Tag: #helpforthehopeless

Where Do You Turn During the Hard Times of Your Life?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

What a way to start a Monday Morning! Reading Psalm 23, and having the focal verse for today leap off the page and into my heart.

I have had the experience in recent years, and especially this year, of seeing so many people that I know who are going through a dark valley in their life or the life of a loved one.

Life in this world is hard, but the encouraging news and its goodnews are that our troubles don’t last always.

Additionally, the people of God have this blessed assurance from Our Father in heaven, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is this ironclad promise.

The psalmist, David King of Israel, was able to say, “God is with me.” Are you ready to say that based on your faith and trust in the Lord?

God rewards those who have faith in Him, and those who trust in God with their whole heart; mind, soul, and body. Are you counted with the faithful of the ages?

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Father God, we pray together and urge one another to cling to the things that are eternal in these dark and dangerous times that we live in today.

Father, we are comforted by Your promise that You will be with us; not just today, but forever.

Hebrews 13:5 King James Version (KJV)

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Father, we rest in the comfort and security of living in the everlasting arms of our creator and our redeemer. In the might name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy 33:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

What to Do When You Run Out of Energy?

 

Text:

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

28  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Observation:

Living in this world exposes us to constantly changing circumstances. Things happen to us suddenly, and without any warning of them coming. We never know when trouble will knock at our door.

Life is hard, and we all have issues that can be overwhelming if we allow them to linger and grow.

Why not make a list of your problems, needs, concerns, and anything else that causes you to fret and worry; things that rob you of your energy, and passion for God.

The answers to our problems and concerns are found in a person. It requires getting our focus off our situation, and placing it in the hands of our Savior.

Listen to the words of His invitation, “Come to me”.  He will take the load that is too heavy for us, and exchange it for His yoke, which is well suited for us.

The promise of Jesus is this, “I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let’s examine the rest that Jesus provides to His people. First, He provides peace with God.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, He provides us with the peace of God.

Philippians 4:6-8 (HCSB)

6  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. I am so thankful for the unfiltered access we have to You. We acknowledge that You are holy and righteous in all Your ways.

Father, we need Your help so that we can know your will, and have the power to do it.

Father, grant us the peace that only You can provide. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

—

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) 
11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:

http://herbcotton.blogspot.com/

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