June

As we transition into the time and season of the Church Year called Pentecost, we remember the promise Jesus made to send the Spirit. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) Pentecost is the birthday of Missions as God’s people live out their faith expressing joy and hope. This hope is the result of the Spirit’s making all things new. Pentecost is a renewal in the church for it is more than an observance of a great event in the past but it is a repeatable experience here and now. With the Spirit comes new life and hope.

St. Paul would remind us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26) In this life, there will be times of challenge. “Tribulation” is just another word for “trouble.” Trouble and tribulation are guaranteed. But also, peace is guaranteed. “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace, “Jesus said. “In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

In this world, you will have trouble. Our troubles are the backdrop for prayer. We come the Lord daily addressing Him according to our need. In prayer, we take out burdens joys and cares to the Lord as He answers each petition according to our need. “Ask and you will receive and your joy with be complete.” (John 16:24)

Jesus has said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27-28) This peace; the peace of Christ, is His gift to you. Risen and Ascended – Jesus lives and reigns as King throughout all eternity. This gift of God in Jesus Christ is genuine. It is a peace, which can never be undone. His peace is personal. It becomes personal because it is independent of and unaffected by any outward circumstance. These outward circumstances may remain unchanged, but with St. Paul we can say, “We are more than conquerors through Him who lives us. “ (Romans 8:37)