Tag: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A Mother’s Heart – Day 14 – What About the Siblings?

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They say a picture paints a thousand words, and the graphic I use in this devotional proves today’s scenario vividly. One mother shared that a wayward son has spewed his venom to his parents, affecting his siblings in heartbreaking ways. This turmoil not only disrupts the family but also creates ripples of pain that can last for years. Brothers and sisters are God-given first friends in a child’s life; it is a rare treasure that can support one another through life’s ups and downs. The friendship that is formed has a special bond: not only are they flesh and blood, but they are also brothers and sisters in Christ if they are saved, united in faith and love. This relationship has the potential to be a source of immense strength, as they go through the trials of life together, like losing a parent for example. They are able to uplift and encourage one another to stay true to their values and beliefs, ultimately drawing closer to God in the process. In times of distress, the support of siblings can be a reminder of God’s unwavering love, which demonstrates that even in difficult situations, the family can find comfort and healing because of their faith.

But what if one sibling chooses to cause pain and despair to his parents? What happens to his brothers and sisters? They will miss their wayward brother or sister deeply, mourning not just their physical presence but also the emotional connection that once bound them together. That close bond is now severed, leaving an aching void in the other siblings. Two sets of lives are now being lived: one devoted to the Lord, and the other aligning with the enemy. Not only does this affect the siblings physically, drawing them into a rift where family gatherings become strained and awkward, but it also impacts them emotionally. They find themselves caught in the middle of a tumultuous storm; and being Christians, they can see the enemy at work in their family, sowing discord and heartache. The struggle becomes a deep moral dilemma: do they choose to separate themselves from their wayward sibling, potentially alienating him further, or do they try to sit on the fence between their parents and sibling, torn between loyalty and righteousness? This conflict leads them to question their own beliefs and the nature of unconditional love, forcing them to face their relationships in ways they never anticipated, all while yearning for reconciliation and understanding.

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Furthermore, the parents must be very careful not to be bitter against their prodigal child, as this negativity will undoubtedly be obvious to their other children. They live in the house and clearly see it creating an atmosphere of tension and resentment within their family. Parents should understand that harboring bitterness can lead to undesirable consequences, where they unintentionally become the root of their other children’s bitterness and skepticism towards love and forgiveness. Instead, it is crucial for parents to show compassion, understanding, and unconditional love. They must show how God can support them during difficult times and offer peace in moments of despair. They should strive to be living examples of how faith can guide them through trials and heal the broken-hearted, showing their children that forgiveness is not merely an act but a journey that can lead to greater unity and strength in family relationships. This is what comes from “walking” the word of God rather than just talking about the word of God.

Praying for your prodigal child is a beautiful way to show your other children how God views them. Teach them the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. The father’s response to his son returning home is absolutely beautiful. Praying with your children for the prodigal to come to repentance will help your children to heal. There’s nothing more healing than recognizing the root cause of your prodigal’s journey. Your fight is not with him but with the enemy.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

There is no better teacher than life’s lessons and God’s Word! God uses the circumstances in our lives to teach us how to deal with them. Ephesians 6:10-13 reminds us that our battle is with the enemy. But the battle belongs to God! Remember that!

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  ( 8 )  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  (9)  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Stay strong in the Lord and do not allow your testimony for Christ to be harmed. Look at it this way, the devil is presenting you with an opportunity to prove your mettle, just as he did with Job. He thought he could cause Job to give up on God. Job’s faithfulness was tested beyond belief, as he faced immense losses and excruciating sorrow, yet he remained steadfast. Yes, he waivered for a moment when he wished he had never been born. The enemy wants you to cave in and say the Christian walk isn’t worth a broken family or the trials you are facing. Instead, Job realized that he was nothing without the Lord, understanding that true strength comes from faith and reliance on God. His faith was tested, and he was rewarded in the same way Abraham was rewarded when he was asked by God to sacrifice his only son, Isaac! What faith! This is not just about suffering; it is about the strength of our faith that can emerge when we lean on God’s everlasting promise. It reminds us that every trial can refine us and draw us closer to Him. Remember, your current struggles are not the end but a part of a greater story, one that can inspire and uplift others witnessing your journey along the way. The outcome of this journey will be a testimony, not only to your children, but to those who have been praying for you. Help your children to work through this pain and trial but giving them Scriptures that will bring them comfort. Teach them how to pray for their wayward sibling and to forgive him. Forgiveness releases that pain into the hands of the Father, who forgives us!

I am learning to realize that I am being blessed of God to walk this trial along with you mothers who share similar experiences and challenges. This trial is meant to help me to take my trust for the Lord to another level, deepening my relationship with Him and enabling me to understand His purpose in my life. In my prayers, I ask the Lord to help me to realize His will for my life each day. Each trial in my walk with Him has led me to this moment of spiritual growth. God’s faithfulness to me has become my foundation of trust, and an anchor that is fixed in tumultuous storms. It reminds me that I am never alone in my struggles. As I walk through this journey, I find strength and comfort!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.

A Mother’s Heart – Day 2 – Oh, The Lies!

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Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

We mothers are in the thick of the battle between the enemy and our children. We stand in defense and pray that God will guide them as He did us. But what about children who abandon their parents and spread lies about them? The lies aren’t just to their friends but spread to their parents’ friends, creating a horrible sticky mess! This feels like an outright betrayal! It not only hurts the parent but also distorts the truth, leading to misunderstandings and confusion within the family and church. It can feel like a betrayal of trust, doesn’t it? The same children that depended on you as parents and trusted in you, now are lashing out with venom. When children choose to misrepresent their parents, they unleash a tide of negativity that can engulf even the most loving relationships.

As I was writing this, the consequences of lying came to mind. The seven abominations that the Lord hates in Proverbs 6 reminded me of the gravity of dishonesty and discord it brings into our lives. In those moments, we must hold fast to our faith, seeking wisdom and grace to respond with love rather than anger.

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  (17)  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  (18)  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  (19)  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

If your trial is similar to this one, as it is for me, we must see our child’s lies in the way God would have us see them. The lies are wicked and create much havoc, often leading us to question our parenting and the impact of our teachings. But how do we deal with this? We must turn to the Source of comfort, our Lord and Saviour! He has the answers as we draw close to Him with our questions. Sometimes our answers won’t come immediately. It may take days, weeks and even months of daily drawing to His side. It’s in the waiting for His answer and/or comfort that we find rest for our souls.

Some of the lies are over-exaggerated memories from their early childhood, while other lies may be based on their Christian upbringing, twisted by the enemy to sow discord and confusion. We must remember that our children are born with the same sinful nature as we were born with, a nature that is susceptible to that deceit and misunderstanding. Satan is all about deceit, remember that. He is especially strong when it comes to our children, whispering doubts and fears to them, preying on their vulnerabilities. He targets them because he knows that if he can discourage the parents, they will lose their effectiveness for Christ, leading to a wider impact on the body of Christ. I know of three such families who serve in the ministry. All three have a prodigal son who has spread such lies, creating a ripple of chaos not just within their homes but also within their congregations. It’s like casting a stone in a lake and watching the rippling effects in the water. It takes quite a while for the ripples to end; each ripple being wider than the previous one. Their lies may spread far and wide, but our God is greater than all their lies! After all, Christ defeats the father of lies at the end of the Millennium!

Satan wants the Pastors to get so discouraged that they quit their post! Disheartened, many parents might feel isolated, as if they are the only ones facing this battle, yet it is a struggle that many families endure silently. My husband and I did. We did not want to drag our other adult son into the midst of the stench. He and his brother are close, and we didn’t want to harm their relationship. But none of the three families mentioned left the ministry. Instead, some drew closer to the Lord Jesus, their Shepherd, drawing strength and comfort from His teachings and community support. He has helped them through the dark times in ways they never anticipated, bringing healing into their lives and enabling them to continue their vital work in serving others. Others still ache and are broken over the loss of their child.

Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

Just think of how these three Pastors are able to counsel their members going through the same trial. Their counsel can relieve some of the pain, not only in their members but also their own pain. It’s very therapeutic, as it provides a safe space for individuals to express their struggles, doubts, and fears. Furthermore, their insights and guidance come straight from God’s Word, which serves as a powerful source of comfort and strength. By offering scriptural wisdom, they remind their flock of hope, encouraging them to lean on their faith during difficult times. In turn, this process not only aids the healing journey of their members but also reinforces the Pastors’ own faith, creating a cycle of support and spiritual growth that benefits the entire church.

The same effects are offered to us who aren’t in the ministry. Sharing with other mothers encourages us to seek answers in the Scriptures. I say this often but it paints a beautiful picture: we can be “Jesus with skin on” to others. We cannot live life alone. We cannot be an island. We need each other for encouragement and comfort.

Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.

As we help others, it in turn helps us! God is very economical! 💜 What a loving reward from our Shepherd! That’s what we are doing here. Each of the stories I will be sharing with you are so that we, as Christian mothers, are able to comfort one another in our unique journeys. Our trials are not over—there are still moments of grief, uncertainty, and even joy that we navigate through daily—but we are bearing each other’s burdens and lifting each other in prayer, beseeching the Throne of Grace on each other’s behalf. Our shared experiences create a beautiful picture of support and understanding. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:39), and what better way than to help our sisters in Christ to heal! By nurturing each other with kindness and compassion, we not only strengthen our own faith but also build a group where love and hope can flourish, inspiring others to join in this beautiful journey of mutual support and encouragement.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

This process is what worked for me in healing from the lies. Are the lies out of your control? Most times the answer is yes. They were for me. The truth will be made known in the end. Trying to correct the lies sometimes digs us into a deeper hole:

  • Recognize the source behind the lies. The source is the devil as he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) Once we recognize who our child is listening to, it makes it easier to understand. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our affection on things above and not on this earth. We look to Christ to solve our problems. Sometimes we have to seek outside counsel, but for me it was my Bible. Jesus will have victory over Satan in the end. In the meantime, rest and trust in Him. It took me a few months, but I was able to in the end.
  • Forgive – Jesus taught us to forgive 70 times 7! In other words, not just 490 times but perfect forgiveness which is never ending. (Matthew 18:22) Think about how many sins the Lord has forgiven you. No matter how many lies… forgive. Forgiveness is actually a gift to us. It enables us to release the resentment and pain. Forgiveness relieves our aching hearts and keeps bitterness from forming. Ephesians 4:30-31 exhorts us not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God by allowing bitterness to form in our hearts. Unforgiveness is like the uncontrollable weed in your garden. If it’s not pulled out by the roots early on, the outcome is a heart overgrown by bitterness. Our child has obviously allowed that same root of bitterness against you to form in his own heart. He is not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in his own life, (if he is saved at tall) but the enemy.
  • While forgiveness is important, sometimes confronting the person who lied may be necessary. This should be done with love and humility. The goal for us is to try to understand their perspective and encourage repentance. Their memories may be faulty. If you bring to light the truth in humility and love, your child may realize he was wrong. If he is unwilling to repent or he stands firmly in his lies, you may have to set boundaries. In my case, we were not even allowed the option to confront our son. He blocked us from all forms of communication and even returned our mail. Confrontation was not possible, and I resolved to the fact that this was out totally of my control, and all on the Lord! It’s actually the perfect place for the mess to be – in God’s hands and not mine.
  • Pray – Ask the Father to work out the details without us getting involved in the midst of back-and-forth banter. This type of “defense” does not bring glory to the God. He tells us to be merciful (Matthew 5:7) and to be meek (Matthew 5:5) in our dealings. God is all powerful. He will work out the details if you trust Him with those details, however you must understand that it may not be in your timing, but it will definitely be in His timing.

You may have another bullet to add above; I would appreciate your feedback in the comments! Your thoughts and insights are incredibly valuable, not just to me, but also to other mothers facing similar challenges and trials. By sharing your experiences and perspectives, we can help one another. Together, we can help mothers to heal!

I will share the verses below each day, so we remember Who is working behind the scenes and in our own lives. He loves you so glorify, bless and praise His Name:

Isaiah 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 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Where Can I Go?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

When life gets tough, as it often does, it can be hard to find a place to hide. Where do you go? Do you have a place in your house where you can find seclusion? When we were younger, my husband and I enjoyed camping. The solitude was amazing! But you know what? Now that we no longer go camping, I can put my headphones on and listen to nature sounds on YouTube while I do my devotions. Some people like classical music … but for me, the sounds of nature seem to provide a closer connection to God. Yes, I know, the Holy Spirit is always with me, therefore I’m always connected to God. However, there is something about the sounds of His creation that remind me of God’s power. It reminds me of how good He is for providing us with nature’s music. I see His majesty and goodness through it all!

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.

So where do you go, Reader? What do you do to put yourself in a frame of mind that focuses on God? Hymns are a wonderful way to prepare the heart for God’s Word. Today’s hymn points us to just that:

Where Could I Go – By J.B. Coats

1 Living below in this old sinful world,
Hardly a comfort can afford;
Striving alone to face temptation sore,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Refrain:
Where could I go? Oh, where could I go
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to save me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord?

2 Neighbors are kind, I love them ev’ry one,
We get along in sweet accord;
But when my soul needs manna from above,
Where could I go but to the Lord? [Refrain]

3 Life here is grand with friends I love so dear,
Comfort I get from God’s own word;
Yet when I face the chilling hand of death,
Where could I go but to the Lord? [Refrain]

Everything I need is in the Bible. I can find comfort, help, encouragement, and most importantly God’s love! His love is shown to us through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  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.

Isaiah 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

His love is so great that He left His royal throne to become a man like you and me. He lived a sinless life so He could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He took upon Himself every one of my sins. In doing so, I am free from the penalty of those sins. I went to the Lord, and look what He did for me! He saved me!! He can save you too! Follow this link and read how you, too, can be saved through the Scriptures.

Hymns 2.0 – Abide With Me

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns 2.0Leave a comment

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

  1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
    The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
    When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
    Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
  2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
    Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
    Change and decay in all around I see—
    O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
  3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
    What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
    Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
    Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
  4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
    Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
    Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
    I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
  5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
    Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
    Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
    In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Henry F. Lyte, 1847

The History Behind the Hymn

It was composed one Sabbath evening in 1847 out of a deep sadness that had settled down upon its author, the Rev. Henry F. Lyte. He had conducted his last communion service that day at the close of a pastorate of twenty-four years at Brixham, England. A fatal illness had already seized him and he was about to leave England to prolong his life, if possible, in the South.

Toward evening he walked down his garden path to the seaside and there thought out the imagery and many of the lines of his famous hymn. Into this he has woven the sense of change and of helplessness that one must feel in the presence of death, and also the trustful dependence upon Jesus Christ, the “Help of the helpless,” which every true Christian must feel in that solemn hour.

Returning to his home, he wrote out the hymn, perfecting its lines and giving to the Christian world one of its tenderest prayer-hymns. He left at once for the south of France, and soon after his arrival in Nice his strength failed him, and whispering the words, “Peace! Joy!” while he was pointing his hand heavenward, he died.

“Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!”

Carl Price’s One Hundred and One Hymn Stories

A Lesson for Me

Isa 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I am certain that I am not the only one who has felt as Pastor Lyte did during his final trial. I absolutely love Isaiah 40:31! I don’t believe it is speaking of physical strength here. This kind of strength can only be given by the LORD Himself! Let’s face, I have nothing in me that will put me on top when I am smack dab in the middle of a trial. So what is this “renewed strength”? It is a spiritual boost, if you will, that the Lord gives me when I have reached the end of my rope. The Lord shows up when I feel as though I am hanging by the smallest strand. It is at that very moment that I feel Him. Whether it is through a Bible verse, a phone call from a friend, or His beautiful creation as I walk in the park.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Message for today

Are you at the end of your rope, Christian? Do you feel as though you cannot take one more burden or you will be crushed beneath the weight of it all? I doubt very much that any trial can be as horrible as what the Apostle Paul withstood. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 tells us what he went through but his faith did not waiver. He experienced whippings, imprisonment, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, weariness, painfulness, hunger, thirst, cold, naked and so much more. I am not trying to belittle anyone’s hardships and trials. Every one of us has a trial that the Lord has allowed us to go through. Each trial molds and draws us to His side.

2 Cor 1:3-4  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.

Every trial we experience should have a two-fold result:

  • To help others who are going through the same trial, and
  • To obtain our own comfort from the God of all comfort!

Praise the Lord that I do not serve an inanimate object, like gods made with hands. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who created us and fashioned us in our mother’s womb! He knows every fiber of my being. My Saviour condescended to my human level so he could experience everything a human being experiences. This same Lord knows your pain; He intimately knows every detail. Therefore, when you run to Him as Pastor Lyte did when he wrote this hymn, you will receive the same comfort as he did.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

As I have cried to my Lord many a time, I need thy presence, He has not failed me once! He has brought me through the clouds of despair and given me sunshine in my soul. I cannot, nor will not, look elsewhere for my strength but at the feet of the One who can strengthen me as I wait on Him.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 16

On By KateIn Comfort During the End Times, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Good morning, Reader! Today’s Scripture verses pricks my heart! Most believers see the Heavenly Father as a God of love and judgment. But they don’t really see Him as a God who pities those that fear Him. Furthermore, the verse 14 says that God remembers we are weak, we are as dust. Of course He would know! He is the one who made us, amen?

When the world seems to be catapulting toward destruction and we wonder how much worse it can get, we should remind ourselves of God’s compassion and what His some of His other characteristics.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 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.

Does this not bless you??? We are not left alone to deal with the tragedies and trials of this life! As born-again believers, Christ’s Father becomes our Father! When the Father looks at us, He sees Christ and the blood He shed on the cross for our sins! We have become the “elect of God” and are able to go to the Father and plead for mercy and comfort during these difficult times! (Colossians 3:12)

In fact, the Father loves us so much that He has graven us on the palms of His hands, Christian!! I can’t help but get goosebumps when I read these verses!

Isaiah 49:15-16  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  (16)  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Unfortunately, the one who is not born-again cannot claim this promise! The unsaved world is treading spiritual waters trying to stay afloat in a world that is going mad. Sadly, they will not stay afloat. They are treading toward the destruction of their very soul. 😥 The devil’s ability to blind the world is powerful. Many laugh at this and think it is foolishness, but the Bible specifically talks about it.

2 Corinthians 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

John 12:40  He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

The sad thing is that the lost will never know the comfort, compassion and love that the Heavenly Father has awaiting for them should they accept the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. They don’t understand that Jesus is God, and He made Himself flesh so that He could be born of a virgin, live a sinless life to become the perfect sacrifice to atone for the lost’s sins! God loves the world so much that He knew we could not gain entrance into Heaven on our own merit! (Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10) God lovingly provided a way for His creation to be able to come back into fellowship with Him! He lost that fellowship when Adam and Eve chose to sin in the Garden of Eden. God had made man to live forever and He provided for them a beautiful and bountiful garden in which to live! Adam and Eve gave it all up. But the Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him and for those who do, He will provide that fellowship once again! How much love and compassion is that! If you are not certain about salvation and don’t know what to do, please go here! If you sincerely come to salvation after reading this, please leave a comment and I will be happy to help you with the next steps!

As believers, we have so much at our fingertips to pull from for encouragement. We can read our Bibles, search out songs to encourage our hearts, and bow before the Lord of lords and Kings of kings in prayer! We can have intimate fellowship with the Creator of the universe!! But to the person who is not born-again, he has only himself to turn to and there’s no comfort in one’s own heart. The unbeliever doesn’t have the comfort that the believer does; they may be able to access the resources but that comfort just isn’t there. Friend, don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 9

On By KateIn Comfort During the End Times, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Good morning! We are still in early Spring where the mornings are quite nippy. It’s beautiful, though and makes me long for the warmer days ahead! It should not only be days like these that prompt us to rejoice in the Lord or to give thanks! As believers, we should be doing this ongoing and also as we go through trials. Why do you think that is so? People are watching what you do with difficulties in your life. You may not think so but they do! If you are busy rejoicing and praising the God of great comfort, it is a testimony to those who are watching you.

Psa 126:2-3  Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.  (3)  The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psa 33:1  Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

The doubting unbeliever watches the Christian for various reasons. It may be that they want to secretly catch you doing something where they can accuse you of being a hypocrite. It could be they are watching you so that they can see how you react when difficulties come your way. They think: will this Christian curse? will this Christian laugh at my dirty joke? Whatever the reason, people are watching. Before I was born-again, I worked with a lady that I had grown very fond of. She and I were two peas in a pod and loved to curse and tell off-colored jokes. I left work early on Tuesday and when I returned on Wednesday, I was a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17) I had been born-again and the Lord completely changed my heart! I no longer wanted to dishonor Him and curse His name. She saw me reading my Bible during break time and lunch time and I guess that peaked her interest. She stopped by my desk and pointed her finger in my face and said, “I’m watching you!” Little did I know that her born-again sister had been witnessing to her and now God had placed me in her life! She later became born-again and we were able to have sweet fellowship in our work place! God is soooo Good!

So let’s get back on track and look at the believer’s responsibilities when it comes to being a good testimony. One of the ways is to rejoice when you’re being tried. Each one of us has a cross to bear for Christ. Some believers are extremely sick and, like the Apostle Paul, are not healed. Why is that? Everything we go through should bring glory to God, yes, even illnesses. There are others who have lost a child. As you watch these believers, you see the cross God has called them to bear. You see God’s mercy and love through it all. Their face and actions do not reflect hardship but they trust in God and His will for their lives. They love their Heavenly Father and know that He will heal their heart! David was a good example of this. At his deepest and darkest times, he acknowledged the condition of his heart and corrected himself! How? He hoped in God and praised Him! Those efforts changed David’s heart and was reflected on his face; his countenance displayed joy. David knew that God was the only One who could encourage his disparaged heart and he turned to the Lord for healing!

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.

Psalm 42:11 reminds me of God’s abilities and that all His ways are holy and righteous! Nothing happens in our lives that He doesn’t approve! He takes our trials and turns them into lessons to teach His perfect will for our lives! Do you recall the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber? This hymn was written in 1826 and oh is it still a wonderful hymn of praise. This song could very well be one of the songs sung by the saints in Revelation 4:10-11!!

  1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
    Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
  2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
    Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
    Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
    Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
  3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
    Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
    Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
    Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
  4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
    Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Walking the Christian life is not promised to be easy. In fact, God allows these trials so we can help others who are going through the same thing! God, the great Comforter, wants us to be “Jesus with skin on” to others who need comforting. He wants us to show them how to obtain this great comfort through salvation. If you are no longer afraid of the end times and those uncertain days ahead, tell someone who is afraid how to release that fear!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  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.

Dear Reader, don’t let these end times create turmoil in your heart. Don’t let the devil convince you that there’s no hope! There is hope and we shall see the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds to take us to be with Him! His Bride, the Church, anxiously awaits this blessed event. We need to warn the unsaved so they can be saved and share in this blessing!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!