Do not let your hearts be troubled!

Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God's peace? As much as we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter trouble and difficulties. Jesus knew his disciples would have to face trials and persecution after he left them to return to his Father in heaven. Adversity can make us lose hope and become discouraged, or it can press us closer to God and to his promises for us.

"It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

A place for you in my Father's house 

Just as God, who appeared as a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night, went ahead of Moses and the Israelites to lead them safely through the wilderness to the promised land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead through his ascension into heaven to prepare a place for them in his Father's house - a place of lasting peace, friendship, and happiness with God. God's house is never closed nor over-crowded - there is plenty of room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life - whether it be the separation and loss of a loved one or the threat to one's own life - is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and the eternal Father. There we will be joined with a great company of saints and angels who will be our friends forever as well.

Do you know the way to the Father's house in heaven? Jesus expected his disciples to know where his life was headed - to dwell in everlasting glory with his Father in heaven. And he expected that his disciples would recognize that this was their ultimate destination as well. Thomas, who was both a doubter and a realist, spoke for all the disciples when he said, "we neither know where you are going nor how we shall get there on our own?" Thomas was a very practical "down to earth" kind of person who wanted to see the map and landmarks showing the exact path that would lead the way to the desired haven. Jesus assured Thomas that he would not only give him everything he needed to complete the journey, he would be Thomas' personal guide as well.

Traveling alone in unfamiliar or uncharted places can be unnerving and bewildering without a companion or guide. And some places are impossible to pass through without the right person who knows the way and who can guarantee a safe passage. Several years ago I was invited by Christian friends to visit their community in Lebanon. They were in the middle of a civil war that would last for 15 years (1975-1990). Months and years of hardship, exposure to danger, and the uncertainty of the war's outcome, as well as being physically cutoff from outside contact with friends, was weighing heavily. I was eager to visit to offer some support. Since I had never traveled there before, nor spoke the local language, I knew that I was helpless without a trustworthy guide. Fortunately a close Christian friend from Lebanon met me half-way on my journey and personally guided me through some unfamiliar territory, including check-points, road-blocks, physical danger, and some social, religious, and political hurdles as well. My guide got me safely to my destination. I literally owed my life to his safe-keeping. The Lord Jesus promised his followers that he would be their personal guide and friend who would lead them to the source of lasting peace, enduring friendship, and abundant life.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life 

The disciples were surprised that Jesus was going to his Father's house and would return to take them with him. And they were even more surprised when Jesus said he expected them to know the way to the Father's house. Jesus' answer to there question, "show us the way", was both a reminder that his disciples should trust their Master and Teacher to show them the way, and a challenge for them to recognize that Jesus had intimate knowledge of God and where God came from. Jesus made a statement that invoked the very name which God had revealed to Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14), and he made three claims which only God could make. He stated unequivocally to his disciples: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)

Jesus proclaims: I am the Way (John 14:6). He alone knows the way to the Father because he has been with the Father from the beginning - before time and creation ever existed. The Lord Jesus gives us more than a road map and guide book. He personally is the way to the Father's kingdom, and we cannot miss it if we follow him. He accompanies us on our daily journey and watches over us as the good shepherd who leads and sustains us each and every step of the way. Are you in step with the Lord and do you trust in his guiding hand for your life?

Jesus proclaims that he is the Truth (John 14:6). Many can say, "I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can say, I am the Truth. He possesses in himself the fulness of truth. Jesus claims to be one with the Father and to speak the truth which proceeds from the Father. Jesus promised his disciples that if they continued in his word, they would learn the truth and the truth would set them free" (John 8:31). The truth which Jesus proclaims has power to set us free from ignorance, deception, and sin. The words which Jesus speaks are true because there is no lie or falsehood in him. Moral truth requires more than mere words or ideas because the person who speaks them must be true - true in thought, speech, deed, example, and action. Jesus embodies the truth in his person.

Jesus proclaims that he is the Life (John 14:6). He not only shows us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which only God can give - abundant life that lasts forever. Is there any trouble, fear, or distraction that keeps you from the perfect peace and joy of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?

Lord Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving presence and you give us the hope of everlasting life with the Father in Heaven. Show me the Father that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

God is our refuge and strength. and help in trouble - Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;

God will help her right early.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the LORD,

how he has wrought desolations in the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

he burns the chariots with fire!

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth!”

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Prayer for in Time of Trouble

Lord of the Powers be with us, 

for in times of distress 

we have no other help but You. 

Lord of the Powers, 

have mercy on us.

Prayer for Jesus to Shepherd you in trouble times

Dear Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of the lambs of God, I need you to come to me today and make me lie down in pastures of green grace, for I have a restless and worried heart. I need the quieting waters of the you holy scriptures for healing of all the maladies in my soul caused by all the distress and problems I am facing which are due to my own faults. I need the kind of refreshment that cannot be found elsewhere but only in you the compassionate Christ. Speak through all my thoughts, Jesus. You know my voice and call me  by name. I know your name and want to hear your voice more distinctly than any other voice.

Jesus your love is so abundant, and I believe at this very moment You are standing at the throne of heaven interceding for me to Father GOD (Romans 8:34). Because of you, Jesus, I don’t lack anything essential. As the Lamb of God, you took away my sin forever, and now I’m “dressed in your righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.” As the Lord of Lords, you are currently working in all things for my good and your glory. You rule the whole world with your truth and grace.

So shepherd me now, Jesus, to your glory and my growth. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and tenacious name. AMEN.

Romans 8:34

Who then is the one who condemns? 

No one. Christ Jesus who died

—more than that, 

who was raised to life

—is at the right hand of God 

and is also interceding for us.

Psalm 23:1-2

The LORD is my shepherd, 

I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he refreshes my soul.

No matter what terrible situation you are in, 

Think of JESUS, go to JESUS, HE is the ANSWER!

No matter what difficult problems you may face, 

Think of JESUS, go to JESUS, HE is the ANSWER!

Even if you have sinned badly and feel unworthy to receive any help, 

Think of JESUS, go to JESUS, HE is the ANSWER!

Even if you have serious doubts about Christians and Christianity, 

Think of JESUS, go to JESUS, HE is the ANSWER!

For every problem in your life, 

Think of JESUS, go to JESUS, HE is the ANSWER!

Many Christians have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and believe He can answer their prayers. You could say they have faith in Him. The problem is many have never put their Faith in Jesus Christ to a living action full of expectancy to receive. Many Christians have faith in their faith but few have true faith and trust in Lord Jesus Christ. In the holy scriptures and also happening today, many people came out in thousands to worship and praise Jesus as the Lord and Saviour. Out of these people some who were blind, crippled and sick who needed healing but they watched Jesus walk by them without ever receiving there miracle, why?  The reason is they did not have 100% faith and trust in Jesus.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe
that he exists and that he rewards
those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

It honours and pleases the Lord Jesus Christ when you come to Him with a heart full of expectancy to receive from Him. True living faith is alive and full of fervent expectancy that will always reach out to Jesus to receive it's miracle. If Jesus was to walk in your room and ask, "What can I do for you," would you be ready to receive?

Mark 5: 21 - 43

21	And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him; and he was beside the sea.
22	Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Ja'irus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,
23	and besought him, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live."
24	And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.
25	And there was a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years,
26	and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
27	She had heard the reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.
28	For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well."
29	And immediately the hemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
30	And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my garments?"
31	And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, `Who touched me?'"
32	And he looked around to see who had done it.
33	But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth.
34	And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
35	While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"
36	But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."
37	And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
38	When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly.
39	And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping."
40	And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was.
41	Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Tal'itha cu'mi"; which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."
42	And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
43	And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

 

Listen to Jesus. In Him there is no darkness only light.

~ Blessed John Paul II ~

Hillsong - Lord of Lords