Christian Words of Encouragement

In support of His call for us to be trustworthy, Jesus commits Himself to being our role model. Even though the disciples know the value of trust, they are human and subject to lapses; they were in the company of Jesus for about three and a half years, and witnessed an unbroken trust from Christ. Jesus kept every promise that He made to them. Every leader needs a role model: Look at the distinction between a hero and a model. A Hero – is a person who shows you who you can be. A Model – is a person who shows you what you can do. At an early age we might call our models heroes. Our heroes may be fictitious characters or eminent persons whom we do not know. An editorial in Life Magazine years ago extolled Dag Hammarskjöld, Pope John X11, and Albert Schweitzer as heroes of the twentieth century. After reviewing their individual achievements, the article concluded with the statement that they shared one quality in common because they chose to be good first, they became great later...

In II Corinthians 13:5, the apostle Paul commands his readers: Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! OK, that seems straightforward enough. But what does it mean to examine yourself? What should you be looking for? How do you know whether or not you are "in the faith"? What is the "test" that we might fail? I wrote Am I Really a Christian? in order to try to help answer these questions. Well, we should all hope that we pass "the test" (again, Paul's words, not mine!). And Scripture gives us a few things to look for that would indicate that in fact we are not "in the faith". A few examples: You're not a Christian if you don't believe true doctrine: By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every s...

All Christians should be looking for ways to engage in spiritual conversation with others with hopes to talk about the gospel. Yet, many struggle to see when those doors are open or how to try and open them. Here is one easy way to engage others in a possible spiritual conversation that I was taught many years ago and has proven quite effective when asked at the right time. The only caveat is it has to get asked on Monday. The question is… “What was the sermon about yesterday?” You would be amazed at some of the responses I have gotten over the years. Responses have varied from a joyful response of a good, fruitful sermon heard by a grocery clerk to a tearful confession of skipping church from a bank teller. There is the common reaction of the awkward silence of shock from someone blindsided by the question. Of course, if you try to engage this way, you will eventually be asked the same question back and you’d better be ready to respond. Pastors, you have no excuse not to r...

The key of persistence and perseverance is vital if you desire to be successful in any endeavor. Many of us give up too quickly. We give up right before our breakthrough occurs, right before victory. While it is true that it is not easy to stay with something, amidst all of the distractions and challenges which attempt to deter us from our course and focus, it should be noted that those who develop stick-ability usually get much more than what they were after. This particular key to success is really the ideal for those who have a passion and deep desire to see our goals realized. No one can obtain and maintain success without it. To be persistent simply means to stay with your goal, pursuing it with a focus and relentlessness that will not accept defeat or give up, until that desire is attained. When we make up our minds that we will have something that is worthwhile, not breaching the laws and principles of God, and bringing hurt and damage to our fellow-men, and we gain the inform...

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, from the Eastern to the Western coasts of this planet called earth, from the North unto the South, peace be unto you all, and may the mercy of God keep you safe while I am so for away from you. I was in the spirit while I was in prayer, and God revealed this unto me for you all. I was instructed to send you this letter to let you know that God see the desire you have in your hearts to engage in battle against your enemy in prayer, I urge you my friends by the knowledge and wisdom of God which He gave unto me, that you take heed to the words in this letter. These few words I send to you. Use them wisely when you face the forces of your enemy in prayer. These words I give to you. To the churches from the East to the West, and to the North and the South, I urge you to pray for each other with sincere loyalty. Remember that we all have the same enemy who desires to kill steal and destroy the faith we have in our lord Jesus Christ. Pray earnestly wi...