Be Encouraged, My Soul!

Jesus Makes Me Free (based on Jn 8:31-36)

If I who have believed on Jesus

continue in His word

I am truly a disciple of His

and I will know the truth

and the truth will make me free

and when Jesus makes me free

I (a child of God) will be free indeed (with a certainty!)

(from things like the power, bondage, dominion, and guilt of sin)


(slight paraphrase and personalization)

Be Encouraged, My Soul!

I Have Rivers of Living Water (based on Jn 7:37b-39)

Jesus, You said...

If I am thirsty (and I am)

I am to come to You and drink (I have and will continue to)

and I, who believe in You,

will (just as the Scripture said)

have rivers of living water

flow from my innermost being (Thank You for this!)


You were speaking of Your Holy Spirit here

'For I will pour out water on the thirsty...

I will pour out My Spirit...' (Is 44:3)


(slight paraphrase and personalization)

Be Encouraged, My Soul!

Testing Will Lead to Maturity (based on Js 1:2-4)

I will consider it all joy

when I encounter various trials and tests

knowing this...

that the testing of my faith

is producing endurance

and I will let endurance have its perfect result

that I may be perfect and complete

[moving toward more Christ-like character now, fully attaining it in eternity]

lacking in nothing.


(slight paraphrase and personalization)

Be Encouraged, My Soul!

(new series - Be Encouraged, My Soul!)

You, God, are willing to help me!  (based on Heb 4:15-16)

Jesus, You are my high priest

and You can sympathize with my weaknesses.

You were tempted in all things as I am

yet You were without sin.

I can, therefore, draw near with confidence

to the throne of grace

to receive mercy and find grace

to help in my time of need.


(slight paraphrase and personalization)