I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33(NIV)
Near the end of their last meal together, just before Jesus is handed over to be crucified, the disciples seem to finally understand who Jesus is and feel confident in their future. However, in words that sound made for our current time, Jesus warns that things won’t always be easy. Their faith will be tested and they will be scattered “each to their own home.” But even in times of trouble we are to “take heart” and “have courage” because Jesus has overcome the worst the world can offer. He has triumphed over death and, through him, so have we.
Prayer - Jesus, in our times of fear and uncertainty, give us courage. Let our lives be filled with the sure and certain knowledge that you are with us and that in you we are safe from the world’s troubles.
Written by Bill Allaway, Deacon and Bible Study Leader at WHPC
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
The Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well must have been pretty confused by what Jesus said to her. Who wouldn’t want water that could quench thirst forever! Water always quenches thirst and refreshes the spirts for a while, but in time, thirst returns and more water is needed. But Jesus promises something different; the Spirit and the gift of his grace in abundant proportions flowing into the hearts of believers for eternity.
Prayer - Lord, I am thirsty for the living water that only you can provide. Lead me to the well of eternal life and to peace in you. I ask that you allow the river of living water to flow through me in your name. Amen.
Written by Mike Ussery, Elder and Bible Study Leader at WHPC
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[f] Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,[g] the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” John 11:25-27
Jesus is speaking these words to his dear friend, Martha, right after her brother, Lazarus, died. He is reassuring her that her brother will rise again.
When Jesus tells her that he IS the resurrection and the life and that those who believe in him, though they die, will live, and those who believe and live will never die, does Martha understand all Jesus is saying? Personally, I doubt it. But when Jesus asks her if she believes what he has said, I love her response. She simply says, “Yes, Lord.” She knows HE is the promised Messiah, son of God, and believes HIM. Martha gets the one essential thing!
Prayer - Lord God, you are God and we are not. There are many things we don’t grasp or understand – there is mystery. Thank you for your Word. Thank you that even when we don’t fully understand everything – that we don’t NEED to understand everything. You will give us light as we are ready, in YOUR time. All we really need is to trust YOU. Help us trust you more. AMEN
Written by Nancy Kocurek, Elder and Life Group Leader at WHPC
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10-:11
The Hebrew Scriptures often speak of bad shepherds. Kings who will not follow God’s commands- prophets who glorify themselves and not God’s word- priests who lack faithfulness and clean hearts. Hebrew Scripture state that such shepherds will be replaced by the True Shepherd. This shepherd will love God’s people and sacrifice for them. This shepherd will care for people as God cares for them. This shepherd will lay down his life- pour out his life – for God’s flock. This shepherd guides and forgives and brings life to this day, guarding us from the bad shepherds that abound, shepherds unlikely to sacrifice anything for our souls.
Prayer - Jesus guide me and lead me in your path, and into life. AMEN
Written by Stacy Ikard, Senior Associate Pastor at WHPC
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal. John 6:27
We know that we cannot live by food alone, because it doesn’t last long and its substance is perishing and diminishing as it passes through our bodies. But aren’t we supposed to work to put food on the table for ourselves and our families? Jesus instead wants us to pursue the growth and nourishment of our souls by feeding on him, by faith unto everlasting life. He reminds us that He was designated and appointed to be the Savior, and Redeemer of his people.
Prayer - Father, I seek the nourishment which you provide through your grace, pardon and justification. Use me to do the work that you have prepared for me to do in your name. Amen.
Written by Mike Ussery, Elder and Bible Study Leader at WHPC