Earlier this morning I opened my Bible via my iphone – it opened to John 16. A most appropriate passage for today.

John 16:1 “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. 2 They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. 4 But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. via John 16 NASB;CJB – Jesus’ Warning – “These things I – Bible Gateway.

See what I mean?

If you would like to read the passage in its entirety, just click the link above and you will be directed to Biblegateway dot com; there you will be able to read the chapter in either the NASB or the CJB or choose another translation of your liking.

Jesus (Yeshua) continues in the Passage with promises and assurances. He ends the chapter with this:

33 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.” via John 16 NASB;CJB – Jesus’ Warning – “These things I – Bible Gateway.

I also find comfort in the CJB version of this verse:

33 “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris. But be brave! I have conquered the world!” via John 16 NASB;CJB – Jesus’ Warning – “These things I – Bible Gateway.

tsuris – tribulation

Be brave? In this world? Right now? Today?

Yes. For HE has conquered the world! And this assurance is real and sure; even more so than the sun which rose over this continent this morning. Bravery does not mean we blindly without caution jump headlong into a thing. No, it means we move forward through the day, through the tsuris with HIM even when our knees are wobbly.

Be brave. We are not alone. He is with us.

And the most effective way I know to practice His fellowship, infusing us with bravery is to give Him thanks, to live in eucharisteo in all things.