Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). Jesus had just given a long talk to his disciples and encouraged them that they will have joy and be able to ask anything from the Father in Jesus’ name. Then he explained that he taught these things so that they may have peace. But these words in verse 33 are not just for the disciples; they are for all his followers. When we abide in him we may have peace even though outside, in the world, we have tribulation. This is a great description of life during the overlap of the former age and the kingdom of God. Since Jesus brought the kingdom when he came, his followers get to experience the kingdom inside themselves. Thus, in Continue Reading →

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” John 16:13, ESV). Jesus spoke these words to the twelve before he was crucified. When the Holy Spirit came he truly did guide the Apostles into all the truth, and we have this truth in their writings. And everyone who believes also has the Spirit of truth indwelling them. The Spirit guides us into truth. He takes the words of Scripture and teaches them to our hearts. Our responsibility is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16) while we absorb Scripture so that we can be “rightly handling the word of truth” 2 Tim. 2:15 (ESV). But how do we walk in the Spirit, especially when we don’t feel him? We do so by making the choice to depend on the Spirit instead of just ourselves, and then to have faith that the Spirit guides us Continue Reading →

This post includes an excerpt from my new book “A Quest for the Ultimate.” After reading from Revelation 21 Pastor Jacob asks: “What does this tell us about the bride?” Ashley responds, “She’s glorious and glitters like a huge jewel. And she has 12 gates and there’s an angel at each gate. It’s hard to picture this. How can the believers be a city?” Jacob responds, “I agree. The city represents God’s people, but it is also the dwelling place of his people, so the symbolism is complicated. But for now, let’s think about the appearance of the bride. Have you noticed a theme yet?” Ashley answers, “Earlier in the chapter it said the bride was beautifully dressed. In these verses it says she has God’s glory and she’s like a jewel. Revelation keeps emphasizing the beauty of the bride.” DeShawn adds, “And yesterday Revelation 19 said the bride was Continue Reading →

“My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26, ESV. Jesus promises that when we become the servant of Jesus then God will honor us one day. God originally made humans with honor and he wanted this honor to grow. He made us in his image and though it is broken he gave us a new self with a restored image of God. This is our true self and one day it will be fully developed. God rejoices when we display his image in our lives. So, like a good father, God will honor us for our faithfulness. Scripture states in many places that God will honor us, usually by saying he will glorify us! (For example, Matt. 13:43; Rom. 8:17, 21; 2 Cor. 4:17; Col. 3:4; Phil. 3:21; 1 Pet. 5:10; 2 Pet. 1:3.) Originally, as image-bearers of God we were supposed to be fruitful and fill Continue Reading →

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 →