Tag: lifeishard

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.

Daily Bread

Title: God Provides for the Needs of His People

Text:

Romans 8:26-30 (HCSB)
26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Observation:

How hungry and thirsty are you for God? How much value do you place on prayer? Is prayer your first option, or is it your last option? Do you view prayer as the least you can do, or do you view it as the most you can do? How big is Your God?

Luke 1:37 (HCSB)
For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Do you have a God size need in your life today? Why not do what the Psalmist did?

Psalm 77:1-3 (HCSB)
1 I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. 2 I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. 3 I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

Asaph was in a hard place; however, he served a great God, and Asaph cried out to God as his first option, and not his last. Asaph’s faith was not in vain; God hears and answers the prayers of His people. David said this about his prayer. God will do it for you, if you ask Him.

Psalm 6:9 (HCSB)
The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer.

We are not alone when we call out to God in prayer. There are times when we don’t know how to pray, but God has that covered; He provides us with the Holy Spirit to be our helper in prayer. Not only that but God works in the circumstances of our life, no matter how painful they may be, God works in them and through them for our good, and for His glory. Don’t ever forget that God is for you; He will succeed in making you like Jesus; a promise He makes, and one He will surely keep.

Romans 8:31 (HCSB)
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Prayer:

Father God, my dear Father, I am so grateful for your love, guidance and support that you give to your people. Father, forgive me for the peace I forfeit when I fail to bring everything to you in prayer. Father, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, I will learn to carry everything to You in prayer. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/789#ixzz2xukKExwA