Tag Archives: John 16:33

Light for the Coming Darkness

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Light on a hill

Where there looms fear,
There is need for drawing close to God.
Where there is no fear,
We invest little in prayer.

Where there is grief,
There is need for hope.
Where there is no sorrow,
We grip tightly to the present instead of Jesus.

Where there is doubt.
There is a need for faith
Where doubt does not exist,
There is little need to exercise faith.

Where there is love and forgiveness,
There is passionate devotion.
Where there is no love there is indifference,
and indifference makes the heart grow hard.

Where there is horrid ugliness
There is a longing for innocence.
Where people accept the grotesque,
There is no desire for salvation.

All the doubt, the fear, the sorrow, the ugliness does not show the absence of God, but quite to the contrary … Shows our need for Him.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world. – Jesus John 16:33

A Prayer For the Pandemic

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Standing on a rock in the Enchantments

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:2-3

Take heart my friends, for Jesus, the Rock of Ages, is a sure foundation for these troubled times. We can take refuge in Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Not One Drop Out of Place

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Each drop exactly where God put it to be.

For many people around the world, the current pandemic has produced chaos and fear concerning life. Jesus has warned us that trouble would happen.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

It is good to know we can have courage because Jesus is in control. Even the hairs on your head are numbered (Matt. 10:30).

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. John 14:27

If God controls the drops of water cascading down a stream, we can trust Him in this time of chaos, for nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35)

Christmas Storms

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Heavy snow storm in the woods

A cold heavy snow storm

Life is full of storms, most far worse than this snow storm. The Bible assures us that in such hard times, God is with those who love Him, even when we struggle with doubt. He promises to not only bring us through, but use our ordeal for his glory and our good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Unfortunately, this verse has been used clobber people over the head. Minimizing their travail with “don’t worry, be happy.” Instead of helping, it makes those undergoing difficulty feel guilty for not being able to rise above their fear, worry, anger and sadness. Jesus in Gethsemane felt all these emotions to the point of sweating blood, so our own dark swings of emotion are shared by our Creator…He understands.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The point of these verses is to plant a tiny seed of hope — not make us feel guilty. They are given to help us endure the howling winds of life by reminding us that morning is coming. A glorious Christmas morning like none have ever known before.

The two pictures below were taken the following morning. They would not have been possible except for the cold winter storm.

the morning after a storm

After the storm

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Icicles sparkling in the morning sun