The disciples’ statement that, “Now we realize…we believe that you came from God” (v. 30), doesn’t strike me as virtuous or trusting but, rather, naïve and immature. They assume what they have now is full understanding. Yet, I may hear a little sass in Jesus’ reply, “Do you believe now?” (v. 31).
They are not wrong to recognize that Jesus did, indeed, come from God. But the Lord is longing to reveal so much more. “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me,” Jesus emphasized, confident that, “the Father is with me” (v. 32).
To believe this takes courage. Not in the sense of heroics but courage to tell all that is in one’s heart, recalling the meaning of courage comes from the Latin—cor—for heart. In my case, for example, telling Jesus all that is in my heart, in full honesty, means acknowledging how vulnerable and fragile I feel about having a heart condition. “But I am not alone,” he reminds me, “because the Father is with me.”
Blessings Maria for the message about "cor"-the heart. I realize that the core of our being is the heart where it makes us human to know our vulnerable and broken self. The heart is where kindness, love, trust, mysteries, honesty, compassion, passion, secrets, hurts, disappointment, along with the blood flow throughout our bodies from head to toe. The heartbeat of courage to love the stranger, feeding the hungry, giving thirsty a drink, comforting those who are grieving, showing up at demonstrations for those who in detention centers, visiting the sick and ill, praying for peace. There are a lot of...
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*** When things were going well with so many disciples following Jesus everywhere at this time that the disciples believed in John 16:30, “Now we can see that you know everything. You don’t even need anyone to ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.” *** What about when things were not going well? Jesus said they would scatter and leave Jesus in John 16:31:32ab, ““Do you believe now?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming when you will be scattered and go to your own homes! In fact, that time is already here. You will leave me...
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AMEN!
Amen! Thank you Maria.
Maria, thank you sharing how courageous one is to expose our innermost feelings to Jesus. Knowing He is with the Father, I include so many requests for others in my prayers. Confiding my own fears and cares brings me closer to Jesus, trusting that His peace is also for me!
Amen. :)
"Take Courage". May peace be with you. Amen!
Maria wonderful words to recall and remind myself of throughout the day. Thank you. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.
Just read yesterdays comments and Pam save travels. Sunshine nice to hear from you.
Maria, my take exactly on the passage above. I imagine Jesus rolled his eyes more than once at His followers. Coming back from a quiet retreat with church friends. Kept you all in my thoughts. The girls were so loving and caring of me but as I become more and more dependent I fear I won’t be able to do many more and that’s unfortunate for my hubby as it gives him a break from care giving. This was the first time I didn’t have access to this site while away so I sure hope you all are well and...
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Vicki G: The courage to be a caregiver, to take time to be away and renew yourself is so important to do. Burnout because you love who you are taken care of happens. Thankful you took care of yourself. Continue to be courageous in caregiving, take care of yourself first is the courage you need then take care of your loved ones. You and your husband are beloved people, know that God's face shines upon you, God gives you strength to renew yourself and know that God's love is with you always in the Spirit's many names.
pure hearted (sp)
Good morning, Vicki! So glad that you had the opportunity to get away to reflect and have quiet peace and the love of your friends at your retreat. I have been praying for you and the whole family and will continue to remember you all in my prayers. You have helped me so much over the years with the challenges we’ve faced concerning our grandson Zachary and I’d like you to know that he’s 15 years old now, ready to graduate from 8th grade and already signed up for an alternative high school for the Fall. He is growing up...
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Vicky G. I continue to pray for you and your family. Virtual hugs to you!
Amen Amen Amen thank you Lord for being with us all God is Great
AMEN
Amen
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Good afternoon my L.F.F. I hope all are as well as can be. Happy Monday. Thank you Stormi for mentioning my name, You made my Birthday month of May. I was born on May 4th and am very grateful to God for keeping Me here with My Sons and 3 Grandchildren. I wish You the Best always my Sister in Christ Stormi and all of my L.F.F. May God continue to Bless Us All Nicely, God's Will, God's Way