Category: Encouragement For The Downcast

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Be Available

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. ~ Acts 2:4

For ten days 120 people went into the Upper Room and spent time with the LORD in unity. They waited together with one goal in mind, to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. These 120 were the first official members of the body of Christ, yet they weren’t all named. Matter-a-fact, the majority are not named. These weren’t high society overly important men and women, these were just common people.

God doesn’t just use the important, influential, high society men and women. God uses willing hearts who are obedient to His call. We don’t need a huge bank account, important name, or large platform in order to be used by God. You don’t need to be extraordinary—you just need to be available.The Spirit will do the rest.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Available.

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Be Grafted Into His Vine

20 And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. ~ Leviticus 23:20

In the Law of Moses, the LORD gave seven feasts for Israel to keep year after year. During the Feast of Weeks, the is directing the Israelites to wave all the other required offerings along with the two loaves of bread of the firstfruits. Why does this matter to us today? The Law of Moses foreshadowed the coming of the good things fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

The loaf, or the bread, waved as a wave offering is always a representation of the body, or the spiritual body. To take it a step further, the wheat represents the Church. Therefore, the two loaves that were waved by the priest were made from the wheat harvest and are representative of the Church as firstfruits of the wheat harvest.

Jew and Gentile together form the Church as a firstfruits of His creatures. Even though Israel is the LORD’s chosen people, He made a way for all people to be grafted into the vine. He made a way for all people to be saved. Why? Because we are all His creation and He loves each and every one of us. How do we know this? Because Jesus died for all, Jews and Gentiles alike, in Him there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but one Church in Christ Jesus.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Grafted Into His Vine.

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Seek Refuge In Him

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~ Psalms 46:1

The Psalmist encourages us that no matter what is going on in our lives, we’re not alone because God is our refuge and strength. A lot of the time it may feel as if the entire world is crashing in on you and you can’t keep going. It may feel like all Hell has broken loose against you and you have no defense. It may feel like you have a target on your back and nowhere to hide. But these are just the feelings the Devil and his kingdom throw at you so that they can overcome you. Why?

Because if they can get you to believe you are defeated, then you’ll give up, give in, and allow them to win. The enemy has no victory over us unless we choose not to fight. Not to keep going. Not to try.

Each day is a new opportunity from God to try again. To keep going. To overcome. Don’t allow the enemy to discourage you. Don’t allow his lies to pollute, corrupt, and overwhelm your soul. Your God is for you, so who can be against you?

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Seek Refuge In Him.

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Embrace His Joy

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2NIV

Paul tells us that Jesus endured the cross and all that came with it for the joy set before Him. What was the glory set before Him? I never really used to think about it. Before, I always kind of wrote it off as His throne, Glory, title, Heaven, etc. but then the other day, it randomly hit me out of nowhere. Jesus didn’t need to endure the cross for those things. He already had all of those things prior to the cross prior to creation. In fact, He set those things aside for the cross. So, what was that joy set before Jesus that kept Him going and gave Him the willpower to endure the cross? Us. We were the joy set before Him.

Jesus got off of His throne, set aside this Godliness, and willingly endured pain, share, mockery, hatred, refection, and every form of disrespect for us. We were once separated from God. In fact, we were once enemies of God doomed to an eternity apart from Him, but Christ showed His love for us by enduring the cross.

Whenever you feel unloved, rejected, alone, and unwanted, remember Jesus endured the cross for you. He endured the shame, ridicule, and mockery for you. He could have easily taken Himself off of the cross. He could have easily shown them who He is. He could’ve shed that weak, broken, hurting, aching human body and picked back up His Godliness at any moment in time, but He didn’t. One reason and one reason alone, you. You are His joy, and He is ours. The joy of the LORD is our strength. The joy of the LORD is you. He endured everything for you, so lean on that strength, and encourage yourself in the knowledge that the LORD loves for you and will do anything to protect you.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Embrace His Joy.

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Prepare For His Return For Us

18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor. ~ Luke 4:18-19

Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. That is who Jesus is, and He has done all of that for us. We are living in the year of the LORD’s favor, which speaks of the fiftieth year—the year of Jubilee, because of Him.

Jubilee was the year when all was forgiven. All debts were canceled, slaves were set free, and all property, the inheritance, reverted to its original and rightful owner … And it was Jesus who accomplished all of that for us. But He didn’t leave it at that; He gave us even more …

Eternal life with Him in blissfulness. No eye has seen. No ear has heard. No mind can imagine all that God has in store for us. He’s coming back to get us one day. The day that the Apostles and the early believers called the ‘Blessed Hope,’ or our ‘Blessed Hope.’ So, be encouraged. Kindle your flame. Build His Kingdom.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Prepare For His Return.

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Buried With Him

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. ~ Romans 6:4-5 NIV

Yesterday, we celebrated Easter, proclaiming, “He is risen!” Jesus, who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5), rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. The empty tomb isn’t just a Sunday story—it’s the power for every day, including today, Monday. Romans 6:4 reminds us that because Jesus lives, we too can live a new life, united with Him. His Resurrection means your past doesn’t define you, your failures don’t bind you, and your future is secure in His love. 

As you step into this week, the demands of work, family, or struggles may feel heavy. But the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you. His wounds brought your healing, His rising your freedom. You’re not just surviving Monday—you’re living as a child of the risen King. Let the truth of the empty tomb shape your attitude, decisions, and interactions today. Where you’re tempted to give in to worry or sin, remember: Jesus is alive, and He’s with you, calling you to walk in His new life.

Why don’t you take a moment this morning to name one blessing and thank Jesus for it. Then, identify one challenge you might face this week—perhaps a task, a conflict, or a personal struggle. Pray and ask Jesus to fill you with His truth, faith, and grace. Then, choose one small action to reflect His love today: offer a kind word, forgive someone, or pause to thank God for His presence. When you feel overwhelmed, whisper, “Jesus is risen,” and let that truth steady your heart. And remember, the tomb is still empty, and Jesus is still alive. Live this Monday in the light of His victory, for He suffered and rose for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, as I come to You, I ask You to search me and see that there is no wicked way in me. Thank You, LORD Jesus, for the cross and for the empty tomb. I pray for the strength to overcome all challenges and all obstacles. Lead me now with Your grace, and with Your wisdom, in Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Because Jesus Lives

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes” (John 20:1–9 ESV).

On that first Easter morning, darkness still clung to the earth, and despair still gripped Jesus’ followers. They had watched their LORD suffer and die on a brutal cross, bearing the weight of our sins (Isaiah 53:5). Mary Magdalene approached the tomb with a heavy heart, expecting death, not life. But the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty! The grave clothes, once wrapped around a broken body, lay folded—a silent testimony that Jesus had risen by His own power. Peter and John ran to see, their hearts stirring with a fragile hope that would soon become unshakable faith.

His resurrection changed everything. Jesus didn’t just endure the cross for us; He conquered death and the grave to make us whole. Now, we have the promises: by His wounds we are healed, and with the chastisement that was placed on Him, He brought us peace (Isaiah 53:5), and His rising ensured our eternal hope. The empty tomb declares that no sin is too great, no sorrow too deep, for Christ’s victory to overcome. On this Resurrection Sunday, let this truth sink in: He is risen, and because He lives, you are never alone, never without hope, never beyond His love.

What does the empty tomb mean for you today? It means He is risen, He is risen indeed, and we are forgiven and we have hope! Perhaps you’re carrying grief, guilt, or fear. Jesus calls your name, as He did Mary’s, inviting you to see Him—not as a memory, but as the living Savior. Let His Resurrection awaken your heart to trust Him, worship Him, and share His love with a world that needs hope.

Take a moment to reflect on a burden you’re carrying—something that feels like a sealed tomb in your life. Write it down or share it with God in prayer. Then, picture the stone rolled away, the tomb empty, and Jesus alive, offering you freedom and peace. Today, during Easter worship or communion, pause to thank Him for His sacrifice and victory. Consider one way you can share the hope of the Resurrection this week—perhaps by encouraging a friend, forgiving someone, or serving in your community.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your only begotten Son. Thank You, LORD Jesus, for Your obedience. Thank You for Your stripes. Thank You for pouring out Your blood as an offering, a sacrifice for many. I love You, LORD, for first loving me, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 7: Abundant Love

5 God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:5

As we wrap up our “Abundant Life” journey, let’s pause to marvel at God’s love—the pulse of it all. Paul assures us that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). This love isn’t a mere drip but a deluge, an overflowing fountain that floods our very souls, saturating our every step because His is a steadfast love that lasts forever, through His Holy Spirit. It’s the thread weaving through “Life More Abundantly,” where Jesus offers fullness (John 10:10), to “Help My Unbelief,” where faith falters yet holds (Mark 9:24). This love—steadfast and eternal—lifts us with grace (Abundant Grace), steadies us with peace (Abundant Peace), and fills us with joy (Abundant Joy).

But Jesus didn’t intend for this love to stop with us. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This isn’t a cozy keepsake—it’s a bold marker of who we are. Hoard it, and it fades; share it, and it blazes, showing the world Christ’s transforming power.

Take Sarah, a single mom drowning in bills and loneliness. Her neighbor, Mark, saw her weary shuffle and offered to mow her lawn—no strings attached. At first, Sarah blinked, unsure, but as the mower hummed, a weight lifted. Then came a hesitant “thank you,” a chat over lemonade, and soon, a friendship. She felt truly seen—not just noticed, but valued—and Mark found purpose. That’s Life to the Full (John 10:10): love poured out, forging connection. We can do it too—tune out distractions, listen intentionally, hear a friend’s struggle, and echo Jehovah Shammah, “the LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). It’s a simple step that heals a fractured world.

Then there’s James, stewing over a friend’s betrayal. Inspired by Abundant Grace, he texted, “I forgive you—let’s move on.” Tough? Yes. But the Spirit’s love fueled it, mending their bond and healing their relationship, Ephesians 4:32 in action. We, too, can choose kindness over venom, letting Romans 5:5 spill into our daily life with words of hope.

Finally, picture Maria, grilling burgers for neighbors. Laughter erupts, stories flow—it’s a slice of Abundant Joy (Psalms 16:11). It doesn’t take much—a coffee, a prayer night—to reflect God’s steadfast love. So pray boldly, “LORD, show me one person to love today.”

This abundant life isn’t just ours to hoard—it’s for sharing. God’s love, flooding our hearts, demands an outlet. As vessels of His grace, peace, and joy, we extend His love through Spirit-led acts, overflowing with Abundant Love to transform our world, one connection at a time.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love. We love, because Your Son Jesus first loved us. Help me share Your love so that others can be ministered to. Healing comes through Your love, Your steadfast love. Let every soul say, “The steadfast love of God is forever.” In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 5: Abundant Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7NIV

In today’s world, anxiety pervades every stratum of society due to financial struggles, health concerns, relationship challenges, and the heaviness of life. No one is immune; everyone faces moments of worry and doubt. Yet, Jesus promises us a peace that surpasses all understanding, woven into the Abundant Life He offers. It is deeply reassuring to know that the source of His Abundant Peace—His shalom—lies not in our surroundings but in the unshakable presence of the Blessed Savior.

Shalom peace is no ordinary calm, no simple truce—it’s a mighty, divine force of wholeness, a gift of peace so powerful it unleashes God’s mighty power that conquers chaos and renews our very being. It defies storms, overthrows despair, and mends our brokenness, filling every void within us. Anchored in God’s unwavering covenant love, it wields the authority to heal and restore us, triumphing over any and every circumstance we face. It’s a gift to us from Jesus, our LORD and Savior. This unshakable gift of Abundant Peace is a foretaste of the eternal fullness that awaits all those who believe.

This portion of Scripture reveals the key to receiving God’s peace, echoing the old hymn ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus,’ which tells us to ‘Take it to the LORD in prayer.’ The Apostle Paul encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer with a heart full of thanksgiving. It’s hard to feel anxious when you are filled with gratitude. This serves as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about the burdens we carry. When we shift our focus from our worries to God’s faithfulness, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. There is Abundant Peace knowing that He has seated us with Him in heavenly places. This understanding reshapes our perception of Abundant Peace, solidifying it with the knowledge that even in our darkest moments, God is working for our good—the shalom peace that restores and sustains us.

Julie, a mother whose young son, Isaac, had been battling a rare form of cancer, was devastated when doctors informed her that there was nothing more they could do. Isaac’s condition had deteriorated rapidly, and Julie faced the crushing reality that she was about to lose her son. Amid endless hospital visits, treatments, and sleepless nights, Julie’s heart was heavy with fear, anxiety, and helplessness. On one particularly difficult day, after receiving the news that Isaac’s time was running out, Julie felt overwhelmed by grief and despair. In the quiet of that hospital room, she didn’t have the words to pray, but she cried out to God from her heart, asking for His peace. As she whispered, ‘God, I can’t do this without You,’ a calm, overwhelming peace filled her spirit. It wasn’t the peace that changed the circumstances, but the peace that steadied her heart, knowing Jesus was with her. A few days later, Isaac passed away, but Julie continued to experience the peace of God, knowing that Jesus was by her side in her darkest moments, holding her heart together when everything else felt like it was falling apart.

Let me encourage you today to examine your own heart. Are there areas where you’re struggling to trust God? I invite you to bring those worries before Him in prayer today, keeping in mind that Jesus has promised us the Abundant Life, which includes His surpassing peace—His shalom. He purchased it for us, and now He offers it to us unconditionally. Isaiah wrote, ‘The chastisement that brought us peace was upon Him’ (Isaiah 53:5, NIV). And before Jesus was taken up, He said, “My peace I give you, My peace I leave with you” (John 14:27 NIV), giving us the peace that He purchased for us.

Now give thanks and receive the peace that Jesus offers. Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, who endured the punishment that brought me peace. Help me to be thankful and grateful, knowing that You hold all things together with the word of Your power, and that You worketh everything to my good. I receive Your peace right now in the midst of my storm, hold me as I learn to trust You and depend upon You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Abundant Life Pt. 4: Abundant Grace

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. ~ Titus 2:11-12NIV

In a world where we often feel weighed down by our shortcomings, failures, and struggles, God offers us something extraordinary: His Abundant Grace. This grace isn’t earned or deserved—it’s freely given, a lavish gift flowing from His heart of love. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God declares, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” What a promise! When we’re at our lowest, when our strength fails and our weaknesses loom large, His Abundant Grace steps in—not just to patch us up, but to empower us, transforming our frailties into a canvas for His strength.

This Abundant Grace meets us in our deepest need, offering forgiveness where we’ve fallen short and mercy where we’ve strayed. It’s the grace that lifts us from the mire of guilt and shame, assuring us that we are seen, known, and loved by a Savior who bore our burdens on the Cross. Through this Abundant Grace, we experience the Abundant Life Jesus promised—a life not defined by our perfection but by His provision. Paul himself embraced this truth, boasting gladly in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power could shine through (2 Corinthians 12:9). And so can we. When we surrender our inadequacies to Him, His Abundant Grace becomes our sufficiency, turning our brokenness into a testimony of His mercy.

Let’s pause and reflect: Are there places in your life where you feel weak or unworthy? Bring them before God today. His Abundant Grace is more than enough, and it’s freely given, endlessly sufficient, and powerfully transformative. It’s the heartbeat of the Abundant Life, where forgiveness washes us clean, mercy restores our souls, and His strength carries us forward. Receive it with open hands, and let it lead you into the fullness of His love.

Heavenly Father, I surrender all to You. All of my cares, my worries, and all of my concerns. I confess all of my shortcomings and all of my mistakes. Please forgive my straying, help me to live a life worthy of Your Abundant Grace that You have lavished on me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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