[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Important One-Liners:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.
If in my name you ask me for anything. I will do it.
From John 14: 1-14 Read it all:
Perhaps this is the gospel in a nutshell. There is comfort for both the present and the future and the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus defines himself as The Way, but be careful for he goes on to remind us that what he does we must also do and even better. He also offers guidance and the assurance that through him we can see the God of love, mercy and justice. The challenge to all believers is hidden in these words – we are to love and serve like Jesus did.
In the Christian sense, love is not primarily an emotion, but an act of the will. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, he is not telling us to love them in the sense of responding to them with a cozy emotional feeling…On the contrary, he is telling us to love our neighbors in the sense of being willing to work for their well- being, even if it means sacrificing our own well-being to that end, even if it means sometimes just leaving them alone.
– Frederick Buechner
“Let not your heart be troubled,” his tender word I hear,
and resting on his goodness, I lose my doubts and fear;
though by the path he leadeth but one step I may see:
his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
– Civilla Martin
Jesus said to him: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Why do we hear that as a perilous affirmation fraught with exclusion rather than a suggestion of the right path for Thomas and the disciples, with us as present company included? Could it have anything to do with the fact that calling the roll is easier than following the leader? William Brosend.
My life of Jesus
and my life with Jesus
will be – must be –
an unfinished symphony.
The latest notes
are not the last.
Thank God.
– Thomas John Carlisle
You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O lord, faithful God. Psalm 31:3-5
Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way that leads you into rest;
believe in him without delay, and you are fully blest.
Only trust him only trust him, only trust him now.
He will say you, he will save you, he will save you now.
– John H. Stockton
Note: These reflections are for use during the week of May 10- May 16 and are based on the scriptures for worship on May 10.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
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