Seek Connection with Jesus

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116 ACCEPTED

116 Accepted 53 Completed

Some of Jesus’s final words to his closest followers reminded them that they were wired for connection. Jesus said, “If you remain in me, you will bear much fruit, but apart from me you can do nothing.” Peter wanted to believe this; in fact, he experienced connection to Jesus and knew what it is like to experience the life that comes from connection to him. But when Jesus went to the cross, Peter quickly reverted back to relying on his own power and strength by denying he even knew Jesus. Tangled up in the mess of his mistakes, once again Jesus invited him back into the simple way of connection with two words: “Follow me.” In the midst of Peter’s setbacks, Jesus is reminds him, and us, that it's not about what we do for Jesus, it’s all about being with Jesus.

For this week's challenge, be intentional about seeking out new or renewed ways to purposefully connecting with Jesus. Through whatever ways you choose to connect more deeply with Jesus, remember that the point of this connection is not production, but simply because Jesus wants more of you and more time with you. It is only by being connected to him that we discover true freedom that comes from knowing we never have to fix or handle things ourselves in this life.

Jun 5

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Purpose

Investing in Others

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Over the past 3 months, I have developed an intentional pattern of time alone with God. A specific place and time of day. Yes, there were interruptions and my own need to submit to that commitment. Often, my mind would wander and I would be easily distracted by this or that chore … But the desire to hear from the Lord was a great motivator to pull me back to the goal to be with the Lord. Over time, I felt the rhythm become natural and a sweetness fall over that time and place. Like any relationship it requires my intentional involvement. ❤️🙏🏼

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Waiting to Take Action

So many times, when things seem wrong or difficult, we put off addressing the issue. We tell ourselves that everything is fine when, in fact, everything isn't fine. We convince ourselves that we’ll fix it later or get some help down the road, but the longer we wait, the worse things get. Eventually, we come to a place where we realize that we need some help though. But if we had asked for help earlier, it would've made a big difference. In John 15:5, Jesus is talking to his disciples in what is called the final discourse because this is really the last sermon that he would preach to his closest followers. It was more of a conversation that he had with them as they walked along the side of the road. Jesus said to them, as they walked on these streets outside of Jerusalem heading towards the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, “I'm the vine and you're the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he'll bear much fruit, but apart from me, he can't do anything.” Jesus is reminding them that it's all about connection. If you look at the beginning of this conversation, it actually starts in John chapter 14. In John chapter 14:1, Jesus says to his followers, “Don't let your hearts be troubled.” That's how the final discourse begins, and then it ends in John 16:33 with, “In this world, you will have trouble.” We see that the final discourse begins and ends with this promise of trouble and with the recognition that trouble is real. Jesus could have used a Greek word that we would translate more as annoyance or frustration, but that's not the word that he uses here. The word he uses here is a personal word that connects to the highest levels of pain and anxiety. Jesus understood this type of pain, but wanted to remind his followers that this type of trouble would certainly come in their lives and how connection helps us get through it. Reflection/Discussion Question: When in your life have you put off addressing a problem in your life that ended up causing more trouble in the end?