Refresh

May 1, 2016 | by Gary Heath | series: Easter


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Refresh
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. – Ephesians 2:13-14
Pray the 23rd Psalm: Lord you are my shepherd; I lack nothing. You make me lie down in green pastures, and lead
me beside quiet waters. You refresh my soul.
Use imaginative prayer. Rewrite Psalm 23 with your own specifics: a hurt, where God is leading you, what is refreshing you. Then pray it.
Walk in your neighborhood or in nature. Take note of those things that refresh you.
Give thanks to God for those things that are automatically given to you by Him.

Gospel: John 14:23-29

As Jesus talks of returning to the Father, he promises to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach Jesus’ followers and remind them of all that Jesus taught. Even more, those in whom God makes a home will experience a peace that overcomes fear.

23Jesus answered [Judas (not Iscariot),] “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
25“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29

And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.”

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