Sent? Yes. Alone? Never.

Some of the tensest moments in life are those “first solo flight” experiences when, for the first time, we’re on our own and “it’s all on us.”  Do you remember your first sales call?  What about the day you brought your firstborn home from the hospital?  Your public speaking debut?  Or maybe for you it literally was a solo flight!   Life’s “firsts” jolt us like unseen caffeine. 

It was the night before Jesus’ crucifixion; he was about to finish his Father’s work and return to him.  And it was time for the Christ to hand over the keys to his disciples.  Their turn to drive.  There would be no more learning at the feet of him who is wisdom and truth personified ... no more ringside seats to the greatest miracle show on earth ... gone now was their safe bystander status while Jesus took on the opposition, outwitting and confounding even the sharpest among them.

Can you even begin to imagine going solo after Jesus?  How do you pick up and move forward from that?!?  Yet there they would be, on their own.  Or so it must have seemed to them.

But we know different!  Jesus’ first followers would not be left alone any more than we who follow him today.  Rather, they who had walked with Christ by sight would now live in him by faith.  Just as we do now.  And so Jesus shared these final instructions – this “Trinity teaching” – not only for their benefit, but also for ours.

Obey the Son, as the Son has obeyed the Father.  Jesus said, “the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”  The Son did not decide what he would do for the Father; the Father decided and the Son obeyed.  It's a model that applies to us.  Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” 

Listen for the Holy Spirit, who is sent by the Father and the Son.  In our own power, obeying Jesus’ commands is impossible.  We have neither the ability nor the inclination to do so.  But the Father and the Son have given us the means to accomplish them; we have been given the Holy Spirit who teaches us “all things” and reminds us of everything Jesus has taught.  And if we don't hear him?  Wait.  He will speak.

Rest in Christ who is faithful and true.  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you....  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  We can rest – we can be at peace – because the truth of the matter is, we’re not on our own at all.  Much the opposite!  The Christ who once walked with his people now lives in his people.  Our power is nothing short of the Spirit of Christ in us, and his Word is our authority.  His Kingdom has come, and it is within us.

So let’s go.  Obediently.  Patiently.  Peacefully.  And boldly!  For we are ever sent ... and never alone.

[Click here to see the daily reading in John 14:23-31.]

John 1:1-17

Jesus is God’s Word
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John begins this book echoing the same words used to begin the Bible. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning,……”

Jesus was with God in the beginning. He came to this earth not as just a good man, but as the God-Man. The second in the trinity, temporarily disconnected from the other two in order to bring true light and life to us all. “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” He was here! “”He was in the world and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.” How could that happen? How could we be so blind as not to see God when he was right here on this earth? So often Jesus revealed His true identity, but was questioned and denied time and time again.

In John 8:23-24 Jesus again reveals his origin. “You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world….” The true basis for our Christian faith is not just the moral teachings of Jesus, but Jesus himself. When asked, “Who do you say I am?” will we have the correct answer? In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked Simon Peter, that question. “Christ, the son of the living God,” was his response. We can memorize those words in case that question comes to us, but what is truly in our hearts will ultimately determine our forever.

Read John 1:1-7 here
Listen to John 1:1-7 here

God The Three In One John 14:1-27

As I read our scripture passage today, I imagine Jesus trying to explain the Trinity to his followers. He wanted them to know that although he must leave them physically he will not be abandoning them. I have written a poem below which is my take on the Trinity. I'd encourage you to read the passage first and then the poem.

God is so amazing. Because He loves us completely He will never leave us. Bask in that today.

Read today's passage here John 14:15-27

God is Spirit
hovering over creation
A Counselor, directing
choices and relations
although He is divine
Alone He is not God
one of three you see
do my words seem kinda odd?

God is the Word
made flesh to dwell among us
Sacrificial Lamb
Salvation victorious
Divine yet fully man
still not God complete
Without the other two
God is not replete

God is Abba Father
Daddy from on high
He knows our every need
Love he does supply
A third part to the puzzle
He makes God complete
To understand Him fully
surely is a feat

The Triune God is special
There is no separation
He is timeless yet unchanging
speaks to every generation
The Alpha, The Omega
The Beginning and The End
He is Our True Salvation
our sins he came to rend

God is a Gentle Whisper
tickling your ear
A Still Small Voice inside
beckoning you near
He will not force his love
but he speaks to you the same
All that he requires is
for you to call His name

Stay Connected -- Romans 8:9-11

When was the last time you felt alone? When my husband had a serious stroke, I felt alone riding in the ambulance, arriving at the hospital, and being led to a waiting area filled with strangers.

God made His presence known. As I sat trying to gather my thoughts, He was thinking of me. His Spirit led me through His Word, "Never will I leave you...When you are afraid, trust in Me..."

I had been praying, but could only manage a sentence here and there. I struggled to quiet myself. I prayed the prayer Jesus taught me, "Our Father...." I was lost in my own prayer feeling the warmth of the Spirit, when I became aware of people around me crying and talking on cell phones. They sounded lonely and afraid. I realized I was not anxious and alone. Through Prayer I received peace and comfort beyond my understanding.

Paul was writing to the Romans (and us) about being with the Spirit. A Christian has the Spirit living within him.

God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit were with me threaded together as one. I knew them and they knew me. We have a connection, which means I will never be alone. I pray you have this relationship, too.

Prayer: Father, I am filled with gratitude for your loving care. Help me stay connected. Help me wait and watch for the Spirit's comfort and direction when I feel alone and afraid. Amen

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Read text on Biblegateway -- Romans 8:9-11