Devotionals for February 7, 2024

We have New Life Students every Wednesday at 6:15pm for middle and high schoolers! 

John 16:29-33
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!

30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?

32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Sometimes the best way to know whether you believe something untrue about God is to examine your expectations of Him. It is my experience, both personally and by witnessing others, that many of us imagine God being primarily concerned with making our life work. We even evangelize this way. “Come to Jesus and you will have ___.” In a way, we write up contracts for what God can (or must!) offer us and then sign His name on it. Later, when we encounter trials, we look up and ask God why He has failed to honor the agreement. But did He ever sign the agreement? Is it possible that God is not primarily motivated by solving all of our problems? If this is true, does something about your view of Him change?

Q: What trouble is Jesus referring to in John 16?

Q: How are the troubles faced by the disciples similar to your daily troubles?

Q: What does true spiritual encouragement look like?

"Give us today our daily bread."

Lord help us to be content with the daily bread you give us. Amen.