Month: May 2025

Is This My Time?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

This verse is powerful! Let’s take a look at the Book of Esther. You will see how God used Esther to protect His people from complete annihilation. Because of her beauty, Esther (a Jew) happened to be chosen to be Queen to King Ahasuerus, a decision that would have profound implications for the Jewish people. God’s sovereignty is seen throughout the entire book, as each event unfolds with divine purpose. Esther’s uncle Mordecai discovers a malicious plot against the Jews by the wicked Haman, a high-ranking official who harbored a deep hatred for Esther’s people. Mordecai urgently tells Esther’s chamberlains to let Esther know all about this insidious plot and advises that she courageously informs the king about this dreadful plan to annihilate the Jews. Although Esther was the queen, her position came with grave restrictions; she could not simply approach the king with her plea for her people without risking everything. This just was not done in the royal court, as the laws were strict and unforgiving. She had to wait until the king summoned her, a process fraught with uncertainty and fear. If she went to see him without his summoning her, she could be put to death. Mordecai stressed to her that even she would not escape Haman’s plot since she was Jewish, emphasizing the need for her bravery and the urgency of the situation they faced. Such a weighty responsibility rested on Esther’s shoulders, and it was through her courage and faith that she would ultimately play a mighty role in the deliverance of her people.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

So what does Esther do? In a moment of grave urgency, she asks Hatach, her trusted chamberlain, to take a message to Uncle Mordecai. She instructs him to tell all the Jews in the kingdom to engage in a solemn fast for her, asking them to pray for her strength and guidance during this perilous time. The weight of her decision weighs on her heart, as she prepares to approach the king uninvited, a bold move filled with danger. Despite the risks involved, she resolutely declares, “If I perish, I perish,” demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her people and her willingness to sacrifice everything for their deliverance.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b)

We discover that because of his deep-seated hatred, Haman meticulously devises a plot to hang Mordecai, a man he cannot stand due to his refusal to bow before him. In his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance, he has the gallows constructed, tall and imposing, as a symbol of his power and intimidation, and his malevolent plan moves forward with alarming speed. Little does he know that Queen Esther has been secretly devising her own strategy; she has prepared a lavish banquet for both the king and Haman, an event designed to reveal the truth hidden in shadows. At this extravagant banquet, under the guise of celebration, Esther bravely exposes Haman’s wicked plot to King Ahasuerus. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman’s fate takes a swift and ironic twist as he is hanged on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai. This whole account, filled with intrigue and divine justice, is what the Jewish Feast of Purim is all about, honoring the deliverance of the Jewish people from a grave threat.

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:12-15)

You may wonder why I give you Esther’s account; it is to point out that each of us has appointed times to be used of God. In whatever situation or trial, God can use you, often in ways you may not expect or realize until much later. I’m sure Esther was petrified to go in to see the king, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She knew what the consequences of these actions would be, not just for herself, but for her people, the Jews, who were facing Haman’s anger. Her first thought is to pray and fast, not just for herself, but to request Mordecai and the rest of the Jews to do the same, recognizing the power of collective prayer. She understood the importance of seeking divine intervention and unity in times of crisis. Esther also knew that turning to God in the midst of her trial would bring answers and solutions, providing her with strength and courage to face the uncertain future ahead. Her faith became a beacon of hope, reminding us all that in our darkest moments, we can still find light through our commitment to prayer and trust in God’s plan.

What are you going through, Reader? Life can present us with challenges that seem insurmountable, leading us to doubt our worth and capabilities. However, God can use you in spite of your trials. Even in your darkest moments, when the weight of the world feels heavy, He can shine a light through your struggles. You may not think so, but He can turn your pain into purpose and your sorrow into strength. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we must remember to lean on faith, trusting that there’s a greater plan in motion. Do you trust Him to do so? When we surrender our worries and open our hearts to His plan for us, we can find strength to move forward.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Php 4:13)

To the reader who does not have the peace of the Lord in his heart, this devotional may seem pointless. It may not touch your heart, but it should. If you are not born-again, you won’t understand the things of God and how they connect to your life. It’s important to settle this matter now, before you die or before the Rapture occurs, because time is short. Otherwise, you risk spending eternity in the lake of fire, apart from God’s love and grace. This is a warning and also an invitation to find true peace and joy through a relationship with Christ. Take the step to salvation and read how to be saved here, where you will find guidance that can change your life and give you hope and purpose.

How Long Must I Wait?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

There have been trials in my life where there was nothing more that I could do to remedy them. I was at the end of my rope, just clinging to hope. What is this hope, you may ask? Well, hope is not something that comes naturally to anyone. It is developed, like a good muscle. But to the believer, hope is something we don’t see, but we believe in faith that God will work everything out in His time.

Psalm 42:5  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Hope does not bring my trial to an end, but it encourages me along the way despite the tumultuous waves! I think of Peter’s faith as he attempted to walk on the water to meet Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-33) When he saw the boisterous wind, he took his eyes off Jesus (who was right in front of him) and began to sink. There’s a lesson in there for us. We may not have Jesus right there in front of us visually, but we have His Holy Spirit living within us. Therefore, He is with us all the time! I’m sure you’ve heard countless messages on this very topic. However, have you personally learned this lesson through your own trial?

The enemy loves to do his work during the turmoil of life. This is where he digs his feet in and pursues every angle he can in order to cause you to sink deeper into your despair. But friend, there is hope in Jesus! Jesus does not cause anxiety but relieves it when we allow Him to do so. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Are you in the midst of a trial? Is your trial one that will never go away, such as health issues? This is the hardest one because you can never escape it, unless God miraculously heals you. However, when this is not the case, you must fix your eyes on Jesus. I think of the Apostle Paul asking the Lord to remove the thorn from his side. But Jesus responded:

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

When we are at our weakest, God knows that we have no where to go for help but to Him; just as Peter had no where to turn but to Jesus. It is here that His strength can be found to withstand the trial, day in and day out. It is there you will find the power to withstand the hardship. It is there that the Lord will hear your faintest whisper of despair. It is in this trial that you will find ways in the Scriptures to keep you going forward for the Lord.

The word temptation is mostly used as it relates to being tempted to sin. However, it is interesting to find that the Greek word implies more than that:

πειρασμός
peirasmos
pi-ras-mos’
From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: – temptation, X try.

We see this usage in the verse below. God is faithful and will provide a way for you to bear your trial. He will provide you with the strength to carry on.

1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Through every trial, the believer can find comfort in reading the Scriptures. It is there that we find our strength and will to persist. This is the “escape” spoken in the verse above. In the Scriptures, the downtrodden believer can find light at the end of the tunnel. The believer can see the morning’s sun rise after the darkest night of despair. I love today’s hymn for this very reason. Although it does not appear that the writer was a believer, but the Lord sure used him to pen words that are such a blessing!

Whispering Hope – by Septimus Winner (pseudonym Alice Hawthorne)

1 Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion,
Whispers her comforting word.
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Chorus:
Whispering Hope
O how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

2 If in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day. [Chorus]

3 Hope as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Master has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal.
Come then, O come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart,
Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,
Never, O never depart. [Chorus]
O blessed Hope!

If you are desperately looking for this hope I speak of and have never been born again, please follow this link and it will show you how to be born again according to the Scriptures.

There’s A Storm Coming!

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Storms come and go; some leaving a path of destruction while others provide some much-needed rain. What about the storms of life? Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world where sin’s effects are everywhere. No one is exempt from trials and storms, I’m afraid. For me, the storms that involve family are the hardest to deal with. They cut to the heart, and produce many tears. It makes me think of:

Psalm 56:8  Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

That word “tellest” speaks volumes to me. The Hebrew word is:

סָפַר
sâphar
saw-far’
A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate: – commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.

The Lord is not deaf, Reader! He hears every cry for help, every plea; yes, He hears even the slightest whisper of despair. Every single tear is recorded and kept in a bottle and recorded in His book! That literally means your tears will not go unnoticed!

Psalm 34:17  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Father will deliver me out of all my troubles. He may not deliver me out of my trouble at that very moment. There may be a lesson in its midst that I need to learn. There may need to be time for all parties involved to learn as well. We cannot control the timing, but we can control how we deal with the storm.

Lam 3:25-26  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  (26)  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Wait on God to work out the details in your storm. Give Him time and don’t try to jump the gun. Hope and quietly wait for the Lord to bring your storm to an end. I hope today’s hymn is a blessing to you!

Till the Storm Passes By – By Mosie Lister

​In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place.
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Refrain:
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try,
For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by”
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

The Lord refines His children. He shapes and molds them by using these storms. It’s very much like going to the gym. You don’t see immediate results but as time goes on, you can see those results. Our spiritual lives need exercise: a storm comes into your life; you immediately turn to the Lord for help; you read your Bible and wait for answers; repeat until the storm passes by.

If you are not a born-again child of God, you cannot go through these storms expecting peace. You will be surrounded by turmoil and anxiety. However, it is not what God wants for you. He wants you to come to Him with all your cares.

Mat 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If you wish to be born again, click on this link and it will guide you through the Scriptures to show you how.

Are You Near Me, Lord?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Have you ever had a day where you simply do not feel God’s presence? Is there no one around you who seems to care what you are going through? As well, you may have someone who loves you deeply and cares for you. But yet, you still feel very alone in your trial. I’ve been there many times in the many years of my salvation. With each and every time, God either sent His messengers to teach / preach to me, or that day’s Scripture reading spoke deeply to my heart! I may have felt alone, but the Lord never left my side.

Mat 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Psa 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Dwelling in safety and peace is such a beautiful picture. It’s what I picture in Psalm 23 when the Shepherd provides His sheep with green pastures and water. God’s provisions are so undeserved but yet so welcomed! The word “safety” spoke to my heart because many of our trials bring anxiety and worry. The Hebrew word, according to Strong’s, brings so much more meaning:

beṭach
beh’-takh
From H982; properly a place of refuge; abstractly safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust);

Today’s hymn is one I have sung many times but its meaning is ever more precious to me! I hope it blesses you as well!

Nearer, Still Nearer – by Lelia Naylor Morris

1 Nearer, still nearer— close to Thy heart,
draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast;
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest,
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest.

2 Nearer, still nearer— nothing I bring,
naught as an off’ring to Jesus, my King–
only my sinful, now contrite heart;
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

3 Nearer, still nearer— Lord, to be Thine,
sin with its follies I gladly resign–
all of its pleasures, pomp and its pride;
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

4 Nearer, still nearer— while life shall last,
till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
through endless ages, ever to be
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.

The second verse indicates an acceptance of Jesus Christ in order for God to draw near to you.

Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

If God cannot be found in your life, take care of it now! Don’t delay because you do not know when you will take your last breath! Please, follow this link and it will walk you through how to be saved!

Casting Your Burdens

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

God is not some angry “god” who sits on high just waiting on whom He can proclaim judgment. Yes, judgment is part of who God is because He is righteous. But the Bible lets us know that God cares for us so much! He cares what we are going through, and wants to help us go through the difficulties of life.

The word “moved” in Psalm 55:22 stood out to me. I wanted to explore that a little further so I could fully grasp its meaning. The Hebrew word for moved is:

מוֹט
môṭ
mote’
A primitive root; to waver; by implication to slip, shake, fall: – be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, X exceedingly, fall (-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready shake, slide, slip.

The highlighted synonyms spoke to me. We can’t always be Super Christian with Bible in hand. After one is born again, one can be assured that there will be trials to deal with. But with the trial, God promises to provide peace and comfort. Just because we tell Him all of our problems and sorrows does not mean that God thinks less of us. We aren’t removed from His family because of our frailties. Christian, do not feel guilty for doubting or feeling spiritually faint. It is at this time that you will feel God getting closer to you. What we do see in today’s definition of “move” is that God will not allow His child to be so cast down that the child will cease to love God altogether. This happens to those who profess salvation but never actually became born again. But to the child of God, He has given this promise!

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psalm 121:2-3  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  (3)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

The same God who helped David, helps us! So don’t hesitate to cast your burdens on the Lord because He promises to help us to keep going! He gives us the strength and peaceful joy as a result of trusting Him!

Are you overcome by the burden you are carrying? Only God’s Word can heal that. You tell God your problems and He responds to you as you read His Word. Trust in Him while you wait!

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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Protection Is Found

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

Psalm 91:1-4  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (2)  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  (3)  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  (4)  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Did you know that shade provides temperatures 25 degrees lower than standing in the sun? What a relief it is to be walking in the heat of day, then to come under a tree to feel the shade it provides! To top it off, now add a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea! Ahhhhh! As you sit down and lean against the tree, you can experience what it is like to be under God’s wings. What does that mean, exactly? What do His wings provide? I can think of several things:

  • It provides shade: When life gets “hot” with worries and troubles, the Lord God provides us with comfort to decrease that heat. Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
  • It provides protection: God protects us from the enemy’s darts and efforts to deflate your zeal for the Lord. Psalm 121:7  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 2Th 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
  • It provides a covering: Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Romans 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. When Adam and Eve sinned, God covered them with the skins of a slain animal. Blood was shed in order for them to be covered. Genesis 3:21  Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Just as Jesus’ blood was shed to cover our sins!
  • It provides “closeness”: The Lord is never so far that He cannot hear you. He hears the faintest whisper of a cry when you are too overwhelmed to speak. Like the Shepherd who carries a wounded sheep, the Lord presses up against us and carries us through our trials. Psalm 145:18  The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Acts 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Today’s hymn brings such comfort to my spirit. We are living in times of uncertainty. The days are getting truly more wicked than ever. We think things can’t possibly get any worse; but yet, they will as the Bible tells us. Read the words below and listen to the hymn again. Let this mini message from Mr. Cushing sink deep so you can see the Lord’s works in your life.

Under His Wings – by William Orcutt Cushing

1 Under His wings I am safely abiding;
  Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;
  He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

CHORUS:
Under His wings, under His wings,
  Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
    Safely abide forever.

2 Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!
  How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
  There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

3 Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!
  There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
  Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

God provided His Holy Spirit to live within us. He never leaves us because He’s in us and with us. We know that each name of God has a purpose. In this case, Emmanuel (God with us) tells us that Christ’s Holy Spirit lives here and now, within each born-again believer. Christ left us His Spirit so we could always be under His wings. Did you know that the Book of John is the only Gospel that calls the Holy Spirit “Comforter”?

John 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

The Comforter places us under His wings – are you abiding there? Only God’s Word can promise your very own place to retreat and find solace. Find Jesus there while you wait for His return!

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Do You Need More of God’s Grace?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

2 Cor 12:9-10  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (10)  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Do you need more grace today? If not, do you know someone who does need more grace? Have today’s verses spoken to your heart because of a trial you are going through? Has your trial been so great that you can’t imagine ever overcoming or recovering from it? Is your illness one that will never be cured, and you must suffer through it for the rest of your life? Trials such as these may seem overwhelming at times. For some of you, it may be overwhelming all the time.

I don’t know who said this, but it reveals how we see ourselves in the midst of our trial. “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” At the moment, I am going through a trial that, to me, seems it will have no end. As I see it, I have some choices:

  • I can lean ever more closer to the Savior’s side; picturing Him sitting beside me on the couch, and sharing my heart with Him
  • I can be comforted by reading Scripture and listening to music
  • I can surround myself with encouraging friends
  • I can ask for prayer
  • OR
  • I can dwell on my circumstances
  • I can go into a depression
  • I can blame God for my trial, along with everything else that’s wrong in my life
  • I can become bitter, like Naomi in Ruth 1:20
  • I can allow myself to stray from the Lord in hopes for something better around the corner

These choices produce deliberate outcomes. Some will provide me with more grace to withstand the enemy, while others will cause me to despair more resulting in depression. Yes, it is my choice. Which of these choices makes me long to live each day, even on days that overwhelm me? The enemy wants me to give in, and live defeated so I will be of no earthly use to the Saviour. Anytime the enemy can cause a believer to be ineffective for Christ, he has won! He wants us to quit on the Lord Jesus. When we do so, we lose the blessed opportunity to lean into the Lord’s arms and be held by Him.

God provides more grace when it is needed. You’ve been there, haven’t you? In the midst of despair, the Lord has spoken to your heart or someone reached out to encourage you? There’s the more in more grace.

He Giveth More Grace – by Annie Johnson Flint

1. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

4. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Are you in the midst of a trial so great that you think you won’t make it through? Make the choice. It’s easier than you think. The distractions of physical or emotional pain will have an affect on you one way or another. You must choose which way is best! The Lord Jesus will provide the grace you need. The section of the brain that produces anxiety or depression is the same part of the brain that enjoys music. If you want to overcome your trial, try listening to music. You will find that your negative thoughts will be replaced by the words of the song, along with its melody. Today’s hymn will draw you out of yourself and into the Lord’s arms, desiring His grace like a bird opening its mouth for its mother’s food.

2 Cor 1:3-5  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  (4)  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  (5)  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

There is a blessing to be had but you must seek it. Be like Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:9b Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Then provide the help and comfort of “Jesus with skin on” to someone else who is going through a similar trial! We all need comforting, especially in these end times!

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Has God Departed?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Judges 16:20  And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

If you are a born-again Christian, you know when you are not walking with the Lord because the fellowship with Him is not the same; it’s not as sweet. But with Samson, it was a different story … he didn’t even know that God’s power had left him! His life of compromise led to this big failure. It started in Judges 14. Let’s look at the compromises he made:

  • He lusted after a woman in Judges 14:1-2
  • Did not honor his mother and his father’s wishes in Judges 14:3
  • Disobeyed that Law in Judges 14:5 (he went into the vineyards); killed a lion, touching a carcass in Judges 14:8
  • Justified his sin by sharing it with his parents Judges 14:9

Here a little, there a little … he allowed compromise into his life to the point where he was oblivious to the impact. Oh how very sad! But before we get too judgmental, aren’t we the same? This type of compromise is what gets a Christian man’s eyes to wander, then end up in divorce. Bonhoeffer once said, “Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”

Praise the Lord that once a person is born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within that person. He never leaves us nor will He ever forsake us. That’s a promise! Even if the relationship between parent and child goes through moments of hindered fellowship, we know that the child will always be their child. That child will always have his parents’ DNA within him. He cannot deny it. The same goes with our relationship with God. We may be disobedient, but we never lose God’s DNA in our lives! 💙💙💙 He never leaves us, nor will He ever forsake us.

Heb 13:5  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.

We must be willing, however, to follow Him without compromise, as did Samson. Samson started and ended strong, but the compromises in the middle speak with more volume. After all, when you remember Samson’s account, what do you remember? I remember how Delilah caused his strength to cease by cutting off his hair.

Today’s hymn describes the sweet relationship between Father and every born-again believer. The words are sweet as honey!

Christ Liveth in Me – Daniel W. Whittle

Once far from God and dead in sin,
  No light my heart could see;
But in God’s Word the light I found,
  Now Christ liveth in me.

Christ liveth in me,
Christ liveth in me;
Oh! what a salvation this,
  That Christ liveth in me.

2 As rays of light from yonder sun,
  The flow’rs of earth set free,
So life and light and love come forth
  From Christ living in me.

3 As lives the flow’r within the seed,
  As in the cone the tree,
So, praise the Christ of truth and grace,
  His Spirit dwelleth in me.

4 With longing all my heart is filled,
  That like Him I may be,
As on the wondrous thought I dwell
  That Christ liveth in me.

Christ lives within every born again believer. You receive His Spirit within you and thus having a new life! Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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Is It Worth It?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for Today, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Each and everyone of us has been tempted to say “Is this worth it?” I sure did before I was born again. However, since I have been saved from all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ, I have said it less and less. I have reason to because the signs of the end times and the soon coming of Jesus Christ to rapture His Bride is what led me to Him!

The born-again believer is a member of the Church, the soon-to-be Bride of Christ. We must learn to look at our negative circumstances in life as being opportunities to glorify Christ. We can glorify Him in our sorrows and even our physical pain. How others view us during these trying times should minister to them. By this, I mean that they are observing how you handle yourself as a Christian. If they see you wallowing in defeat, they won’t want to have what you have. However, if you are cheerful despite the circumstances, they will want to know why.

I love this featured hymn! It is one of my favorites and helps me to focus that one day, it will be worth it all!

It Will Be Worth It All – by Esther Kerr Rusthoi

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!

CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.

At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.

Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.

When you are in despair, may I encourage you to remember that the Lord is coming, no matter how slow His coming seems to you. Don’t give in to the scoffers who think He won’t come for a long time.

2 Peter 3:3-5a  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  (4)  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  (5)  For this they willingly are ignorant…

Continue to “grow yourself” and think of the good things in your life in spite of your trials. This is what Paul encourages us to do in Philippians 4:8-9.

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU.

This is what is known to be “in Christ” for the born-again believer. But to those who doubt and are not born again, salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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I Will Praise Him!

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

What a beautiful hymn this is! It flows right into today’s devotional. 💜

Have you, or are you going through trials that seem unending and insurmountable? Some are in the midst of an illness that will never go away. Some are suffering financially with no where to go. While others are in the valley of the shadow of death. But what makes these people different from Christians going through the same trials? It is the peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It reminds me of the precious old hymn, It is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

It is difficult to say that “it is well with my soul” when the struggles of life seem to have no end. What is even harder is to praise the Lord and give thanks for these very struggles!

1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

It is your nature to take your eyes off God and place them on your circumstances. However, that is exactly what the enemy wants you to do. When praise flows from our lips to the only One who can give peace and reassurance, our eyes readjust and focus on God instead. Is it any wonder that the Scriptures have the most beautiful praise verses that were penned during the author’s trials?

Isa 25:1  O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Psa 150:6  Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Psa 63:3-4  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  (4)  Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Psa 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psa 103:1  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psa 42:11  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Act 16:25  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

When you find yourself smack dab in the middle of a trial that you think you cannot bear, listen to the hymn I posted along with the verses. May they speak to your heart and heal your broken spirit.

Praise be to God in the Highest for having a plan so we can spend eternity with Him. Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.