Dear Explorer,
Read John 17:13-16
There are two distinct ways of looking at life. One is God's way. The other is the world's way. One is based on God's Word and His love and His plan for our lives. The other is based on fame, fortune and fun. These 2 different world views are all around you. They influence every aspect of your life. They influence how you shop, how you care for your body, how you treat money, how you work, how you play and what you think about before you fall asleep -- just to name a few.
When you become a follower of Jesus and your empty God-shaped vacuum is filled with Jesus and His Spirit begins to direct your thoughts and actions -- your whole viewpoint changes.
Having Jesus in my control center changes how I view life in every aspect. It affects the "biggies" like when our daughter became seriously ill at age 11, when our house burned, when David lost his job, as well as the everyday decisions like how to spend my day, how to interact with neighbors, and how I think about life in general. I cannot think of any area of my life that has not changed because of His presence.
When we invite Jesus into our core, we become new creatures! That may cause persecution or lack of understanding from those around us.
In John 17:15, what is Jesus' specific request for us?
So why does Jesus ask God to leave us here? Wouldn't it be simpler if we could just go on to Heaven when we invite Him into our life?
Maybe, but how will those around us ever come to know Him?
As we interact with those who don't know Jesus -- they observe our lives and begin to consider making changes in their own lives.
Read 1 Peter 3:15
Always be ready to tell others Who "fills" your life, when they ask you the reason for your hope.
So, we who are followers of Jesus Christ find ourselves in a world that we are not a part of. We are to be good citizens – but not focused on this world. We are to be good stewards of God's blessings, but not make that our priority. We are “in the world, but not of it.” And Jesus asks that God would give us protection from the evil one who will try to destroy us. But He also asks for God to give us something else.
In John 17:13, what does Jesus ask that God gives us while we are in this world?
Remember that joy is one of those fruits that come from the Holy Spirit living within us. The more obedient we are, the more joy and peace and love flows from our core.
In His service, dale
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