Tag Archives: Encouraging

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

3 Promises to Carry Today

Leave a comment

Close to 3 weeks have past since we turned the calendar to 2024, and life is marching along. There have been good times and bad times; there have been moments of anxiety and stress, but peaceful ones as well. It is safe to say the rest of the year will continue to unfold in the same way. As each day comes, we can find encouragement in these words of Jesus.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Here, Jesus gives 2 promises we can carry with us.

  1. There will be difficult times. Jesus warns we will have trials and sorrows, so when they come, remember the other promises in this verse.
  2. Since Jesus doesn’t promise us perfection, he promises we can have peace in him. The peace we have is not based on external circumstances, but our connection with the Lord. Philippians 4:7 reminds us this peace is able to go beyond our understanding.
  3. We can have courage. He is greater than the trials and sorrows, so the victory will ultimately be ours through him.

If life is attempting to beat you up right now, remember, Jesus offers peace and courage.

Thanks for reading, and please share this post with your friends.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Salt It Up

Leave a comment

Salt is important. It serves as a flavor enhancer for our food, but it has also played a significant role in human history. It has helped stabilize economies, served as medicine, and preserved food. The world would not be the same without salt. So, it is no wonder Jesus compares us to salt in Matthew 5:13. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” We find in this verse two challenges.

Be the Salt of the Earth

Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. This gives you and I an important role. Just as salt played a central role in history, as Christ’s ambassadors, we are to play a pivotal role in the world around us. We are called to share…

  • Share the love of Christ.
  • Share the peace of Christ.
  • Be the hands and feet of Christ.

So, as you go through your day, look for opportunities to be salt, and salt it up.

Keep Your Flavor

Jesus also challenges us to keep our flavor. It is important to spend time in Scripture, prayer, and staying connected with other believers. Salt with no flavor is useless, but salt with a rich flavor is powerful. Take daily steps to stay richly flavored.

Accept Jesus’ challenge. Be the salt of the earth today; a salt with a rich, attractive flavor that has people coming back for more.

Thanks for reading, and remember, we’ll be back tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Sufferers

Leave a comment

Matthew 5:11-12 brings forth another powerful beatitude: “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.”

This Beatitude challenges the conventional understanding of happiness and invites believers to find joy even in the face of persecution.

At first glance, rejoicing in the midst of persecution may seem counterintuitive. However, Matthew 5:11 calls believers to shift their focus from worldly approval to divine affirmation. The happiness mentioned here is not dependent on external circumstances but rooted in the assurance that one’s identity is found in Christ. Rejoicing in persecution becomes a testimony of unwavering faith and a deep understanding of God’s promises.

Consider the sunflower, which follows the path of the sun across the sky. In times of persecution, believers are called to turn toward the Son of God, finding their source of joy and identity in Him. Like the sunflower, our joy can remain constant, regardless of the shadows cast by adversity.

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
  • “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Matthew 5:11-12 challenges us to embrace a joy that transcends circumstances. In the face of persecution, believers are called not only to endure but to rejoice. By finding our identity and happiness in Christ, we become living testimonies of God’s transformative power. So, let us face opposition with a radical joy that confounds the world and reflects the unshakable hope found in our Savior.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Leave a comment

Among the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9 stands as a beacon of guidance: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse not only highlights the profound importance of peace but also underscores the active role we can play in fostering harmony and reconciliation in our communities.

Peacemaking is not merely the absence of conflict but an intentional pursuit of unity and understanding. This beatitude invites us to become active participants in the process of reconciliation, taking deliberate steps to build bridges and mend relationships.

Building bridges and mending relationships may require us to take hard steps in the right direction. It may mean…

  • We are the first to reach out amid conflict to negotiate peace.
  • We offer forgiveness to someone who has wounded us.

Being a peacemaker is certainly not easy, but the Lord can give us the needed strength. As you think about this beatitude today, is there a relationship in which you need to be the peacemaker? What steps can you deliberately take today to begin making peace?

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed Are The Merciful

Leave a comment

Jeff and Brittany are coworkers, and they work on a team in a fast-paced, customer-centric company. Jeff was resolving an issue on a client’s account, and he was to reach out to the client when it was completed. Jeff was trying to keep up with a number of projects, and he forgot to give the client a call. A couple days later, Brittany received a call from the client. The conversation was fueled by anger, and Brittany had to endure being shouted at for about 20 minutes due to Jeff’s mistake.

It was a stressful experience for Brittany, but she responded to both the client and Jeff with mercy. Brittany truly lived out the words of Matthew 5:7. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

This is a powerful truth found within God’s Word, and it holds the ability to greatly enhance our lives.

Understanding Mercy

To grasp the significance of this teaching, it’s crucial to understand the essence of mercy. Mercy goes beyond mere sympathy; it involves a compassionate response to the suffering of others. When we show mercy, we extend kindness and forgiveness to those who may not deserve it, recognizing the shared humanity that unites us all.

The Ripple Effect of Mercy

Picture a stone dropped into a still pond. The ripples extend outward, reaching areas far beyond the point of impact. Similarly, acts of mercy create a ripple effect, touching lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.

Everyday Life Applications

1. Forgiveness in the Workplace: Imagine a workplace where colleagues choose mercy over retribution when mistakes occur. Instead of fostering a culture of fear and blame, mercy allows for the growth and development of each team member. This compassionate approach not only enhances productivity but also cultivates a sense of unity and support within the workplace.

2. Acts of Kindness in the Community: Mercy extends beyond forgiveness; it encompasses acts of kindness and generosity. In a community, merciful actions may include helping those in need, supporting local charities, or offering a helping hand to a struggling neighbor. These small acts of mercy contribute to the creation of a compassionate and empathetic community.

3. Compassion in Family Dynamics: Within families, mercy plays a crucial role in nurturing healthy relationships. It involves understanding and forgiving the imperfections of our loved ones. By practicing mercy at home, we create a foundation of love and acceptance that extends to the wider world.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us heed the words of Matthew 5:7 and strive to be conduits of mercy. In doing so, we not only receive the blessing of mercy but also become agents of positive change in a world that desperately needs the healing touch of compassion.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Humble

Leave a comment

The truly powerful do not lord their power over anyone. They have a Christ-like character.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

What kind of character did Jesus have?

Jesus did not lack power during his earthly ministry, but he did not use his power for selfish gain. Jesus used his power to improve the lives of those living around him. He used his power to better his community. With his power, Jesus served others.

  • “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
  • “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Challenge for us…

Model Jesus’ character. Help our neighbors and our community. Work to be a team player in your job. Ask this question. How can I use my power to serve someone else today?

Thanks for reading, and please share. Talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Leave a comment

Martha and Mary are deeply saddened. They are grieving the loss of their beloved brother Lazarus. They sent for Jesus, and when he arrives, Jesus finds Martha and Mary surrounded by friends and family. Everyone is upset and mourning the loss of Lazarus. Jesus too was one of Lazarus’ friends. Lazarus’ death and the heartbreak Martha and Mary are experiencing moves Jesus to tears.

While he fully understood what the future would bring, Jesus sees those for whom he cares hurting, and he hurts along side them.

Scripture says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

When we are hurting, we can rest in this promise. The Lord doesn’t ignore us in these moments. He wants to comfort us. He is a compassionate, caring God who desires to wipe our tears, give us a hug, and comfort us.

Thanks for reading. Please Share. Talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Leave a comment

A nice house, lots of money, and an awesome car. It seemed John had it all. He may have gained his possessions through a questionable lifestyle. Working as an illegal drug runner provided a great income for John, and no one was judging him. That is, except for John himself.

One morning, as John was pulling into his garage, reality hit him in the gut. He had everything, yet he had nothing. He could buy anything, but he was lonely. He didn’t have any friends, and he believed if he died, no one would even care. He had a sense of hopelessness wash over him. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, and searched the word “hope” on YouTube. A video popped up where John heard these words. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3).

John dwelled on these words, and as the day continued, he realized there was hope in this promise.

Just as John found hope in this promise, you and I can as well.

  • “For this is how God loved the world: He gave  his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
  • “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9).
  • “For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:11:12). 

Realizing our need for God is the first step in finding hope in the promises he makes us.

Thanks for reading. Please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 10: The Best is Still Coming

Leave a comment

It may be the best year or the worst year, but no matter how it stacks up, we’re guaranteed the best is still coming. This brings us to the 10th of our 10 rock-solid promises.

10. The best is still coming.

2 Corinthians 4 says, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

What we go through today is only temporary and a better day is coming.

The first 10 days of this year may have been the best you’ve ever experienced, but there is something better coming.

2024 may mark the worse start to a year you’ve ever had. If so, something better is coming.

What’s coming is Heaven, and as 2 Corinthians 4 says, Heaven will outweigh all the temporary struggles we have. Scripture gives a glimpse of what this will look like.

John records, “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’

And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:3-5).

No matter how this year shapes up, we’re assured something better is coming. Scripture assures Heaven awaits.

Thanks for reading, and talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 9: We Are Not Alone

Leave a comment

There may be times in 2024 when we feel isolated, but Scripture provides a rock-solid promise this is not the case.

9. We are not alone.

This is a twofold promise.

The Lord is always with us.

  • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
  • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
  • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

We have one another.

Peter reminds us all believers are going through the same thing. “Be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:9-10).

We can rely on one another. We can ask one another for help. We’re certainly not on this journey of life alone.

Cling to this rock-solid promise if you experience feelings of isolation or loneliness this year.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.