Our churchwide Bible study for this week has been focused around John 14 as well as Psalm 67.  Today, we focused on John 14:15-31.  Christ's promise of a helper, a counselor, the Holy Spirit.  I am so thankful that I have that helper with me during every second of every day. 

Today as I spoke with someone very dear to me who is lost as can be, I tearfully realized that she is facing coming loss of a close friend dying of cancer, a horrible suicide of a parent of this same friend dying of cancer, an uncertain marriage in her own life with the possibility of another divorce. She is facing all of this without the Counselor.  I have shared with her many times and told her of the love that God has for her, yet she has refused.  CUrrently, she is a seeking help through unhelpful means of non-Christian psycho-babble that will only lead her farther away from the one who truly brings peace.  All that I can do is stand back, watch, support, provide Truth when appropriate, and pray.

As I watch the news and witness for myself how fallen this world is - terrorist plots, schools in my own neighborhood in lock down to prevent people from harming innocents, blatant abuse of and disrepect towards authority, etc.. I really long for that eternity with the Father, full of peace and praise.  However, my loved ones have not accepted Christ...yet!!  So my mind shifts - not today Lord - give them just one more day to choose You over this world.  May they know the helper, the Counselor, the Holy Spirit to guide them through this world of trouble!!! 

If you are like me and have lost people in your life, continue or start to pray for their salvation.  Even after you have worn holes in the knees of your pants from prayer, there is still room for more. 

"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