December 23rd, 24:Embracing Jesus' Love and Overcoming the World: John: Chapters 15 to 18

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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you.

TODAY'S EPISODE:

Welcome, dear friends, to the Daily Radio Bible. Today is December 23rd, and we're on day 358 of our journey through the scriptures. I’m Hunter, your brother and Bible reading coach, here to guide you as we read through the entire Bible, covering the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. But more than just reading, our deep desire is to experience the transformative love and presence of God, fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

In today's episode, we'll dive into the Gospel of John, chapters 15 through 18. We'll explore Jesus’ profound teachings about the vine and the branches, his relationship with the Father, and his prayers for his disciples. We’ll witness the poignant moments leading up to his arrest and Peter’s denial, and conclude with Jesus' trial before Pilate. Through these scriptures and our time in prayer, we seek not just understanding, but the peace and strength to walk with Him through all of life’s trials. Join us as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word.

Let's embark on this sacred journey together.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

Here in John 16, we see Jesus trying to describe his relationship with the father. He's preparing his disciples for what's about to happen. He's trying to describe all of this to them, and they're struggling to understand. And finally, it seems like they just decide to fake it and say, well, yes, Lord. We finally understand. Finally, you're speaking plainly and not figuratively. We get it. I can't help but think that Jesus knew that they did not understand.

In fact, in verse 31 and 32, he asked them somewhat incredulously, do you really believe that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when you'll be scattered each one going his own way leaving me alone? I mean, if they really understood, would they do that? Yet Jesus says I'm not alone because the father is with me. It seems that Jesus is calling them out a bit ever so gently. I think he's saying no no no. You really don't believe. If you truly believed, you wouldn't desert me, and that's exactly what's about to happen. You're going to leave, but I won't be alone. This is all very necessary, and then he tells them what a heart looks like that truly believes in him. Verse 33

I've told you all this so that you may have peace in me here on earth. You'll have many trials and sorrows, but take heart because I have overcome the world. We are going to have troubles in this world. If anything, the last 2 years has given us is clarity on this point. That is a reality. We will have troubles in this world. Sometimes there is a pandemic. But take heart, Jesus says.

Have courage, he says. I've overcome the world. I think Jesus is saying that if we truly believe, we won't run and hide. Instead, we'll recognize that he's with us, and he has the power to overcome and see us through all the troubles that we experience in this life. Life will not be void of troubles, but he will be there. So let me ask you, and I'll ask myself, do we really believe, or are we running and hiding? Have we learned to receive the word that says, take heart. I have overcome the world. You don't need to flee if you believe that I'm with you.

So walk with me in and through all of your troubles. I'm with you. Have faith in that. Walk with him through that. Walking with him is what we are all called to do, and by faith, that is what we will do. That's the prayer that I have for my own heart, for my own soul. And that's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you.

May it be so.

TODAY'S PRAYERS:

Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.  

Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.  

And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen

And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray...

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen. 

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