Tag Archive | Be Encouraged

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Feb10

Scripture for the week of February 9, 2020
By JoBeth Kested

“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)

Are you feeling caught in raging rivers of difficulties or the consuming fires of oppression and afraid of being overcome? How wonderful to hear the Lord’s command at the beginning of these verses that we are not to be afraid because we belong to Him! Our God has already paid the exorbitant ransom price to set us free and He calls each of us by our 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 God Almighty and Creator of the Universe, but also chose to be our Savior through the blood of Jesus! Renew your trust in His loving care and protection by His saving grace today and rejoice that you no longer walk alone. Thank You, Lord!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan29

Scripture for the week of January 25, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalms 16:8,11 (NASB)

Have you ever wondered how to have joy through any circumstance? Biblically joy goes beyond emotional happiness which is dependent on whatever makes us feel good and it is temporary. Joy is primarily a choice and is dependent upon trusting in the sovereign goodness of God, even when we don’t feel it, and knowing that He is Who He says He is as revealed to us in His Word. When this scripture mentions God’s place at the Psalmists right hand that implies giving Him the highest place of honor and absolute power in our lives. We learn in this scripture that when we choose to abide in His presence we can know the security of safety, overflowing joy and everlasting pleasure. HIs right hand holds all power and all authority in heaven and on earth to defend and provide for us. Lord, please go before us revealing the path of abundant life in Your presence and the fullness of joy we all long for. Amen.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan19

Scripture for the week of January 18, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“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.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan12

Scripture for the week of January 12, 2025
By JoBeth Kested

“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 afraid of being overcome? 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.

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Jan5

Scripture for the week of January 5, 2025

By JoBeth Kested

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!

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Dec29

Scripture for the week of December 29, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

He (Moses) said, “Please show me your glory.” Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin…” Exodus 33:18, 34:6-7a (WEB)

Have you ever wondered what the glory of God is? Many might think it is the display of supernatural signs, wonders and miracles. God’s response to Moses’ request to see His glory is the revelation of His endless mercy, loving kindness, compassion and forgiveness towards all who are separated from Him. The Hebrew meaning of His name Yahweh is, “I Am that I Am”. So, God is declaring in these verses, “I Am that I really, really Am a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, abundant in truth, extending loving kindness and forgiveness to thousands who are separated from me in their rebellious ways.” May we always discover the glory of God’s merciful love and forgiveness for us when we stumble from our foolish and selfish choices. Lord, let the grace of Your glorious light breakthrough the darkness in the world as we look toward the new year ahead. Amen!

Hanukkah Blessings

Dec28

During this Season of Light and Dedication remember always that Yeshua (King Jesus) said: John 8:12 CJB 12 Yeshua spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.”

On Hanukkah.. we dedicate our lives to Him and miracles, signs and wonders are given as we walk in His Light.. as He IS the Light of Life.

Don’t miss out because you think you know something about Him! There is always more..

What if Ruach HaKodesh overshadowed Mary on the first night of Hanukkah? What if Abba has know that Hanukkah and December 25 this year in 5785..2024 would be on the same day?

He who holds the stars.. who calls them each by name has ordained Hanukkah as the miraculous Time of Light.

We have a few days left to celebrate Hanukkah. As Abba to open the eyes of your understanding and receive His Holy Spirit of Revelation and Understanding.

Blessings and Shalom-Love Beyond Measure, Beth Auman

Scripture Of The Week By JoBeth Kested

Dec15

Scripture for the week of December 15, 2024
By JoBeth Kested

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

This is one of the most memorable scriptures often quoted in sermons and on Christmas cards this time of year. The Prophet Isaiah made over 100 very specific prophecies about the promised coming of the Jewish Messiah. Jesus fulfilled altogether over 300 Old Testament Messianic prophecies! There are numerous books written by those that have set out to disprove the historical validity of the birth, life and death of Jesus. Instead, they were challenged to bow their knees in faith as a believer. Whatever we may have gone through this year in celebrations, joys or sorrows, may we all embrace the reality of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace and Emanuel—God with us. Extending Merry Christmas blessings and hopes for the New Year ahead because God’s love came as baby boy born in Bethlehem; and because He died and rose from the dead, He still lives to save us. Wise men still seek Him.

The Hidden Meaning of Contentious by Lorena Cox

Dec14

Unlocking the Hidden Meanings of “Contentious” in Scripture: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth

This week, while reading scripture, I came across the word
“Contentious”.
To my surprise, the word contentious was mostly accompanied by the word “woman”.
This word kept calling my attention. I like word studies, but before I even look into it, I asked the Lord what is this about?
Why is being mentioned only for women?
After seeing it three times….I thought I am praying this one…I surely don’t want to be a contentious wife!
I prayed but without saying it I am thinking again why it’s only mentioned for women. I read some more…and BAM! I found it ladies ? prayer answered.

Memorize it “Proverbs 26:21”.
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
I am hallelujah!! ?
Ladies, we are still mentioned 4 times out of five ?.
I’m injecting a little humor here.
If you do some study on this word contentious, you will identify the meaning more in depth.

Hebrew word used on the following verses means strife, quarreling, scolding

Pr 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Pr 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pr 26:21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Pr 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

On this verse, Hebrew word means quarrels, controversies

Pr 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Contentious word is mentioned five times in the Old Testament, and all of them are in the book of Proverbs.

On the New Testament; however, the word contentious is mentioned only one time in the book of 1 Corinthians.

The Merriam Webster dictionary describe it as follow:
1-as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
2-as in controversial
“given to arguing”
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguin

This moment of insight, brings us into a place of self evaluation. Are we contentious wives? Are we contentious with our children?
Some of the (top)synonyms of contentious for your reference are:

– aggressive
– militant
– hostile
– confrontational
– combative
– irritable
– ugly
– pugnacious
– assaultive
– belligerent
– acidic
– argumentative

According to 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

In other words, contentious shouldn’t be part of our culture and behavior. Each one of us, continue to become more like Jesus, and in this path, we take a moment to meditate on this as we evaluate ourselves.

It’s important to note the opposite of contentious.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary here are some (top) antonyms for your reference.

– peaceful
– peaceable
– nonaggressive pacific pleasant
– uncontentious
– friendly
– amiable
– conciliatory
– amicable
– cordial
– unwarlike
– benevolent
– gracious

Abba desires for every one of us, to be women/wives, men/husbands gracious to each other. Only Holy Spirit can help us on this journey to stay away from being contentious and becoming more peaceful and gracious.

Let’s repent individually for being contentious spouses in any way our form. Even if we feel like our behavior has not been this way. Let’s humble ourselves before God.

Now, let’s decree in Jesus name.

I decree that we are virtuous spouses, wives of noble character by and through the empowerment and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s say out loud the following decrees based on Proverbs 21:19, 25:24, 26:21, 27:15, and 21:9.

1. I will strive to be peaceful and avoid contentious behavior, creating a harmonious environment.
2. I will cultivate a spirit of calmness and patience, steering clear of anger and strife.
3. I will foster relationships built on mutual respect and kindness, avoiding quarrels.
4. I will be mindful of my words and actions, ensuring they contribute to peace and unity.
5. I will continuously evaluate my behavior, choosing to act with grace and humility.

Some BONUS decrees based on Proverbs 31.

1. I will be virtuous and honorable in all my actions.
2. I will commit to diligent work and manage my household with wisdom and care.
3. I will provide and care for my family, ensuring their well-being.
4. I will extend my hand to the poor and needy, offering help and kindness.
5. I will speak with wisdom and teach kindness.
6. I will ensure the affairs of my household are well-managed, avoiding idleness.
7. I will be known for my strength, dignity, and preparedness for the future.
8. I will cultivate a reputation of good deeds, earning respect from others.
9. I will value inner beauty and godly character over outward appearances.

Hope you enjoy!
God bless you. Lorena Cox

Scripture Of The Week by JoBeth Kested

Dec8

Scripture for the week of December 8, 2024

By JoBeth Kested

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned… The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5 (NKJV)

Have you ever struggled with the sorrow and sadness of this life or the overwhelming grief of a great tragedy with longing for comfort? Sometimes the agony of loss and the pain of injustice we experience in this world can be hard to bear as we search for our lost hope in the puddles of our tears. The prophet Isaiah twice declares to the people of God “comfort, comfort” (meaning a double portion) along with the end of warfare and mercy for their sinfulness. He exhorts them to prepare a way for the Lord; with the promise that the extreme highs and lows will be made right, the crooked and rough will be made straight and smooth, and that all would see the glory of the goodness of the Lord in their land. Oh, Lord, comfort, comfort the wounded hearts of your people once again. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, be revealed for the healing of the nations and for the glory of the LORD to shine in all the earth. Amen.