Christian Encouragement

Some time ago, I noticed a vine growing in my flower bed and didn’t know if it was a weed I should pull from the bed or if it was a vine I should keep. I had to make a decision. Uproot it or let it grow. 

Many today hear spiritual teachings and find themselves like me, yet in relation to a matter of much greater significance. They wonder if they’re hearing a good teaching to which they should hold or a false teaching they should discard.

Jesus doesn’t want us to make the wrong decision. He tells us in John 15:1, “I am the true vine.” 

Do you know someone who is allowing vines of secular humanism to grow in their heart rather than growing Jesus’ words and teachings? If so, what can you do? Bear Christ, the true vine, and His fruit in your life so they can taste and recognize the real thing.

Lord Jesus, I praise You, the TRUE VINE. Uproot anything in my life that chokes out the fruit of Your presence.

Want to learn more about abiding in Jesus and bearing good fruit? Watch Debbie’s teaching on John 15 by clicking HERE.

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! Praying your day is filled with God’s love, joy, and peace as you reflect with gratitude on His goodness in your life. 

Are you excited about all the ways Jesus is described? Every day when we ponder a description of our Lord, it provides an opportunity for us to have a renewed sense of awe in our Lord. 

Often the way God is described is in contrast to the world. Such is the case today. 

Many in our world are living in spiritual darkness. They are seeking to be enlightened by powers apart from Jesus Christ. But in John 1:9 we find the word “true” in reference to Jesus. “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9).

Although there are many sources of “enlightenment,” there is only one true Light: Jesus Christ.

Jesus enlightens our soul, mind, and heart when we turn to Him. 

The world apart from Christ is dark. Take seriously His charge to let His light shine through you. His Light shining through you is a beacon to those living in darkness.

Lord Jesus, You are the TRUE LIGHT who enlightens every man. May I be a lighthouse through whom You shine.

Jesus is referred to as the Light several times in the book of John. Want to learn more? Watch this video clip of Debbie’s teaching on the subject.

Do you agree that our world is filled with a variety of gods to which we give our time, energy, and money? What kind of gods? Sports gods, education gods, work gods, money gods, pleasure gods, political gods, and social gods to name a few. In effect, we worship them when they become the driving force in our life, occupy our thoughts, and even affect our moods.

Jesus makes it clear in John 17:3 that there is only one true God. He is to be the object of our love and passion. He is to occupy and control our thoughts, emotions, energy, and resources.

We are to love the Lord with all our hearts, all our soul, and all our mind (Mark 12:30). And, importantly, as He states in John 17:3, He is the way to eternal life. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” 

What or whom do we worship and therefore give power to in our lives?

Lord, You are the only TRUE GOD. May I give You my full worship and praise. 

Learn how to contend for the faith in the times in which we live through Debbie’s Bible study of Jude, Contend Earnestly for the Faith. Purchase a copy HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos, podcasts, and listening guides HERE. 

Do you ever feel like we are living in irrational times, that things are upside down? It’s not the first time. Think about Christ. He was pronounced not guilty, then crucified. How irrational was that? But Colossians 2:15 tells us Jesus triumphed over the irrational. He disarmed the rulers and authorities. He made a public display of them. And Christ is still triumphant even though we may not see it at certain times.

“When He (Jesus) had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15).

Jesus will right what is wrong. He will turn what is upside down right side up. That’s good news on a national and world level. It’s also good news for us personally. Christ, who triumphed over the grave, is able to triumph over the irrational in our lives. 

Christ is the triumphant Lord. What do you need His help with today? He’s listening.

Lord, You are TRIUMPHANT over death, rulers, and authorities. You are triumphant over the irrational in my life. Help me live a holy life that reflects my confidence in You. 

Would you like some resources to help you triumph? Check out these books that can be read individually or used as group Bible studies: The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World and Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.

“I don’t know what to do.”

How many times have you said or thought that? Perhaps you’re trying to figure out your finances. Maybe you’re at a crossroads in life and trying to figure out God’s will. Or maybe there’s a personal or business relationship troubling you that needs to be handled in the wisest of ways.

Whether you’re needing the Lord’s wisdom for something big or small, look to Jesus. Why? We’ve seen in other Scriptures how Jesus is a treasure within believers. But Colossians 2:2b-3 gives us more insight. It says that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus. Ponder what that means for you.

Talk to Jesus. Look to Him. Listen to Jesus. Record what He stirs your heart to do. Follow up on His instructions. Walk in the wisdom and knowledge you have in Jesus. 

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are a TREASURE OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. When I don’t know what to do, I can look to You for guidance and wisdom. I praise You for that incredible blessing.

Go deeper into God’s Word with one of Debbie’s Bible studies. You can purchase printed Bible studies in our shop by clicking HERE. You can also complete free online Bible studies by clicking HERE.

If it’s been a while since you’ve read 2 Samuel 22, today would be a wonderful time to read it. David models thanksgiving to God. He isn’t thanking God because he feels he must or because he’s been told to thank God. Rather, He’s praising God because he’s overwhelmed with thanksgiving to Him. He’s seen God answer his prayers and meet his needs.

In 2 Samuel 22:51, David praises God for being a tower of deliverance. “He is a tower of deliverance to His king, And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

Is there something from which you need delivering? Perhaps worry, resentment, fear, or covetousness? Let the Lord be for you who He was to David…a tower of deliverance for whom you’re thankful. Go to Him now and ask Him to deliver you. 

Lord, You are a TOWER OF DELIVERANCE! I praise You with my whole heart for delivering me from Satan’s domain; for delivering me from worry; for delivering me from sin. You are worthy of my praise for all eternity. 

The Lord is always present and wants us to talk to Him through prayer. Learn to pray more purposefully through Debbie’s book, “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion.”

Do you ever feel fragile or like you might explode because of the daily pressure you are under? 

David knew what it was like to feel that way and found God to be the sustainer of his soul. Listen to his words in Psalm 54:4. “God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

What does it mean for God to be the sustainer of our soul? 

It means that God revives our minds and emotions when we sit in His presence, meditate on His truths, and absorb encouragement from His Word. 

God the Holy Spirit refreshes and sustains us so we can carry on rather than break or explode. 

What story do you have of how God has been your sustainer? Think over the ways and write them in a prayer giving thanks to God.

Lord God, I praise You, SUSTAINER of my soul. Thank You for the many times and ways You sustain me. I love and praise You!

Do you commute to work and want to listen to some encouraging teachings by Debbie while you drive? Let her podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean help you set your mind on Christ before you start your day!

Do you ever feel empty or drained? What about anxious or uptight? Does mad or angry describe you at times? Or, sad and melancholy? 

Whatever the condition of our countenance or state of our mind or emotions, we have a supplier to whom we can turn. 

Are you short on perseverance? 

Are you ready to give up or cave in? 

Do you feel like you’re going to blow a fuse? 

Do you wonder if you’ll ever smile again?

Those are feelings we may have at times, but if we’re a Christian, we have hope.

God offers to supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Rather than hold tightly to feelings of anger or discouragement, open your mind and heart to the Lord’s perspective and counsel. 

Take hold of what you need through God’s supply of glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the SUPPLIER of all I need through Jesus. I confess my shortcomings, ill temper, hopelessness, and discouragement. Fill me with Christ’s perspective, presence, and power as I look to You.

If you enjoyed this content and want to watch video teachings by Debbie, subscribe to her YouTube channel. Go HERE and click the subscribe button to be notified of new teachings.

Dreary days. Gray skies. They can make us feel gloomy. 

The death of loved ones, separation or estrangement from family or friends weighs heavily on our hearts. What can we focus on in those times? 

Malachi 4:2 tells us. “But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” 

What does Malachi mean? 

Theologian Charles Spurgeon explains: “Jesus, like the sun, is the center and soul of all things, the fullness of all good, the lamp that lights us, the fire that warms us, the magnet that guides and controls us; he is the source and fountain of all life, beauty, fruitfulness, and strength.” ¹  

Jesus is called the Sun of Righteousness because on the most dreary of days when we are gloomy and despairing, we can ask Him to fill us with His Spirit and shine in our hearts and minds.

Call on Jesus now to rise in your heart. Ask Him to fill you with the light of His glory.

I praise You, Jesus, SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Please enlighten my mind and lighten my heart as I look to You. 

Praise is a powerful weapon we can use to turn around feelings of hopelessness or discouragement. Download this free printable of the attributes of Jesus from the book of John. As you read through them, praise God for each one!

^{1 The Spurgeon Center, Accessed October 5, 2023, http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1020.htm.} 

An AT&T commercial once asked a group of children, “Who thinks more is better than less?” A little girl quickly responded, “We want more. We want more.” 

We can identify with her plea for more when we’re going through a difficult time. We want more of God’s strength. We want more of God’s grace to get us through our day. The truth is, we already have it. Second Corinthians 12:9 reassures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

What does it mean that God’s grace is sufficient? Does it mean barely enough? No. Rather, the Biblical word means, “to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to be enough.” 

God’s strength is the answer to our cries when we are weak. Call on Him. Yield to Him. Ask Jesus to fill and empower you. He will.

Heavenly Father, thank You that when I’m weak, You respond to my cry for help. Thank You, that Your grace is SUFFICIENT. 

Would you like to experience God’s sufficient grace and peace in your life? Check out Debbie’s Bible study, Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.