Encouragement
Why Follow Jesus?
Encouraging Word John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” What qualifies Jesus to make such a statement? How is He unique? Why are Christians so dogmatic, unwavering, and convinced regarding Jesus? Jesus can make such a statement because He …
3 Ways to Cope with Challenges in Life
Encouraging Word As we live in the world today, there are times when we are faced with confusion, chaos, and conflict. How do we respond to these challenges? The Apostle Paul gives us three recommendations in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. He says to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. 1. Rejoice. To rejoice means to express joy. …
The Good Shepherd & His Sheep
Encouraging Word In John 10:11-14, Jesus refers to Himself as the “Good Shepherd.” Sheep need a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 says when Jesus saw the multitudes, He felt compassion for them because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd. Psalm 23 describes the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. This relationship is …
Pursuing God’s Favor
Encouraging Word Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-10 with the beatitudes. What are the beatitudes? They are defined as supreme blessedness or a proper attitude that will bring divine favor or blessing. Attitude is defined as a way of thinking that influences one’s behavior. Let’s look at the beatitudes that Christians …
4 Christian Essentials
Encouraging Word An essential is something that is absolutely necessary. Psalm 100 mentions four characteristics that are necessary for the Christian. 1. Joy. The first essential mentioned is joy (Psalm 100:1-2). The dictionary defines joy as completely happy or blessed. A Biblical definition is “the confident assurance of God’s presence.” There is a difference between …
5 Truths about Prayer
Encouraging Word The dictionary says prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God. Prayer is conversation. I’m reminded of the old hymn, “Have a Little Talk with Jesus.” Prayer is communication meaning to exchange information that requires listening and understanding. Prayer is also communion meaning to have fellowship. Prayer …
Dealing with Self
Encouraging Word It is no accident that Jesus pointed out in Matthew 16:24 that the first step to discipleship is to “deny self.” Deny means to refrain from satisfying oneself. My family doctor, in encouraging me to lose weight said, “Tony, it is okay to deprive yourself.” Jesus was saying to refrain from being selfish. …
