John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Wow! What exquisite sentiments my Friends, from the only entity deserving the moniker, Super Star; Jesus Christ! The past two days we’ve been talking about words and their monumental power, especially on the human psyche. We saw God command the world into existence through words, then their destructive effect when used negatively, so it’s only fitting that we also consider how words can encourage and enhance a person’s life or self image, when used positively. And whom better to exemplify that beautiful quality than the Master of Positive Thinking, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He’s talking to His disciples, acquainting them with the stuff that was about to happen; His betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Note, the disciples were a rag tag bunch of men, without much education, assembled by Jesus, more for their brawn and down to earth attitude than their brains. And when their leader suddenly drops the bombshell about the forthcoming disastrous events, and the fact that He was going away, to some place they couldn’t go just then, it’s obvious they got rather perturbed. But Jesus, always the consummate master of the situation, reassures them. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ In other words, stand strong, stay calm. I know what I’m doing. Everything’s under control. I have your back. Whatever I give you is well given; not like the world; give with one hand, and take back with the other. He’d already opened the dialogue in Vs.1 with, ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.’ Then in Vs.18, He assures them, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.’ During the conversation, Jesus throws out tidbits of encouragement and assurance, because He’s very aware of their apprehension, as any sensitive leader would be under those circumstances. And Friends, the Good Book lists numerous instances of people being encouraged, or told to encourage others. Like Bruh David to his son Solomon: ‘I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore; and show thyself a man.’ (1 Kings 2:2) And how can we forget that great encourager, Bruh Paul, with all his letters to the different churches. But possibly, the most famous words of encouragement are those of Our Lord to Joshua, on his becoming Israel’s leader. ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.’ (Josh.1:5-6) And to make sure Joshua understands, He says it twice more in Vs.7,9. ‘Only be thou strong and very courageous to do according to all the law…Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ What faith enhancing words my Friends, from the Most High God, Jehovah. Let’s take them to heart, for they are also meant for us, and go out and do likewise; speak encouraging words to each other, for they provide fuel for the fire of our faith. Much LOVE!..they helped everyone his neighbour, and everyone said to his brother, Be of good courage…(Isa.41:6)
Wow! What exquisite sentiments my Friends, from the only entity deserving the moniker, Super Star; Jesus Christ! The past two days we’ve been talking about words and their monumental power, especially on the human psyche. We saw God command the world into existence through words, then their destructive effect when used negatively, so it’s only fitting that we also consider how words can encourage and enhance a person’s life or self image, when used positively. And whom better to exemplify that beautiful quality than the Master of Positive Thinking, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He’s talking to His disciples, acquainting them with the stuff that was about to happen; His betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Note, the disciples were a rag tag bunch of men, without much education, assembled by Jesus, more for their brawn and down to earth attitude than their brains. And when their leader suddenly drops the bombshell about the forthcoming disastrous events, and the fact that He was going away, to some place they couldn’t go just then, it’s obvious they got rather perturbed. But Jesus, always the consummate master of the situation, reassures them. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ In other words, stand strong, stay calm. I know what I’m doing. Everything’s under control. I have your back. Whatever I give you is well given; not like the world; give with one hand, and take back with the other. He’d already opened the dialogue in Vs.1 with, ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.’ Then in Vs.18, He assures them, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.’ During the conversation, Jesus throws out tidbits of encouragement and assurance, because He’s very aware of their apprehension, as any sensitive leader would be under those circumstances. And Friends, the Good Book lists numerous instances of people being encouraged, or told to encourage others. Like Bruh David to his son Solomon: ‘I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore; and show thyself a man.’ (1 Kings 2:2) And how can we forget that great encourager, Bruh Paul, with all his letters to the different churches. But possibly, the most famous words of encouragement are those of Our Lord to Joshua, on his becoming Israel’s leader. ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.’ (Josh.1:5-6) And to make sure Joshua understands, He says it twice more in Vs.7,9. ‘Only be thou strong and very courageous to do according to all the law…Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ What faith enhancing words my Friends, from the Most High God, Jehovah. Let’s take them to heart, for they are also meant for us, and go out and do likewise; speak encouraging words to each other, for they provide fuel for the fire of our faith. Much LOVE!..they helped everyone his neighbour, and everyone said to his brother, Be of good courage…(Isa.41:6)
SCRIP-BITS 