alone

Following Jesus Can Seem Lonely at Times, But There's Hope! {John 7}

9:30 AM

Following Jesus can lead you to lonely places at times. Have you ever felt the sting of persecution by those you love; family, friends, or neighbors? Sometimes we're called to take a stand, or step out in faith when no one is willing to stand with us, but take heart, Jesus knows all about that and this chapter is proof, and here in this chapter, He also offers us hope!



We see here in chapter seven, Jesus’ own brothers questioned His divinity and seemed to be mocking Him. No one seems to understand, and if they did, they certainly weren't willing to admit it, for Jesus was receiving death threats from the religious leaders who should have been on His side.

 In order for us to better understand all that's taking place here we need to know a bit more about this festival they are all celebrating: 
The Feast of the Booths or the Feast of the Tabernacles was actually a party in many ways for the Jewish people.  The people would moved out of their homes for a week and lived under shelters made of branches, similar to camping out today. The purpose behind this religious festival was to remind the nation of Israel of their time wandering in the wilderness living under God’s care.  
The Temple area would have been filled with large candles that were supposed to remind the people of the pillar of light God provided for them in the wilderness.  And each day during the seven days, the priest would carry water from the Pool of Siloam and pour it out in the Temple as a reminder of the water that miraculously came from the rock in the wilderness.
If we skip down to verse 37, we are on the seventh and last day of this feast.  It was called the great day because a lot of special things happened then. On this day the priests would march seven times around the altar chanting Psalm 118:25, "O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!"  On the seventh trip around the altar they would pour out the water.

 I believe it was at that moment that Jesus stood and shouted this incredible invitation, and invited all those who were thirsty to come to Him and drink. 
1 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the rock in the Old Testament from which the water miraculously flowed was Jesus.  He was that rock, and now we know that the water that poured from that rock was the Holy Spirit. 
So, when we believe in Jesus, His Holy Spirit is given freely! Those of us who are in Christ possess His Spirit and His Spirit will freely flow through us onto others. 

 The people then couldn't have fully understood all that Jesus was saying at that time. But now we know the Holy Spirit literally dwells in every believer all over this world.  We aren't ever alone, for we are on a mission working with the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent King of kings! 

 Just how cool is that?

 Blessings, 

 sue

Endurance

SoulSearching Sunday~All You Need Is Love

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 18, 2018


Week Forty-six...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Corinthians 7 - 2 Corinthians 13...

 1. Think carefully about your regular activities, your thoughts and dreams, your use of time and energy and money. What do these “bits of evidence” suggest about the prize you are seeking in life? Commit your best efforts toward pursuing Christ as your act of worship.

 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

 2. It’s an old exercise, but a good one. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and substitute your name every place you see the word “love.” Is this accurate? Where do you fall short? How can living like this be a lifestyle of worship?

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

 3. What do you consider to be your “thorn in the flesh”? Thank God for His presence and power in your life regardless of whether He removes the thorn or provides you with the strength to endure.

 I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the LORD to take it away. Each time He said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)