No Strings
Scripture – John 14:27-31: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Once again, these verses are so full of powerful truths. I find it hard to focus on just one. Jesus does not give “as the world gives.” The whole concept of “gift” is being lost in our culture. Often so-called “gifts” come with strings. If I open a bank account I can get a gift. If I give a gift, do I expect something in return? If I receive a gift, am I obligated to the giver? Well, no I’m not. A gift is free – that’s part of the definition. It comes with no strings – no expectations. Here, Jesus gives us His peace. All I need to do is receive it. Perhaps I’ll say “thank you,” but even that’s not required to receive and keep the gift.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will practice giving as Jesus gives today – freely, with no expectation of a return. I will, likewise, practice receiving gifts that come my way. That might be a more difficult spiritual discipline to follow.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I begin by thanking you for this new life today. The opportunities that are before me are gifts from you. The promise of your presence and power is a gift I can count on. Thank you, as well, for your peace. In these days I’d be afraid to get out of bed without it.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Once again, these verses are so full of powerful truths. I find it hard to focus on just one. Jesus does not give “as the world gives.” The whole concept of “gift” is being lost in our culture. Often so-called “gifts” come with strings. If I open a bank account I can get a gift. If I give a gift, do I expect something in return? If I receive a gift, am I obligated to the giver? Well, no I’m not. A gift is free – that’s part of the definition. It comes with no strings – no expectations. Here, Jesus gives us His peace. All I need to do is receive it. Perhaps I’ll say “thank you,” but even that’s not required to receive and keep the gift.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will practice giving as Jesus gives today – freely, with no expectation of a return. I will, likewise, practice receiving gifts that come my way. That might be a more difficult spiritual discipline to follow.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I begin by thanking you for this new life today. The opportunities that are before me are gifts from you. The promise of your presence and power is a gift I can count on. Thank you, as well, for your peace. In these days I’d be afraid to get out of bed without it.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
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