Ecouragement

Religious hypocrisy

Jesus said we should do what our religious leaders told us, but we should be careful that we do not do everything they do; because many of them often do not practice what they preach. He called them hypocrites and other not so cute names.

Religious hypocrisy is rampant in our Churches. And it should be rooted out. Too many of us do not practice what we preach. We live double lives. And we often pick sides and pull punches when we are called upon to call out sin. Sometimes we play the hear no evil see no evil game if it suits our purpose.

Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Therefore, one cannot be salt one day and sugar the next, light one day and darkness the next. We must be consistent in attitude and behavior. And we must call the game as we see it and let the chips fall where they may.

Don’t allow your affliction to touch your heart.

Psalm 41:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed
    and restores them from their bed of illness.

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If you are a Christian, who is carrying a heavy load that God hasn’t seen fit to lighten or remove, don’t give in to bitterness, rebellion, or self-pity.

When your emotions well up, as they inevitably will, think about apostle Paul. He had an affliction that God never saw fit to remove. Be honest with God, he understands. As long as you keep your life open to him, your affliction will never touch your heart.

There is hope for the hopeless in Jesus Christ

Hope is like a fire; it needs fuel to keep going. Many people around us have lost hope. So, it’s our responsibility to help them rekindle the flame of hope. Often, all it takes is a spark of encouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

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There is hope for the hopeless in Jesus Christ

Romans 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Note to Jesus

Dear Jesus, I know I am one of many sheep in Your pasture. But the reason I call today is to say thanks for how You’ve loved and tenderly cared for me.

Your grace toward me cannot be measured. And your mercies are endless. Teach me how to honor You with all areas of my life. Help me not to forget where You brought me from.

I am your child forever
Noel

How to showcase God’s love

We showcase God’s love when we are willing to help others without any prompting. Some of us can give a good speech about God’s love. But when it comes to demonstrating God’s love, we fall short.

The gospel according to 1John 3:18 states:

Let us not love with words or speech but with action and in truth.