Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, ESV). He also said that he was the “truth” (John 14:6) and that “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36, ESV). Knowing Jesus means that we know the truth, that he is from the Father and he is the Savior. We find truth in Jesus’ teachings, for he said: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63, ESV). Believing his words allows us to experience true life, which sets us free from sinfulness, which is the power that enslaves us. “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34, ESV). As we know the truth and walk by his Spirit, we walk in growing freedom from sinfulness and freedom for goodness. We are also free from the influence of this Continue Reading →

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (NIV). Jesus said the same thing in Luke 14:11! This time Jesus said it after he told the parable of the Pharisee who praised himself and the tax collector who prayed for mercy because he was a sinner. Thus, Jesus’ point is that those who imagine that they are good enough on their own that they deserve honor before God are sadly mistaken. They exalt themselves now but God will bring them low one day. On the other hand, those who admit that they are weak and have faults will have a different fate. One day God will exalt the humble and they will be the ones who live a blessed life. Self-exaltation can be subtle. We may not exalt ourselves with public statements, but we are still tempted to exalt Continue Reading →

“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,” Luke 14:13-14 (NIV). Jesus taught us the value of blessing the needy. This is another example of God’s promise to make everything more than fair one day. People naturally focus on the benefits they will receive in this life. Those who are wealthy, influential or talented usually receive more benefits than others. But Jesus promises that God will repay our good deeds, including blessing the needy, with eternal rewards. Ephesians 6:8 promises: “The Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do” (NIV). This destroys all natural human calculations! Instead of trying to gather prominent people around us and receiving the benefits from the group, it is better to bless people who are not prominent and Continue Reading →

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, ESV) This verse encourages us to pursue humility because God exalts the humble. We do not have to worry that we are losing out on something when we humble ourselves. We are not missing advancement when we do not promote our image. It is okay to admit weaknesses and not pretend we have it all together. God exalts the humble and he will bless us one day, and it will be a much bigger blessing than anything we missed out on. So once again we see that setting our hearts on the coming age is essential to kingdom living. How can we grow in humility? Remember how much Christ has done for you and will do for you in the next age. Remember your faults and weaknesses. Think about the ways you have Continue Reading →