Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
__________

Morning Reading – John 14:25-31 (NLT)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (Continued)

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Is there something on your mind that’s unsettling you today? Is there something on your heart that’s troubling you – a fear or anxiety, a sadness or sorrow, a relationship or family issue, a financial or work-related issue, the immorality and evil run rampant in society, the corruption and deceit of government, something else? Make up your own list; it’s not difficult because we are living in troubled times.

The good news is that Jesus has given us his peace for such a time as this.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

Two aspects of the peace that Jesus offers stand out in today’s reading –

+ Jesus has given us his Spirit (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby) – we are not alone, his Spirit is with us and in us:

1. to teach us everything, or make everything plain to us. (vs 14:26)
2. to remind us of everything that Jesus taught. (vs 14:26)

+ Jesus will come back again, in all his eternal glory:

1. to usher in the Day of Judgement, and right all wrongs. (vs 12:48)
2. to take us to the heavenly home he has already prepared for us. (vs 14:2)

Questions for consideration:

• What’s troubling your heart? Is it the Holy Spirit stirring within you, or a deceitful spirit sent from the evil one? How do you tell the difference? Please explain.
• What has the Holy Spirit taught you? What teaching, or command, of Jesus has the Holy Spirit brought to your attention? What did you do about it? Please explain.
• When everything seems to be going wrong around you, how does the promise of Jesus’ glorious return affect you – strengthen or encourage you? Please explain.

__________

Morning Prayer:

Almighty God: Our minds and hearts are troubled by all the ills that beset us and the world in which we live. In the midst of the chaos and confusion around us, we seek the peace of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

In his name, we give all our worries and cares to you! Give us the discernment to distinguish between the movement of your Spirit within us, and the wiles and deceit of the devil who seeks to destroy us.

And, by your grace, restore us, support us, and strengthen our foundation in Christ Jesus as await his glorious return. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“It Is Well” – Kristene DiMarco | You Make Me Brave

__________

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen