyone around you is discouraged and things look bleak, do you know how to do this? There is strength and encouragement to be found in God alone during these times. Seek Him.
Get advice before you act. Cultivate a personal board of advisors for your life decisions. Choose those whose lives exemplify wisdom. Then, be humble enough to follow their counsel.
In some “places” Jesus was rejected, but in the land where John the Baptist had preached, they believed. I wonder what it is about some “places?” Was it John’s plowing that made them ready to receive Seed? I pray that the “place” we are now will be receptive to the Gospel!