March 25, 2020
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Our Lenten Series continues this week with the theme of Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled with Reverend Will Brown, Allen Temple Associate Minister.
Forward Together by Faith,
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Senior Pastor
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled!
John 14:1-31
Our Lenten Devotional this week takes us to John, Chapter 14, where we find Jesus with His disciples the evening before His crucifixion. Jesus told His disciples that He would be leaving them, and His disciples were 
frantically trying to figure out the who, the what, the where, the when and the why. The very thought of Jesus leaving and them not being able to go with Him was enough to cause fear, panic, and anxiety for the disciples. But Jesus comforts and even commands His disciples ”Let not your hearts be troubled.”(v.1)
frantically trying to figure out the who, the what, the where, the when and the why. The very thought of Jesus leaving and them not being able to go with Him was enough to cause fear, panic, and anxiety for the disciples. But Jesus comforts and even commands His disciples ”Let not your hearts be troubled.”(v.1)As we read this particular passage of scripture, Jesus provides further encouragement to His disciples by declaring that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And that no one comes to God except through Him.(v.6) Jesus also promises His disciples that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to them to reveal Jesus to those who love and obey Him.(v. 15-21)
Some of us are like Jesus’ disciples during this challenging time. We’re trying to figure out the who, what, when and how’s of this uncharted territory. Yet, just as Jesus encouraged His disciples the night before His crucifixion; He is encouraging us today in this very moment. The same promise of peace, comfort, joy, and hope is ours today!
Indeed, this is a very interesting and different Lenten season compared to others in the past; if I do say so myself. Right now, you may be working from home for the foreseeable future, homeschooling your kids, fighting cabin fever, or all the above(like me). But we must keep the faith in uncertain times even when the hope of The Resurrection feels so far away!
The Lenten Season is a time of reflection, sacrifice, and of preparation in which we make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ journey to the Cross. God gave me 3 revelations, in addition to prayer, to help strengthen our hearts today: 1). count your many blessings and name them one by one; 2). reflect on God’s goodness and mercy in your life; 3). remember that God is always with us and promised to never leave us nor forsake us.(Deut. 31:6)
We need the Holy Spirit to work in our minds and hearts to teach us peace.
God did not give us the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
We serve the Risen Savior! Hallelujah!
Stay positive! Be encouraged! And ‘Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled’!
Lent Prayer: Dear Heavenly Parent, how excellent is thy name LORD in all the earth! You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And You (GOD) are the antidote for troubled hearts. Heavenly Parent, we ask that Your Holy Spirit set our minds at ease during this Lenten Season. And encourage our hearts to trust in You, LORD. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
For further contemplation:
Thursday - Psalm 91(all)
Friday - Isaiah 41:10
Saturday - Matthew 11:28-30
Sunday - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Monday - Isaiah 26:3
Tuesday - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Thursday - Psalm 91(all)
Friday - Isaiah 41:10
Saturday - Matthew 11:28-30
Sunday - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Monday - Isaiah 26:3
Tuesday - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Reverend Will Brown was born and raised in Oakland, California. Reverend Brown is currently an Associate Minister at Allen Temple Baptist Church and serves in various capacities. He is a member of the Worship and Media Team (WAMT) and is also the ministry leader/chairperson for the L.Y.F.E.(Living Your Full Expectation)/Young Adult Ministry. Additionally, Rev. Brown is an author and publisher.
