Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matt. 7:24-25 (NLT). Jesus encourages us that if we follow his words (in this passage he is coming to the end of his Sermon on the Mount) then no matter what happens we will not collapse, our life will not end up worthless. This reminds us of Romans 8:35-39 which promises that nothing (death, persecution, powers, etc) can separate us from the love of God. Notice that Jesus recognizes that storms will come; we are not immune from troubles. But no matter what is assaulting you from the outside, your soul and spirit will withstand the forces and emerge stronger and more attractive than Continue Reading →

“Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” Matt. 7:7 (NIV). The encouragement here is that God will let us find him and his truths and his gifts. He does not want to keep them hidden. But they are hidden when we begin. That is why our responsibility is to seek and knock. Why does he ask us to seek and knock instead of just revealing everything to us without effort on our part? One reason is that there are many things that we are not ready for. First, we need to absorb and apply what we already know. Another reason God wants us to seek is that the process of seeking prepares us for receiving what we will find. As we seek we become focused, we put other things aside, and desire grows in our heart. Focus and desire help to transform us Continue Reading →

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Mt. 6:33 (NIV) The “these things” are food, drink and clothing which Jesus mentions just before this verse. He is trying to teach us not to be anxious about these things. The cure is to pursue the kingdom of God above all else, as well as righteousness – which is right living approved by God. If our number one priority is living within God’s realm and rule then he promises to provide our most basic needs. Based on Jesus’ other teachings we also receive joy  and peace and fruitfulness! It’s true that occasionally devout Christians suffer famine but I think this is the exception that proves the rule. If we truly make God’s kingdom our top priority in whatever we do we will find blessings that far surpass any blessings we Continue Reading →

“You are the light of the world . . . let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14, 16). Followers of Jesus provide the illumination of God’s goodness to the world. We are not darkness to them and we are not affliction to them. God’s light radiates through us so that others can see who God is and what goodness is and how Jesus gives us inner happiness. It’s encouraging to remember that we have the privilege of being God’s light. His light indwells us so that if we abide in him we will naturally light up like a little sun. And just as the sun creates a gravitational pull, others who seek good will gravitate in your direction.  Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Your CharacterJanuary 23, 2026Hope In God – Weekly Words Of EncouragementJanuary 20, 2026The Value Continue Reading →

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (Mt. 5:10-12 NLT). There will be times that people will persecute us just for being good. This may happen at your job or school or even at home if people are hostile to God. Some people just don’t like the presence of someone who is good because it just highlights their corruption. Jesus provides an amazing encouragement for anyone in this situation. You will have a great reward in heaven! It is important to take a little time and think about this. It is Continue Reading →