A Word of Encouragement

February 13, 2026

Re-Birth - Circa 1976

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Paul expressed his desire for believers this way:

That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
	Colossians 2:2-3

"The full assurance of understanding." Or "The strong belief that comes from understanding." (ICB)

Our faith is stronger the more we understand why God sent Jesus, and what it means for us.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.
	John 3:16

When we believe in Jesus, we HAVE eternal life! But what about our rebellion against God that resulted in our death? We still sin, does that erase our 'eternal life'? That is part of 'the mystery of God that is Jesus'.

Our salvation is the result of Jesus' work on the cross - not our own efforts.

Paul explained, "When you were dead in your wrongdoings… He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings, having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us... He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." (Colossians 2:13-14)

Are we then free to sin as we want? NO! Paul continues, "Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith." (Colossians 2:6-7) "Live the life He has given you."

Part of the 'mystery of God' is that fact that He loves us enough to discipline us when we mess up. (Proverbs 3:12) Not to punish us, but to get us back on track - back to living the life He has given us.

For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
	Hebrews 12:11

The mystery of God - found in Jesus - is that He loves US.

Yehoshua, raz of Hashem - Jesus, mystery of God - help me live the life You have given me.

In Him you have been made complete
	Colossians 2:10a

Live the life He has given you,