Tag: Love

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Wisdom

How We Live …

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Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

Therefore, consider carefully how you live – not as unwise but as wise – Ephesians 5:15

Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

“For Such A Time As This,” as we will see throughout our journey, applies to Esther in her day and—as we have seen this week—we can learn much from the truths that surround her story. Of course, not in the sense that we live in palaces filled with riches to display or have week-long ‘banquets’ celebrating our wealth and power—but surely we live in a world filled with distractions of other varieties, wrong responses, demanding our own way, and the temptation to follow the world’s ways rather than God’s. Which is why today’s SOAP passage points us to the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:15.

We must carefully consider how we live. Specifically, we are to live as wise and not unwise. This lesson is important and one that will play out throughout the rest of our journey. The question is, how do we do live as wise and not unwise? Today’s journal entry1 has a wonderful answer … May we take it to heart and daily seek God’s help to walk wisely in such a time as this.

  1. LGG Journal, For Such A ime As This, p57 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Love & Respect

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based on the LGG Study: For Such A Time As This, w1d4

Read: Esther 1:19-22 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:33

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

As we saw yesterday, the king’s counsel was not from “godly” men. Yet, when we observe the story of Esther carefully, we will see that God was working behind the scenes, setting the stage for Esther, a Jew, to become queen to the King of Persia.

Today’s study of Esther focuses on verses nineteen through twenty-two, which detail the advice given to the King by his counselors. Counsel that basically banished Queen Vashti and allowed for the King to choose a new queen. However, the passage also emphasizes the importance of making this known throughout the kingdom so that all the women will give honor to their husbands. Friends, whether we are married or unmarried, we must remember that  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

I realize that if we are not married, we may want to say Ephesians 5:33 doesn’t speak to us. However, as that thought came to my own mind, I was reminded that it is the call of God on every believer to love and respect Him (Deut 6:5; Mark 12:29-30). Likewise, regardless of our marital status, Jesus made it clear that we are to love others as He has loved us, (John 13:34); There is no qualifying statement indicating that we only have to do this “If he respects us;” nor do I find a qualifier for the words of Christ – commanding that we love just as He has loved us. Yet, I did find it good and helpful to read these words from today’s journal posting. I pray they are a blessing to you as well.

Marriage is a beautiful reflection of God’s love when both husband and wife seek to honor Him. In Ephesians 5:33, we’re reminded of the delicate balance in marriage. A husband is called to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and a wife is called to respect her husband. Both love and respect are essential for a thriving marriage. Just as a wife longs to feel loved, a husband desires to feel valued and respected.

But what happens when this balance is broken? In the story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti, we see the consequences of love and respect missing from their relationship. The king’s request put Queen Vashti in a difficult position, asking her to do something she wasn’t comfortable with. Instead of protecting her, he unlovingly placed her in a situation that ultimately cost her the crown. This is not the way God intended marriage to be.

For those of us who are married, respecting our husbands is one way we show them love and appreciation. It’s how they feel cherished for the ways they lead and serve our families. But above all, we must first respect and honor God with our actions. When we choose to obey God, even when it’s hard, we trust that He sees us and will care for us, no matter the outcome.

Sweet sister, if you find yourself in a situation where standing up for what is right could come at a cost, be encouraged. God sees your heart, and He will always honor your obedience to Him.”

For Such A Time As This/journal p53
Prayer

Father, I pray for courage for every woman who belongs to you to courageously stand for what is right. For those who are married, help them, even when it is difficult, to honor You in their marriage by showing love and respect to their husbands. Whether we are married or unmarried, Father, help us honor You in all areas of our lives, trusting You to protect us and provide for every situation. Yes and Amen in Jesus’ name!

Posted in Bible study, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, LGG Study

The Blessing of Godly Counsel

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Read: Esther 1:13-18 and SOAP: Proverbs 14:8

Today’s portion of our journey has been a sweet reminder to be thankful for the wise and godly counsel God has provided for me throughout my life. From parents to grandparents, to Pastors, teachers, and Christian friends, the blessing of godly wisdom/counsel has been readily available. I have sought it often and treasure it greatly. Sadly, this was not the case with King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, as he was otherwise known). Xerxes had many advisers, but none who would lead him with godly wisdom. Because they were worldly, they imparted worldly wisdom to the king, “which led him down a path of confusion and poor decisions.”1

Even with Godly counsel at my disposal, it is easy to succumb to or even listen to the “voices that are loudest or most convenient. Social media, self-help books, or even well-meaning friends can quickly become our go-to sources for advice.2” However, Scripture tells us to seek God’s will in all we do, not to depend on our own understanding, but let Him show us which way to go. As Proverbs 14:8 points out, to do it any other way is the foolishness of fools. Godly wisdom is rooted in His Word, and His Word will never lead us wrong or fail us.

Who we choose to walk alongside us in these moments makes all the difference. Are we surrounding ourselves with people who point us back to God’s truth! Are they speaking God’s truth into our situations or adding more confusion?

For Such a Time As This, Journal, p49

I ache for those who do not know God and those who have no true concern for His opinion. How sad and dangerous it is for those who do not know what it is like to have faith and confidence in Him and His wisdom and truth. Their concern is with the earthly kingdom and what will please or displease others, or what will get them where they want to go, rather than with what is good and right to do and what leads them where God wants them to go. May we be ready disciples of the Word – ready with an answer for the hope that is in us, ready to point others to God’s truth, which is light and life and peace.

Note: There is more than poor counsel and sorrow in today’s passage. For while we do not see/read His name on the pages of the book of Esther, God was working all things together for the good of His people. Keep your eyes open and jot down glimpses you catch of Him throughout the journey. Training ourselves to do this can make such a difference in our own lives when we are struggling to see or sense His presence. – How have you seen Him working in your life? Do you see Him today?

Prayer

Father, teach us and help us to seek Your wisdom above all when troubles come our way. Thank You for the people You have surrounded me with throughout my life – who belong to You, love You, and have imparted wisdom and counsel from Your Word. Help me to do the same for others – In Jesus’ Name – Amen.

  1. For Such a Time As This Journal, p49 ↩︎
  2. For Such a Time As This Journal, p49 ↩︎
The More We Know

For more insight visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

Distractions and Pride

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based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly: w1d2
Scripture Road Map: Read: Esther 1:9-12 and SOAP: Proverbs 12:16

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Prov 12:16

Perhaps because I have heard and seen firsthand how alcohol can alter or even obliterate one’s thoughts and decisions, as I read today’s portion of Esther, it was easy to jump to the conclusion that the king’s request and subsequent reactions were due to the effects of the wine. However, I was quickly reminded of how easy it is for any of us to let the distractions of this world alter our thoughts and choices. This reminder made me think of some words from the Apostle Peter, who warned his readers to be sober-minded (self-controlled) and alert. He told them, “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”1 Life is full of distractions … our jobs, our health, our families, schedules, tiredness, and emotions; there are also our needs and wants, finances, and obligations. Add to this list gadgets like phones that we carry and often scroll endlessly and mindlessly through, and it’s safe to say we are easy prey. These distractions often leave us vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. While wine may have played a part in the king’s reaction, clearly, delight and pride in his possessions seemed to play a great part in the week-long celebration.

Prudent is an adjective that means to act with or show care and thought for the future.

Definitions from Oxford Languages2

Today’s journey picks up where we left off – with the added knowledge that Queen Vashti was also hosting her own banquet for the women in the palace of the King. We find the King still entertaining and celebrating with his guests, and Scripture says, “feeling the effects of the wine.” Whether this was the cause of the events that transpired from that point or whether it was simply the nature of the King, his decisions and actions were certainly not those of a wise and prudent king. Instead, he acted rashly, as one showing no care or thought for the future. Being caught up in his celebrations and wanting to show off his beautiful queen was likely not uncommon for the day. However, the unexpected refusal of the queen would have humiliated the King and wounded his pride, which is obvious in what followed. Though, before we get too judgmental of the King, consider these words from today’s LGG Journal entry:

“I read this and sit here judging King Ahasuerus, yet how many times have I been there, too? I request my children to do something, but they defiantly refuse while out in public. A friend I’ve known for years suddenly doesn’t seem to value our friendship and make time for me. Or when I’m in a rush to get to an appointment and a distracted driver cuts me off as they enter my lane. In all these situations, my heart begins to race, and I’m tempted to get angry and lash out. And in those moments, I realize I’m not as different from King Ahasuerus as I’d like to think.”3

I don’t know about you, but I can definitely relate to the above scenarios, which makes the journal’s closing comments on the Proverbs portion of today’s journey not only helpful but also encouraging. Take a moment to soak it in, and let’s make it a truth we live out.

“In Proverbs 12:16, we read that a prudent person ignores the insult. Wait, what? God wants me to overlook insults instead of fighting back? Webster’s dictionary says that “Prudent” means to act or show care and thought for the future. Instead of immediately responding to a negative situation and acting like a fool. God wants me to pause and think about the future, contemplate the situation, and, if possible, ignore the offense. When we contemplate the future, it gives us time to calm down and better evaluate the situation. And when possible, ignore the insult.”4

A Prayer of Response

Father, help us be women who are wise and not fools who are easily angered when we are offended or upset. Help us to consider the future and the impact our reactions can have on it and those around us. Strengthen us to stay alert and to represent you well – In the name of Jesus – Amen!

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, For Such A Time As This

Accumulating Lasting Treasures

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based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly: w1d1

Scripture Road Map: Esther 1:1-8 and Matthew 6:19-21

SOAP: Matthew 6:19-21

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21

We are primarily focusing on Jesus’ instructions to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven rather than on earth. However, it is worth noting a few things about the passage from Esther, namely, the king’s celebration. King Xerxes(also known as Ahasurerus) “gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media, as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces.  The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.” While he offered up a lavish amount of food and drink for his guests the King and his treasures seemed to be the center of the celebration – as he “displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his majestic greatness for a lengthy period of time.

Earth is decaying and ruled by the king of liars and thieves. Heaven is ruled by Almighty God, it is indestructible and cannot be penetrated by thieves.

Mefromthensideout.com🦋

The picture painted by King Xerxes’ celebration is in stark contrast to the focal point of today’s journey found in Matthew 6:19-21, where we are encouraged to amass heavenly treasures. Matthew records the instructions of Jesus to His disciples to not be caught up with earthly treasures that will decay and/or be stolen. Instead, they were to be storing up treasures in Heaven, where nothing could destroy them and no one would break in and steal them. Jesus’s explanation of why this matters can be found in verse 21, where He warns that wherever our treasure is, that’s where the focus of our heart will be also.

Throughout Scripture, God instructs and invites us to come to Him – to know Him and make Him known. We are to give Him glory and honor1, to celebrate Him for who He is and what He’s done. We are to stand amazed in His presence, to worship Him, to love Him above and before all things – with all of our being. As believers, our hearts are to be His throne (1 Peter 3:15). In other words, we are to set apart (honor, regard, worship, sanctify) the Lord God in our hearts. Without question, He is to have first place in our lives (Mark 12:29-30), and we are to have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3).

Recently, when my mother moved to an assisted-living facility and we packed up her things, I found myself using the word ‘treasure’ a lot. I was also reminded of earthly decay as we emptied the attic. Hoping to ward off the threat of thieves, we were careful to make the house look lived in until everything had been moved out. My house has always had treasures within its walls, but it is far fuller since Mom’s move. The items would likely be meaningless to most, but to me, they are precious treasures, holding memories of people or events from the past. Some rank as antiques, while others have simply been passed down from one generation to the next. Dishes, furniture, pictures, jewelry, family Bibles, and my dad’s football helmet are among the items. While I don’t believe any of the pieces are an offense to God, Jesus’ words from our journey today are a reminder that they all fall under the category of “earthly treasures” that will decay.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with gathering and enjoying treasures and heirlooms from my mom’s home. However, the words we find in Matthew chapter six are a good and necessary exhortation that we must be careful about what place these treasures hold in our hearts. The treasures Jesus tells us to store up are different than furniture, pictures, or other special items. Rather, “heavenly treasures,” as Bibleref.com points out, are “eternal rewards. They cannot be lost to moths, rust, thieves, or anything else. In financial terminology, they are a far better investment.” The commentary goes on to answer the question, “How did Jesus mean for His followers to store up rewards for themselves in heaven? He has spoken a few times in this Sermon on the Mount of acts God will reward. These have included being persecuted for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11–12); giving to the needy in secret (Matthew 6:4), praying in secret (Matthew 6:6) and fasting without calling attention to oneself (Matthew 6:18). In short, God rewards His people when they lead lives of sincere devotion and worship to Him.2“

Friends, when our lives are centered around God, when He sits enthroned on our hearts, we become different, transformed from the inside out. Our thoughts and focus, our decisions and choices, our conversations and actions, and our treasures will all glorify and honor Him.

Mefromthensideout.com🦋
The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Easter, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Passion Week, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

GOOD FRIDAY

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Now that Jesus had been arrested, the religious leaders wanted to try Him for His crimes. Jesus was tried six different times: the first three trials were before Jewish leadership, and the second three trials were before Roman officials. All six trials were expedited because the religious establishment wanted to arrive at the death sentence before the news of Jesus’ arrest got out among the people. Also, they needed the death sentence to be carried out before the Sabbath Day, which started Friday evening. The sixth and final trial takes place before Pilate. He renders his decision on the basis of expediency rather than truth or justice; he firmly believes Jesus to be an innocent man, but he also fears a riot and wants to satisfy the crowds who are yelling, “crucify Him!” In just a few hours, Jesus is tried six times and sentenced to death by crucifixion.

It’s almost 9 am as Jesus begins His journey to Golgotha by carrying His cross. At some point along the way, Roman soldiers force a man named Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross because He is too weak. The site of Jesus’ crucifixion was outside of the city in keeping with the Jewish law requirement for executions (Heb.13:12). None of the Gospel authors provide any details concerning the actual crucifixion; they simply note the fact that it happened. Jesus was crucified at the third hour of the day (Mark 15:25), which is 9 am. Even on the cross, Jesus’ enemies continue to mock Him to the very end, “…He saved others, but He cannot save Himself…” (Luke 23:35-38). The irony is that if Jesus had come down from the cross, He would have saved Himself but not others. At noon, darkness descends on the land (Mark 15:33), lasting for three hours. At 3 pm, Jesus died for the sins of humanity (Luke 23:46). Immediately, the earth shook, and the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that God’s people will now have direct access to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus was taken off the cross before sundown and placed in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea (Nicodemus assisted with the burial of the body). Two women, Mary Magdalene, and Mary (the mother of Joses) (Mark 15:47) observe Jesus’ burial location. They believe His body has not been sufficiently prepared because of the hasty nature of His burial; they plan to return after the Sabbath with additional spices and ointments.1

… Before we rush to Resurrection Sunday, let’s sit with the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice today. Let us sit with the pain of the Man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), who endured the wrath of God at the cross. Let us ponder the injustice of the spotless Lamb of God punished for our sins. Let us marvel at the astounding death of the Creator of life. Let us worship the King of glory who let go of the splendor of heaven to become flesh and blood, to humble Himself, to hunger and thirst, to suffer and hurt, to be betrayed and rejected, mocked and humiliated — all for love.

For the Good Friday Devo, please click the button below – you won’t want to miss it!

Today’s Devo from P31
  1. EXCERPT FROM THE PASSION, BY DR JEREMY SHAFFER, CHILDREN AND FAMILY PASTOR AT LEWIS MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH  ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Verses of Encouragement, part 1

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For every discouraging circumstance of your life, God’s Word has an encouraging answer filled with hope and light. Print them off, write them down, or snap a picture with your phone.

The collection of verses was originally shared by gotquestions.org

When you’ve lost something, or someone, who has been very precious to you:
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Revelation 1:18 “I am alive forevermore.”
John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies’”

When excruciating waves of chronic pain and weakness are crashing over your head:
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

When your cupboard is bare, and your last crumb has been scraped up:
Matthew 6:33 “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

When no one seems to understand, or even to care:
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
Isaiah 40:11 “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

When you are being persecuted for your faith:
2 Peter 2:9 “the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment.”
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

When the nation, the world, and even the family and the church, seem to be disintegrating:
Isaiah 14:24: “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand.’”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

When life’s fears and insecurities gang up on you:
Psalm 27:1 “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?”
Luke 12:7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Romans 8:1 “There is, therefore, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When your mood is dark:
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, and be glad in it.”
Romans 8:29-30 “For those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

When worn out and worn down to the point of giving up:
Hebrews 12:2-3 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and completer of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

When abandoned by everyone meaningful:
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 “… God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”

When friends and even family seem to be abandoning God:
Psalm 100:5 “God’s faithfulness endures through all generations.”
2 Timothy 3:1-4 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Everything You Say

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Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29

I didn’t grow up in a home where foul or abusive language (or corrupt, as some translations say) was used. However, the second part of this verse is ingrained in my mind, as God has used it frequently through the years, sometimes daily, to correct how I use my words. God has been very patient with me, but even in the hard lessons, He has faithfully forgiven me, stuck by me, and trained me for righteousness. You see, it’s always been easy for me to get caught up in conversations without considering whether my words are “good and helpful.” So, Paul’s lesson to the believers of Ephesus has been God’s lesson to me more times than I can count – and I encourage you with the same: Be purposeful when you speak so that your words are an encouragement to those who are listening – not just to the person you are speaking to but to “all who might hear them.”

Let everything you say [be good and helpful], (so that) your words will be an encouragement (to those who hear them.)

Ephesians 4:29b
The Importance of Encouragement in the Believer’s Life

Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way. Encouragement makes it easier to love as Jesus loved (see John 13:34-35). Encouragement gives hope (Romans 15:4). Encouragement helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5). Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Galatians 5:22-26). Encouragement makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom. In short, encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life.

Without encouragement, life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains of our lives. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. Without encouragement, we begin to think that God is a liar or is unconcerned with our welfare. So, the Bible tells us to encourage one another, to remind each other of the truth that God loves us, that God equips us, that we are treasured, that our struggles are worth it.

Encouragement from the Bible gives us the will to carry on. It is a glimpse of the bigger picture. It can prevent burn-out. It can save us from believing lies (“sin’s deceitfulness”). Encouragement helps us experience abundant life (see John 10:10).

Gotquestions.org

Friends, my prayer for all of us is to not only encourage others faithfully but to listen for/to the encouragement others are speaking to us. – Mefromthensideout 🦋

Reflection: Who can you encourage today? What are some encouraging words someone has spoken to you?

The More We Know

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak …

James 1:19a
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Be An Encourager

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“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness,” 

Hebrews 3:13

The graphic attached to today’s post is a gem I saw online recently. It spoke to me, so I copied and pasted it into my photos. God nudged me, first with a reminder to let my words lift up and not tear down. Then came the reminder of Hebrews 3:13, where the author teaches his readers (us) to encourage one another daily so that we don’t become “hardened” by sin’s deceitfulness.

Encouragement is of great importance to our faith.

Encouragement is of great importance to our faith. We live in a world infested with sin and a myriad of problems and heartaches. It is easy to succumb to or be hardened by the sins we see around us because they have become acceptable, even among those in the church. It is also easy to get caught up in critiquing the world’s problems and/or allowing the troubles of this life to overcome us and distract our focus from God and the life He has called us to live. It is easy to give way to despair, fear, and worry.

Jesus knew there would be troubles for His disciples; He knew they would be hated, mocked, and persecuted, and He told them so, but He followed the troubling news with encouraging words, or as gotquestions.org states: “Jesus’ grim forecast was tempered with cheer; He followed His prediction of trouble with a sparkling word of encouragement: He has overcome the world. Jesus is greater than any trouble we face.””1

One of my favorite passages of encouragement that Jesus spoke to His disciples comes right after He told them, “In this world you will have trouble. But…” He followed that statement with, “…take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Undoubtedly, knowing they would be alarmed by the warnings of trouble He delivered to them, He was quick and kind to offer them loving encouragement and hope. They could not yet see the whole reality of the problems they would know, nor could they entirely understand His words of encouragement and the hope they were meant to give, but – they trusted Jesus, and I would imagine they found comfort in His words.

What about you? Do you know Jesus2? Do you trust in His promise of encouragement that “He has overcome the world”? Are troubles surrounding you or lurking at your door? “Take heart!” Rest in the words of the Savior: “I have overcome the world.” There is no problem that is too big and no mountain that is too tall that He cannot overcome. Is there someone you know who is struggling? Maybe it’s a particular sin, or perhaps it’s loneliness, or a need… maybe it’s a relationship or a health crisis … or maybe it’s with salvation … whatever it is, be an encourager – “the world has plenty of critics already.”

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

The Message/A paraphrase of Colossians 4:5-6
Prayer of Response:

Father, thank You for the encouragement we find in Your Word and for Your Son, who faithfully and lovingly encouraged His disciples. Let my words encourage and lift up. As Paul wrote, may they be always full of grace and seasoned with salt. – Amen 💜

Thd More We Know
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/