Sharing the Journey

Dealing with disappointment is not easy and definitely not fun, but we have to deal with them because they are as much a part of life as breathing. Jesus tells us very plainly in John 16:33 (NIV) “In this world you will have trouble…” Are disappointments not a form of trouble? But if we continue reading that same verse we’ll see that Jesus goes on to say, “take heart!” Now how are we supposed to take heart when we have trouble? Again, in John 16:33 Jesus tells us, “I have overcome the world.” Please note, when Jesus spoke these words He was not speaking to everyone. The conversation recorded in John 16 actually begins in John 13 during the “last supper.”  Jesus begins by washing His disciples’ feet and explaining to them the things that are about to take place – His arrest, “trial” and crucifixion. It is during this discourse that Judas Iscariot leaves to betray Jesus. When we come to chapter 16, they have finished the meal and have left the room. (See the end of John 14:31)...

As I came before the Lord in the early hours of the day, the Holy Spirit reminded me what a privilege and honor such a time was. I thought of the excitement I felt when introduced to men and women of greatness and authority – men and women of power and distinction. I have not met a president of this (or any) great country, but what an honor that would be. How much more the honor of coming – invited – into the presence of not just a great and mighty god, but the only true God, creator and sustainer of all that is. I am His and He is mine and He loves me with a never-ending love. Spending the opening hours of the day with Him is not a chore or an item to be checked off my to-do list. It is not something I have to do, but something I get to do and I pray I never take that privilege or my God for granted. Precious Father so holy and wise, what am I to your all seeing eyes? When you look down upon my humbled form what makes you cover me and keep me from harm? What...