Jesus also revealed Himself through Hagar, one of Sarah’s maids. Abram and Sarai (who god later named Abraham and Sarah) were waiting for God to fulfill His promise of a child. They decided to try to do it their way in their timing instead of God’s so Abraham had a child through one of his servants.Why do we always think we have a better way than God? God’s ways are ALWAYS better than our ways. It never works out when we try to do things on our own. . This case was no different. And Hagar was caught in the middle of it. But Jesus came to Hagar and gave her comfort. Continue reading “The Angel of the Lord and the Bondwoman”
Tag: encouragement
Blessed Assurance…Encouragement from God’s Word
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am grateful for God’s promises. He always keeps His promises and I am especially thankful that He promised me eternal life. He promised that He will never leave me or forsake me. He promised me that the Holy Spirit indwells in me to guide me, convict me and pray for me. He promised to work in me to grow. He promised me understanding of God’s Word. He promised me that He would answer my prayers and provide my needs. As we read through the Bible, it is full of promises from God. There are many words of encouragement for the believer. We can learn of God’s character and who we are in Christ. We can learn how to live. I hope these scriptures give you encouragement this day and I hope you will be strengthened and inspired to follow Him wherever He leads you and to overcome any doubt or distraction, weakness or temptation that comes to you. Continue reading “Blessed Assurance…Encouragement from God’s Word”
Encouragement from Hebrews
I am going through a great study in Hebrews right now and I realize there are so many words of encouragement to believers that we can have confidence and hope. God always keeps His promises. Jesus is our Savior, but He is much more. Jesus, the Son of God, perfect in every way because He IS God, gave His life for us. With His blood sacrifice, we now have access to the Father. He is the Priest-King, who is our Intercessor and Redeemer, who offered Himself as a sacrifice, the prefect blood offering once for all. It is the perfect sacrifice because He is perfect, no flaw, no sin, and He lives forever, giving eternal salvation to those who believe.
The book of Hebrews is written to the Jews of the early Christian church. Many were true believers and some were seeking. But the Jews from outside the church (and perhaps some from within) were trying to turn them from faith in Jesus Christ or draw them back to the Law. The writer explains how the Law had been fulfilled by Christ and that there is a new, much better covenant that God had given all of us through His Son. This covenant was promised through Abraham and all things throughout the Old Testament point to Jesus Christ. The Law showed us our sin and the need for blood sacrifice, and the New covenant shows us God’s mercy and grace, that through Jesus, our sins are forgiven once and for all. We are saved by faith in Him and our salvation is based on what Christ did for us, not on ourselves. Thanks God for that, because all of us fall short! I encourage you to read through the entire book of Hebrews to fully understand the reason for the law, the blood, the sacrifice and how Jesus fulfilled all of it and became our High Priest to be our sin offering. It also reminds us of His promise of eternal salvation and to encourage us to not lose hope, but to have boldness and confidence, trusting in Jesus Christ our Lord, living for Him, serving Him and others. Continue reading “Encouragement from Hebrews”
Cost and Blessing of Following Jesus
At first I thought of titling this post, “Strength through Tribulation and Persecution.” But it is more than that. Every trial we go through, every time we are persecuted, every struggle, God is with us and we grow spiritually and become a better person and we have an opportunity to help others in similar situations. He is always there whether we realize it or not. As a believer, we need to realize we will go through trials. There is a cost to following Jesus. But it does not compare to the blessings and the reward we will receive by knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As the last of the series on “I am Saved…Now What Do I Do?” I want to prepare my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, in particular those who are young believers of things they may face while giving words of encouragement that it is all worth it. I also want to start this discussion by making it clear that what we do does not determine our salvation. It is what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Our sins are forgiven because of Him. We just need to accept that gift of grace He has given us. What we do is a result of that salvation. When we are saved, there will be a change in our hearts, our lives and our actions. The blessings are tremendous, but that does not mean things will be easy. It just means it will be worth it. Continue reading “Cost and Blessing of Following Jesus”
My Daily Scriptures 