“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is overcome. This photo could symbolize different things. I was able to overcome the challenges of a run. If you live in our area, you may have or have not overcome the pollen. Jesus overcame His journey to the cross. In our key verse, Jesus is talking to His disciples. He is acknowledging the trials we will experience here on earth. He is also saying to “take heart” which means courage and confidence because He overcame the world. I encourage you to read the full passage; John 16:16-33. I also encourage you to take a moment to listen to the Story of the song “Overcome” by Jeremy Camp. Some of the lyrics sing: “We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

A testimony comes from a test. Jesus knows the trials and tests we are facing. What trial are are you facing today? Do you feel like running from it? God has not abandoned you. What if we courageously ran towards our trial with God? In the message version of verses 31-33: “Jesus answered them, ‘Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’” Let’s pray.

Dear God, I am so thankful You have never left me. Help me to see, even through my trials and tests that You are right beside me. Forgive me for running away. Give me the confidence I need to run towards my trial because I know I can do all things through You. I worship the one that has conquered the grave. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

“While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is beloved. In our key verse, God refers to Jesus as His beloved. According to the dictionary beloved means dearly loved. Notice Ray White’s beautiful picture of the sun setting over a church. As you look at this picture I want you to be reminded that we are God’s church and we are His beloved. In 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ASV‬‬ we read: “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Now read the key verse again. Notice there is a call to action. As His disciples, we are asked to hear God. Hearing involves a relationship with God. Keeping in mind that we are His beloved, I encourage you to really listen to the words of the song, “I Am Your Beloved” by Johnathan David Helser and Melissa Helser. Some of the lyrics sing, “I am Your beloved, You have bought me with Your blood and on Your hand, You have written out my name. I am Your beloved, the one the father loves. Mercy has defeated all my shame.” Let’s pray.

Dear God, I come to You today as Your beloved child. I desire to hear Your voice. Thank You for defeating my shame and loving me. I lift up all those that do not know You. May they see Your love through me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.