weekly words of encouragement

True Happiness Is Found In God’s Presence – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11, ESV). Ancient Hebrews enjoyed restating an idea in different words in order to emphasize and clarify ideas. In this verse David is thanking Yahweh that happiness is found by nearness to Yahweh. He declares three ideas in the first phrase (presence, fullness and joy), then repeats them in other words in the second phrase. He states his basic idea twice in the verse; the first time he uses the words “joy” and “presence”. The second time he uses the words “pleasures” and “right hand”. He adds the words “fullness” and “forevermore” to each phrase to emphasize that true happiness is found in God’s presence. Thus, through repetition, David is declaring one of the supreme principles for life, a principle that provides comprehensive encouragement. All the things that people pursue to find deep happiness Continue Reading →

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We Are Rejected By Our Society

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Pharoah’s daughter found the Jewish infant Moses and adopted him as her son. But when Moses grew up he chose to keep his Jewish identity rather than his Egyptian identity. Obviously, Moses’ life would have been much more prosperous and enjoyable if he had chosen to be related to the Pharaoh of Egypt. But something even better gripped his heart. He wanted to be part of the people of God. He was “choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Heb. 11:25, ESV) This is where Moses’ story becomes our story and guides us to Christian living in an unchristian culture, where we are rejected by our society. Moses believed that belonging to God and fellowshiping with His people had to be superior to belonging to Pharaoh and his people. But this was a dangerous idea. The Jewish people were Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

Dwelling Close To God – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart” Psalms 15:1-2 (ESV). What is the “holy hill”? The Psalmist, David, is referring to Mt. Zion where the tabernacle (forerunner of the temple) was situated. Inside the tabernacle was the holy of holies where God’s presence was more powerful than anywhere else on earth. So to dwell on the “holy hill” meant one was dwelling close to God; they would experience his presence. This was the most blessed state a person could hope for. So who had the privilege of dwelling close to God? Those who live without patterns of damaging others, who do the right thing and embrace honesty in their heart. Isn’t this what God wants from us? In this way we are lights of the world, for the majority do not live this way. But Continue Reading →

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Using Relationships In Evangelism – Part 2

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Last week we talked about using relationships in evangelism, especially with friends who are not saved. We explained that the nature of healthy relationships points to God and how he relates to us, as well as how he wants us to relate with others. Below is a discussion one might have with a seeker, using relationships in evangelism to them. You may be able to collect some ideas for the next discussion you have with a friend who will talk about the meaning of life, but who may not listen to a direct evangelistic message. Many seekers want to understand a relationship with God before they pursue following Jesus. Using relationships in evangelism is a non-threatening way to point someone toward Christ. “Think about someone you love very much and who also loves you. If you don’t have such a relationship think about the ideal relationship you would like to Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

God Is With Us – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“God is present in the company of the righteous” Psalms 14:5 (NIV) God is everywhere but God is with us in different ways in different places. We find this throughout the Bible. God is present in the burning bush, on Mt. Sinai, in the Temple, at the Transfiguration, and at Pentecost. But the last is best, for God likes to progressively increase his grace. When the Psalmist wrote Psalm 14 God was more present to his followers than to those who rejected him. He watched them and helped them. But after Pentecost God is now present inside his followers because we replace the Temple. So now God is with us, even in a single righteous person! But even better than that: “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20 (NIV). So when we gather in Jesus’ name his presence is magnified! This is Continue Reading →