Category: Encouragement

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers—and us—to remain strong in their faith, despite the challenges and trials they face. He reminded them that, despite the outward struggles, inward renewal is continually taking place through the work of the Holy Spirit.

As followers of Christ, our lives are marked by a continual process of renewal and transformation. While our physical bodies may experience decay and weakness, our inner being is being renewed day by day through the power of the Holy Spirit. This inner renewal shapes us into the image of Christ and equips us to live faithfully for Him.

This process of renewal is ongoing and lifelong. Each day presents new opportunities for growth, learning, and spiritual maturity. As we walk with Christ and abide in Him, He continually renews our minds, strengthens our faith, and empowers us to overcome the challenges and obstacles that we face.

In the midst of our trials and difficulties, let us not lose heart. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith, trusting that He is continually at work within us, bringing about renewal and transformation. May we embrace each new day as an opportunity to grow closer to God and become more like Him in every area of our lives.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of renewal and transformation that we find in Your Word. Help me to embrace this truth and live in the reality of Your ongoing work in my life. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit each day, that I may be continually renewed in my mind, heart, and spirit. Give me the strength and perseverance to press on, even in the face of challenges and trials. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬

At the conclusion of the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks about the blessings that come to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. This verse calls us to a radical response—rejoicing in the face of persecution. It seems counterintuitive to rejoice when we are mistreated or suffer for our faith. However, Jesus provides a perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances.

The call to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” is rooted in the assurance of a “great reward in heaven.” This promise shifts our focus from earthly suffering to eternal joy. The temporary trials we endure are not in vain; they are seen by God and will be rewarded. This perspective allows us to endure hardship with hope and even joy.

When you face persecution or hardship for your faith, remember that your suffering has eternal significance. Focus on the reward that awaits you in heaven rather than the pain of the present moment.

Support your fellow believers who are experiencing persecution. Share words of encouragement, pray for them, and stand with them in their trials.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of a great reward in heaven. Help me to rejoice and be exceedingly glad even in the face of persecution. Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to stand firm. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭

Have you ever been swayed by the opinions and fears of those around you? Have you been talked out of doing something because someone said you wouldn’t be successful? Negative thought can control your actions. 

When God set Isaiah apart to be his spokesman, He told him, “Don’t think like everyone else does.” God wanted the actions of Isaiah to be led by His instructions and insight. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of thinking. Our minds are to be guided by the truths of God’s Word and not by public opinion. We must always resist the temptation to get entangled in fear-driven narratives and be led by the promises of God.

Paul writing to the Philippians said, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬)

If we want to fix our thoughts so that we don’t think like everyone else, we have to think about the things that are excellent and worthy of praise. We must have the mindset of Christ. 

Are your thoughts true and honorable? Do you have admirable and lovely thoughts? Is your mindset the mindset of Christ?

Pray

Lord, help me to take captive all of my thoughts. When the devil makes me think evil, help me to overcome such negativity. Strengthen my faith so my mind and actions will be controlled by Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.