"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -- John 14:27

Do you ever feel like life changes so much and so fast that you can't seem to get a handle on it?  Like having a child graduate and prepare to leave the nest... sometimes it keeps you up at night.  You stare at the ceiling fan.  You know that it's good and right, but you've lived the last 18 years having some sense of control.  Then you find yourself at a turn where things are in motion and you can't direct and control them like you once could.  Life can be like that when it changes on you.  But here in John we have the words of Jesus... he was getting ready to leave in a different way... he wanted to reassure his friends and disciples that they could be confident that it was all part of the plan... they couldn't control it... they couldn't stop it.  As much as they didn't want life to change for them in that way, it had to in order for the greater, more lasting change to occur.  Sometimes it's hard to see beyond the corner we're turning.  But we have to have faith that around that corner is something better yet to come.  So I should listen to these words and trust in them... but why can't I sleep?

Readings:  2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." -- John 13:34-35

One of the most important verses in the New Testament in my opinion.  This is a radical departure from what had been considered belonging-- birthright and race.  Now, the mark of belonging to this tribe was the love each would have for one another.  No longer would righteousness be measured by adherence to the unending list of religious laws, but rather, it would be marked by the nature of one's relationships and the presence of love in them.  As you present yourself to the world, do the people in it know your faith by tattoos, bumper stickers, and symbols on jewelry?  Or do they see Christ in you as you show that love to them?

Readings:  2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." -- Proverbs 15:30

A "cheerful look", and "good news"... sounds like new age "positive thinking", that ever-popular teaching that if you just change your viewpoint and see the positive in your situation, you'll live happier and healthier.  Well, it's true.  Apparently, this isn't so new age after all.  It's something that's been around for thousands of years.  The writer of this proverb knew the power of a happy countenance and positive words.  So if it's true, then why don't we practice it?  Even science has shown that forced smiling releases chemicals in our brain that turn our mood from dark to light.  And socially, who likes to be around Debbie Downer?  It's official:  positive thinking does have power.  Exercise that power today.  Don't let the dark clouds envelop you.  Walk in the light.

Readings:  2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

"Then Jesus told them, 'You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it...'" -- John 12:35-36

Later in the chapter, Jesus says, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.  When he looks at me, he see the one who sent me.  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one  who believes in me should stay in darkness." (12:44-45)

Light is a curious thing.  It can be warm, reassuring, and safe.  It can make our path clear before us so that our steps are sure.  It is a wonderful thing.  But as comforting and as reassuring as it is, it can also be harsh and revealing.  There's nowhere to hide in the light.  Many prefer the shadows so as not to be seen.  But to live in the light is to live in Christ.   We have a choice as to where and how we live.  Darkness will overtake all of us at the time of death, so why would we want to walk in the shadows of death all of our lives?  While you still have it, choose the path of light today, not the road of death.

Readings:  2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

"I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." -- Psalm 118:13-14

When our lives are aligned with the will of God, there is a sense of peace, of "rightness"... of being where we belong.  It's that "fish-in-water" feeling you get when you know you're in your element.  You sense that your life is fueled by God and there is a personal relationship in play.  You sense God's presence and protection.  But it doesn't happen automatically.  As a child, there is an instinctive connection, but as an adult, you must be "born again"... you must go to the water once you've been touched by the fire.  And when we do begin life in the Christian faith, we do so in a way that's not always easy.  It's like marriage, in that it can be a big adjustment.  But once you find that place of familiarity and understanding of the scriptures, of worship, and ease in prayer, you will understand the Psalmist's attributions to God.  Give it time as you would learning to swim. 

Readings:  1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:54-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" -- John 11:25-26

Martha is in distress.  Her brother Lazarus has died, and she regrets Jesus was not there earlier, certain that  he would have been able to prevent him from dying.  Jesus comforts her by saying that Lazarus will rise again.  Martha thinks she understands, assuming that Jesus is talking about that day when all will rise from the dead... but Jesus is speaking in more immediate terms.  Lazarus will rise much sooner than that.

When you're feeling like all hope is lost, when you sense nothing new around the corner... when you think that your current reality is all there is... don't be surprised if your wrong.  Living a resurrection life is not living for one day far away.  Today can be the new day of hope you are looking for.   Don't wait.  Life can be yours right now.  Live in the reality of life, not in fear or despair of death.

Readings:  1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-53; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23 

"Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course." -- Proverbs 15:21

"Folly" is the lack of good sense.  We all have moments that are frivolous, fun, and nonsensical.  We might engage in an "act of folly" from time to time because life would be utterly dull without sometimes having a little fun.  However, to live a life of folly is altogether different.  This is when our existence is spent seeking out only fun and pleasure.  It leads to repeated quests for heightened sensory experiences looking for, at first, a new thrill-- but then after that-- a new fix.  It leads us away from laying any sort of foundation or having long-term, stable relationships.  It is not the way to prosperity.  It is a road to ruin.  Have fun, joke, play, and have some folly in your life, but do so against the backdrop of reason, self-control, and sobriety.  Keep a straight course.

Readings:  1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21