Shows
Be EncouragedWhat’s On The Menu?“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.’” (John 6:35)Jesus is as good as said, “I am the whole menu. There is no more. If you sense need, you are consuming something other than Me.” We can so easily get distracted by the flesh’s desires raining on us 24/7 that we put God on some back burner, looking to other things to satisfy. Many believers ask God to “open the Heavens” and expand their menu today. Jesus is the full...2024-01-0300 min
Be EncouragedFlyOur Scripture today is from John chapter 5, verse 24.Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.See Jesus. Trust Jesus. Live His life living you. Why? Why not? Those who have put their trust in Christ Jesus proclaim they know they have passed from death to life. Their proof? They fear no judgment. Their living never ends. Their schoolroom is in the heart of God. Their occupation is the...2023-12-2701 min
Be EncouragedShineOur verse today is John chapter five, verse four. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.God said His light will shine out of darkness. That light is the One who is shining in our hearts the Light of our knowledge of the glory of God as seen in the face of Christ. What do we see when we look...2023-12-2501 min
Be EncouragedProfound Equality“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5 through verse 8).To be a child of God is to embrace profound equality, not in a power struggle with the Almighty, but in alignment with His...2023-12-2401 min
Be EncouragedHoly Spirit GuidanceWelcome to the face-to-face episode titled, Holy Spirit Guidance."But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but only what He hears, and He will show you things to come. The Spirit will glorify Me because He will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you. Everything that the Father has belongs to Me. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you."Dear friends, let's delve into the beautiful words...2023-12-2301 min
Be EncouragedWhat Will It Take?Today’s verse is from John 4 and verse 53.So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, ‘Your son lives’; and he himself believed and his whole household.I am of the age where more of my friends are in the spirit than the flesh. I don’t mind the thought of dying. I just don’t want to be there when it happens. I expect if, for some reason, all those friends showed up in their flesh, I’d have to trust people can spontaneously regenerate from dust and ash...2023-12-2200 min
Be EncouragedGod - DoToday’s Scripture is taken from John 4:50.Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son lives.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.”As Andy, in the movie Shawshank Redemption, would say, “Get busy living or get busy dying!” I would say, “Get busy trusting or get busy dying!” Either way, “get busy”. Jesus said the same thing a little differently, “I wish that you were cold or hot.” In short, we are to be passionate. This means that we can own a thing to the point that we can contend for it.2023-12-2101 min
Be EncouragedJonahHere is today’s Scripture Quoted from John 4:48.So Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.’Jesus told us, “You should not have needed signs and wonders to trust Him.” In another place, Jesus said to the people He was talking that they were “an evil and adulterous generation craving for a sign; but no sign would be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Those who have been born of the Spirit through the trust of Christ have the sign of Jonah in their heart...2023-12-1901 min
Be EncouragedPromised SeedHere is today’s Scripture Quoted from John 4:42.And they were saying to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.’What could these people have heard that could convince them that this person, Jesus, was out to save them as much as the Jews? We don’t know. But, somehow, Father used Jesus’ words to touch individuals. By doing so, God embraces many nations. Each nation that trusts Jesus as the promis...2023-12-1800 min
Be EncouragedSilence of God“From that city, many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all the things that I have done.’” (John 4:39)The same is true today. Many trust Jesus through the testimony of others. Some get to know Him personally and then trust Him. Either way works. Jesus was thrilled that Thomas wanted to see for himself the proof that this person before him was Jesus. After some inspection, he knew the crucified and resurrected One. Jesus also explained that many would not see Him, or His scars would jo...2023-12-1801 min
Be EncouragedNew Address“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.’” (John 4:21)Jesus is saying to us that the worship center has moved. It has no permanent mailing address on earth. Worshiping God has been relocated from a building with rules to worshiping the Father, who dwells in the human heart. The directive has changed from 613 rules to one—love. In God’s Person of Love, we are bound to love. He has accomplished loving everyone, including us. We reflect on what He is doing. He is...2023-12-1500 min
Be EncouragedYou Have Me“He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)We are told to trust Jesus forever. Everyone who chooses not to trust Him declares they cannot see Him as their eternal living. Down deep, they think God is out to get them. They cannot shake the feeling something has gone really wrong, and it is up to them to fix it. Instead of trusting God has fixed it, they go about trying to get what they don’...2023-12-1300 min
Be EncouragedChrist or Flesh“He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)In Christ, everyone’s flesh-self has been judged. Likewise, Jesus’s life after death gives everyone eternal living. If we remain attached to the flesh, we remain the living dead. Jesus Himself is the life-giving Spirit of God. If we trust He has saved us, we are joined to His life-giving Spirit. We are told that we who trust Him become one spirit with Him. We...2023-12-1201 min
Be EncouragedPride Revisited“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)We have heard it said that we have eternal life in God’s Son. So then, what stops us from trusting that simple message? Pride! Pride works in so many creative ways. Many, thinking they are being humble, can conclude that they are not yet worthy of God’s...2023-12-1201 min
Be EncouragedHave What You Want“so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” (John 3:15)In Him, we can trust there is eternal life. His empty tomb proves this. By trusting Jesus, we are joined to the One who already trusts Father. We are joined to His Trust. Receiving the only begotten Son of the Father is likewise receiving his sons. Father loved us way before we existed or sinned one sin. When we trust that we have! the life of God living us, we have eternal living. We have His Son having “Us.” We skip doubting His ability to live our livi...2023-12-0800 min
Be EncouragedI Am Free“If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12)Jesus could present the truth to the people of His day. Humanity was bereft of the ability to receive the truth. That is as true today as in Jesus’ day. What is this truth? God has saved humanity, or Jesus is the Truth. Jehovah has saved us in Christ Jesus. That is the truth! This truth most people ignore or reject. Why? Because they think they have to do things to get saved or stay saved...2023-12-0701 min
Be EncouragedNatural“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing.” (John 2:23)The name Jesus means “Jehovah saves.” To trust the name of Jesus is to trust He can do what His name implies. In the verse above, we learn that the people were matching up Jesus’s words and behavior. Because of this, they put their trust in His very person.Christ has set you free from distrusting God.Father, I watch, listen, chat with You, plead for many t...2023-12-0600 min
Be EncouragedServitude“This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” (John 2:11)Think of it! Turning tap water into wine. The best wine. The most abundant and familiar thing transformed into a specific and unique experience. The only thing in common is that each could be drunk. So it is with us and the Christ. We are common, but when God’s angels gather us up to the King, we are transformed into Sons of God in every way. We have begun our eternal submission to Father’s will...2023-12-0501 min
Be EncouragedResurrected Heart“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’” (John 1:50)What was Nathaniel doing under the fig tree? Years ago, I surmised Nathaniel was praying to see the Christ. No sooner had he prayed than he was introduced to the one who heard his prayer under the fig tree. For me, nothing else explained why Nathaniel instantly declared Jesus was the long-awaited Christ. Yet, as fantastic as that was, Jesus found the prospect of angels ascending and descendi...2023-12-0400 min
Be EncouragedGood Fruit, Good RootWelcome to the Face-to-Face episode titled "Good Root, Good Fruit." Let's explore the heart of Jesus's teaching titled "A Tree and its Fruit" found in Matthew 7:16-19.In this teaching, Jesus gives us permission to recognize people's true selves by the fruits they produce. Just as grapes do not come from thorn bushes and figs do not emerge from thistles, every healthy tree yields good fruit, while a corrupt tree produces bad fruit. It is a fundamental truth that a good tree cannot produce harmful fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. The fruit reflects...2023-12-0301 min
Be EncouragedLousy Root, Lousy FruitLet's break down the ideas behind Matthew 7:17-19, which talks about how a lousy root can only produce lousy fruit:What, then, is a lousy root? We know it by its fruit. What is the fruit that exemplifies a lousy root? It is a person trying to be like God. Trying to be better depends on the root suffering lack.The tree of trying produces all types of effort. Adam and Eve had all Father God wanted them to have, but they wanted more. They ate of the fruit of the root of getting to...2023-12-0201 min
Be EncouragedIn The Name“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” (John 1:12)Have you received Jesus as your Lord, God, and Savior? Then, you have the authority to proclaim your membership in the family of God. How can you receive the Gift of God? By trusting in His name. What is so special about the name Jesus? Jesus is a statement, a life-giving statement. “Je” stands for the name Jehovah, and “sus” stands for saves. Je-sus means “Jehovah saves.” This excludes your ability to save anyone...2023-12-0100 min
Be EncouragedThe Light“He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.” (John 1:7)John’s whole reason for living was to declare the light that lights every human soul ever conceived. That light was the Person of persons, the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. Without His story, we have nothing to trust except our puny efforts to stave off fear, guilt, and shame. Why do we suffer these things? Because we were made for better things, such as trust, hope, and love. With these qualities of God in Christ in us, we beg...2023-11-3000 min
Be EncouragedNo Escape“And He said to them, ‘O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!’” (Luke 24:25)It is foolish to trust a distrusting heart. Jesus was chiding people for not trusting Him. Now, that was a foolish thing to do. Why? Because everything the human heart desires is in our union with Christ Jesus. He has been gifted, and we can receive the Gift of Grace. Like a magnet drawn close to another magnet, they correct themselves and attach themselves. Jesus said no one could disengage them from that union.I am c...2023-11-2900 min
Be EncouragedNew Creature“‘If You are the Christ, tell us.’ But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe;’” (Luke 22:67)Many have asked me, “Who am I, and what am I here for?” I gave them the answer only to realize they did not want to know it. Why? Because to know the answer means you could not justify looking and failing to find it. Same with those asking Jesus for a direct answer. Their hearts were set on looking for Christ but had no intentions of submitting to Christ when found.Distrusting Christ takes a lot of w...2023-11-2800 min
Be EncouragedKing of Israel“‘If You are the Christ, tell us.’ But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe;’” (Luke 22:67)Many have asked me, “Who am I, and what am I here for?” I gave them the answer only to realize they did not want to know it. Why? Because to know the answer means you could not justify looking and failing to find it. Same with those asking Jesus for a direct answer. Their hearts were set on looking for Christ but had no intentions of submitting to Christ when found.Distrusting Christ takes a lot of w...2023-11-2700 min
Be EncouragedOld Hope, New HopeNow that we've embraced our new selves, our hope has also transformed. We no longer strive to be like God; instead, we hope in His work through us. We've moved beyond the need to escape fear, shame, and guilt through our actions or by seeking a deeper understanding of God's nature.Our fresh hope is anchored in the trust that Father God can replicate His character in those who rest in this trust. Indeed, He has the power to guide a peaceful soul. When we stop trying to take control and trust, His Love naturally shines through...2023-11-2601 min
Be EncouragedOld I, New INot I, but Christ!2023-11-2501 min
Be EncouragedTrust Never Fails“but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)Jesus says Peter’s trust in Christ would not fail Him in the long run. It did fail for a time, as seen in Peter denying Jesus three times. It was restored when the object of trust, Jesus, asked him three times if he loved Him and then said, ‘Feed my sheep.’ Jesus gave three chances for Peter to declare his trust in Him publicly. Jesus trusted Peter. Christ’s trust in you will...2023-11-2400 min
Be EncouragedServant Of“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)Was this a rhetorical question? The answer is yes and no. He was asking if He would find people trusting Him when He came. He had come. He was standing right in front of them. Many trusted Him for things for a season and greatly benefited from it. But humanity generally rejected the need to trust Him for life itself. Even today, most believers in Christ think He is a way...2023-11-2301 min
Be EncouragedHow Much Is Enough“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ And the Lord said, ‘If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and be planted in the sea”; and it would obey you.’” (Luke 17:5-6)At least five times, Jesus declared to His disciples that they had little faith. In these verses, He says the little they have is enough. They wanted more. Why? They wanted power to do the things Jesus did. Their trust was not in Jesus. What they wanted was enough faith not to depend on Jesus. They want...2023-11-2201 min
Be EncouragedNo More Faith“But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!” (Luke 12:28)I must admit that I cringe when I hear people speak as if they need more faith than they already have to get what God wants in their life experience. Jesus just said, “What little you have is enough.” Faith is not some commodity that produces more of the same commodity. Jesus produces anything we desire within the Father’s will. Jesus said it, and I...2023-11-2101 min
Be EncouragedYou Rule“But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, ‘Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.’” (Luke 8:50)Jesus told this man to replace his fear with trust in Jesus, declaring his daughter would be made well. This sets up a dynamic many want to ignore. Jesus did not and does not heal every person suffering some physical illness. God does not let everyone escape the hands of evil people. Yes, by His stripes, we are healed of being slaves to sin, and we trust we have become slaves of righteousness. Christ’s ability...2023-11-2001 min
Be EncouragedForegivenessForgiveness is a path to godliness.To forgive us, to be like God, we've all endured suffering, carrying fear, guilt, and shame. The memories of universal wrongs can trigger thoughts of revenge. But at Calvary, Christ forgave us, calling us ignorant of our actions, even pleading for our forgiveness.I have a dear friend who was brutally attacked by a coworker for an unknown reason. Thankfully, the colleagues intervened, rescuing him physically. But as emotional wounds still fester, the person who attacked him is now deceased, buried nearby.I asked if...2023-11-1902 min
Be EncouragedPassionA heart set on perfection, passion's embrace,In Christ, fear, guilt, shame, He did erase.My passion, too, is to share God's love,Revealing His grace from Heaven above.2023-11-1804 min
Be EncouragedHe Has Chosen Us“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’” (Luke 8:48)Like this woman, we don’t have to acquire more trust to believe someone. Trust is so intrinsically one with us that we do it. The ability to trust is the ability to choose a thing and not move from the choice. Once we settle on taking the consequences of our choice, we won’t waver. Many choose to trust Christ for eternal life but distrust him concerning things of this life.God has chosen us in His Son.Father...2023-11-1700 min
Be EncouragedResident Within“Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; these have no firm root; they believe for a while and fall away in time of temptation.” (Luke 8:12–13)Trust is so simple yet challenged by every waking moment. The seed, Christ, has been planted by God in our hearts. But life has another agenda, saying, “Believe in yourself.” If th...2023-11-1601 min
Be EncouragedChildren of Love“And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” (Luke 7:50)Mary, blessed God incarnate. Jesus, at a Pharisee’s table, knew the difference between being a guest compared to being accepted and treated as Lord. Mary invested her savings in some costly perfume. By washing Jesus’s feet with all she had, the perfume, she said she wanted nothing but Christ to satisfy her life needs. The Pharisee, Jesus’s host, gave his attention to Jesus. Mary gave Him every hope.Trust Him with all your distrust.Father, I am betrothed...2023-11-1501 min
Be EncouragedThank God“Seeing their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Luke 5:20)Sin is not having the Father’s trust in the blood of His Christ as all-sufficient. There is a difference between having trust in God and having the trust of God. The imperative, “Have the trust of God,” is a decree, a declaration. We can trust we have been united in Christ’s death. We can trust we have been united in His resurrection. We receive God’s trust in His Son to accomplish His task, redeem us with His blood, and bind us to His love.Th...2023-11-1400 min
Be EncouragedDone Deal“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45). The serpent has asked, “Has God really said, ‘Look on my Son, trust Him, and you shall live?’” Reply, “Yes, I please God by looking to Jesus and trusting Him.”The serpent continues, “It is written in the Law it is up to you to choose Christ, exercise your will to please God, and be good enough to win His favor. In the day you do these things, you will live.”The wise say, “Let me get back to you...2023-11-1300 min
Be EncouragedDear FriendsDear friends, the fundamental call upon our lives is to love one another, as the source of love springs from God. Embracing and practicing this love becomes a testament to our divine lineage and a profound understanding of God. God's essence can be summed up as love; He showcased this incredible love by sending His only Son into the world. The purpose behind this act was to bestow upon us the gift of life through His Son. It's crucial to recognize that this love is not dependent on our love for God but is a revelation of God's initiative in...2023-11-1201 min
Be EncouragedIn CommonLife is the common thread tying us together. It can be seen as a powerful force that works against us, creating challenges and obstacles. At times, it may feel like life is mysterious, leaving us uncertain about what it has in store for us.However, everything changes when life is viewed as an embodiment of love. Love becomes the central and unifying force. it is the very essence of life itself. In this perspective, we are all connected by our innate desire to both give and receive love.This embodiment of love, let's call him "Mr. Love," represents individuals who...2023-11-1101 min
Be EncouragedSufficient“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” (Luke 1:20)Now, here is inescapable evangelism. God has sprinkled the nations with the blood of His Son. They stand dumb on account of His overcoming victory. Even those who have not been told will see and hear Jesus the Christ at His appearance. They will understand. Their hearts of stone will be transformed. His law of love in Christ Jesus will fit in their heads, and their hear...2023-11-1000 min
Be EncouragedThe Greatest One“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.” (Mark 16:14)What a shock! The disciple’s dead best friend appears to them in His bodily form and reproaches their distrust. Picture this. They’re kicking back and having dinner. Then, He shows up to feed them a good dose of reality. The illusion was over. If Jesus is a teaching or a new set of rules, you will mis...2023-11-0900 min
Be EncouragedThe Greatest One“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.” (Mark 16:14)What a shock! The disciple’s dead best friend appears to them in His bodily form and reproaches their distrust. Picture this. They’re kicking back and having dinner. Then, He shows up to feed them a good dose of reality. The illusion was over. If Jesus is a teaching or a new set of rules, you will miss Him stan...2023-11-0900 min
Be EncouragedNot Rocket Science“They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.” (Mark 16:13)It’s a choice. You can trust the message that Christ has risen or not. Even those prepared by Jesus to receive Him after His death could not trust the report He was alive. First dead, three days later, and now alive! Like incredulous! But what does it cost to trust this story? Nothing. What is the benefit? His eternal living through your living. Doubt this, and you have refused to believe it. This is not rocket science. Your distrust or tru...2023-11-0800 min
Be EncouragedThe 'Us'“When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.” (Mark 16:11)They refused to trust the news of Christ having been resurrected. Okay, the idea of a resurrected person is incredible. Such things don’t fit into our everyday life experiences. Three days dead and no one standing over Him praying, He gets up, walks through stone, and plays in His revitalized garden. Where Eve gave off talking to the voice of God in the Garden, Jesus, the voice of God, was now talking to Mary in His new garden...2023-11-0701 min
Be EncouragedYou Save Me“Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.” (Mark 15:32)There’s nothing like kicking someone who is down. How about feeling tall just because you are standing on someone else’s toes? That works, too. Right? Even those who had ripped Jesus’s beard out beat Him, and then drove nails into His hands and feet were mocking Him. Even today, people dismiss Jesus as the Christ because He proved human and died in disgrace. But don’t mi...2023-11-0601 min
Be EncouragedBlurryOur current understanding of Christ can be likened to a blurry reflection in a mirror. However, we will have a clear and direct understanding in the future. At present, we only grasp certain aspects of the truth, Christ, but eventually, we will comprehend it in its entirety, just as we are fully understood. Amid it all, we are bound to three of His essential qualities: faith, hope, and love. Among these, love has the most ability to transform the world. It is like a shining beacon that guides us through the uncertainties of life, connecting us to God’s inexhaustible lo...2023-11-0500 min
Be EncouragedQueen InaraIn a distant realm, Queen Inara embarked on a quest for the grandest attire to set her apart. One fateful day, she encountered a wise person who shared a parable about the King of Kings and His most exquisitely dressed Queen. This divine tale unveiled a secret to Inara - she bore the King's essence, radiating His love, compassion, and wisdom.Discovering that true greatness is not in splendid garments but in embodying the divine virtues that make us extraordinary. She returned to her kingdom, shedding her pursuit of lavish clothing, for she had become the very attire woven to...2023-11-0400 min
Be EncouragedGod Love Me“And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him;” (Mark 13:21)There is no new Christ on the horizon. To choose another Christ is to be an anti-Christ. Receiving the Christ of history is as hard for us today as it was for the people of His day to receive Him as the One prophesied. God has promised we will all see Him. We are not to go here or there to see Him. When He returns, every eye will see Him. We will all declare, at His feet...2023-11-0301 min
Be EncouragedProof“They began reasoning among themselves, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” He will say, “Then why did you not believe him?”’” (Mark 11:31)We have been gifted the ability to trust or distrust, exercise faith in a person or not, and even believe or disbelieve some declaration. Those testing Jesus’s authority had already actively distrusted John the Baptist’s message concerning Jesus. Now, they were trying to have reason to distrust Jesus himself. In effect, Jesus said, “I trust I am from God. John’s proclamation concerning Me is My authority for you to trust Me.” Wow! John was Jesus’s earthly c...2023-11-0201 min
Be EncouragedBirth Peace“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24)Here is the key: understanding what the will of God is. This is the will of God; we are to love everyone with His love indiscriminately. What we pray for are the specific expressions of that love. We can trust that before we ask, we have the answer. The answer is always Jesus’s loving others through us in some tangible way. We care for orphans and widows, feed the hungry, procla...2023-11-0101 min
Be EncouragedSimple“And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” (Mark 11:22)Can it get simpler than this? We either trust or distrust what Jesus just said. In an instant, we can trust His accomplished work of perfecting us and being the perfect One living out His Spirit through us. Many wrestle with the idea God loves them. Go deeper yet, the yah-hoo is that He reproduces His life by living it through you. Simple, but talk about a leap of faith.He is alive!Father, thank You for Your life embodied in Christ and my s...2023-10-3100 min
Be EncouragedOne Thing“And Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” (Mark 10:52)Trust in God makes us well on all levels. Trust in self makes us ill on all levels. Trust builds up. Distrust tears down. We are meant to tear down every act perpetrated by the flesh and build up every act performed by the Holy Spirit. Wholeness comes from realizing our life in Christ Jesus is not tainted with an ‘i’ attached to flesh experiences, feelings, or thoughts. We, united with Christ, discover we...2023-10-3001 min
Be EncouragedSpiritual FruitAs the perfect life, we embrace the Fruit of the Spirit, love revealed. Through this intimacy, we live a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We embody and express the life of Christ, shining as beacons of light in a world that often seeks to extinguish love. Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit is not a call to imitate Christ but to accept our transformation into expressions of the Love of God through simple but immediate trust. Every challenge met with trust embodies the fruit of the Spirit. In moments of such humility...2023-10-2900 min
Be EncouragedEarthly GiftThe world sustains us. Praise God for this gift. In this, a great contemplation arises.2023-10-2801 min
Be EncouragedWater“Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief.’” (Mark 9:24)Once, I took an ambulance ride. Apparently, I was passing a vengeful kidney stone. The EMTs did nothing but mask the pain. The Doctors did nothing but suggest I drink tons of water. Apparently, all I needed was more water and the ability to withstand pain. I sought help from these professionals but discovered they were limited. After a few water-logged days, all was good. Now, I liken life on earth to passing some giant kidney stone ripping through my experiences. With what I had learne...2023-10-2701 min
Be EncouragedHe Can“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can? All things are possible to him who believes.’” (Mark 9:23)Jesus is saying that if you have been gifted with the trust of God, you know everything is possible to God. You move from having to be the author of your trust to being the recipient and expression of His trust. You get to speak and act on that gift. In 1994, we hosted an intercessory group. Two couples received a ‘gift of faith’ and trusted God for new homes in different cities. They received what they were gifted. Soon, there was no group...2023-10-2601 min
Be EncouragedInvolved Observer“And He answered them and said, ‘O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!’” (Mark 9:19)Jesus trusted his Father. If his Father said, “We are having a picnic.” Jesus would tell his disciples, “We are having a picnic with Father.” The wise disciples salivated. Their circumstances did not dictate the outcome of the promise. We who trust Christ’s Spirit alive in us submit to the end at the beginning. We see through the process to the end by keeping our eyes and hearts fixed on Je...2023-10-2501 min
Be EncouragedTrust, Hope, Love“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (Mark 5:36)Jesus came to set free those who, through fear of death, have been subject to that fear all their lives. When we trust Jesus rose from death, we escape death. How? We have died with and in Him. It is a done deal. We, now in Him, live His living. We skipped the experience of death in exchange for experiencing His living. We experience His life right now, living through this flesh. Those who do not trust Hi...2023-10-2301 min
Be EncouragedAdorationAs I type away on my keyboard, my heart overflows with gratitude and admiration for You, oh Lord! However, no words can truly capture the depth of Your love I am constantly immersed in. Even if the world were to proclaim Your name with triumph and jubilation, there would still be a deafening silence, for Your magnificence is beyond comprehension. Despite this, I cannot help but praise You, for my love for You is as innate as my need to breathe. You are the source of my salvation, and today, I call You my Jehovah, my Jesus...2023-10-2200 min
Be EncouragedSpirit LeadThe flesh will fade, but the Spirit endures forever. My friends, let me share a simple truth that has sustained me on my journey. Our bodies are temporary vessels, but the spirit within us is the Life that never extinguishes. It's our view of God's eternal burning love. In this world, we are often consumed by the fleeting desires of the flesh, but I encourage you to embrace the Spirit of God. His love, grace, and healing touch are always there, waiting for us to embrace. As I've delved into Father God's healing love, I've found an...2023-10-2100 min
Be EncouragedSoak“And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.” (Mark 6:6)We all wonder at the abundance of distrust people exhibit. This did not stop Jesus from sharing the good news of Father’s love. His purification process would separate everyone from having to fear or distrust God again. People would tell me of their love for me for much of my life. Those comments rolled off me like water off a duck’s back. Finally, I trusted one such declaration, Jesus’s. It sunk in and, over time, took over. Today, I am, for th...2023-10-2101 min
Be EncouragedGo In Peace“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.’” (Mark 5:34)Yes, we can trust. It is the gift of God. Not one person can claim they are the author of their faith. We are exercisers of the trust gifted. We act with trust all the time. Like flipping a light switch or sitting in a chair and quickly forgetting your body is at its mercy. When flying, we trust the pilot, mechanics, FAA employees, and the company that owns and operates the plane. I know people w...2023-10-2001 min
Be EncouragedTrust Or Fear“And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? How is it that you have no faith?’” (Mark 4:40)Fear births distrust, while love births trust. They are opposites: trust awakens love, and distrust awakens fear. When fear captures your attention, your little ‘i’ is transformed into a self-serving self. When love is recognized as your new self, you trust the only resource needed, the Spirit of God. Love leads us to rest in what God does in, by, and through us.Your choice: trust God or fear.Father, the greatest fear is to leave this l...2023-10-1901 min
Be EncouragedSpend It All“And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:5)Even those greatly encumbered can look to and appreciate Jesus’s abilities. Jesus let this person know He was no longer bound by the need to sin. The real healing was deep and everlasting. This healed flesh and taught it to trust God. He had been freed to be enslaved to God’s will. (Romans 6:18) Jesus instructed him, saying, “Don’t sin anymore.” Jesus also defined the Father’s will for us as seeing Jesus and trusting Him. Jesus went on to say that the sin of...2023-10-1801 min
Be EncouragedI Have ItJesus said, ‘The time is now, and the kingdom of God is within your reach; change your mind and trust this good news.’ (see Mark 1:15)John the Baptist’s and Jesus’s message were the same, “the kingdom of God is within reach. Take hold!” John came baptizing in water to prepare us to be baptized by Jesus in the Holy Spirit and fire. John prepared people by letting them know the Kingdom of God was near. Jesus wanted us to know it had arrived and would soon be within us. Think of it this way: if something is...2023-10-1701 min
Be EncouragedEscape Doubt“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in Him.” (See Matthew Chapter 27:42.What keeps us from trusting Christ? He came down from the tree, was carried to a tomb, laid to rest, and left for dead. Then, in front of some disciples and Roman guards, an angel rolled away the stone blocking the tomb and invited people to peek and see that Jesus’s body had already escaped both death and the tomb. Jesus was alive and walked...2023-10-1601 min
Be EncouragedLiving in LoveWelcome to the Be Encouraged episode titled "Living in Love.”In 1 John 1, we're reminded of our ability to walk in the light of God’s love, His Person. Just like a flashlight pierces through darkness, God's love illuminates our lives and those around us. Let me share a quick story to illustrate this. Imagine being in a dark room filled with tangible doubt and fear. But when you turn on the light of God's love, suddenly, you see and feel hope, forgiveness, and purpose. That's the transformative message of love. God's love heals, guides, and insp...2023-10-1500 min
Be EncouragedTRY TRY TRYWelcome to the Face to Face episode titled "Try, Try, Try."If your motivation is driven by the constant need to do, you might find yourself trapped in a cycle of never-ending tasks. It's like living in a world of "do-do," where no task ever truly satisfies.This mindset has crept into many Christian gatherings, where phrases like "more" and "greater" are often heard, echoing from behind the pews, reminiscent of Adam and Eve's desire for more.People sometimes feel that God has left them lacking, and with a little help from their...2023-10-1401 min
Be EncouragedJoy“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23)We have a brand-new home! It's not built with stones, gold, or silver. Instead, it's made of the pure Love of Christ, which keeps us hidden from sin and disobedience to our Father's will. Our new home embodies God's Life in Christ Jesus and His eternal Love. We follow Him wherever He goes, doing His work joyfully in our hearts, knowing that our life...2023-10-1301 min
Be EncouragedDo Well“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21)As trusting employees of the Holy Spirit, we learn, in little or much, that the tasks before us are form-fitted to God’s abilities, and He is ready to perform them through willing souls. The lesson of life is to trust God’s skill sets. We put no confidence in the flesh. Father wanted to remove that cumbersome burden and replace it with the Hol...2023-10-1201 min
Be EncouragedBread of Life“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)As trustworthy employees of the Holy Spirit, we do the work of love set before us. Who do we love? Everyone indiscriminately. Specifically, those Father sends us who don’t like us. In Psalm 23, we are told a table is set for me before my enemies. Why? For me to feed them. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. We trust His ability to meet their actual need. The table...2023-10-1101 min
Be EncouragedSubmit“So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.” (Matthew 24:26)Look no further. Do not trust people who say there is more of Jesus to gain, a new Christ on the scene, or that Jesus has returned and lives on 777 Main Street. You have it all once you submit and trust the Christ of history birthed in your heart. No one has experienced it all, but we have it all. Submit to the transforming will of God.F...2023-10-1001 min
Be EncouragedHere not There“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.” (Matthew 24:23)The consequence of not getting into the only life raft in sight is death. Jesus of old is that life raft. It is one thing to suffer a life without the ability to be satisfied. It is another to reject the satisfying life. Jesus said, “Like the serpent in the wilderness was lifted up for anyone who looked to it to be healed from their poisoned life, I too shall be lifted up. Anyone who looks to Me and trusts...2023-10-0901 min
Be EncouragedGod is Love!Let us imagine God is only knowable to us through His lovefitting comfortably within our hearts. After all, God is love, Mr. Love Himself. His love for us is like an endless ocean stretching far beyond the horizon. He is so vast that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend His depths except through our hearts. It is like trying to measure the universe with a ruler. That is how limitless God is. His ability to love is infinite and pure, bringing peace, rest, and joy to a life we may have never known. It's...2023-10-0801 min
Be EncouragedPlugged!If our perception of Christianity revolves around the idea of constantly striving, fighting, and anxiously waiting for the next battle, we might be missing the essence of God's grace.2023-10-0700 min
Be EncouragedReceive All“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23)It is not a good idea (NAGI) to ignore justice, mercy, and, most importantly, trustworthiness. We miss the point if we focus on these attributes as if they were absent or weak in our character. Christ Jesus is everything that completes us in life by His nature. For instance, He is love. Love (He) never fails to be j...2023-10-0601 min
Be EncouragedWalk Trusting“For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.” (Matthew 21:32)Today, those who know that they want a better way of living purposely disavow trust in their flesh. They do not trust time, money, things, education, position, friends, or power but place their life, by trust, in Jesus’s life resident within. The onlooker marvels at those who prove how to gain peace and purpose in this life. Not everyo...2023-10-0501 min
Be EncouragedGet Real“‘The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?’ And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’” (Matthew 21:25)John came baptizing for one reason: to proclaim Jesus as the Christ. He was told what to do and what to look for. John had even advised the Jewish leaders of Jesus. He scolded them because he knew their hearts were not willing to trust Jesus as the Christ. God’s plan for Jesus was accomplished. They rejected and crucified Jesus. Thi...2023-10-0401 min
Be EncouragedPrayer Muscles“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)Talking to Father God about your desires is not some magical incantation. It simply harmonizes your heart with Father’s. Prayer explores His desires and discovers if they match yours. After a few prayers, you will gain the muscles to receive what is gifted. That is, God has, once and for everyone, gifted His Son, Jesus the Christ. He is the answer to every prayer in some form. He is the blessing. He is the response. His residence in your heart is more precious than anything you could...2023-10-0301 min
Be EncouragedRoot To Fruit“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea,” it will happen.’” (Matthew 21:21)For whatever reason, the fig tree would not feed its creator. That is not a good idea (NAGI). Your existence is not to glorify a self-willed soul but to be an obedient soul joined at its core to God’s life-giving Spirit. This new nature has been created to do...2023-10-0201 min
Be EncouragedSaved!Understanding that Christ has already made you right with Father God, is important. It's a done deal, a gift that we can receive. Attempting to earn what has been freely given is like biting the hand that feeds you. It's a contemptible act. The name of Christ, the Son, is Jesus, which means "Jehovah Saves." There's no need to wait to be better to earn God's love because that's not how it works. Repentance means agreeing with God, who declares that it is finished, and asking whether you want to receive the gift of life, his Son Jesus. In...2023-10-0101 min
Be EncouragedLiving At HomeLiving with Jesus, as a permanent resident in your heart, is most transformative and comforting. It feels as if you have been invited, by the most loving and wise friend to dwell together, forever.2023-09-3000 min
Be EncouragedIt Is EnoughAnd He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your trust; for truly I say to you, if you have trust the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; nothing will be impossible to you.’ (see Matthew 17:20)2023-09-2901 min
Be EncouragedFood ComfortBut Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘You men of little trust, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread?’ (see Matthew 16:8)2023-09-2801 min
Be EncouragedAt OnceThen Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, your trust in Me is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed at once. see (Matthew 15:28)2023-09-2701 min
Be EncouragedSee The UnseenImmediately, Jesus stretched out His hand, took hold of him, and said, ‘You of little trust, why did you distrust?’ (see Matthew 14:31)2023-09-2601 min
Be EncouragedKeep in TouchThen He touched their eyes, saying, ‘It shall be done to you according to your trust in Me.’ (see Matthew 9:29)2023-09-2601 min
Be EncouragedSay YES!When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you trust that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ (see Matthew 9:28)2023-09-2501 min
Be EncouragedIn SufficientIn our previous episode, titled "Sufficient," we discovered that Christ is sufficient. Today, we will reveal His exact address - your heart.2023-09-2400 min
Be EncouragedSufficientHave you ever felt the need to escape from this insane life?2023-09-2300 min
Be EncouragedAddictedBut Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, ‘Daughter, take courage; your trust has made you well.’ At once, the woman was made well. (see Matthew 9:22)2023-09-2201 min
Be EncouragedSilencedAnd they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their trust in Him, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.’ (see Matthew 9:2)2023-09-2101 min
Be EncouragedBe SilentHe said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little trust?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. (see Matthew 8:26)2023-09-2101 min
Be EncouragedGO!And Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go; it shall be done for you as you have trusted me to do.’ And the servant was healed that very moment. (see Matthew 8:13) 2023-09-2001 min
Be EncouragedMarvelNow when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, ‘Truly I say to you, I have not found such great a trust with anyone in Israel.’ (see Matthew 8:10)2023-09-1901 min
Be EncouragedNo WorriesBut if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow, is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little trust! (see Matthew 6:30)2023-09-1901 min
Be EncouragedAll or LackFor the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some, by longing for it, have wandered away from the Trust of Christ and pierced themselves with many griefs. (See 1 Timothy 6:10)2023-08-3101 min