Read John 16.
In this passage, Jesus once again explains to his disciples that he will soon be leaving them. Noticing their sorrow, he gives them courage by pointing to reasons for hope in suffering. These reasons apply to us today!
1. The Holy Spirit indwells us to guide us into all truth
"It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you." (14:7)
2. The Father cares for us
"Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you…Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete." (16:23)
There is something about the process of praying to the Father when we are in need that makes our joy complete! Note that Jesus has given this SAME promise 3 times before:
"Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (14:13)
"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (14:14)
"Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." (15:16)
3. Jesus claims the final victory
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." (16:33)
Starter Prayer:
Compose your own prayer. Pray in Christ's name. Pray with Christ's Purposes. Pray BIG.
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Join fellow Christ-followers in prayer and fasting during Lent (February 13 through March 31, 2013). Use the "prayer starters" each day and feel free to click "comments" to see how others are doing and share your own journey.
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What is "Lent?"
"Lent" has been celebrated by Christians for many generations. It is a time set aside for preparing our hearts to celebrate the greatest event in history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally Lent is the forty-day period preceding Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Interestingly, this is actually 46 days because the western church doesn't count Sundays (as we are to celebrate the resurrection every Sunday).
How should I keep Lent?
We are asking the church family to spend time in prayer each day of Lent, thanking Christ for what He has done. In addition, many Christians practice some form of fasting during Lent.
What is "fasting?"
Fasting is a way to say "no" to self and to give renewed attention on Christ. If we simply do without food, we're only half-way there. We need to replace the time that we would have spent eating and instead spend that time in prayer.
Here are some ideas, but don't be limited to these:
Take 15 minutes out of each day reading the devotional on this blog and getting on your knees to pray to God.
Agree together in your Connection Group how you are going to celebrate Lent. Encourage each other to take a step of faith and talk each week about how it is going.
Take one meal a week and decide to deny yourself, spending the time, instead, reading the Word and praying. Maybe your Connection Group could divide up the lunches through the week - each taking a day. Or maybe you could each pick one day per week that you will all do it.
Fast from a specific food for the whole Lent season. Make it something that will trigger you to pray each time you reach for it. Don't "fast" from food to lose weight or from caffeine for your health. Those may be good ideas, but that is something you're doing for you, not with Christ in mind.
Fast from sunrise until sunset.
Fast from TV or something else that you'll give up and replace with seeking God.
Now get creative and talk with the other Christ-followers in your life for help, encouragement, and accountability ... and to share your joy!
Should I consider an extended fast?
For some, the season of Lent can be a time to surrender even more to God through an extended fast. This can be a 3, 7, 14, or 40 day experience (it is up to you and your readiness). If this is something that God is calling you toward, check out this site to learn more:
http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
There are all types of extended fasts that you can get involved in. Make sure you choose the right one for you, considering your health, schedule, and support system.
Jesus,
ReplyDeleteYou are greater than my sin. Dominate me by Your constant persuasion in grace and Gospel to respond to what You've done by striving to honor You in all I do in order to act out my love for You. Protect me from believing my performance determines my stance before God in pursuing holiness. May I take peace in You as I am often overcome by the world without and the world within.
LORD Jesus, Heavenly Father, thank You for the many words You spoke to Your disciples. Your presence with them during Your time on Earth must've been amazing. I can only imagine..
ReplyDeleteI know so very little "in part," but You've promised someday I will know as I am known. Oh, how I tremble before You, Lord. Strengthen me to know and follow Your ways. Help my life be all it can in spite of tribulation. Thank You for Your comfort and words of life. Thank You that You are the Word and You are Life!