weely words of encouragement

You Can Be Fruitful – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 (NIV) This is Jesus’ promise at the end of the parable of the sower. The seeds that fell on good soil produced a huge harvest “a hundred times more than was sown.” We all want to live fruitful lives for God and produce as much as God allows us to produce. So, what do you do so that you can be fruitful, how do we bear a bumper crop for God? This verse mentions five responsibilities. First, have a noble heart. Desire what is excellent and honorable. Second, have a good heart. That is, our hearts embrace and abide in goodness and discard anything harmful. Third, we hear the word; we take time out of our schedule to read or listen Continue Reading →

spiritual marriage with Chrsit wedding rings

Longing For Marriage With Christ

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In summing up our destiny we can say that God will bring us into his presence (II Cor 4:14) and give us a vision of Jesus that will make us like Jesus (I John 3:2). Theologians refer to this vision as the beatific vision. But is that the end of our destiny? Scripture teaches that there is something more: spiritual marriage with Christ. The supremacy of spiritual marriage with Christ is seen in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 19:7-8 the great multitude declares “…the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.”  The marriage comes after the purification. This purification is essentially equivalent to the Christformation mentioned so often in the New Testament. The marriage supper of the Lamb represents God’s highest goal for humans. In the New Creation we will live Continue Reading →

weely words of encouragement

You Can Withstand The Trial – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.  Luke 6:47-48 (NIV) Jesus didn’t say we could avoid floods. We will all have “floods” in our lives, some worse than others. But you can withstand the trial. Maybe you are in the middle of a flood right now. That is the time to hold Jesus’ words even more closely to your heart. His words really are the foundation for your soul. So it will be helpful to read through the Gospels, find the words of Jesus and practice them. Reflect on John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, Continue Reading →

listening well

Create Meaningful Conversations – Imitation of Christ Chapter Ten

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From the Imitation of Christ, Chapter Ten. Avoid the tumultuous talk of the world. A lot of talk about worldly things becomes a hindrance. Even when such talk is innocent it puts our focus on trivial matters. Learn to create meaningful conversations. Consider how often we regret worldly things we said. And consider how often we regret not talking about something more meaningful with a friend. Afterward, you realize that they might have a need you could have discussed, and you could have helped them. Sometimes we talk about pointless things just because we want to have some friendly interaction. But a friendship is more rewarding if we talk about good or useful things. Learn to push through the initial discomfort of bringing up something meaningful. Otherwise, the conversation leaves us feeling empty afterward. Remember that our happiness is found in relationships, with God and others. Conversations are the primary way Continue Reading →

weely words of encouragement

God Will Restore Those Who Suffer – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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At the beginning of his ministry Jesus quotes from Isaiah to describe his ministry. “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18, NIV). The poor no longer need to despair about their condition because Jesus brings the good news that they will be greatly blessed (Matt. 5:3). Those who are oppressed or imprisoned by their circumstances will now be free. Those who are blind will now see. Thus, Jesus will reverse the effects of the Fall and start restoring everything to the goodness and harmony of God. This is the coming of the kingdom of God; Jesus inaugurated it when he came and will complete it after he returns. God will restore those who suffer. This means that everyone who is disadvantaged or Continue Reading →