Weekly words of encouragement

God’s Abundance For Us – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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10 My life is consumed by anguishand my years by groaning;my strength fails because of my affliction,and my bones grow weak.11 Because of all my enemies,I am the utter contempt of my neighborsand an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. Psalms 31:10-11 (NIV) 19 How abundant are the good thingsthat you have stored up for those who fear you,that you bestow in the sight of all,on those who take refuge in you. Psalms 31:19 (NIV) Today we look at Psalm 31. In this psalm the author describes his miserable life. It is so bad that he says his whole life is consumed with anguish and he has spent years groaning about it. His neighbors hold him in contempt. His closest friends dread the sight of him! Apparently his life was so disastrous that his friends didn’t want to talk to Continue Reading →

steps stages of growth

The Biblical Five-Level Maturity Model – Part 2

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Last week we began a series on the five levels of Christian maturity found in the books of Timothy and Titus. We discussed the first two levels of novice and deacon. The third level of maturity in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 is elder maturity. The traits of elders in 1 Timothy 3 not already mentioned for deacons are: above reproach (have blameless character), self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, not quarrelsome, not a recent convert, and have a good reputation with outsiders. Titus 1:6-9 gives us these additional traits: not overbearing (arrogant), not quick-tempered, loves what is good, upright, holy, disciplined, and able to refute those who oppose sound doctrine. We notice that the traits for elder maturity amount to a higher standard of godliness. This maturity level requires blameless character, self-control, gentleness, love of good and holiness. One at this level may slip occasionally, but they consistently Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Present And Future Shalom – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“[Yahweh] blesses his people with peace” Psalms 29:11 (NIV) The Hebrew word for “peace” in this passage is the well-known Hebrew word “shalom”, which means all-around harmony and prosperity in one’s life. In the Old Testament this included one’s physical circumstances. God promised faithful believers that he would bless their finances, their families, and their living conditions. Yet we do not see the same promises in the New Testament. Why? The New Testament often promises peace, using a Greek translation of the Hebrew word shalom. Yet in the New Testament believers are promised persecution, the pain of carrying their Cross and general rejection by the world. So how can this be peace? The New Testament promises a deeper interior peace. The peace in the New Testament is actually superior to the peace of the Old Testament. We have the peace that is beyond understanding (Phil. 4:7). We are instructed to Continue Reading →

steps stages of growth

The Biblical Five-Level Maturity Model – Part 1

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Understanding stages of growth is important for many reasons. Quoting from one of our earlier posts on stages of growth which emphasized the stages of our experience of God’s felt grace: Understanding progressions of our growth helps us to know where we are and where we are going. It also helps us to be okay with where we are and not dislike ourselves for not being more mature. Understanding phases also teaches us what thoughts and feelings are normal for our situation and what teachings and practices are best for our situation. It also helps us to remain pliable in the Potter’s hand in whatever phase we are in and not struggle to circumvent any painful shaping he is doing. Understanding phases also helps us to be more understanding and helpful to others who are in different phases. Often well-meaning Christians will give advice that is designed to get someone Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Light, Our Rescuer, Our Protector – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The Lord is my light and my salvation —whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 (NIV) This passage is a reminder that Yahweh is our light, our rescuer and the protector of our lives. His light enables us to see what is true and what is good. On our own we would just stumble. And he saves us, he rescues us, from ourselves and from everything that tries to steal our happiness. Finally, he is our protector, our fortress against attackers who slander us and damage our lives. Nothing can separate us from his love. And since he too is Lord, Jesus is also the one who is our light. He is the light of the world (John 8:12). He is also our salvation because he is the door to salvation (John 10:9). Remember that salvation includes our future Continue Reading →