415: The First Step Toward Forgiveness

Hi, friend. Welcome to the Encouraging Word Podcast. This week’s episode brings us to a story you’ve probably heard; you may even hear it this Holy Week. In John chapter 13, we read about Jesus washing his followers’ feet. This passage is often referred to when teaching about service or humility. But it also offers something else very important—how to respond to someone who hurts you. 

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me. In today’s episode we see how God not only forgives us—every sin, even those we never know we commit—but also invites us into his family. You are more than forgiven, my friend. You are beloved.

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day. Today’s Encouraging Word brings us one of Jesus’ most tender invitations: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You need not wonder if you’ve out-sinned God’s grace, friend. You can rest. 

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!