christianity – Your Daily Encouragement

I Am Convinced

here is the place you can have full confidence

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 8:38–39

If there is one thing in life that you can have full confidence in, it is God’s love for you.

Is there anything that can ever separate you from the love of God?

Life? Death? Angels? Demons? Fears, regrets? Anxiety, bad decisions? Failures?

Nope.

None of these things.

Scripture is so clear on this. Nothing in all of creation will ever be able to separate you from the love of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ.

It goes on to say that not even the powers of hell can’t separate us from the love of God! There is nothing in your past and nothing in your present that can’t be redeemed.

That’s what the cross was all about. Which means, that when you come to Christ, you are secure in His affection.

People may come and go in our lives, but God’s love for you never will.

Ever.

He is good. He is gracious. And his lovingkindness goes on forever.

The apostle wrote “I am convinced…”

Be convinced. Don’t allow doubt to cloud your vision.

Be convinced that there is nothing standing between you and the grace and love of God. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. Make Him your first priority. Seek His will. Seek His Kingdom.

And when regrets from your past pop-up in your mind, don’t allow them to drive you to depression. Instead, let them drive you to Christ where there is hope, help and healing.

Standing with you,
Pastor Bill

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. He has been the lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma since 2006.

If Only…

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. —Matthew 26:75

“If only…”

Ever used those words?

“If only I had worked harder.”
“If only I had started earlier.”
“If only I had chosen differently.”
“If only I hadn’t said…”

Regret has a way of monopolizing our thoughts and sabotaging our future.

On the night that Jesus was betrayed, his disciples Peter and Judas both regretted what they did to Jesus. One of them betrayed Him, while the other disowned Him, by denying that he even knew Him…and they both did it in Jesus’ darkest hour.

One learned from his mistake and moved forward. The other was tormented by guilt and the fear of unforgiveness, and ended his life.

Two regrets, but two drastically different outcomes.

Join us this Sunday at CenterPoint as we discover how our regrets can help us move forward in faith. We’re continuing in our Vintage Faith series in the Book of Matthew.

You can join us onsite, here in beautiful South Tacoma, or online on our FB page here. And it all starts live at 10AM, PDT. Look forward to seeing you then.

Love you,
Pastor Bill

Say The Words

it’s good for the soul

There is a way this world does business. We all know how it works. It usually ends up with us “looking out for number one.”

But Jesus called his people to think differently—because when you think differently, you live differently. He calls those who follow him to take their cues from him, not from what we see around us in this world.

Here is a great description of what that looks like, from one of the earliest leaders of Jesus’ people. He captures Jesus’ way of thinking:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:5–11

Because God the Son humbled himself, God the Father elevated him—giving him the name above every name.

Jesus is Lord. He is King.

And that is why we say these words, “Jesus is Lord!”—because no one else has overcome the grave. No one else can do what Jesus does. No one else deserves this title—only Christ.

Jesus is Lord!

I love saying these words in every situation.

Jesus is Lord!

When I’m happy and say it, it reminds me where my blessings come from.

Jesus is Lord!

When I’m in difficult times, it reminds me where my help comes from.

Jesus is Lord!

Say it when you’re up! Say it when you’re down. Declare it when you’re unsure of your future. Because if Jesus is in control of it all, what is there to fear? I can release worry with a single phrase:

Jesus is Lord!

Say the words!

Image by GrumpyBeere from Pixabay

Jesus’ Return, Pt. 2

Don’t be misled. Don’t be distracted. Honor Jesus.

Yesterday I quoted Jesus’ response to his disciple’s questions about his return. Jesus told them over and over of his coming Kingdom, and they wanted more information.

Among other things, Jesus pointed to a huge sign of the last days. He said “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).

I can’t think of a better description of our time: rampant sin and hard heartedness.

You can’t scroll through “X” (formerly ‘Twitter’) without seeing videos of brutal violence and cold, heartless comments toward a victim or the person making the post. Violent. Hate-filled. Evil.

But notice the locus of this rampant sin: Jesus said it would be ubiquitous: it would be “everywhere.” And, the love of many will grow cold.

But Jesus always brings hope and encouragement. He promised that when he returns, two things will happen: first, he will deal with the evil in our world. Evil, sin and death will be done with, once and for all.

And second, he will gather his people to himself. Jesus himself will preserve his people and oversee our gathering into his Kingdom (Matthew 24:30-31).

He called it paradise. Forever.

Which means, the safest place you can be is in his hands.

When will he return? We don’t know. No one does. Jesus said that even he doesn’t know—only the Father does (Matthew 24:36). So, you can ignore anyone who tells you that they do.

And, as we approach the day of his return, let me give you three things to keep in front of you:

Don’t be misled
Don’t be distracted.
Honor Jesus.

Don’t be misled: Jesus is coming back. Walk with him.
Don’t be distracted: Ignore the temptations of the skeptic. Follow Jesus with all your heart.
Live your life in him: Honor him by living out his Kingdom priorities in your every day life. Day by day.

Be encouraged. His return is near.

Love you,
Pastor Bill

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Jesus’ Return, Pt. 1

Don’t be misled. Don’t be distracted. Honor Jesus

Over and over Jesus referred to his coming Kingdom. The return of paradise. Evil will be dealt with and death will be a part of the past.

So, naturally his disciples wondered when this would take place. They asked him “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3)

Jesus gives them 9 areas to watch for, signaling his return. I can’t go into complete detail on all 9 in this post, but let me touch on two areas that are salient for our time.

First, Jesus warns them “Don’t let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name claiming to be the Promised One (the Messiah).”

Every generation looks for an answer to the problems of life—a savior—a utopian ideal. Could be social, political, material or religious. And we think:

“If only we had a more equitable system of distributing wealth, then we would be at peace.”
Or, “If only we had _______________ (fill in the blank) party in power, that would change everything.”
Or, if only we had more money, then we would be happy.”
Or, “If only we had a religion everyone could agree on. Then there would be peace.”

And history has shown us that every attempt to create a utopia on our own terms has led to disappointment, chaos and death. Earthly utopias promise much, but can’t deliver. One system, in particular, has failed miserably everywhere it’s been tried.

Joseph Stalin wanted to create paradise on earth, so he imposed Marxism over Russia. To realize “the greater good,” Stalin butchered over 50 million of his own people on the altar of dialectic materialism. That is nearly 10X the number of people that Hitler murdered.

Pol Pot was motivated by Marxism in Cambodia, resulting in the annihilation of 25% of the total population of that country. Mao Zedong did the same in China and eliminating somewhere between 40-80 million of his comrades as well.

We could go down the list of every group that’s imposed Marxism, promising a paradise on earth, but in every case it’s ascendency was built on the death of millions who opposed their totalitarian leaders.

The problem with a political system is that it cannot change the human heart.

But this is what Jesus specializes in. Hope begins with him, and the promise of what is coming is life-changing.

Will finish with part 2 tomorrow.

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.

Image by Aristal Branson from Pixabay

A Party You Don’t Want To Miss

let’s go party people!

‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ —Matthew 22:4

Apparently God loves to party.

Over and over, celebrations are a constant theme in scripture. It is a picture of joy with friends and family.

I was reading through the book of Matthew today, where Jesus tells a parable of a King (God), who is throwing a wedding celebration for his son, the prince (spoiler: it’s a royal wedding—and you’re invited).

Jesus describes the meticulous preparations that the king has made, in a place that is spacious enough for everyone who wants to be there.

What will it be like? We can only imagine. But keep this in mind: the Host is the One who made both the sun and moon.

Every painted sunset you’ve seen…He did that.

Every clear moonlit night…He orchestrated that.

He set our solar system in place, along with the rest of the milky way.

With skill he scattered countless stars like diamonds across the velvety blackness of space.

This is the same One who sculpted the mountains and filled in the oceans, teeming with fish.

Then He smoothed the plains, filling them with animals.

But above all his accomplishments, he loves to celebrate with His people—His family. Even now He is gearing up for the party of the ages.

This is one party you don’t want to miss.

And why not start the celebration with us this Sunday at CenterPoint? We gather for worship at 10AM. In fact, I’ll even save you a seat up front. Just let me know!

And if you’re out of town, you can join us on our livestream here on our FB Page. But whether you join us online or onsite, I look forward to celebrating with you then.

Love you,
Pastor Bill

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet.

Warrior Dad

Dad, you are the key

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me…His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.” —Malachi 3:1, 4:6

God sent a messenger with a specific purpose: that he would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.

What is that all about?

One of the most disturbing trends in our time is the villainization of men. Complaints of “toxic masculinity” and the pejorative “mansplaining” are thrown around with zero definition to silence men—along with the idea that men aren’t even necessary in the family—has gone viral.

But nothing could be further from the truth. Men are essential.

According to data collected by Promise Keepers and Baptist Press, dads are essential to the spiritual health of their families. Here is what they uncovered:

“If a father does not go to church, even if his wife does, only 1 child in 50 will become a regular worshiper. If a father does go regularly, regardless of what the mother does, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will attend church as adults. If a father attends church irregularly, between half and two-thirds of their kids will attend church with some regularity as adults.

“If a mother does not go to church, but a father does, a minimum of two-thirds of their children will end up attending church. In contrast, if a father does not go to church, but the mother does, on average two-thirds of their children will not attend church.”

“Another survey found that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow. If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability everyone else in the household will follow. However, when the father is first, there is a 93% probability everyone else in the household will follow.” (courtesy of Nick Cady)

Here is the point: Dads, you are essential.

There is a spiritual battle being fought in our world dads—and you are the target. The enemy’s goal is to make you feel depressed, unnecessary, or thinking that church is irrelevant. Either way, he wins.

But you play a massive role. You are a key influencer in your children’s and grandchildren’s lives. You have waaaaaaay more impact than you imagine.

And with God’s strength, you will overcome.

So the question for us as men is this: “Do I want my family to be healthy spiritually? Do I want God’s blessings on our family, our marriage and on my children’s lives?” I can’t overemphasize how important you are in all of this.

It starts with us.

And why not join us this Sunday at CenterPoint? You can join us in-person, 10AM PST in Tacoma, or online on our CenterPoint FB page. Either way, I look forward to worshiping with you then.

Fighting for you,
Pastor Bill

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet.

You Are A Disciple!

simple but powerful

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” —Matthew 28:18–19

One of the things I love about the new year is new beginnings. A fresh start. A clean slate.

We are still in the opening weeks of the year and I’m wondering if you’ve considered how you’ll be growing spiritually in 2024?

Every follower of Jesus is a disciple. And, Jesus’ goal for his followers was to make disciples who make disciples. More than just followers, they were disciples.

Since a disciple is a learner—or an apprentice—it will take active participation on our part to make that happen.

So, what steps will you be taking in 2024? One of the best investments you can make in growing as a disciple of Christ is to spend time in God’s word. And one of the ways I do that—personally—is through my Worship and Wisdom guide.

It is a daily reading in both the Psalms and the book of Proverbs. Very simple, but very powerful. And in this digital format you can link to the daily readings on Bible Gateway, or you can choose to have it read to you as well.

Here is the downloadable pdf:

reading-through-psalms-proverbs-in-a-month-niv-new Download

I never tire of worship, or collecting the wisdom of God! That is why this document is reusable month after month, year after year.

Would love to hear your feedback on this. And let me know if I can be of any help as we walk together through the Psalms (worship) and Proverbs (wisdom) into 2024.

Looking forward to the journey!

Love you,
Pastor Bill

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He has been the lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma since 2006. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon—and he loves a good biryani.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Who You Riding With?

who is in your car?

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. —Hebrews 10:24–25

If life is a journey, then fellowship is fuel for the trip.

God created you for relationship—with himself and with others. That is what the family of God is all about. The purpose of God’s family is to lift each other up when we’re down and encourage each other when the storms of life rage.

Who are those people you count on? Everyone needs someone—so who is on this journey with you? Who is in your car?

Who you riding with?

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

It’s Never Too Late!

This one is for Coach Sonntag

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. —Romans 15:5

So grateful for another post featured in Christian Grandfather Magazine today.

This one is dedicated to my junior high and high school gym teacher, Jack Sonntag.

Here is the link: https://www.christiangrandfather.org/2023/12/12/its-never-too-late/

Blessings,
Pastor Bill

Photo by Vincent Peters: from Pexels