Click here to watch my video reflection on our text for today, or keep reading for my written reflections: 

Today as one of our readings, we look at John 14: 25-27:

25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But 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. 27 Peace 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.

Today in readings, we look at John 14.  This passage comes after Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples, of His giving the Last Supper and the Great Commandment.  He is preparing to go to the cross and He is preparing the disciples for that.  The next few chapters of John will be focused on that and on what is to come. 

John 14 is a favorite passage for many, myself included.  It is a passage that you hear at a lot of funerals, in my Father’s house are many mansions; I go and prepare a place for you.   Words that mean a lot to us and comfort us.  Today, we see Him tell us something else.  

Jesus tells us that He gives us peace.  He does not give to us as the world gives, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  He gives us peace. If we are rooted in Him, if He is life, if the Spirit is our source of strength, then we will have peace.  

So, today, my question is this.  Do you have peace.  If not, then my second question is this. Where you are being formed?  Are you being formed by: 

The news and television you watch? 

The websites that you read? 

What you read and share and Facebook and social media? 

The things of this world? 

If we are being formed more by the news we watch and the media we consume than we are being formed by the Holy Spirit, by scripture, by the church, then we will never have peace. This world cannot give us peace. It is not something it can do.  This cultural moment cannot give us peace.  It is not something it can do.  

I think the greatest temptation we may face is to be more formed spiritually by the news and by social media than we being formed by the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus came to give us life and to give us peace.  He leaves that with us through the Spirit.  Only when we all that Spirit to truly form and shape us can we have the peace that He longs for us to have. 

Today, what forms you? Today, do you have peace? 

If you’d like to get each day’s daily scripture reading sent to your phone along with this reading guide, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up!