Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 14: 28-29     "You hear me say, 'I am coming back to you.' If you love me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is great than I....."    The Lord said, "Because I am going to the Father, you would be glad." When the disciple heard that Jesus was leaving them, they were filled with grief and sorrow because they were uncertain of the road in front of them.  They were at a loss facing the persecutions by the Jews.  Jesus knew of their fear ahead of time, so He gave them words of encouragement in Chapter 14, He started with, "Do not let your heart be troubled."  Not only should they not be troubled, He added, "You would be glad that I am going to the Father."  How should we be glad when our Lord leaves us?   First, the Lord is going to prepare a place for us.  In addition, He will return to take us back.  The Bible often illustrates our relationship with our Lord as the new groom and the new bride.  Every time when I was performing marriage counseling, I could sense that the new couples were so busy in preparing for their weddings, they were physically tired, but through their eyes I could see they were filled with joy. Similarly, when we think of His return and we will be taken to be with Him forever, we can overlook all the sufferings on this earth, all because we have a love relationship with our Lord.  How should we love our Lord? Here is simple recipe: I encourage you to spend at least 15 minutes daily with a Bible and a hymn book, bring your heart to the Lord singing praises, listening to God's voice and also praying in His own words at the same time.  In doing so, your love for the Lord will naturally increase.   Secondly, we have joy because the Lord has sent the Holy Spirit into our midst.  He becomes our comforter, our help and reminds us of God's word and promises.  We shall never be lonely because the Holy Spirit Himself will guide us. For this reason, we will have genuine peace in our hearts, the peace built on God's words which free us from all sorrow and fear.  Thirdly, we have joy because He will return as a Judge who will plead on our behalves. Brothers and sisters, if you understand the hope brought forth by His coming, you will have joy in your hearts. May God open the eyes in our heart, so that we may be filled with joy knowing this truth.                                Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, we thank you for not only have you died for us, resurrected   and ascended to heaven, you will return again.  May you open our eyes so that we may have joy everyday living in your promises. With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!

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