Just Jesus: Encouraging Words

I’m wrapping up a delightful few days at the beach—time for just Jesus and me.  So as I was packing up books to bring, I threw in Just Jesus, a new devotional by my friend Lindsay Clifford.  It’s just what it says:  just the words of Jesus.  It is in two parts:  The first half is everything that Jesus said, in order, through the New Testament.  The second half is done by topics, with just the words Jesus spoke.I’m so glad I brought it.  I read through the entire second half, letting sweet Jesus speak to me over and over.   So today I am sharing with you a few of the encouraging words He said to me.  On Monday I will post those more challenging words.So be encouraged by Jesus Himself:And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  (Matthew 28:20)I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.  Take heart, daughter; your faith has healed you.  (Matthew 9: 2,22)Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.  (Matthew 14:27)Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your  heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  (Matthew 6:25,26)Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. (Luke 12:6)Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  (John 14:1;16:33)Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  (John 14:27)Do you want to get well?  (John 5:6)So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  (John 8:36)My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.  (John 8:12) Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.  (John 4:13-14) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  (Matthew 11:28-30)What about you?  What words from Jesus encourage you?C2012 Judy Douglass