Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“Whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Luke 11:23, NIV). Looking at the positive side of this statement by Jesus, it is encouraging that we can be gathering with Jesus. In this age, Jesus’ mission is our mission because we are his agents. This is our adventure. This is our new life in God, being his channels for sowing the blessings of the kingdom to others. We are his harvesters, inviting and gathering others for the New Creation to come. He is our head and we, his followers, are his body. We are his arms and legs, responding to the leadings of the divine Mind. He is coordinating his followers in his worldwide campaign to bring his kingdom to the whole earth, and we are gathering with Jesus. And one day we will all be together on the New Earth, our eternal gathering place, to live in a New Eden. Continue Reading →

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 (NIV) This is Jesus’ promise at the end of the parable of the sower. The seeds that fell on good soil produced a huge harvest “a hundred times more than was sown.” We all want to live fruitful lives for God and produce as much as God allows. So what does this teach about how to be fruitful for God? This verse mentions five responsibilities. First, have a noble heart. That is, we desire what is excellent and honorable. Second, we have a good heart. That is, our heart actually embraces and abides in good. Third, we hear the word. So we need to expose ourselves to God’s word. Fourth, we retain God’s words. Thus, we need to believe God’s words Continue Reading →

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.” Mark 13:26-27 (ESV). Jesus will gather us together when he returns to earth, and this time he will return with great power. We think of Jesus as living a powerful life when he was here, but it won’t compare to his second coming when he comes with overwhelming power. The power of the Son will not be confined or partially hidden. What’s more, he will also come with glory, which means that his majesty and goodness will be fully displayed, and it will be the greatest glory the world has ever seen. But the best part is that Jesus will gather us together, all the people Continue Reading →

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first. ” (Mark 10:31, NIV) This is one of the most encouraging promises Jesus ever made. He makes it clear that achievement in this life is not a requirement for everlasting happiness and honor. Since the first shall be last, many who accomplish great things in this life and receive honor from the world will find themselves in last place in the next life. Since the last shall be first, many who are last in this life will have the greatest honor and privilege in the next life. This verse comes after Jesus’ teaching that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, and all who make sacrifices to follow Jesus will be richly rewarded. Thus, regardless of our occupation, social status, economic class or general lack of honor, if we follow Jesus devoutly, we Continue Reading →

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matt. 25:23 (NIV). This is a tremendously encouraging promise because God is promising to reward all our efforts at following and loving him by letting us share in God’s happiness as well as share in his management of the universe. We will participate in the goodness of God and taste God himself. We will share in his radiant glory; we will be glorified in Christ (Rom. 8:17). This is a fulfillment of the kingdom of God, which God wants to give to his people. We only have part of the kingdom now, but then we will experience the whole kingdom of God. All our sacrifices, all our holiness, all our faithfulness will be more than rewarded by the greatest bliss possible. Continue Reading →