• Let your light so shine.

  • Sharing the Good News. In season and out of season.

  • We love Him because He first loved us.

  • Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

  • The future is as bright as God’s promises.

Anchor

User-friendly devotionals with audio

  • 18 Mar

    Victory in Tough Times

    By Maria Fontaine

    Audio length: 9:23
    Download Audio (8.5MB)

    I was asking Jesus how I could encourage you about any difficulties that you (or a friend or loved one) may be experiencing. The Lord told me to remind you about the life to come. When I revisit some of the scriptures on the glory of heaven, compared to the pain, sorrows, and problems of this life, it’s a wonderful assurance to know that, as the old song goes:

    After the toil and the heat of the day,
    After my troubles are past,
    After my sorrows are taken away—
    I shall see Jesus at last!

    After the heartaches and sighing shall cease,
    After the cold winter’s blast,
    After the conflict comes glorious peace—
    I shall see Jesus at last!1

    We have a wonderful future ahead, my dear friends! Let’s not get so focused on the difficulties of the present that we fail to keep heaven always in mind. God knew that you and I and all His children would need His assurances of our heavenly future. Why do you suppose He gave us so many specific promises in the Bible, as well as many in prophecy?

    His Word tells us to “think on the good things, the true things, the pure things, the lovely things, those things that are excellent and praiseworthy and of good report.”2 What a fitting description of heaven! Could we ever think on something more wonderful?!

    John told us about the new heaven and new earth, and I think it bears repeating when we need to adjust our focus upward.

    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

    I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

    “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”3

    After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.4

    In this world we have no lasting city, but we’re seeking the city that is to come: “a city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”5

    Eventually, we’re going to arrive in that “better place, that is, a heavenly one” that we’re desiring and looking for. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”6

    Jesus has personally gone “to prepare that place for us: in which righteousness dwells.”7 “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.’”8

    We are going to receive “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for us.”9 “Our citizenship is in heaven, and because of it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his authority.”10

    Jesus said: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”11

    Listen to this beautiful message that He gave us in prophecy:

    One day I am going to break through the thin veneer of your sky and shower My radiance, brilliance, magnificence, and majesty upon the earth. Angels will herald My second coming. The air will be filled with the sound of trumpets. You will hear the most beautiful music you have ever heard. If you’ve come into My arms before My return, the glory I have clothed you with will become apparent to all who live on the earth.

    For those still in this earth life when I return, the moment that you rise up to meet Me, our eyes will lock and My love and joy will fill your being. My transforming power will wipe away the cares and heartaches of this earth life and everything that has polluted and injured. Your time on earth will become a tiny speck in the scope of eternity as you rise to embrace Me and enter heaven. You will know then, in that twinkling of an eye, that it was more than worth it!

    As you think on what awaits you in your heavenly home, I can lift your spirit and inspire hope about the wonderful things to come. What a beautiful future you have to look forward to! What tremendous promises you have to hold on to as you await My glorious return. It won’t be long now.

    (Maria:) We can make God’s promises about heaven a part of our foundation of faith, just as we have done with the knowledge of our salvation. We can stand on these promises during times when things look dark. God didn’t have to tell us in advance of the tremendous realities that await us in heaven. He could have just kept it a surprise. But He knew that this vision of the future would motivate us and help us to continue overcoming the daily earth battles we face.

    How can we ever thank Him enough for the absolutely stupendous things ahead? We can show the depths of our appreciation by giving our all to Him and being all that we possibly can be for the One who has given everything for us.

    Nevertheless, we are only human, and sometimes our vision gets clouded by the cares of this life. We can start to wonder, “What about the troubles I’m facing at this moment? How am I going to make it from this sometimes awful present time to that glorious heaven to come?” When I asked the Lord how we could find the answer to this dilemma, He said in prophecy:

    Do not stop meditating on the heavenly vision. Remember how many times you have turned very difficult situations into opportunities. You have transformed your trials into victories, which is something beautiful in My eyes, and you have been instrumental in others being transformed into children of God!

    (Maria:) Dear ones, just think! He’s honored us by giving us the important task of being His representatives on earth. He’s made us ambassadors of light in a world of darkness. We have the time, opportunity, and potential to help make this earth life the most that it can be for us and for others.

    As blessed as we are, and as vital as our place is in this world as His messengers, of course we can expect battles, we can expect troubles, we can expect that there will be some struggles as we embrace the high calling and privilege that has been given to each of us. But, even in that, we are not alone. He showers us with His blessings as He guides us through the difficulties of this life. He is always greater than our troubles.

    When you need renewal and rejuvenation, when you feel weary, ask Jesus to refresh that heavenly vision. Keep reminding yourself of the realities of heaven. Then, remind yourself of what He’s doing on this earth and the importance of your purpose and place as one of His children. Face your difficulties with faith and courage, knowing that through your example you can give others the opportunity to find hope in Jesus and the truth they hunger for.

    Originally published July 2018. Adapted and republished March 2021.
    Read by Carol Andrews.

    1 “After,” by N. B. Vandall, 1932.

    2 See Philippians 4:8.

    3 Revelation 21:1–5 ESV.

    4 Revelation 7:9 ESV.

    5 Hebrews 11:10 ESV.

    6 Hebrews 11:16; 1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV.

    7 John 14:2; 2 Peter 3:13 ESV.

    8 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 14:13 ESV.

    9 1 Peter 1:4 ESV.

    10 Philippians 3:20–21 ESV.

    11 John 14:2–3 KJV.

  • Mar 16 Face to Face
  • Mar 10 How Can We Find Joy When We’ve Lost Everything?
  • Mar 8 Compose and Repose—Enter into Rest
  • Mar 5 Engaging Others with Love, Kindness, and Service
  • Mar 3 Refuge in God
  • Mar 2 The Color of Love
  • Feb 25 Transformational Power
  • Feb 24 God Is Working in Your Waiting
  • Feb 23 Counting It All as Loss
   

Directors’ Corner

News, writings and thoughts from TFI Directors

  • 16 Mar

    Jesus—His Life and Message: The Coming of the Son of Man (Part 2)

    In the previous article, we read Jesus’ statement that heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.1 He went on to say,

    Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.2

    Jesus clearly said that the time of His return, His parousia, is unknown to anyone but the Father. Throughout history there have been many predictions of when Jesus was going to return. None of them proved to be true, which makes perfect sense, since Jesus made it clear that no one knows except the Father.

    Some may wonder how Jesus couldn’t know the day nor hour when heaven and earth will pass away when He, like the Father, is God. This is a matter that has to do with the inner workings of the Trinity, which is beyond our knowing. The ESV Bible commentary states:

    How Jesus could have limited knowledge and yet know all things is difficult, and much remains a mystery, for nobody else has ever been both God and man. One possibility is that Jesus regularly lived on the basis of his human knowledge but could at any time call to mind anything from his infinite knowledge.

    We find another example of this paradox in the book of John, where Jesus states I and the Father are one,3 and also the Father is greater than I.4

    As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.5

    Jesus’ return will be sudden and without warning. Those who are alive when it happens will be carrying on with the normal affairs of daily life, just as those in Noah’s day were.

    Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.6 

    These examples of people going about their daily lives and work at the time of Jesus’ return express the importance of being ready. In both examples there is a division, a separation, between the people. Jesus’ return brings this separation. Those who have made the choice to believe in Christ will be with Him forever, while those who make the conscious decision to reject Him and to live without God will find that their choice will be respected, resulting in their permanent separation from Him.

    Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.7

    As it is certain that Jesus will return, He calls His followers to live in a manner that they will be ready for that time, whenever it may be. If people knew exactly when He was going to come again, they could put off any preparation until shortly before His coming. However, they do not know, and therefore they must live in a state of constant readiness.

    Know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.8 

    Jesus included this illustration to help them understand that His return would come unexpectedly. Clearly, if one knew when his house was going to be robbed, he would prepare himself. The timing of Christ’s return, however, is not known. This point is made throughout the New Testament.

    You yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.9

    But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.10

    The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.11

    “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”12

    Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.13

    Because the disciples did not know when Christ would return, and knew that His return would be at an unexpected time, they were instructed to live in a state of constant readiness. Jesus’ instruction to His disciples applies equally to all present-day believers as well, because we are in the same state of not knowing when He will return.

    Jesus continued with:

    “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”14

    Jesus turns from the topic of watchfulness and focuses on the faithful and wise servant. He refers to a household in which there are numerous servants. One of them is put in a position of responsibility by the householder. Among other things, he is responsible for making sure the household is fed. This servant does his job diligently. He doesn’t know when the householder is going to return, but that doesn’t matter to him; he is focused on being faithful in his work. When the master returns, the servant will be blessed.

    Jesus’ statement, Truly, I say to you, emphasizes that what He is about to say is significant. He will set him over all his possessions. The master will reward the servant by putting him in charge of all that he owns. The reward for faithful service is the opportunity of serving in a position of even greater responsibility.

    But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards…15

    There is another possible outcome, as Jesus pointed out. He brings up a hypothetical case of that wicked servant. This servant lacks the moral strength of the first servant. With the master away, he knows that he will not have to answer to anyone for some time, and he sees it as an opportunity to be selfishly irresponsible. His true character is exposed. He uses his temporary authority to beat his fellow servants. He also partakes in self-indulgence as he eats and drinks with drunkards.

    The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.16 

    The wicked servant lost sight of the fact that his being in charge was a temporary situation. The master will return at an unexpected time, and the servant will be called to account for his deeds. The fact that the master was away for longer than the servant expected didn’t mean that he was never coming back. Though the Son of Man’s return may seem delayed, it doesn’t mean that He isn’t coming back. As Jesus stated earlier in this chapter, You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.17

    Jesus predicted the fate of the wicked servant: the master will severely punish him. The statement about putting the unfaithful servant with the hypocrites is a bit unclear. One author explains:

    Perhaps we should bear in mind that throughout this Gospel hypocrites come in for severe condemnation; Jesus has left no doubt that their ultimate fate will be a most unhappy one.18

    We’re told that In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Gnashing of teeth” is a phrase which is found a number of times in the Gospel of Matthew.19 It stands for the pain, distress, anguish, and suffering of those who pass on without having a saving relationship with God.

    Jesus clearly stated that the time of His return, His parousia, is unknown to anyone but the Father. Since Jesus’ ascension into heaven, believers have been waiting for His return. For two millennia, Christians have lived their lives, passed on from this world, and gone to be with the Lord. At the time of Jesus’ return, those who are alive on earth will experience His second coming. In 1 Thessalonians we are told that those who have already passed on will return with Jesus.

    Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.20

    While Jesus’ return at the time of the rapture is an important part of our faith, we, like all the Christians who have gone before us, may not be on this earth when it happens. Therefore, while the endtime events are important, how we live our lives during the time we have on earth is even more important. We are called to love others, to share the gospel, to do our best to live the teachings of Jesus. May we all strive to follow the example of the One who gave His life for us, so that we can live with Him forever.

    Note

    Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptures are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    General Bibliography

    Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

    Biven, David. New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus. Holland: En-Gedi Resource Center, 2007.

    Bock, Darrell L. Jesus According to Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.

    Bock, Darrell L. Luke Volume 1: 1:1–9:50. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1994.

    Bock, Darrell L. Luke Volume 2: 9:51–24:53. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1996.

    Brown, Raymond E. The Birth of the Messiah. New York: Doubleday, 1993.

    Brown, Raymond E. The Death of the Messiah. 2 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1994.

    Carson, D. A. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and His Confrontation with the World. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1987.

    Charlesworth, James H., ed. Jesus’ Jewishness, Exploring the Place of Jesus Within Early Judaism. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1997.

    Chilton, Bruce, and Craig A. Evans, eds. Authenticating the Activities of Jesus. Boston: Brill Academic, 1999.

    Edersheim, Alfred. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. Updated Edition. Hendrickson Publishers, 1993.

    Elwell, Walter A., ed. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988.

    Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.

    Evans, Craig A. World Biblical Commentary: Mark 8:27–16:20. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2000.

    Evans, Craig A., and N. T. Wright. Jesus, the Final Days: What Really Happened. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

    Flusser, David. Jesus. Jerusalem: The Magnes Press, 1998.

    Flusser, David, and R. Steven Notely. The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus’ Genius. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007.

    France, R. T. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007.

    Gnilka, Joachim. Jesus of Nazareth: Message and History. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1997.

    Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997.

    Green, Joel B., and Scot McKnight, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1992.

    Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology, An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

    Guelich, Robert A. World Biblical Commentary: Mark 1–8:26. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1989.

    Jeremias, Joachim. The Eucharistic Words of Jesus. Philadelphia: Trinity Press International, 1990.

    Jeremias, Joachim. Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1996.

    Jeremias, Joachim. Jesus and the Message of the New Testament. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002.

    Jeremias, Joachim. New Testament Theology. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1971.

    Jeremias, Joachim. The Prayers of Jesus. Norwich: SCM Press, 1977.

    Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary, Volume 1. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.

    Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary, Volume 2. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.

    Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.

    Lewis, Gordon R., and Bruce A. Demarest. Integrative Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1976.

    Manson, T. W. The Sayings of Jesus. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1957.

    Manson, T. W. The Teaching of Jesus. Cambridge: University Press, 1967.

    McKnight, Scot. Sermon on the Mount. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.

    Michaels, J. Ramsey. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010.

    Milne, Bruce. The Message of John. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

    Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1995.

    Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992.

    Morris, Leon. Luke. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988.

    Ott, Ludwig. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. Rockford: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc., 1960.

    Pentecost, J. Dwight. The Words & Works of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

    Sanders, E. P. Jesus and Judaism. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985.

    Sheen, Fulton J. Life of Christ. New York: Doubleday, 1958.

    Spangler, Ann, and Lois Tverberg. Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.

    Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2003.

    Stein, Robert H. Jesus the Messiah. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

    Stein, Robert H. Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.

    Stein, Robert H. The Method and Message of Jesus’ Teachings. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.

    Stein, Robert H. The New American Commentary: Luke. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 1992.

    Stott, John R. W. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1978.

    Talbert, Charles H. Reading the Sermon on the Mount. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004.

    Williams, J. Rodman. Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

    Witherington, Ben, III. The Christology of Jesus. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990.

    Witherington, Ben, III. The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.

    Wood, D. R. W., I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, and D. J. Wiseman, eds. New Bible Dictionary. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

    Wright, N. T. After You Believe. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2010.

    Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.

    Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone, Part 1. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

    Wright, N. T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003.

    Yancey, Philip. The Jesus I Never Knew. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.

    Young, Brad H. Jesus the Jewish Theologian. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1995.

    1 Matthew 24:35.

    2 Matthew 24:36.

    3 John 10:30.

    4 John 14:28.

    5 Matthew 24:37–39.

    6 Matthew 24:40–41.

    7 Matthew 24:42.

    8 Matthew 24:43.

    9 1 Thessalonians 5:2.

    10 1 Thessalonians 5:4.

    11 2 Peter 3:10.

    12 Revelation 16:15.

    13 Matthew 24:44.

    14 Matthew 24:45–47.

    15 Matthew 24:48–49.

    16 Matthew 24:50–51.

    17 Matthew 24:44.

    18 Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, 618.

    19 See Matthew 8:12, 13:42, 13:50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30.

    20 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

     

  • Mar 9 Jesus—His Life and Message: The Coming of the Son of Man (Part 1)
  • Mar 2 Jesus—His Life and Message: Prediction About the Temple (Part 3)
  • Feb 23 Jesus—His Life and Message: Prediction About the Temple (Part 2)
  • Feb 16 Jesus—His Life and Message: Prediction About the Temple (Part 1)
  • Feb 9 Jesus—His Life and Message: Jesus’ Question and the Widow’s Offering
  • Feb 2 The Stories Jesus Told: The Wicked Tenants, Luke 20:9–19
  • Jan 30 Heavenly Encouragement
  • Jan 26 Jesus—His Life and Message: The Seven Brothers
  • Jan 19 Jesus—His Life and Message: The Question of Authority
   

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  • Our fundamental beliefs are generally in accordance with those held by Christians the world over; we also embrace some untraditional doctrines. Our application of the foundation principle of God’s Law of Love that Jesus taught—to love God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, which He said fulfills “all the law and the prophets”—is a defining feature of our lives and our faith.

Mission

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  • The primary goal of the Family International is to improve the quality of life of others by sharing the life-giving message of love, hope, and salvation found in God’s Word. We believe that God's love—applied on a practical level to our daily lives—is the key to resolving many of society's problems, even in the complex and fast-paced world of today. Through imparting the hope and guidance found in the Bible’s teachings, we believe that we can work toward building a better world—changing the world, one heart at a time.

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  • Living “as unto Him”

    We put our faith into action and reach out to weary and troubled hearts, the disadvantaged, downtrodden, and needy, as unto Jesus.

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Jesus—His Life and Message
Bedrock principles from the Gospels on which to build our lives.
Living Christianity
Applying the teachings of the Bible to our daily lives and decisions.
More Like Jesus
The development of Christlikeness in our lives.
Life Balance Check
Cultivating and nurturing a healthy, balanced life.