In John 14, Jesus speaks about his return to heaven after his death on the cross. He told his
disciples he would come back and get them and take them to the place where he would be (aka heaven). Jesus tells his disciples, "You know the way to the place where I am going."

To that, one of Jesus' disciples named Thomas asked Jesus, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" This is when Jesus responds with, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

When it comes to life's basic needs, knowing where to go, knowing the truth about life, and then
experiencing a satisfying life about sums it up. Jesus is reassuring a concerned group of
disciples about his departure from earth and says what should fill the gap between now on earth
and where you will be one day is himself--Jesus. It's Jesus who shows us the way when we're
lost. It's Jesus who provides truth in the middle of confusion, and it's Jesus who is the real,
satisfying life all of humanity needs!

But, that gap -- the one between "now on earth" and the point when we will be with Jesus
forever can get filled with all kinds of stuff – people, work, entertainment, social media,
challenges, surprises-both good and bad.

Jesus offers himself as the one who fills the gap. He is the one who should meet our ultimate
needs between now and then. How is Jesus filling the gap in your life? Is he the way you go in
life? Is he your truth rather than the world's truth? Is he so involved in your everyday life that you
could say he is your life?

If not, clear your mind and focus on Jesus. The text messages can wait. The calls and emails
don't need to be responded to right now. It's time for you and Jesus to meet. Push all the
distractions aside and set all your thoughts on Jesus. At first, it's hard, but work at it – trust me,
it gets easier!

Jesus, today is all about you! I want my life to reflect your goodness and love to those around
me, so right now prepare my heart and mind to hear from you. Give me the spiritual eyes and
ears to learn from you. Thank you in advance for what you're going to show me! In Jesus' name,
amen!

When the Bible says "do not" it's time to listen, right?! It might remind you of the times when you were a kid and your mom or dad said in a very clear, strong voice, "do not," followed by whatever you did wrong. What's interesting about this "do not" is that it's something none of us want anyway. Who wants to be anxious? Who says, "Yes, I'd like a little more worry in my life with a side of anxiety!" Yet God commands us here to not be anxious about some things...no, about nothing! God wants you to be anxious about nothing.

Let's be honest. That's impossible, right? But here's what we are to do so that we don't have to be anxious--pray and be thankful. Prayer and thankfulness are the actions, and faith is the attitude. It's giving God all your worries through an act of faith by praying and verbalizing your gratitude for his goodness in your life.

What are you worried about right now? It might be a long list! That's okay. But take a few
minutes to think about the top 2 or 3 things that concern you the most. The things that make you afraid when you think of an undesirable outcome. It could be in your family, your marriage, your finances, your spiritual life, or all of the above! Now cross out the word "worry" and replace it with "prayer." Give them to Jesus in prayer.

Take a moment to focus on the Lord and eliminate distraction. Find a place away from the noise of life. Move your thoughts away from the "to-do list" and place them on God. Take five minutes just to think about the goodness, faithfulness, and love of Jesus in our lives.

Jesus, today I want to receive from you. I want to sit at your feet, so to speak, and learn from you. Speak to me today, Lord. Show me your ways and guide me along your path that I might experience who you are in a greater way. Help me to soak in your Word today and be changed for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen!