Category Archives: Encouragement

Light of the World

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This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Do you ever feel, as I do, that the world in which we live is growing darker by the day, in the sense of its wickedness? That it has become increasingly difficult to find a “bright spot”?

We are told that “in the beginning” God’s first act was to speak light into existence and then to separate that light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4). What God began in Genesis, He made manifest in Jesus Christ.

If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by what seems like impenetrable darkness, you only need to turn your eyes toward Jesus and be reminded of these words from 1John 1:5 concerning Him. Should you need further reminding, just go to Jesus’ own words about Himself: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

For followers of Christ, one day we will leave all this darkness behind and bask forever in the glorious light of our risen Savior. While we eagerly wait for that day, I am so glad that even though we live in a world darkened by sin, we need not walk in darkness. Aren’t you?

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:4-5)

Grace and Peace,

Bible Challenge: Holy Week

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Want to add a little extra fun? You can find all the answers in the word cloud!

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the Sunday before Easter, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem marks the high point of His earthly ministry. The Lord enters the city, knowing full well that this trip will end in his sacrificial death for the sin of humanity.

Palm Sunday is a biblical event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels. The day is a moment of reflection on the themes of victory, peace, and salvation, setting the tone for the solemn observances of Holy Week, commemorating the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. Palm Sunday thus serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’s path to the cross, juxtaposing His initial welcome as a King with the suffering and sacrifice that would follow.

The Palm Sunday story comes to life in the Bible in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; and John 12:12-19.

  1. When is Palm Sunday celebrated in the Christian calendar?
  2. What is the significance of Palm Sunday in the Christian faith?
  3. What is the traditional symbol of Palm Sunday?
  4. What is the significance of the palm branches used on Palm Sunday?
  5. What does the word “Hosanna” mean in Hebrew?
  6. What event does Palm Sunday mark the beginning of in the Christian faith?
  7. What is the name of the mount where Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?
  8. What did the people believe about Jesus when he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?
  9. In Jesus reply to the Pharisees, what did he say will happen to the stones if his disciples keep quiet?
  10. What happened to Jesus as he saw the city while approaching Jerusalem?

BONUS QUESTION: Who was riding on the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?

Go here for challenge answers.

Grace and Peace,

Still time to save on Bible Studies

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Daily Inspiration From The Psalms

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Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalms 27:14)

Daily Inspiration From The Psalms

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You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” (Psalms 27:8)

Daily Inspiration From The Psalms

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For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. (Psalms 27:5)

Daily Inspiration From The Psalms

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One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. (Psalms 27:4)

Daily Inspiration From The Psalms

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Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! (Psalms 40:4)

Thank you!

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Thank you for your response to the launch of “Choose Joy”. Your encouragement and support has been overwhelming and humbling. I’m delighted to tell you that most of you should be receiving your copies in the next few days.

Again, thank you for your support. I appreciate you more than I can say.

Sandra

The introductory offer for “Choose Joy” has expired but you can still save on “Choose Joy” (and other studies) with code SAVE10 at check out.

Go to the Book Corner to order your copy today.

Get Free

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Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalms 55:22)

What is your burden today?  Do you want to be rid of the weight of it?

“Cast your burden on the LORD”

  • Cast – Throw out.  Hurl.  Shed.  Cast off.

That burden that’s wearing you down, don’t just drop, throw it away.  For those of you who like visual, picture a football game.  You’re the quarterback, you’ve got the ball and you’re surrounded.  You’ve got to get rid of the ball or you’re going down – hard!  But just down the field is a receiver, wide open, hands out, waiting and ready to take the ball.

“He will sustain you”

  • Sustain – Keep in.  Maintain.  Abide.  Bear.  Guide.  Hold.  Nourish.  Make provision.

I think this is where we tend to get discouraged.  The songs, the sermons, the books – they lead us to believe that if we will just give it to God the rain will cease, the clouds will part and it will be all sunshine and roses.  But, that’s not what I’m reading here.  The words say “He will sustain”.  He will keep you through that storm.  He will be with you, He will bear you up.  Whatever your need until the storm passes, He will provide.

“He will never permit the righteous to be moved”

  • Permit – Give.  Put.  Appoint.  Give forth.  Cause.  Cast.  Deliver up.
  • Moved – Waver.  Slip.  Fall.  Cast out.  Be out of course.  Be fallen in decay.

What great assurance!  The One who has all power over all things – He is your God.  He will show His power before the enemy (on your behalf ) and He will not allow the enemy to overtake you.  He will not permit you to fall.

 

Fear.  Uncertainty.  Self-sufficiency.  Pride… Why are you holding on to your burden? Whatever your reason, the counsel is the same.  Put your trust in the Lord.

Give your burden to Him.

Let Him keep you through it

until He delivers you from it

knowing He will not fail you.

Sandra