Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Belief & Action

BELIEF & ACTION
John 14:15-21
v. 20: “On that day [after Jesus' resurrection] you will realize that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

This ought to give all God’s kids much joy. Can you see the unbroken link between you, Jesus, and the Father? At this point in John 14, Jesus had kept his disciples close for three years. But the time was coming…when their lives would unravel by His death. There was so much Jesus wanted to reveal to them so that they wouldn’t fall apart. The assurance that by our belief and faith--we are one with the Almighty God--ought to be enough to keep us strong and courageous through everything that happens in life. But just as with Jesus’ first disciples, we too, need reassurance from time to time.

We’ve learned to walk by faith instead of what’s visible (see Higher Reality devotion). Our days here on earth grow us in many ways—and we never stop learning—even after college! There is book learning, life learning, and spiritual learning (or sanctification, making us holy). Part of being set apart from the world is enrolling in God’s school of obedience.

Here, our trust in God grows. (We see first-hand that God truly is Who He says He is). In this school we develop “waiting-on-the-Lord” patience. (We resist running ahead, and wait for the right timing, where doors open). We finally grasp obedience, and commit to His ways. (Before making this decision, fear prevents our choosing God’s path).

Our study book? The Bible. Would you go into the forest at night without a flashlight?

Searching The Word is important for guidance, but the Father also wants us to listen to His Spirit’s promptings. Rarely do God’s kids actually “hear” God speak. But Jesus guarantees us, in John 14:26, that the Counselor will teach and remind us what we need to know.

Abraham had no idea where God was sending him, but he went anyway. Now that’s obedience! The Father expects the same from us. That’s what is meant by “stepping out in faith”; we don’t need to know the details of our journey, kids! Even Jesus made the Father’s will His own priority and purpose.

Before we realize it, we’ll discover that we are linked with Jesus and the Father as one—what joy!

Take Home Nugget


When people see that your life interests and choices have changed in living full throttle for God, expect conflict. Jesus warns us that in this world, we will have trouble. But He wants us to take heart, “I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.”

Master speak, make me ready,
Upon Your prompting heard
To obey gladly and steady
Following Your every word.

J.D. Griffith
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