weekly words of encouragement

The Hope Of Joyful Eternal Life – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7, NIV). When we believed God announced an important verdict: we are now adopted as children of God. We did not earn it; it was by his grace. This legal declaration means that we are also heirs of our Father, just as an adopted child on earth becomes a legal heir of their parents. One big difference is that our Father will never die and will never give up his “possessions”; rather, he gives his inheritance when we die, and he has infinite possessions to bequeath. And what do we inherit? Eternal life. That is, we inherit from him a participation in his joyful eternal life. We inherit his bliss, his love, his harmony, his freedom from corruption, his freedom to always choose good, his glory (1 Cor. 15:43), and his image (1Cor. Continue Reading →

anxiety

What Jesus Says About Anxiety

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In 1985 19% of college freshman reported being overwhelmed by all they had to do; in 2016 it was 41%! Anxiety has become a huge social-psychological issue. “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder.” It affects approximately 25% of adolescents . Mental health providers report that for youth anxiety is often linked to fear of failure, perfectionism, comparisons to others (often through social media), or difficult neighborhood environments. So, let’s look at what Jesus says about anxiety. We all feel anxiety some of the time and some of us feel it much of the time. Anxiety is an issue in every place and time. But the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced was a place where one could become free of anxiety. He taught us the foundation of overcoming anxiety in Matthew chapter 6, Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

Waiting For Jesus – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, ESV). Our present stance in this life is a stance of waiting for Jesus. When we look forward to something really good that we know for certain is coming, it fills us with energy to get through our days. It lifts our hearts to know that soon we are going to experience something very exciting. For example, when we know we are going to see a loved one we haven’t seen in a long time, we have joy in the anticipation of seeing them soon. So, waiting for something wonderful is not a bad thing; rather, it encourages us and keeps us focused on something good. Likewise, waiting for Jesus to appear with all his majesty and goodness on display strengthens us, knowing that our destiny is to live with Continue Reading →

admonish, warn

Why Do So Many People Ignore Morality (And How Do We Respond)?

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New York Times Columnist David Brooks recently published an article in the Atlantic magazine about the condition of morality. He discussed the history of morality and explained why so many people ignore morality today. (The article can be found here, but you probably need a subscription.) This is very important for believers to understand, especially leaders, because we need to understand how people think if we are going to help them transition to Christlike thinking. Brooks begins with the problem, then examines history; he highlights the Enlightenment movement that began in the 17th century. It prioritized the power of reason to arrive at all knowledge. I will quote from Brooks’ article. There’s a question that’s been bugging me for nearly a decade. How is it that half of America looks at Donald Trump and doesn’t find him morally repellent? He lies, cheats, steals, betrays, and behaves cruelly and corruptly, and Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

That You May Have Peace – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“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 →