Category: Devotionals

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Have you ever been “down in the dumps?” According to The Phrase Finder, “down in the dumps” doesn’t refer to being taken to the local landfill, but rather it is a medieval expression meaning to be sad, depressed or melancholy. Its origin is either from the Dutch word “domp,” or the German word “dumpf,” both which refer to gloom, depression, dullness, or mental haze.

I confess that sometimes I am “down in the dumps,” and it can be difficult for me to get out of that mood, but this past Sunday, I was given the answer! Pastor Doyle Jackson, the associate pastor at my church, preached a message about Barnabas, and how he was an encourager to Paul the apostle and John Mark, the author of the book of Mark in the Bible. At the end of his message, he challenged each of us to be a “Barnabas” to someone this week.

I decided to accept the challenge, so I sent an email to a missionary and a birthday text to a friend. It was then that I realized that being an encourager (even a simple one) goes two ways! While my notes hopefully encouraged the recipients, they made me feel good inside as well! It was kind of like sending someone a “warm fuzzy” and having it bounce right back to you!

Today’s verse seemed to go right along with being a Barnabas. First, encouraging someone is definitely a good deed in God’s eyes. The Bible says God is always watching us. In Job 34:21, it is recorded, “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.” Then 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tell us “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” Therefore, God sees us when we encourage others, and it blesses Him because we are doing exactly what He tells us to do in His Word.

So while I do this good deed of encouraging others, it in turn encourages me, allowing my light to shine for God because I am blessed by obeying the Lord. Additionally, when I do God’s work, it is glorifying to Him! Wow! A three-way blessing by one simple little act!

So you see, sending encouragement to someone is a great cure for being “down in the dumps”! It’s easy to do, doesn’t take a lot of time, and the results are amazing, both to the receiver and the giver! Why not try it today?

Out in the high-ways and by-ways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing —
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

(from “Make Me a Blessing” by Ira B. Wilson)

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

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Feeling a bit down? Encourage someone, and you’ll be blessed beyond measure!

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Psalm 119:114

We live in a crazy world; one that is unsettling, dangerous, unreliable. Because of this, people are always reaching out for something to give them hope. Hope for peace and safety. Hope for financial security. Hope for good health. Hope for a better tomorrow.

Some things in which people place their hope are the stock market, upcoming elections, a new medication, advanced education, or a lottery ticket. Some hopes are “pie-in-the-sky” hopes, while other hopes are acts of desperation, manifested by risky behaviors. None of these “hopes” are guaranteed. They are “crossed-fingers” hopes. They are man-centered hopes.

We need a God-centered hope. We need the hope founded upon God’s word. A hope that is real and unfailing. Biblical hope is the only hope on which we can depend, and here are some reasons why.

*The Word of God is eternal. “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:25

*The Word of God is powerful. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

*The Word of God is truth. “Thy word is truth.” John17:17

*The Word of God is life. “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4

*The Word of God is purposeful. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

*The Word of God is wisdom. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

*The Word of God is Jesus. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

When you need hope, you can find it in the pages of Scripture. The words you read are those that have come from the mouth of God. His words are hope because they are built upon a foundation that is unshakeable. Hope that has a foundation of sand is not hope; it is wishful thinking. Hope must be built on solid rock. Unshakeable, unmovable, unwavering. That hope is only found in God. “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” 2 Samuel 22:47

That’s the hope we need. That’s the hope we find in Jesus and His Word. (1 Corinthians 10:4)

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

(from “The Solid Rock” by Edward Mote)

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

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The Bible is still the best-selling book of all time, with billions of copies sold and distributed worldwide. (WorldAtlas.com)

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

Today, John and I went for a hike in Cloudland Canyon State Park. It was only about one mile long, but it was labeled as “strenuous” because part of the trail that descended into the canyon to Cherokee Falls had 174 stairs. I know; I counted each one. I never used to think twice about following my “mountain man” on the trails he wanted to hike, but now my hip and knees often protest such adventures.

This morning, prior to our hike, I had read Isaiah 46:4, and at that moment I believed God was chuckling a bit as I jokingly applied that verse to my upcoming trek. It’s good to know that even in my “eligible for senior discount” years, God is with me. I am retired from my earthly job, but my work here is not finished because I am still on duty for God. How do I know this? I haven’t been called home yet. If my work for God was completed, I wouldn’t be here. I’d be in heaven because that’s the place where I will spend my spiritual retirement.

So, I am here in my seventh decade of life, and God is still with me. He’s been with me always. He carries me in His arms when I seemingly can’t go on (spiritually speaking of course – not when I’m barely making my way along an arduous trail!), and He will deliver me from the ways of the world… always.

By the way, I made it to Cherokee Falls and back. Was it worth it? You bet it was!

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

(from “Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Thomas Dorsey)

“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.” Isaiah 41:10

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Once you’re in the family of God, you’ll never walk alone… ever!

“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.” Isaiah 41:10

Ever feel like you’re spinning out of control? No matter which way you look, you are confronted with things in life that are so overwhelming, tears seem to constantly well up in your eyes?

Believe it or not, you are not alone, but sometimes it sure feels like it. It’s during these times that Satan tries to fill your head with his lies. Remember when Jesus was tempted (more like tortured!) by Satan in the wilderness? Jesus fought off these attacks with Scripture. Here are a few untruths that creep into my head on occasion, and the verses that can be used to dispel those treacherous lies.

1. “I just can’t take it anymore.” This is a lie because the Bible tells me that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
2. “What’s the use? It’s hopeless.” This is a lie because Scripture states, “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
3. “You’re a failure.” This is a lie because Paul records, “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.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
4. “God doesn’t care about me.” This is a lie because Scripture says I am to be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
5. “There’s no way out.” That’s a lie because the Bible says “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
6. “I am all alone.” This is a lie because Jesus said, “and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
7. “I am unlovable; this is all my fault.” This a lie because God Himself proclaimed, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Regardless of my circumstances, there is one thing I must always remember when I read the Word of God. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) That means when God says He’ll do something, it’s a done deal. There is nothing I can do in my own humanity to change it. I am not that powerful, nor am I that wise to take the lead. I must allow God to hold the reins of my life because He knows what is best for me. He knows how to lead me in the way that will encourage me to act according to His will, and when I do, it calms my spirit while bringing Him glory! Maybe some of my troubles come from me trying to do it all on my own. Not a good thing. Not a good thing at all. Why would I opt for second best (me) when I can have the very best (God) leading the way?

Sometimes life seems like words and music
That can’t quite become a song.
So we cry inside, and we try it again
And wonder what could be wrong.
But, when we turn to the Lord at the end of ourselves
Like we’ve done a time or two before
We find His truth is the same
As it has always been
We’ll never need more
It’s not in trying But in trusting
It’s not in running But in resting
Not in wondering But in praying
That we find the strength of the Lord

(from “The Strength of the Lord” by Phil McHugh)

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:4-5

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Time for me to let go, and let God.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Think positive!”

“Look on the bright side!”

“Keep looking up!”

“Just believe!”

These are just a few sayings that are meant to encourage people in a positive way. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the only thoughts we had were good ones? No sad thoughts; no angry thoughts; no worrisome thoughts… just happy thoughts!

Well, when God thinks about His children, His thoughts are always positive! Not only are they positive, but there are so many of them about each one of His children that they cannot be numbered! “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17)

Additionally, God’s plans for His children include a peaceful future, and He has already set that plan into motion! Even more amazing is that He had our futures planned before we were even conceived in our mother’s womb! Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.”

It is so exciting to me to know that God has had me on His mind my entire life! Not only that, His thoughts toward me are all good and positive and wonderful!!!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
All I have needed thy hand hath provided–
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

(from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm)

“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

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Isn’t it amazing to know that God is thinking of us at this very moment? Wow!

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

I know better than to start my day watching or reading about the news. When I do, a myriad of emotions swirl within me ranging from anger to sadness to astonishment to fear. Even when I go to social media to see the recent pictures of my family and friends, I am bombarded by the plethora of unwanted political ads that are inserted between the pictures of my friends’ vacations and the updates from family members. Rarely do I find joy and happiness when I am “informed” regarding current events. Instead, the steady downward trend of the society upsets me greatly.

There are a few things I can do about this problem. Since isolating myself completely from the world to keep myself from being affected by the news is impractical, I have to institute parameters.

First, I must remember it is best to begin each day reading the Bible. If I want peace in my heart, God’s Word is the source. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119:165) The Scriptures repeatedly tell me that God is the One who bestows peace, and I can depend on that. I do not need to be afraid of what is happening in the world because God is completely in control. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

The second thing I can do is pray. Pouring out my heart’s concerns to God is not a futile effort. In today’s verse, I am told that if I pray, God will do “great and mighty things.” Things I cannot even imagine! When I read about the political and cultural climate of America, I am fearful. When I see the atrocities happening in our country and the world toward Christians, I find myself shocked speechless. I cannot comprehend the hatred and violence toward the Lord Jesus Christ, His Word, and His followers. When I see the lack of respect, kindness, and general civility toward others in every corner of the world, I am stunned in disbelief. But when fear threatens to overwhelm me, and I cannot see a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, God tells me in Jeremiah 33:3 to pray, because when I do, He will answer and “shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

I must never forget that God continues to omniscient and omnipotent. No matter how bleak things appear, God is in control of them all, and He uses humanity, both good and evil, to accomplish His purpose and plan. That means that for me and other Christians, God will take care of us through all of the turmoil. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” When the Creator of all things, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, says He will take care of me, I can trust Him to do so, and so can you.

Lastly, I need to keep myself focused on the Lord. I can start my day with Bible reading, and I can pray, but if I immediately return my attention to the world, it becomes easy to be overwhelmed by the evil and wickedness in this world. As a Christian, I do have a responsibility to know what is happening around me. Ignoring the problems doesn’t make them go away, but I do not need to immerse myself in them continually. In fact, quite the opposite is true. I need to dwell on the things of God. Philippians 4:8 reminds me, “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.” How do I do this? I listen to Christian podcasts, which give me information about current events, but from a Biblical worldview and godly perspectives. I have Christian music playing in my home and car that soothes my spirit and uplifts me. I read inspiring Christian works that both challenge and motivate me. I attend church where I get to fellowship with other Christians. Even on the worldwide web, there are good Christian blogs I can follow. I have found that reading the blogs of missionaries or certain Christian writers encourages me in my walk with the Lord.

When my focus is on Jesus, the world’s problems no longer trouble me because I am filled with the peace of God that truly passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Peace, peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.

(from “Wonderful Peace” by W.D. Cornell)

“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.” John 16:33

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“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” – Billy Graham

 “When I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalm 139:18

God thinks a lot about me! The Bible says when I go asleep at night, I am in God’s thoughts, and when I wake up, He is still thinking of me! The Bible doesn’t only tell me that God thinks about me, but it also tells me what God thinks of me, and my value to Him. Here are a few verses that reinforce how special I am (and you are) to God.

*I am of more value to God than the sparrow.

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31

*I was known by God before I began my life in my mother’s womb.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;” Jeremiah 1:5

*I am part of a plan that God has made specifically for me.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

*I am adopted into God’s family.

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:17

*I have been redeemed by the blood of God’s only begotten Son.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7

It doesn’t matter where I go, what I do, whether or not I am awake or asleep, what the circumstances are surrounding me, God is always with me, and He is thinking of me. I find it mind boggling as to why this would be so, but I am so grateful that it is.

Ev’ry day He comes to me with new assurance;
More and more I understand His word of love.
But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
Till someday I see His blessed face above.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There’s no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

(from “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” by Charles Weigle)

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

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Jesus love me, this I know!

“Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:2

Have you ever noticed the natural world around you? God’s creation points to Him.

*Notice the mountain peaks… they point upward to God!

*Notice the trees… they point upward to God!

*Notice the flowers… they reach upward to the Lord!

*Even the waves… they point skyward until they can no longer remain upright, then they come crashing down, only to repeat it again and again.

Have you ever wondered why they do this? I think it’s their way of praising God. You may say that’s crazy, but did you know that in the Bible, it tells us many times that natural objects praise the Lord?

1. Mountains & Trees: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
2. Rocks: “As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:37-40)
3. Flowers: “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing…” (Isaiah 35:1-2)
4. Ocean: “Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.” (Psalm 69:34)

The Bible tells us that we are to bless His name. To bless something or someone means to give praise, honor, or glory. Today’s verse tell us that we are to bless God daily!

1. He is our Creator: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:3-4)
2. He commands us to praise Him: “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)
3. He has unending mercy toward us: “Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 118:28-29)
4. He has given us the gift of salvation: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
5. He does so much for us: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalm 103:2)

However, these reasons are not necessary when it comes to praising God. Why? Because He is God. No other reason is needed. Blessing God is not contingent upon what He has done for us; it is simply because of who He is. “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:” (2 Samuel 22:4)

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.” (Psalm 48:1)

All praise to Him who reigns above
In majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die,
That He might man redeem!
Blessed be the name! Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name! Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!

(from “Blessed Be the Name” by William H. Clark)

“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:2-3)

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If you need a reason to praise God, look in the mirror!

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9

There are lots of prophecies in the Bible. If you study them, you will see that many have come to pass. Here are a few examples.

*Genesis 18 – birth of Isaac

*Deuteronomy 28 – Roman conquest of Israel

*Leviticus 26 – scattering of the Jews to other nations

*Isaiah 7 – miraculous birth of the Saviour

*Ezekiel 26 – Fall of Tyrus

*Ezekiel 30 – Fall of No (Egyptian city)

*Hosea 3 – no government, no sacrifice, no holy place in Jerusalem

*Micah 5 – birthplace of the Messiah

*John 2 – resurrection of Jesus

There are many more prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled, and this gives us the assurance that God will continue to fulfill His prophecies for the future. The next prophecy on God’s timeline to be fulfilled is what Christians refer to as “the rapture.” This event is spoken of by Jesus and the apostle Paul.

Jesus referred to it in John 14:2-3, when He said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Paul spoke of the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. “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: 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.”

History has shown that the prophecies in the Bible truly came to pass. If God was faithful to fulfill them in the past, He will be faithful to fulfill them in the future. The next prophecy that will come to pass is the rapture of the church. I can’t wait to “fly away!” How about you?

Marvelous message we bring,
Glorious carol we sing,
Wonderful word of the King,
Jesus is coming again!

Coming again, Coming again,
May be morning, may be noon,
May be evening and may be soon!
Coming again, Coming again;
O what a wonderful day it will be –
Jesus is coming again!

(from “Coming Again” by John Peterson)

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” Mark 13:32

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Are you ready?

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Fake news, false accusations, hidden agendas, blatant lies. It seems like so much of what I hear or read about things in the world end up being grossly skewed, yet the true facts are not revealed before causing great turmoil in the hearts of the public. I imagine if every falsehood was somehow made known, the noses on the faces of the Pinocchio-esque liars would be constantly poking each other on a regular basis!

I admit when I read or hear about current events, I often get an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. The longer I dwell on these things, the more intense the distress within me becomes, so I go to the only source of pure truth that I know – the Bible.

God’s Word gives me peace and comfort as I rest in Him, and that awful feeling within me dissipates as I am reminded who is really in control (Isaiah 14:24). Even if all the horrible stories I hear about were to end up being true, God is still the One who holds everything in His hands. Nothing catches Him off guard; there is nothing He is not aware of nor is there anything in which He lacks control. That includes the political situations both here and abroad, global warming, financial markets, health scares… everything is in God’s control. I can truly rest easy for the truth of God’s Word protects and shields me from the fears generated from the lies of the world.

Time to turn off the news, shutdown my computer, and open up my Bible. I need its sweet words to calm my spirit and restore peace to my soul (Philippians 4:7).

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.

(from “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford)

“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.” Philippians 4:8

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“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.” – John Bunyun