PREPARE
Find a place and time to be alone with God. Ask Jesus to help you love as he does and to keep you connected to him, your source of life.
READ
REFLECT AND PRAY
The priorities and mindsets of the world are radically against the essence and status of Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus, we risk the possibility of being persecuted by the world for being loved by and associated with Jesus.
1) How has does this passage challenge the faith of Jesus Christ’s disciples? Do any of Jesus’ words present a challenge to you personally?
Jesus promises us a helper – an Advocate – who will empower us when we do encounter hatred and persecution and motivate us to endure life’s hardships.
2) How is Holy Spirit described in this passage? Do any of these descriptions resonate with you? How might they apply to your own life?
OBEY
How has the Holy Spirit been your helper in the past? How do you need the Spirit’s help right now? If you sense a need to do so, invite the Spirit to come and show you specific actions or mindsets that will enable you to stay connected to Christ even in the face of persecution, opposition, or other kinds of difficulty.
Guest writer: Marcus Samerson
“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).