Archive | January 2024

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Jan21

Scripture for the week of January 21, 2024

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)

Have you ever been blinded by the sun or by a winter snow storm where you couldn’t see the road ahead or the next step in front of you? Sometimes we can feel so blindsided by sudden unexpected circumstances that we have no idea how to find our way out of lonely and fearful dark places. What comfort to find God’s promises to us that even when we are lost and can’t see, He will help us find the way. The Lord declares that He will turn the oppressive darkness into glorious light and that He will even make the rough places smooth before us. With such assurance that our God will never abandon us nor give up on us, be encouraged to call upon the Lord, reaching out to Him, to lead and guide you out of the fearful darkness into the light of His presence along the path of His peace.

By JoBeth Kested

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Jan7

Scripture for the week of January 7, 2024

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3a (NLT)

As we enter this new year are you facing rivers of difficulties or fires of oppression and fears for the future? How wonderful to hear the Lord proclaim at the beginning of these verses that we are not to be afraid. Our God has already paid an exorbitant ransom price to set us free and He calls each of us by name! The Lord declares that because we belong to Him we have nothing to fear; He will not allow any difficulty, oppression or consuming circumstance to destroy us and that He is with us no matter what we have to face in the days ahead. What an awesome truth that He is not only The Lord and Holy God of Israel, but also chose to be our Savior through the blood of Jesus! Renew your trust in His loving care and protection to be your Savior today; rejoicing that you no longer walk alone.

By JoBeth Kested

Scripture of the Week by JoBeth Kested

Jan2
Scripture for the week of January 1, 2024
Even when you are old, I (God) will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. Isaiah 46:4 (NCV)

As we face a new year and anticipate things unknown, do you ever have fear and worry about what the future may hold? The older we get the greater temptation it is to focus on the uncertainties and possibilities for unexpected difficulties and disasters that may come. What encouraging promises from The Lord in this scripture where God declares two times that He will take care of us; that He will even carry us and be there to save us! No matter what we may face, changing circumstances, financial limitations, deteriorating health or the fear of old age, our Father God, Who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, will care for us. As surely as He gave us life, He is more than able to provide, carry and save us no matter what we may face in the future ahead. We can confidently place our hope in our God. Thank You, Lord!

 

By JoBeth Kested