The Encouraging Word

The Encouraging Word
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The Encouraging Word is a Scripture-centered devotional podcast offering thoughtful, pastoral reflections for weary hearts—inviting listeners into hope, truth, and faithful living in the midst of everyday life. theencouragingword.substack.com

  1. Apr 24

    Strength without Domination

    Episode 15: Strength Without Domination Series: Week 3 — Surrendered Strength  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on how surrendered strength changes how we relate to others. Power that is no longer self-centered becomes a source of blessing.In the Kingdom, strength is not used to dominate—but to serve, protect, and restore.  Scripture: Matthew 11:29  Quote Featured: Richard Foster – “Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best. But power that is surrendered to God can be used for good.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006) Encouraging Word for Today: Strength shaped by grace does not dominate—it serves.  Reflection Prompt: Where might God be reshaping how you use your strength in relationship with others? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min

  2. Apr 23

    The Inheritance of the Gentle

    Episode 14: The Inheritance of the Gentle Series: Week 3 — Surrendered Strength  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on the promise that the meek will inherit the earth. This inheritance is not seized through force but received through trust.God’s way of giving is different from the world’s way of taking—and it leads to a deeper, lasting kind of fulfillment.  Scripture: Matthew 5:5  Quote Featured: N.T. Wright – “When God’s kingdom comes on earth as in heaven, the meek – those who renounce violence and self-assertion – are the one who will truly inherit it.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: What is surrendered to God is never lost—it is received differently.  Reflection Prompt: How might your understanding of “inheritance” change if it is received rather than achieved? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min

  3. Apr 22

    Trusting Rather Than Grasping

    Episode 13: Trusting Rather Than Grasping Series: Week 3 — Surrendered Strength  In this episode, Pastor Eric explores the tension between grasping and trusting. The instinct to control often comes from fear, but the Kingdom invites us into trust.Letting go is not loss—it is the beginning of freedom grounded in God’s faithfulness.  Scripture: Psalm 37:8-9  Quote Featured: John Ortberg – “Hurry is not just a disordered schedule. Hurry is a disordered heart.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: You don’t have to grasp for what God has already promised to give.  Reflection Prompt: Where are you striving to secure something God is asking you to trust Him for? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min

  4. Apr 21

    Power Under God's Control

    Episode 12: Power Under God’s Control Series: Week 3 — Surrendered Strength  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on what it means for power to be shaped by God. Strength is not removed in the Kingdom—it is reoriented.When our strength is surrendered, it becomes a force for good rather than control, reflecting the character of Christ.  Scripture: James 1:19-20  Quote Featured: Richard Foster – “Gentleness is not a lack of strength, but strength under control.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: Strength becomes life-giving when it is surrendered to God.  Reflection Prompt: What areas of your life feel driven by control rather than trust? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min

  5. Apr 20

    Strength Surrendered

    Episode 11: Blessed are the Meek Series: Week 3 — Surrendered Strength  In this episode of The Encouraging Word, Pastor Eric introduces the third Beatitude and reframes the meaning of meekness. Far from weakness, meekness is strength that has been surrendered to God.It is power under control—not self-assertion, but trust. The Kingdom belongs not to those who grasp, but to those who rest in God’s provision.  Scripture: Matthew 5:5  Quote Featured: Dallas Willard – “The meek are those who no longer have to assert themselves in order to secure their place in life.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: True strength is not grasped—it is surrendered.  Reflection Prompt: Where might God be inviting you to release control and trust Him more fully? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min
  6. Living with Tender Hearts

    Apr 17

    Living with Tender Hearts

    Episode 10 (50): Living with Tender Hearts Series: Week 2 — Honest Grief  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on what it means to live with a heart that remains open. This devotional explores how grief, when received through grace, produces tenderness rather than hardness.A tender heart becomes more responsive to God, more compassionate toward others, and more alive to the work of the Kingdom.  Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26  Quote Featured: Henri Nouwen – “Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: A tender heart is not fragile—it is formed by grace.  Reflection Prompt: How might God be shaping your heart through the grief you have experienced? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min
  7. Comfort as Presence

    Apr 16

    Comfort as Presence

    Episode 9 (49): Comfort as Divine Presence Series: Week 2 — Honest Grief  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on the nature of God’s comfort. This devotional explores how comfort is not always the removal of pain, but the presence of God within it.Jesus promises that those who mourn will be comforted—not eventually, but personally. God meets us in our sorrow with His presence.  Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Quote Featured: C.S. Lewis – “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.”  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: God’s comfort is not distant—it is present.  Reflection Prompt: Where do you need to recognize God’s presence in the midst of your pain? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    5 min
  8. The Healing Power of Lament

    Apr 15

    The Healing Power of Lament

    Episode 8 (48): The Healing Power of Lament Series: Week 2 — Honest Grief  In this episode, Pastor Eric reflects on lament as a spiritual practice of honesty before God. This devotional explores how lament allows us to bring our pain, confusion, and questions into relationship with Him.Rather than turning away, lament turns toward God with raw honesty. And in doing so, it becomes a place where healing can begin.  Scripture: Psalm 13:1-2  Quote Featured: Walter Brueggemann – “The Psalms of lament are acts of bold faith...they insist that God attend to our pain."  Music: Bumper music: “Mercy Flows” (original instrumental composition, 2006)  Encouraging Word for Today: Lament is not a lack of faith—it is faith that refuses to give up.  Reflection Prompt: What might it look like to bring your honest lament before God today? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theencouragingword.substack.com

    6 min
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About

The Encouraging Word is a Scripture-centered devotional podcast offering thoughtful, pastoral reflections for weary hearts—inviting listeners into hope, truth, and faithful living in the midst of everyday life. theencouragingword.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Encouraging Word
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eric Phillippe, Pastor
  • Show Website
    The Encouraging Word