MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011
“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” John 3:12
READ
There seems to be a dichotomy in the things of God at times. Sometimes faith seems to more complicated than we want it to be and sometimes faith seems much simpler than we make it out to be. It can feel more complicated because the truths of heavenly things are so different from what we expect or tend to think. They are so counter-cultural it feels confusing. They are simpler because heavenly things make your life much simpler once you accept the truth of them.
But perhaps the reason for this is the words of Jesus in this passage. The reality is that heavenly truths are lived out in earthly lives. So there is a tension between those two worlds. This is what makes this statement by Jesus so important. If we cannot accept earthly truths, which are really heavenly truths lived out on earth, then how can we be expected to fully understand His heavenly truths?
PREPARE
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
PRAY
- Pray that God helps us to see the application of heavenly truths in our lives
TRUST
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
FOLLOW
What’s happening around us?
Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) is known world-wide as having started the first Restorative Justice program. They provide services in conflict resolution, group support for persons impacted by sexual trauma, and reintegration support for women returning to the community from prison through a weekly community engagement program and reintegration support circles. There are many opportunities for volunteers to become involved: mediation involving families, groups, neighbours, employees, etc.; participation in a weekly recreation program at Grand Valley Prison for Women; office assistance; database entry; resource library assistance; reintegration support circle member for a woman leaving prison.
http://www.rayofhope.net