From: May 27, 2026
“Look, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7 ESV).
Jesus spoke these words to His sorrowful disciples on the night before His crucifixion. The disciples struggled to understand how losing their Master could possibly be an advantage. However, Jesus explained that His departure was entirely necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit. This was not a matter of Christ lacking the power to be physically present and send the Spirit simultaneously. Rather, His departure through death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation was a vital part of God’s saving plan.
The central issue was redemptive timing, not inability. In His incarnation, Jesus had voluntarily accepted human limitations. Therefore, His departure meant the disciples would lose Jesus beside them but gain the Spirit within them. Jesus called the Spirit the “Helper,” using the Greek word Paraklētos. This rich term, which means “one called alongside to help,” can be translated as Helper, Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, or Intercessor. While the disciples viewed His departure with sorrow, Jesus taught that being filled with His Spirit would turn their sorrow into joy.
We often find ourselves wishing we could physically walk alongside Jesus, thinking it would make our faith much easier. Yet, we must embrace the profound reality of what Christ promised. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ no longer merely stands beside us; He actually dwells within us. This means we have a constant Advocate, Comforter, and Guide living inside us every single moment. We are never left to navigate life’s trials on our own. When we depend on the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, we begin to experience the true power of the believer’s unseen advantage.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You for Your perfect, sovereign plan. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to live inside us. Forgive us for the times we feel alone, forgetting the incredible Helper You have provided. Teach us to rely daily on His strength, comfort, and guidance so that we may honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 27, 2025
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).
True peace is not found in a trouble-free place, but in an overcoming Person. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So, true peace is found only in Christ Jesus.
The word, “shalom,” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” This is important because it has a greater depth of meaning than our word “peace.” Shalom is more than a cessation of hostilities, or an absence of trouble. Shalom speaks to an inward sense of fullness and wholeness. It describes an inner tranquility and sense of well-being that cannot be disturbed by external storms.
Speaking of storms, can you picture Jesus asleep in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee as a terrible storm threatens to swamp and sink it? Can you see the disciples trembling in fear and calling out to Jesus? Do you hear the quiet and commanding voice of Jesus speak to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still.”? This is the same Jesus that offers to live in us.
The question is not whether storms will come. They certainly will. The question is, “Do you have Jesus in your boat?” Do you have Jesus in your life? For only those who abide in Christ know this shalom, this “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us this peace of Christ today. For we face many troubles in this world. Give us this peace that sorrow cannot disturb and trouble cannot break. As we give our sufferings and sorrows to You, give us more of the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 27, 2024
‘Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”‘ (2 Samuel 12:7 ESV).
The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Certainly, the focus of the story is on David’s sin and repentance, and God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Yet, the prophet Nathan’s role in this story is worthy of consideration too.
What manner of man was Nathan? He didn’t hesitate to carry the Lord’s rebuke to David, declaring him “the man” who in his parable had taken the poor man’s lamb, which in reality was Uriah the Hittite’s wife. Nathan’s parable was so well conceived that David didn’t suspect that he was its subject until he had unknowingly pronounced a death sentence upon himself. Yet, Nathan didn’t hesitate. The moment David reached his judgment, Nathan declared him “the man” deserving such judgment. Nathan boldly fulfilled his prophetic office, risking his own life to declare such a thing to the king. Remember what happened to the prophet John the Baptist when he rebuked King Herod’s sin? He ended up with his head on a platter (Mark 6:27-28)!
Nathan didn’t hesitate to rebuke sin, even if a king was the focus. But he also was quick to declare the Lord’s forgiveness when David confessed his sin without excuse. Nathan was a good prophet. He did not hesitate to rebuke sin, nor was he slow to offer the message of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent.
May the Church today fulfill its prophetic office as Nathan did, fearlessly speaking God’s Word to those in power. May we boldly rebuke sin no matter where it occurs, while also being quick to offer the message of forgiveness to those who repent.
PRAYER: Dear Father, may we be obedient like Nathan to go to those to whom You send us, speaking Your Word boldly. May we also be quick to repent and confess our sin as David. For we too are in need of your grace and forgiveness. Help us to walk by faith in Your Son, knowing when to speak and when to listen. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 27, 2023
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).
True peace is not found in a trouble-free place, but in a Person. This peace is not about the absence of trouble, but the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. For trials and sorrows are inevitable in this world, but Christ has overcome them all. So, true peace is found only in Christ Jesus.
The word, “shalom,” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” This is important because it has a greater depth of meaning than our word “peace.” Shalom is more than a cessation of hostilities, or an absence of trouble. Shalom speaks to an inward sense of fullness and wholeness. It describes an inner tranquility and sense of well-being that cannot be disturbed by external storms.
Speaking of storms, can you picture Jesus asleep in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee as a terrible storm threatens to swamp and sink it? Can you see the disciples trembling in fear and calling out to Jesus? Do you hear the quiet and commanding voice of Jesus speak to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still.”? This is the same Jesus that offers to live in us.
The question is not whether storms will come. They certainly will. The question is, “Do you have Jesus in your boat?” Do you have Jesus in your life? For only those who abide in Christ know this shalom, this “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). The peace of Christ overcomes worldly sorrow.
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us this peace of Christ today. For we face many troubles in this world. Give us this peace that sorrow cannot disturb and trouble cannot break. As we give our sufferings and sorrows to You, give us more of the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.