Hearing Jesus' Voice

Read John 14:15-27

Context: Jesus and his disciples are at the 'last supper'. He has predicted Peters denial of him and he is talking about the Spirit to come.

Text:
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
22Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

Footnotes:
John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you had any really good offers lately? Maybe someone was referred to you as a person who could help, or you got a phone call out of the blue that offered a great opportunity. Perhaps there is the possibility of a promotion at work or you have been asked to lead a committee at church.

It is nice to be recognized for your talents and abilities, and it makes you feel good that someone has noticed your skills. Often these offers may come from many places at once. Each one is a good opportunity to serve God and to make a difference, but you can't possibly find time to do them all and be there for your family. How do you know the right priorities and projects to choose?

Jesus doesn't want our world to be filled with chaos. If we take on too many things, even really good things, we won't be able to devote enough time to any of them and they won't be as successful as they should be.

Jesus was pulled many different directions by his followers. Each one of them wanted him to do something for them...heal them, get rid of demons, come to dinner, bless the children, speak at their temple, and on and on. How did he know which things were most important during his brief three year ministry? He dismissed the crowds or he got up early and he went to a private place to pray. God made it clear to him, and he will make it clear to us.

If you take the time to meditate on God's word and to pray, you will see the right path to take more clearly.You will feel his peace about certain decisions. Sometimes that means you will need to stop doing some things that are worthwhile so you can better focus on other things. Sometimes you will need to drop everything for a time and devote yourself to your family. Other times you will take on projects that are near and dear to your heart and Gods.

If you life is in chaos, it's time to stop and ask for direction. God wants us to have his peace.