Encouragements

Posts in Kris Shustella
A King and His Kingdom

As we now step beyond this text in Matthew, let us not merely be hearers but doers of the Word. Let us remember that the Rock we build on is not our own obedience but Christ Himself. And as His Spirit works in us, may our lives reflect the kingdom He has described; marked by mercy, purity, peace, humility, and steadfast trust in our Father.

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Salt & Light

In the same way, the people of God are called to live lives so shaped by the gospel that corruption is restrained and the goodness of Christ is made known. Light, too, carries profound meaning. In a world darkened by sin, God has shone in our hearts the light of Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). We are not the source of light, but we reflect the One who is the Light of the world (John 8:12).

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Serving with Calvary 85

“Our mission team isn’t in Ault to be impressive. They’re there to lift high the name of Jesus by putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Early mornings, long hours in the sun, pouring into the lives of kids, encouraging one another—this is Philippians 2 in action. These aren’t small things. In the economy of the Kingdom, they’re a lasting investment of good seed.”

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The Heavens Declare

In times of doubt or discouragement, God’s creation can become a catalyst for praise and joy. It mirrors the stability and order of God’s sovereign design, reminding us that, despite life’s chaos, there is a divine purpose behind it all, fulfilled in Christ. From the intricacy of the smallest flower to the vastness of the ocean, let His wonders inspire and elevate your spirit, prompting you to rejoice in the Creator who lovingly fashioned everything for His glory.

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Hope in Brokenness

These are all imprints of the sin-cursed creation. If we allow it, this dark truth will consume our thoughts and minds. But we as those who are born again (John 3), those who are the Bride of Christ, have been created to think differently about this reality. We have been called to walk and proclaim hope in the brokenness. 

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Refuge of Light

This contrast between light and darkness is a reality for followers of Christ. We know it well…Darkness is the world that we once walked (Isaiah 9). Because of the darkness in the world, the Father sent his son Jesus to be the light of the world (John 1). Light is a picture of the salvation the Lord Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection (John 8:12). Light is also a picture of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Psalm 119:105). Continually, we are reminded of the home found in the light and our pursuit and proclamation of it. 

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Knit Together

How can this be? How can two groups of people with very different ancestral backgrounds have a love for one another? The answer is simple yet heartfelt. The love and peace of their community were only possible because of the unifying work of Christ in His life, death, and resurrection. When we are born again (regenerated), we become a new creation in Christ (1 Cor. 5:17). This new work doesn’t just describe a transformation on an individual basis. It describes a renewed community in one body, the Church (Eph. 3:6). In Christ, both Jew and Gentile, become one in Christ. We are knit together in the love of Christ. We are united!

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Set Apart

The answer to these questions is simple, yet challenging. The reason the ways of the world enamor us is because of the ease of the path. We have been deceived into believing that we know what is best for our lives. In this deception, the world consumes us. John Piper writes, “If you love the world, it will pass away and take you with it.” This consumption is one of a slow fade from truth. Slowly we buy into the lies of the enemy. Gradually we compromise truth to pursue our best life. Leisurely we justify our lives in the fractured shadow of our pursuit of happiness.

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