Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“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 →

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.” Luke 12:32-33, ESV. After Jesus taught that the Father will provide our basic needs if we seek his kingdom first, then he says that it brings the Father pleasure to give us the kingdom. God enjoys giving us his kingdom. The “kingdom” is the realm where God’s goodness reigns, which we possess in part now and will fully inherit in the next age. And the Father does not give it grudgingly; he does not make it unreasonably difficult. God enjoys giving; he wants to see us blessed. He wants to guide us to the New Earth where there is no pain or corruption anymore. Therefore, we do not need to fear. God enjoys giving us all good things. In fact, if you have wealth then sell your Continue Reading →

“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 →