John 15:18 - 16:33

Jesus warns us of the pitfalls that this world holds for His followers and asks us to rely on the power of His Spirit to guide us through all of the difficulties we face.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls." (1)

This World

Fearing the truth, shunning the light,
The world will hate His good news;
Their hearts find comfort in the night --
Both love and life they will refuse.

They will condemn those who are just
Who call for repentance and change;
Regarding Him with blind mistrust,
They'll mock His message, seen as strange.

His disciple must not give in
To compromise the Truth that's told;
Nor seek persecution wherein
His merit will be fool's gold.

The Advocate comes to conquer
The world's sin with truth and love;
To help His disciple endure,
To know all Truth, and rise above.

The anguish of this life won't last,
Like labor pains before the birth;
Take heart - to joy and hope, hold fast,
Seek peace in Him -- heaven on earth.

In all the troubles dealt to you,
The Advocate will guide you through.


May the Advocate be our guiding light in the daily trials of this journey of faith.

1. 1 Peter 1:6-9


(c) Paul Buis, 2005