Today, Leigh and I fly to Bulgaria to spend Christmas and New Years with these guys!

These Things 

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full, John 15:11 

These things I have spoken too you so that you may be kept from stumbling. John 16:1 

These things I have spoken to you so that you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 

What are these things? I want to know what these things are. Why? Because whatever these things are, they bring what everyone in this world is looking for. Jesus said these things will bring you and me: 

• Joy 
• Strength
• Peace 
• Courage 

The power of “these things” is that they were spoken by Jesus! Have you ever thought of that? In the beginning, the world was void and God spoke and out of nothing, the full wonder of the universe was created. In this passage, the upper room discourse, Jesus speaks words that transform our fearful and void hearts into the creation of Joy, Strength, Peace and Courage. How wonderful are these things that Jesus speaks. They have wonderous, creative power to transform our hearts of clay into the hearts for warriors for God! 

Listen to “these things” that Jesus speaks. Listen, reflect and write them down! They have the creative power to transform your heart, your mind and your soul. We are not alone in this world! We have the words of Jesus and we have the Holy Spirit to give us understanding.  

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 

What are the lessons of the upper room; the words that Jesus spoke? What are the principles taught by Jesus that will create joy, strength, peace and courage within us? 

Love and serve one another in humility! 

• Humility and service 13.1-20 
• The pain of betrayal 13.21-30 
• Love one another as I love 13.31-35 
• Avoid arrogance 13.36-38 

Intimacy with the person of Jesus through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! 

• Faith in the person of Jesus – He is the way (not a process or system of religion) 14.1-11 
• Greater works 14.12-15 
• Power of the Spirit 14.15-26; 15.26,27; 16.5-15 
• Peace, My peace 14.27-31 
• Intimate connection to Jesus 15.1-17 

The people of this world will hate you; but I will give you courage and joy! 

• Take courage against the hatred of the world 15.18-27; 16.1-15
• Grief will turn into joy 16.16-33 

Jesus is both interceding for us and teaching us how to pray! 

• The prayer of Jesus – the means of prayer in the life of a believer 17:1-26 

Dear Father, in Jesus’ name we bow before you with grateful hearts and willing spirits. We rejoice in the words of Jesus. Creative words that change us, strengthen us and give us hope. We are not alone! We are yours and you bless us with all of the privileges of being your children! Praise You and Thank You. Amen.