Application of God's Word: John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Application:
Just as Jesus did not belong to the satanic world system, so believers do
not. They belong to the heavenly kingdom (Colossians 1:13) because of their new
births (John 3:3). Jesus had prayed for protection for His disciples (John
17:11). Now His second petition for them was for their sanctification (Sanctify
means “set apart for special use). A believer is to be distinct from the
world's sin, its values, and its goals.
The means of this sanctifying work is God's truth. The truth is communicated
in the Word, which is both personal and propositional. As the message about
Jesus was heard, believed, and understood, the disciples' hearts and minds were
captured. This change in their thinking resulted in changes in their living.
The same is true of believers today. As they appropriate God's Word to their
lives, they are sanctified - set apart for God and changed in their living in
order to honor God. God's message set the apostles apart from the world so that
they would do His will, not Satan's.
Q&A: "Higher Power" vs. "God"
How can people say they believe in a "higher
power" and not just say that so called "higher power" is God?
Belief in a "higher power" is a more inclusive
term that allows for a range of spiritual, religious, and philosophical
perspectives. Some people may use this term to acknowledge a divine or
transcendent force without aligning themselves with specific religious
doctrines or the concept of "God" as defined by particular faith
traditions.
For instance, individuals who identify as spiritual but not
religious might believe in a universal energy, cosmic consciousness, or
interconnectedness of all life forms. They might find the term "higher
power" more fitting to their beliefs, as it doesn't carry the same
connotations or structures associated with organized religion.
Others might come from polytheistic traditions, where
multiple deities or spirits are venerated, making the term "higher
power" more encompassing than "God," which often implies a
singular, monotheistic entity.
Lastly, some people might be agnostic or still exploring
their beliefs. They might prefer a more open-ended term that allows them room
to explore without committing to a specific definition.
The diversity of human experience and belief is vast, and
language helps us navigate these nuances.
No matter the optional "mindsets", I still
believe they all point to God.
That's a meaningful perspective, and it reflects a deep
sense of faith. Many people find comfort and clarity in their belief that all
spiritual paths and experiences ultimately lead to the same divine source. This
belief can foster a sense of unity and connection with others, even those with
different spiritual or religious backgrounds.
It's fascinating how personal and unique each person's
journey of faith can be. Whether one sees the "higher power" as God,
the universe, or something else entirely, these beliefs often guide their
values, actions, and sense of purpose.
(Answer obtained via Microsoft Copilot)
But, God, I Don’t Want To Plant a Garden Here
"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel,
says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.’”
says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.’”
Jeremiah 29:4-5
During difficult times of life or when facing hard transitions, I have found myself struggling to understand God’s plans.
In seasons I certainly don’t want to embrace or settle into, many times my desires don’t line up with God’s plans. I cry out for rescue, hoping He will swoop in and remove me from my uncomfortable situation — but sometimes His response is, Stay where you are. Build houses, plant gardens, and live your life.
Jeremiah 29:4 portrays this surprising command given to God’s people in exile. Taken from their homeland to Babylon, the people of Judah longed for a quick return to Jerusalem. They wanted to be rescued, for God to undo their captivity and restore them to their former lives. But instead of immediate deliverance, God’s message through the prophet Jeremiah was to settle down in the very place they wanted to escape.
“This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce’” (Jeremiah 29:4-5).
It’s not difficult to imagine their frustration and hopelessness. But, God, we don’t want to plant gardens and build houses here. We don’t belong here. This is not our home. Fix this, Lord!
Yet God’s command was clear — He had a purpose for the Israelites in Babylon. They wanted to hear His plans for immediate relief, but instead they heard that their stay would not be short. Thus He encouraged them to embrace the present instead of wasting their days longing for the past or dreaming of a faraway future.
This passage challenges our perspective on difficult seasons of life. We often plead with God to change our circumstances, to remove our pain, struggle or discomfort. But sometimes God’s answer is not to change our situation but to change us within it. He invites us to build and plant, creating and loving life in the very place we don’t want to be.
Perhaps you currently feel out of place, longing for God to change your situation. It’s natural to want to escape hardship and discomfort. But what if God is telling you to stay and “plant a garden” right where you are? What if He is cultivating something within you that requires time, patience and perseverance so true growth can take place?
Resist the urge to merely endure. Instead, ask God how you can invest in the season He has you in, and trust He has a plan even in the waiting.
He’s got you, and you’ve got this. Now, go plant that garden.
Lord, life has changed, and it feels so difficult. Please give me peace, the ability to embrace where You have me, and the courage to live fully, trusting in Your plans for me and Your sovereignty over all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Tracie Miles
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Jesus Wants You To Know...
"I want you to be all Mine. I want you to depend only on Me - not on your friends, or yourself, or your circumstances. Depending only on Me may make you feel a bit like the tightrope walker at the circus. But don’t be afraid of falling; I am your safety net. I will catch you - I promise! So don’t look down. Look ahead to Me. I am always in front of you, encouraging you to come closer to Me, one step at a time."
- "Jesus Calling for Kids" by Sarah Young