Abide
For fifteen weeks this fall we will practice the discipline and grace of abiding in Jesus – the True Vine (read John 15). Yes, this means doing your devotions but it’s more than that – it’s about cultivating a deep and personal connection with Jesus as your source of life, love, power, direction – everything. What is your heart’s true home? What is your mind’s continual resting place? How can you resist “the algorithm” by developing spiritual habits that draw you closer to Jesus?
15. One
At the end of his high priestly prayer in John 17 Jesus prays for us, for all believers who would come after his first followers. What did he pray for? Significantly, Jesus prayed for our unity. Just as he commanded his disciples to love one another, so he prayed that...
14. Holy
In this part of John 17 we see three petitions of the Lord Jesus we can not only join Him in praying but we can actively pursue their fulfillment. 1) Lord, protect us in your Name; 2) Lord, sanctify us in your truth and; 3) Lord, empower us with your Spirit. Join us...
13. Safe
As he prepared to be arrested and go to the cross, Jesus prayed. John 17 brings us into the heart of the Lord Jesus and His primary concerns then and now. In the middle of this prayer we see three victories of Jesus: 1) he revealed God’s Name; 2) he proclaimed God’s...
12. Glory
John 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. It opens with the poetic petition of Jesus to be glorified so He could return that glory to the Father. We glorify someone by giving them the honor, recognition and praise they deserve. Jesus deserves all glory. This...
Half Truths About Heaven
This week, we have a guest speaker, Jordan Raynor. Jordan grew up at Oakwood, served under President George W. Bush and had considerable success as an entrepreneur before settling into his role in the faith and work movement. Through his five books, devotionals and...
11. Overcome
What comes first – faith or understanding? We would love to understand why certain things happen and how long a certain struggle will continue. But faith wouldn’t be faith if we understood everything perfectly. The disciples have this wildly ironic line in John 16:30...
10. Joy
We are commanded to “rejoice in the Lord.” We are promised joy as we walk with Him. But when we suffer in this world, how can we experience this kind of joy? Jesus gives us four important reminders to kindle our joy: 1) our sorrows are brief; 2) our Savior is coming;...
9. Truth
As he prepared to go to the cross, Jesus kept bringing up the Holy Spirit. Clearly it was essential to the disciples to know the person and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, as it is for us! “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth”...
8. The Helper
The one thing we can count on in life is change. Life was about to change for the disciples and Jesus prepared them saying, “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away” (John 16:1). Then he gave them three principles to help them with the...
7. Endure
Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure and death – and preparing them to face a similar fate in the near future. All who follow Jesus follow His path through service and suffering to carry our own cross and lay down our lives in service to Jesus and His...