1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Psalm 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
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.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
As a born-again believer, I sometimes get despondent and discouraged about the trials in my life, particularly when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. Recognizing that emotion is the first step in order to bring about the healing I desperately seek. I often think of Job in the Old Testament who lost everything (except his complaining wife) but yet remained faithful through unimaginable suffering. His unwavering attitude during times of despair serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and devotion. We can learn from his experience and how he described how he was feeling (see Job 3:3, Job 16:16, Job 23:16). This is exactly how I felt during a recent trial when I felt overwhelmed.
We may even feel the way Job did, struggling with our own questions of faith and purpose during life’s darkest moments, but it is so important to remember that enduring faith can lead to wonderful spiritual growth and understanding of what our Heavenly Father is trying to accomplish in our lives.
We have a lot to learn from Job’s trials. It’s not a sin to question God about your trials, reader! In reading about Job’s life, I’ve learned:
that he had unconditional faith;
that suffering isn’t always due to sin;
God is sovereign over our lives;
that perseverance is so important;
and the limits of human understanding of God’s will and purpose.
We can’t always put our finger on the answers to life’s hardships, but we can reach for the hem of Christ’s garment and receive peace and spiritual healing as we go through our trials. In times of distress, turning our hearts and minds toward Him allows us to find peace amidst the chaos surrounding us. Encourage yourself in the Word by reading through Psalms, where each verse is filled with encouragement and profound insights that help us deal with our deepest struggles. There is so much comfort and encouragement to glean from the prayers and praises woven into its chapters. It serves as a timeless reminder of God’s unfailing love and presence in our lives. Do you think that the Lord knew we would need it? I surely do! His wisdom goes beyond time, knowing our hearts would crave peace and strength to live through the challenges we face each day.
I end today’s devotional with these verses because they are not only helpful in relieving ourselves of despondency, but they are beautiful instructions on how to live with peace instead of discouragement.
Colossians 3:15-16 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
There are things in life that we can be certain will happen: the sun will rise, and it will set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a daily reminder of the cycle of life. We can be certain that we will die one day; no one lives forever, and this truth hangs over us like a shadow, prompting us to reflect on the time we have left. Is that the end though? Some think when we die, we just cease to exist, like a flickering candle that snuffs out, leaving nothing but darkness in its wake. Others believe that they will come back reincarnated into something else, perhaps a butterfly or a thoughtful oak tree, with the hope that their existence will continue in a new form. Whatever you believe may not necessarily be accurate, as these thoughts often stem from personal experiences and interpretations of life. There is no one human being on earth that can tell you in his own opinion what exactly will happen, for such knowledge eludes even the most learned. However, God is no human being; He is the ultimate authority in matters of existence beyond this life. His Word is final, transcending human understanding, and it is by His Word that all mankind will be judged, a moment that will inevitably reveal the true nature of our beings and the choices we made during our time on earth.
Fannie Crosby was certain of her destination, however. She had an assurance that goes beyond understanding to some, a peace that settles deep within the soul and transcends earthly worries. This certainty is rooted in faith, illuminated by the knowledge that she was embraced by divine love and grace. However, to the born-again believer, it is quite simple to understand because we have experienced what Fannie Crosby experienced. We experienced the regeneration of our spirit: we’ve gone from darkness to light in a split second. This remarkable change occurs at the very moment of our salvation, igniting a flame of hope and purpose that fuels our journey forward in faith, encouraging us to share that light with others who may still be searching for truth.
The hymn for today reflects her experience. Every time I hear it and sing the words, my faith is renewed. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words:
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
What is your inward man experiencing today? Are you struggling spiritually and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? No matter what you are facing or the challenges that lie ahead, remember that you too can find solace and strength in singing this timeless hymn, allowing it to lift your spirits and renew your heart! Do you have the same unwavering assurance that Fannie had about her eternal destination in Heaven? Take a moment to reflect on her confidence and the faith that propelled her through life’s storms. Read through the verses below … they are filled with the profound assurance and peace that one receives after being born again, a promise that can anchor your soul amid life’s battles. Embrace these words as a source of encouragement, reminding you that joy and hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
Blessed Assurance – By Fannie Crosby
1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
2 Perfect communion, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight. Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
3 Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and bless’d, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]
Fannie Crosby became blind at a few weeks old. That did not stop her from serving the Lord as we can see in the quote from her below. She became one of the greatest poets and song writers ever.
“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”
Wikipedia
I pray today’s devotional has encouraged you as you go through the difficulties in your life. Be like Fannie and be content with those difficulties. The Apostle Paul worded it perfectly:
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Do you have assurance of your salvation? Are you 100% certain you will go to Heaven when you die? If you are not entirely sure where you will spend eternity, please click on this link and learn how you can be sure!
Good morning, Reader! How does today’s verse speak to your heart? Do you see the wilting roses as you think about your age? Or do you see that same verse and rejoice that the Lord renews your heart (the inward man) day by day despite of your body aging? It’s the proverbial cup half-full or half-empty, isn’t it?
Born-again believers have a wonderful relationship with God because we are covered under the blood of Jesus Christ and have been renewed. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Because we have been made new (born-again), we can now have the same intimate relationship with the Father as Christ does. The Father has become a personal Father. He is not some unreachable god.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Just as Jesus spoke to His Heavenly Father calling Him Abba, Father, so can we! How exciting is that? For the Christian who was not raised with a father in the home, this speaks volumes! For the Christian who had no friends and was lonely, this intimate relationship with the Creator means everything! The word Abba (pronounced ab-bah’) means father; the word Father in the Greek is “pater,” meaning father, as a parent! So Jesus is actually saying Father, my Father/Parent!
Mark 14:36a And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee;
For the born-again believer, I picture in my mind a child going to his own earthly father to plead his cause. This is exactly the point that Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6 are communicating to us. This tells me that we can now pray to the Father the same way Jesus did! We can now come boldly before His throne and talk to Him! So I, too, can address God as my Father, my Parent! I had a wonderful relationship with my earthly father and I praise the Lord for him. But now that I am saved, I can address my Heavenly Father/Parent in the same manner! As we acknowledge His power and majesty, we gain a healthy reverence of his love, as well as His holiness!
So why am I discussing this and not the end times and how to deal with them? We are not like those in the world who do not know God. We are His children and we know that when we get discouraged, we can go to Him and He is ready to encourage our hearts. David did this over and over in the Psalms he wrote! God never sleeps so He’s always on the job! (Psalm 121:3-4) That’s what today’s verse is about. (2 Corinthians 4:16) Even though we are getting older, our hearts can feel refreshed because of the living water from the Word of God! Turmoil can be all around us but the storm is calmed within our heart! Psalm 23:2 reminds us that God and His Word will refresh us as “he leadeth me beside the still waters”!!!! It’s hard to take a drink out of a water source that is tumultuous; our hearts must be stilled and ready to drink in the Word of God to encourage us during these end times!
Every day brings a different set of issues that have surfaced just in the last few months! Attempts to silence the conservative’s voice is happening daily. Are you watching? Are you preparing yourself? We are criticized at every turn because we take a stand on God’s values like abortion and the LGBTQIA+ movement. Friend, this is the spirit of antichrist! (1 John 4:3) We have to be vigilant and stand ready to defend God’s Word! The only way we can do that is by being close God and to diligently read the Bible so we are equipped to defend the faith!
Yes, the news is discouraging. Yes, we live in a world that is growing more evil with each passing day. Yes, the enemy is lurking around every corner of our lives waiting to pounce on us with temptations and hatred. But friend, we have the Spirit of the Living God within us and if we don’t tell others about salvation, who will? He places ears and eyes in our path for this very reason. No one comes to you by coincidence. Be bold in these last days. Allow the Holy Spirit of God to work in your life. He’s ready, are you?
You don’t need to be troubled because there is Someone who can take those worries upon His own shoulders and relieve you of that fear!
I love the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”! The refrain speaks so sweetly about what the Lord can do during your trials if you just let Him into your life! Read the words – I hope they bless you!
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!
Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
2. Thro’ death into life everlasting, He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion– For more than conqu’rors we are!
3. His Word shall not fail you–He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
We know from the Scriptures that terrible times are ahead. But for those who do not know Him as Saviour, they’ll have to go through the Tribulation! The born-again believers, however, will be spared and won’t have to go through the Tribulation. This is why we have peace because God’s Word teaches this to us. Jesus Christ will come down from Heaven in the clouds and will call His Church to Heaven forever to be with Him. This is called the Rapture of the Church! This is what renews the inward man in every Christian. We can turn to the Word and be encouraged by it. We don’t have to tread the waters of darkness that the world treads!
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!
