409: The Problem with Being Good

Thank you for joining me on the podcast today, friend. In this episode we’re going back to the Old Testament, to the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Whether this story is new or familiar, I pray it reminds you that God is always at work and has a plan to rescue you. 

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day. I know Christmas was months ago, but I hope you’ll indulge my Dickensian illustration in today’s episode. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge paints just the right picture and reminds us that the abundant grace of God has the power to un-Scrooge the most stubborn hearts.

Hello, friend. Welcome back to another Encouraging Word. In Luke 23 we read the account of Jesus appearing before Pilate, of Pilate finding no evidence to charge him, and the crowd demanding the release of another prisoner in exchange for Jesus. It’s a remarkable—and literal—picture of what Christ has done for us. He who was blameless took the place of he who was condemned. 

Hi, friend! Thanks for joining me today on the podcast. The world invites us to work hard, achieve, and prove our worth – society kind of demands we do. The problem is, no one can tell us how much is enough. How many accomplishments or good deeds does it take to offset our blunders and bad days? We'll find the answer in Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Hello, friend! I hope you’re doing well.  In today’s Encouraging Word, we’re taking a look at the first appearance of grace in Scripture, and you might be surprised where it shows up. But the message is unchanged: grace is not up to the one receiving it. It’s up to the One giving it.

Hello, my friend! Thank you so much for joining me for another Encouraging Word. This week, we’re concluding our study of Joshua and the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. When I originally preached these messages at my church in San Antonio, Texas, we began each day with a Glory Days Declaration. I want to share it with you today and invite you to recite it with me—wherever you’re listening. Glory Days Declaration These days are Glory Days. My past is past. My future is bright. God’s promises are true, and His Word is sure. With God as my helper, I will be all He wants me to be, do all He wants me to do, and receive all He wants me to receive. These are Glory Days.

Hello, friend! I hope you're having a good day! We are nearing the end of our series on the book of Joshua. If there is one thing I hope you take from these episodes, it's this—God keeps His promises! In a world where so many people let us down, God will always do what He says He will do. You can trust Him!

Hello, friend! I sure hope you're doing well today! Being a Promised Land person does not guarantee you a problem-free life. In fact, it guarantees the opposite. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” Knowing that, what do you do? Follow the example of Caleb in Joshua, Chapter 14, and set your mind on a holy cause.

Hello, my friend! Welcome back to The Encouraging Word Podcast. So much of the story of Joshua and Israelites is about getting to the Promised Land. But it doesn't end there – they are told to possess the land, to move in, to find their place and fulfill their assignment. And Jesus offers those same instructions to us today.

Hi, friend. Happy New Year!  If you’re resolving to pray more this year — and shouldn’t we all? — this episode is for you.  There is a remarkable story in Joshua chapter 10. While in battle, the Hebrews needed more daylight. Joshua asks God to stop the sun from setting, and God does. Verse 14 says, “God took orders from a human voice.” How’s that for a reminder that God listens to our prayers?