His Encouragement #8

Happy Thursday! I am blessed to be a part of a group of bloggers who feel led to share a bit of encouragement each week from the Bible. We recognize that the source of our peace, strength, and security in this life comes from Jesus, and we aim to share that with our readers. Plus, when Thursday comes around, we can all use a little encouragement right? I hope that this posting blesses you and that you find strength and rest in the Lord today. God Bless! ❤

This week the verses on my heart to share are:

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
~Ephesians 2:8-9

Last week I focused on the importance of understanding that while works aren’t what save us, they are instead a physical manifestation of our faith. This passage digs into this deeper by stating that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. It only comes through faith in Jesus. No one in this life is on any higher ground than another. We all fall short but Jesus stepped in to pay our debt so that we can have eternal life.

A few days ago on Monday this week, one of my husband’s great aunts went home to be with the Lord. Fully aware that her time was near, last Friday she asked our pastor to come to her home and Baptize her. While she has been a believer for years, she had never been baptized. She shared that her hope in being baptized in front of her family was that they would seek the peace in Jesus that she had found. She didn’t talk about how great she was, but how great her Jesus was, and how she wanted the rest of her family to have that same assurance of salvation that she’d found. What a great testimony!

This passage can both tear down the Pharisee in ourselves as well as encourage the sinner in us. We are no greater than anyone else. Our sin separates us from God in a way our works can’t save us. Yet despite our sin, Jesus came to pay the price for our sin and give us the gift of eternal life. While available to all, it is only a benefit to those who accept and receive that gift by putting their faith in Jesus.

If you are unsure of your salvation or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime by clicking the “contact” tab above. If you are not currently attending a local church I highly recommend you do so. You can speak to a pastor, elder, or other seasoned believer who can talk and pray with you. Putting your faith in Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make in this life!

Last week I ended with a worship song and I will do the same this week. My intention going forward is to make it a regular thing. I hope you will take the time to listen. Close your eyes to shut out distractions and either listen along or sing if you know the words. Take just a few minutes to worship the Lord through song. God bless <3

Now, it’s your turn!

What Biblical verse is encouraging you today?

And, check out more Thursday Encouragement from my fellow blogger friends:

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

If you would like to join us: please contact Trisha or Nicole