Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“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. Many who accomplish great things in this life and receive honor from the world will find themselves in last place in the next life. But many who are last in this life will have the greatest honor and privilege in the next life. Of course, we should pursue excellence in whatever our vocation is, and sometimes we will receive honor in this life. But eternal honor is based on how we follow Christ and follow his instructions for treating others. This life is short and so our indignities are brief compared to the eternal glory God is waiting to shower on us. Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Continue Reading →

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NIV) This is what Jesus told the father of the demon-possessed boy before he cast the demon out of the boy. In these words Jesus encourages us that he has the authority and power to do the miraculous and set people free. Faith can be a challenge but we don’t have to have gigantic faith to unleash the power of Jesus. We only need to keep our mind and heart set on trusting him, ignore unbelief, and exercise the faith that we have. Then we will see the power of God. Of course, we also have the responsibilities he has given us in his word, such as using wisdom, asking for prayer from others, asking according to Scripture, and seeking his will. Abide in him and all things are possible. Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Your CharacterJanuary 23, 2026Hope In God Continue Reading →

“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35, ESV). Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him and someone told Jesus about it. In spite of the powerful bonds that families had in ancient times Jesus reduces the significance of family bonds in comparison to one’s bond with God. One reason this is encouraging to many is that even if your family was dysfunctional or destructive, the family of God is far more important and valuable. This leads us to the biggest reason that this verse is encouraging: we have the privilege of being “relatives” of Jesus! If we do God’s will we are his brother and sister and mother. Performing rituals, singing songs, or knowing Scripture do not make someone a relative of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus is one who subordinates their will to God’s. Thirdly, even though he Continue Reading →

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV). It is inevitable that we will disappoint ourselves with our sin. But when this happens we have encouragement from Jesus that our sin only emphasizes that he has called us to himself. Are we a sinner? Good, then Jesus calls us. He only asks us to recognize our sin and abide in him. He took our place on the Cross so God forgives our sins. Therefore, when we sin and when we recognize our sin then we can receive the peace that Jesus gives us (John 14:27 “my peace I give you” (NIV)). Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Your CharacterJanuary 23, 2026Hope In God – Weekly Words Of EncouragementJanuary 20, 2026The Value Of Holy Viewing – Weekly Words Of EncouragementJanuary 12, 2026

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” Mark 1:15 (NIV). Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets predicted that God would bring his kingdom of peace, and love and holiness to earth. All that was ungodly or destructive would be eliminated. This kingdom would be led by a Messiah. The Jews then waited hundreds of years for God’s kingdom to come. The coming of God’s kingdom would be the arrival of utopia so naturally devout Jews constantly yearned for the kingdom. Finally, Jesus announced that the time of waiting was over. The kingdom of God had now arrived. But it didn’t come in its fullness because God wanted to allow for an overlapping time when the kingdom was hidden but available to those who would believe. Yet the kingdom was definitely here with power and love and holiness. This is our encouragement Continue Reading →