Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Thoughts, Reflections, Inspirations, and Prayers
Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Unplugging to Connect: Finding Purpose Beyond the Daily Grind
In this episode, Walt explores the transformative power of stepping away from our daily routines to deepen our faith and relationships. He shares insights from a recent camping trip and draws parallels to Jesus' disciples' journey. Walt delves into John 14:1-31, discussing Jesus' promise of preparing a place for his followers and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The episode encourages listeners to seek spiritual renewal, embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and find purpose in their faith journey. Walt concludes with a powerful benediction and prayer, reminding us of the importance of walking by the Spirit in our daily lives.
My brothers and sisters, walt, here with simple thoughts and simple prayers. Today, we'll be covering the passage of John 14, 1-31. Have you ever felt lost, like you were wandering through life unable to see the path ahead? Perhaps you've been going through the motions of faith, caught in the daily grind of your longing for something more. Well, you're not alone. To combat this daily grind, our small group decided to go on a camping adventure called the Alpha Weekend. This was a time to fully immerse ourselves in each other's company and give thanks for our special bond. To create deeper connection and reflection, we unplugged from the world, establishing a phone-free environment, trading screens for starry skies. In this sacred space, our friendships flourished, our spirits were renewed and our faith deepened.
Speaker 1:Like us, the disciples faced the daily grind of life. They had jobs, families and the challenges of living in the first century. Yet deep down, they long for something more, a purpose that transcended the ordinary. Jesus, who they would soon believe to be the Son of God, gives them a compelling invitation to step out of that daily grind with Him. This journey was marked by both trials and triumphs, and they were transformed by grace and purpose. Let's explore how these ordinary individuals became extraordinary individuals, finding inspiration and guidance for our own paths.
Speaker 1:A time came in their journey together when Jesus was essentially saying, like that card game, uno Uno. Out In verse 1, he says Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If they were not, so would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself that where I am, you may be also, and you know the way where I'm going and you know the way where I'm going. The disciples had every reason to be troubled. Jesus had just told them prior that one of them was a traitor, that all of them would deny him and that he would leave them that night. All this information legitimately troubled the disciples. Yet Jesus told them Let not your hearts be troubled. Thomas said to him Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? And Jesus said to him I am the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me, and no one comes to the Father except through me. As we travel and navigate through life. We can probably feel this way when we face trials of various kinds. In this passage, there are some very significant words said that stand out, one of them being I go to prepare a place for you.
Speaker 1:Jesus prepares a place for his people because he loves them and is confident of their arrival. Love prepares a welcome. With love, expected parents prepare a room for the baby With love, the hostess prepares a place for the guests to stay. In verse 15, jesus promises something. In verse 15, jesus promises something if you love me, you will keep my commandments and I will ask the father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever. Even the spirit of truth the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the advocate, the comforter and the helper, not only to the disciples, but to all of us. Let's remember the Holy Spirit, a gift from God, and walk in His guidance and joy.
Speaker 1:Alpha weekend was a truly special time where the Holy Spirit moved powerfully among us. Many experienced deep healings and felt the incredible love that binds us as brothers and sisters. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, god's grace is experienced and displayed in each of our lives as we walk by faith With that. I give you this benediction Galatians 5, 16. But I say to you walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Let us pray, heavenly Father.
Speaker 1:We come before you today with a heart longing to be filled with your Holy Spirit. We acknowledge the need for your divine presence and power in our lives. Lord, god, holy Spirit, we invite you to fill every corner of our being Saturate our minds with your wisdom, our hearts with your love and our souls with your peace. We surrender our wills to yours and ask that you empower us to live a life that glorifies God. Lord, ignite in us a passion for your kingdom and equip us to be a faithful witness of your love. Grant us boldness to share your message with others and the compassion to serve those in need. Lord, we yearn to experience the fullness of your spirit, to be transformed by your power and to bear the fruit of your love. May the Holy Spirit guide us in every step, strengthening us in every trial and comforting us in every sorrow. Lord, we thank you for the promise of your indwelling presence. Lord, we believe and receive your abundant grace In Jesus' mighty name, amen.