pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: protection


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Unity and Protection

Jesus makes it clear that as His disciples we are no longer of this world but belong to Him and the heavenly realms.  In this human form we are in the world not but our true and eternal home is not here on this earth.  Yet in our time here we are called to be in ministry to one another and to stand strong for our faith when Satan comes to drag us down.

The prayer that Jesus prays for His disciples is a prayer for each of us as well.  Jesus knew that this struggle to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth would go on for generations and generations so He was and is praying for us and future disciples as well.

Jesus first asked God for unity amongst His disciples.  In the time of the prayer the disciples faced strong opposition both from the Jews and the Romans.  The first church was a small band that really needed to stick together.  Today we continue to face many challenges from the culture and world around us.  True disciples are a minority even within some churches.  We too need to be united as the body of Christ; together we are strong.

Jesus also prayed for protection for His disciples.  It is so easy to give in to the things of this world, to give in to the pressure, to believe the evil one’s lies.  Jesus knew firsthand the evil one’s temptations and He prays for us because He knows that Satan does not go away.  In the trials, lean into Jesus.  Know that He too never goes away.  Jesus is always by our side, right until the end of the age.  Amen.

Scripture reference: John 17: 6-16


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Filled to be Emptied

Jesus calls us to believe in the light so that we can become the light ourselves.  Darkness is powerful – only the light can overcome it.  After teaching the people all day, Jesus takes some time in solitude to pray.  It is a hard week ahead.  Even the Son of God needs to spend time alone with God in order to face what lies ahead.

Psalm 71 begins with the encouragement to take refuge in God.  In the midst of the trial and adversaries that surround all around the psalmist, they seek refuge, protection, and safety in time alone with God.  There is the admission that we cannot manage on our own but need time alone with God to find the strength and the ability to face the day or week ahead.

In both of these cases and in our case too our enemies pursue us.  The messages of the world shout out things to chase after and interests to develop that are not the things of God.  These things and people in our lives will challenge our faith.  And like Jesus and the psalmist, we too must take time alone with God.

Today, where will you find the time to be alone with God?  Where will you go to hide from the world as you seek help, protection, and love from God?  It is important to make sure we are full of His presence before we go out into the world to be the light and love that dispels darkness and fills it with Christ’s presence.  After being filled up, go out and give it away.

Scripture references: Psalm 71: 1-14 and John 12: 20-36