Replies

Let nothing keep you from His peace

Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God’s peace? As much as we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter troubles and difficulties, and sometimes more than we think we can handle! Jesus knew his disciples would have to face adversity and trials after he left them to return to his Father. Jesus assured them that his departure is for their good, in order to secure a place for them in God’s house – a place of refuge, peace, and everlasting happiness. The Lord Jesus assures us of a safe passage to our true home in heaven with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

If heaven is our destination, how can we be sure we know the way without some kind of map or guide? The scriptures speak of the way we should go. “You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Youshall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein” (Isaiah). Teach me your way, O Lord; and lead me on a level path” (Psalm 27:11). Jesus proclaims: “I am the Way.” The Lord Jesus does not simply give advice and direction. He personally is the way, and we cannot miss it. He leads and guides us personally every day. The Lord Jesus also is the Truth. Many can say, “I have taught you the truth.” Only Jesus can say, I am the Truth. Moral truth cannot be conveyed in words alone; it must be conveyed in example. Jesus embodies the truth in his person. Jesus also is the Life. He not only shows us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which only God can give — eternal life. Is there any fear or trouble which keeps you from the perfect peace and happiness of a life surrendered to Christ?

Reflection written by Don Schwager of www.rc.net

One Bread, One Body

<< Friday, May 4, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

Acts 13:26-33
View Readings

Psalm 2:6-11

John 14:1-6

WIN, SHOW, PLACE

"In My Father's house there are many dwelling places; otherwise, how could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you?" —John 14:2

Jesus promised He was going to prepare a place for us. Some people think this place is in heaven. However, heaven needs no preparation. It does not need remodeling or cleaning. Rather, the Lord is preparing a place for us on earth, in His Church, in the body of Christ.

We all want to find out why He made us. We want to contribute to God's plan of salvation as only we can. We want meaning and fulfillment in our lives. Our hearts are troubled until we are what the Lord has called us to be and we're doing what He's called us to do (Jn 14:1).

Jesus has prepared for us this special and precious place in His body when He ascended on high and gave gifts to us (Eph 4:8). These gifts of the Spirit have brought forth apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers (Eph 4:11). These members of Christ's body equip the saints to build up the body of Christ, and many find their places in God's plan of salvation.

You are special. You are a member of the body of Christ. Your life is very important. By the power of the Holy Spirit, "take your place" (Acts 5:20).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for making me somebody, preparing me some place, and being my Someone. I love You.

Promise: "Yet God raised Him from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are His witnesses now before the people." —Acts 13:30-31

Praise: Sandy was afraid to go into a funeral home. When her classmate died, she couldn't go near the casket. Then she met the risen Jesus, Who delivered her from the fear of death (see Heb 2:15).