Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Heb. 12:11 (ESV) The word “discipline” refers to instruction or training that includes correction, for example, in the raising of a child. Thus, the focus is not primarily on punishment for a wrong but rather the general overall training of a Christian. So Christian training is painful (or more accurately in the Greek: grievous) for us just as children become distressed when their parents move them to do something that does not feel good to them. Therefore, as Christians we embrace, and even expect, the distastefulness of the challenges and sufferings that come our way. We do not avoid our training. Rather, we keep our focus on Jesus and the way he is transforming our life to be more like his. Our training Continue Reading →

“Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus . . . let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” Heb 10:19b, 22a (NIV) What does it mean to enter the “Most Holy Place”? In the Old Testament the Most Holy Place, also known as the holy of holies, was the only place in the world that one could be assured to encounter the glory of God. Only the high priest could enter once a year. Now any believer can actually enter the Most Holy Place! But what does this mean if we don’t actually see God’s glory with our eyes? Remember II Cor. 3 where Paul explains that we get to enter the Most Holy Place like Moses but we don’t need to wear a veil. Instead, our faces are unveiled and we Continue Reading →

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Heb. 6:11 (ESV) It is easy to think that no one appreciates the things we do to help others. In their hurry they forget to thank and encourage us for our help. We can tell ourselves that we don’t really need the encouragement but it really makes a difference when we are thanked and encouraged. But if it isn’t happening we have the encouragement from this passage that God does not forget what we do. He sees our work, especially when we help His people. And even more, God actually deems our help as loving Him! We also know from Heb. 6:7 that God gives a reward to those who bear fruit for Him. Thus, God is saying to us “You fulfilled Continue Reading →

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15 (ESV) The Son of God did not just hold on to all his divine powers when he became a human. He emptied himself so that he could experience the weakness (compared to God) of being human. He did this so that he could sympathize with us! Isn’t it amazing that the Son of God had so much desire to sympathize with us that he became like us? So now, in our union with Christ, we are connected to Jesus who knows what it is like to be tempted as we are. This includes the temptation to fear, unbelief or despair when our life is filled with pain. Jesus knows the temptations of our pain and he cares. Continue Reading →

“We have come to share in Christ” Heb. 3:14a (ESV) The Greek word for “share” in this verse means participate, or be a partner. We actually participate in Jesus. Think how incredible this is! We love Jesus for his unsurpassed life on earth. We love his wisdom and love and compassion. He is the one we worship. And in spite or our faults, we are privileged to share in Jesus. This is yet another biblical mystery that even though we can’t fully understand we continually grow in the reality of it. We participate in Christ’s righteousness, in his power, in his love and in his light. We see the same idea in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (ESV) Reflection: Put your name Continue Reading →