Tag Archive | Scripture

Discerning Between Good Or God By JoBeth Kested

Apr28

JB05

 

Have you ever presumed that just because something is good means that it is God’s will? The Bible does say that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). But, we also need to understand that sometimes good can be the enemy of God’s best for us.

Many years ago, I remember hearing a sermon titled “One Too Many O’s”. The gist of it being that the reason we must ask ourselves if there is one too may O’s is because sometimes good is not God’s way! That insight has kept me from settling for some things that seemed really good, but helped me to wait a little bit longer to find God’s will. I have learned to stop and ask myself, “Is there one too many O’s?” And, “Just because it is good is it God?” We cannot presume that just because something is good means it’s God’s will for us. We will do well to remember that the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden was the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Settling for or pursuing good things can be just as big an enemy of God’s best plans for us as any evil!

Looking back upon my life, it’s clear to see that many good and seemingly wonderful things or opportunities were definitely not God’s best plan for me. I can honestly thank the Lord for a lot of unanswered prayers! It’s so clear now that God protected me from a lot of not-so-good things. I am thankful that many things that looked so perfect and important, that I had prayed and prayed for, were definitely not for my good; even some things that broke my heart and caused me to question God’s love for me at that time.

So, how can we know the difference between what’s good, but not God? There are a few questions we can ask ourselves:

1. Does it disagree with or compromise scripture?
2. Does it honor God and lead me into closer relationship with Him?
3. Does it bring peace to me and those important relationships in my life?

Here are several scriptures that have also become guiding light to me when trying to discern God’s will:

By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) First of all, it is very important to take everything to the Lord in prayer and to thank Him for circumstances that give Him the opportunity to demonstrate His power, provision and love to us when we need His help or guidance. Then, we are in the place to experience His peace that passes understanding which will guard our heart and mind; helping us to determine the difference between good possibilities and God’s best for us.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NKJV) Besides encouraging us to trust The Lord with ALL our heart, the hardest part of this verse is the challenge to make sure we are not leaning to our own understanding. Many times it is so much easier to settle for the good options because they usually make much more sense to our natural understanding.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) One of the hardest things to do is to wait upon The Lord and His timing. (This is an active waiting, continuing to ask, seek and knock, doing all we know to do in the mean time. (Matthew 7:7)) The temptation to settle for a good thing is often because it seems so much simpler, easier or more comfortable. But, the main reason I mention this verse is because doubt, confusion and fear weigh us down with such a heaviness. When we wait upon the Lord and his will becomes clear, there is a great uplifting peace and joy with a renewed strength that launches us into the new way.

Next time something seems too good to be true or seems so good you think it must be God, I encourage you to stop and ask yourself, “Are there one too many O’s?” and, “Is it good or God?”

Dear God, give us the ability to discern the difference between the traps of good that rob us of Your abundant blessings. Show us Your way and shed Your light onto our paths. Help us to wait on You, to trust You in all our ways and to lean not unto our own understanding. Grant us Your peace that will guard our hearts and renew our strength so that we can mount up with wings like eagles as we discern Your way. In Jesus name. Amen.
How great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You. Psalm 31:19
© JoBeth Kested 2014

Scripture of the Week By JoBeth Kested

Mar26

Scripture for the week of June 8, 2014

jobeth12The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalms 121:5-8 (NIV)

Have you ever prayed and prayed, yet still wondered where the Lord is when you are facing difficult trials, feeling vulnerable, unprotected and all alone? Three times in these verses it is declared that the Lord is watching over you. This type of watching is like the secret service agents; meaning He is guarding, protecting and defending which is so much more than just keeping an eye on you. These scriptures tell us the Lord stands guard over every detail of your life, protecting you from ALL harm and able to defend you in all your coming and going. May we find peace in the assurance of the covering shade of the Lord’s presence over us in the oppressive heat of our days and the warmth of His love in the cold darkness of our nights. Thank you, Lord.

 

Scripture for the week of June 1, 2014

JB16 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.              Isaiah 30:18 (RSV)

Have you ever felt the surprising sting of injustice from a friend or someone you trusted? You may also have longed for exoneration not knowing where to turn for help. The picture we need to grasp in this verse is that the Lord is practically sitting on the edge of the seat of His throne just waiting for the opportunity to extend His unmerited favor in grace toward us. Then He stands up in the fullness of His power to bestow His mercy upon us and extends His righteous judgement on our behalf. As we persevere to wait upon the Lord, we have the hope of His abundant blessings that comfort, heal and restore us in the goodness of a his unfailing love that covers and heals all transgressions (Proverbs 10:12). Oh, give thanks unto the Lord!

Scripture for the week of May 25, 2014

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Have you ever been paralyzed by an overwhelming fear that seems to shatter all hope and scatter all your faith? Fear is the friend of doubt and unbelief and the robber of our faith. The KJV Bible mentions “fear not”, “do not fear” and “do not be afraid” 110 times and it is usually followed by exhortations declaring that the Lord is with you. God makes five promises in this scripture. He is with you and He is your God. He gives strength to replace your weariness, He will help and He will hold you up in the power of His righteousness. So, let the power of His presence, strength and righteousness overcome your fears of failure and inadequacy. May your hope and faith be renewed in God’s love, goodness and provision for you today.

Scripture for the week of May 18, 2014

JoBeth09I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Many are the woes of the wicked but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:8,10-11 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a time when just by catching a look from someone you would know, without a doubt, exactly what you had to do or where you needed to go? Most of us can easily remember “the look” from a parent, a teacher, or someone that clearly spoke louder than words! The key to be directed by “the look” implies you had to turn your eyes in their direction. This scripture teaches us that the Lord has His eyes upon us. When we turn our eyes away from the cares and confusion of our circumstances to focus our trust upon Him; He is ready and willing to teach us, guide us, council us and surround us with His unfailing love. Then, with uplifted hearts we can sing, rejoice and be glad in the Lord our loving God!

Scripture for the week of May 11, 2014

JoBeth08And the angel answered and said unto her , “…For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:35a,37-38 (NKJV)

Are you facing impossibilities and in need of miracles? What a hope filled declaration by the Angel Gabriel when he states that nothing is impossible with God! Previously, before this verse in Luke, Gabriel had told Mary she was to give birth to the son of God and she had responded, “How can this be?” As you are looking at your needs, evaluating limited possibilities or facing dead ends ahead and also asking yourself “How can this happen?” or “Is there any hope?” Remember that nothing is impossible with our God Who is able to move mountains, part the seas and open prison doors for His servants that fully put their trust in Him. Yes and amen, Lord!

 

Scripture for the week of May 5, 2014

JB06But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. Psalm 3:3-5 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt like you need a protector and defender or someone to help hold your head up when troubles just seem too much? And have you ever cried out for help when no one was there and you couldn’t even sleep to escape the hopelessness? The Lord makes several wonderful promises to us in these verses; declaring His compassionate care for us when we are distraught, frail and feel abandoned. 1) He is our shield, protector and defender. 2) He is our glory; bestowing His goodness, praise and honor upon us. 3) He lifts up our head and restores our hope. 4) He hears our prayers and cries for help! 5) He grants us sleep and rest in our weariness. 6) He sustains us and provides all our needs. Rest in the assurance today and everyday that He will hear your voice and answer you from His holy hill because of His great love for you. Selah!

Scripture for the week of April 27, 2014

JB04The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Have you ever come to an unexpected fork in the road, afraid and discouraged without a clue of which way to go? This scripture was spoken to Joshua when Moses told him he would be leading the Israelites to the promised land. You also may be holding onto hopes and promises but feel like you have lost your way. What an encouragement this promise of the Lord’s presence and guidance must have been to Joshua and it is for you, too. Grab hold of this promise for yourself and allow the Lord to establish the hope of His presence with you. You can release your fears and discouragements knowing without a doubt that The Lord is with you, He’ll never leave you; and He is going before you to lead you into the future, hope and blessings He has prepared just for you! Praise the Lord!

Scripture for the week of April 20, 2014

JB03Jesus said to her (Martha, Lazarus’ sister), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25 (NKJV)

Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? In these scriptures after Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life, He asks Martha if she believes even before He raises Lazarus from the dead. With a proclamation such as this we are not given the choice to believe that Jesus was just a good teacher and example for us to follow. He is either a lunatic, a liar or the way the truth and the life, just as He says (John 14:6). The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:17,19 that if Jesus was not raised from the dead our faith is worthless and we are to be pitied above all men. The resurrection of Jesus is the crux of the whole Bible, the pivot point of all history, our only hope for meaning in this life and our promise of eternity. Happy Easter! The tomb was empty, He is risen, He is risen indeed!

 Scripture for the week of April 13, 2014

JBeth02“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. Isaiah 43:10 NKJV

Have you ever considered that there is a big difference between “believing in God” verses “believing God”? Believing in God allows us to believe what we want to believe about God, and then attempt to fit Him into the box of our own understanding. Believing God means we have chosen to believe God is Who He says He is; which activates our faith in His Word to also believe that He will do what He says He will do. God declares in this verse that He has chosen us even before we choose Him! He invites us to “know” Him in an intimate relationship that will open the eyes of our understanding with the ability to BELIEVE He Is The One and Only True GOD that always was and always will be! Yes, Amen!

Scripture for the week of April 6, 2014

JBeth01Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mt 6:19-21

On the road of life, in pursuit of your success, love and happiness, have you had some detours or crashes along the way? Friends betray us, jobs don’t last, wealth can be lost, and family can cause the deepest of wounds. This weeks scripture challenges us to ask, “How do I lay up my treasure in heaven where there is no corruption or loss?” Micah 6:8 tells us, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” We also read in John 16:33 “In this life you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” So place your heart and hope in Jesus, Who overcomes the troubles of this world. By His grace, live honorably with compassion, extending mercy to others in humble dependence upon the Lord. You will know the blessings of God’s favor, experience His peace that passes understanding and lay up treasures in heaven.

Scripture for the week of March 30, 2014

Breakthrough“The breaker goes up before them; they break out, pass through the gate and go out by it. So their king goes on before them, and the Lord at their head.” Micah 2:13 (NASV)

Is there some situation in your life desperately in need of a breakthrough? There are several things we can learn about the Lord in this weeks scripture. He leads and goes before us. He stands between us and our enemies and in times of trouble He can break us out of places that hold us captive. The Lord of the hosts of heavenly armies is able to breakthrough any of our enemies plans against us. It is our God’s desire for us to know Him as The Lord of the breakthrough. He wants to break down walls of captivity, to make the crooked places straight and to make the rough places smooth on your behalf. Trust the Lord of the breakthrough to break through for you!

Scripture for the week of March 23, 2014

Snow09Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Is your hope running low with the heaviness of discouragement and the frustration of too many disappointments, especially in someone you trusted? What an encouragement to be reminded in this verse that we have a God Who is hope! He is able to renew our hope in an abundance that is more-than-enough. On top of that, He will fill us with an overflowing joy and peace trusting in Him afresh to move mountains in our defense and opening miraculous doors of provision through the power of His Holy Spirit working on our behalf. May the Holy Spirit fill you with the uplifting hope, joy and peace you need today.

Scripture of the week for March 16, 2014

Snow06Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Are you feeling loaded down and exhausted from carrying problems and discouragements with a longing for rest from your weariness? To be yoked with Jesus requires us to submit to His plans and direction for us. Though none of us enjoy or welcome the idea of submission, it is easier when we understand it is His willingness to carry our heavy loads and His desire to plow the paths straighter ahead for us. Be encouraged to accept the Lord’s invitation to walk in humility yoked with Him and find the rest you long for in your soul. Cast your cares on Jesus today (1 Peter 5:7) and God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Scripture of the week By JoBeth Kested

Jan17

Scripture for the week of March 23, 2014

Snow07Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Is your hope running low with the heaviness of discouragement and the frustration of too many disappointments, especially in someone you trusted? What an encouragement to be reminded in this verse that we have a God Who is hope! He is able to renew our hope in an abundance that is more-than-enough. On top of that, He will fill us with an overflowing joy and peace trusting in Him afresh to move mountains in our defense and opening miraculous doors of provision through the power of His Holy Spirit working on our behalf. May the Holy Spirit fill you with the uplifting hope, joy and peace you need today.

Scripture of the week for March 16, 2014

Snow06Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

Are you feeling loaded down and exhausted from carrying problems and discouragements with a longing for rest from your weariness? To be yoked with Jesus requires us to submit to His plans and direction for us. Though none of us enjoy or welcome the idea of submission, it is easier when we understand it is His willingness to carry our heavy loads and His desire to plow the paths straighter ahead for us. Be encouraged to accept the Lord’s invitation to walk in humility yoked with Him and find the rest you long for in your soul. Cast your cares on Jesus today (1 Peter 5:7) and God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Scripture for the week of March 9, 2014

Snowymountain01“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)

Do you ever get caught in the worries of trying to cover the essentials like food, clothing and the unexpected medical bills or other emergency needs? Verse 26 in the same chapter states: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” How easy it is to struggle and strive trying fix everything ourselves and forgetting how precious we are to our miraculous and loving heavenly Father. So, be encouraged to seek first the goodness and blessings of His Kingdom purposes for you with the assurance that He is more than able to “supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 4:19)

 

Scripture for the week of March 2, 2014

Snow05He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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. Isaiah 40:29-31 (KJV)

Have you ever been so weary with the heaviness of discouragement that you feel like you can hardly hold your head up much less walk or run? This scripture reminds us that as we wait on the Lord we have access to His power and strength that take us beyond when the young will faint and give up. Though we usually find it frustrating and irritating to wait on anything, this kind of waiting is not idle and twitteling our thumbs. It is an active, persevering, listening and inquiring kind of waiting with expectation and anticipation for a demonstration of God’s miraculous provision for us. As we wait on the Lord, His supernatural power and strength empowers us to run our race and also lifts our spirit up to soar like eagles! Praise the Lord!

Scripture for the week of February 23, 2014

snow04I pray … that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a
spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe… Ephesians 1:17-19 (NASB)

Are you in need of wisdom and revelation and/or do you need a renewed hope in order to move beyond your current circumstances? Wisdom is the ability to understand things difficult to comprehend, revelation is a surprising truth revealed by God and hope is the anticipation of a fulfilled desire. We are reminded in this scripture that in knowing Him our Father God gives to us the gift of His spirit of wisdom and revelation. We can also expect to “see” a lightening in our hearts to KNOW the hope of His calling. As His chosen ones, there is an awesome greatness of His power toward us who believe in Him. And, there is a wealth of glory that is His inheritance in us! May you know the greatness of His wisdom, power, and love for you!

Scripture for the week of February 16, 2014

snow03These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13 (NKJV)

Do you have the peace of knowing you have eternal life? The Biblical meaning for the word “know” in this verse is an experiential knowledge. Jesus says in Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in…” Maybe you are like I was for many years, believing in God and believing Jesus is the Son of God, but have never opened the door to your heart and asked Him to come in. In your own words, you can ask Jesus to come in, reveal Himself and His love to you, forgive you of all your wrong choices and actions, to reveal His purpose for your life and to give you hope for eternity. May you experience the tangible peace of KNOWING you have eternal life in Jesus!

Scripture for the week of February, 9, 2014

snow03For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)

Have you ever experienced the abandonment of a spouse, the betrayal of a friend, rejection of family, or a deep empty loneliness that won’t go away? Or do you have an agonizing fear of abandonment and rejection? This scripture is a comforting reminder that no matter what valley of pain or death we may have to walk through in this life, there is absolutely no power, nor anyplace, anything, nor any person that can separate us from the love of Christ. Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of one of the worst Nazi concentration camps during WWII, once said, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” Ask Jesus to come heal your heart, free you from the fear of abandonment and fill you with His love that will never leave you today.

 

 

Scripture for the Week of February 2, 2014

Snowtrees

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Have you ever tried to find your way in the dark without a light? In Genesis one God said, “Let there be light” and He created light out of the darkness. Our verse for this week declares that God is able to make His light shine into the darkness of our hearts. His glory is the perfection, beauty and power of His extravagant love we can each find in our personal relationship with Jesus face to face. Jesus proclaimed in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV) Let the light of Jesus’ love shine in and through you as you follow Him.

 

Scripture for the week of January 26, 2014

SOWSnow01Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)

Are you in need of multiplied grace and peace? Grace is undeserved favor and divine assistance. Peace is tranquility, harmony and freedom from disturbance or affliction. The Biblical definition of knowledge is based on understanding from experience. Like the Hebrews in the wilderness that had to gather fresh manna each day, Jesus is the Bread of Life that God has provided for us to seek out each day. Whatever we may have experienced of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and provision in the past, we are encouraged to KNOW that we can seek Him each new day to multiply His sufficient favor, divine assistance, and freedom from affliction no matter what we may be facing. May His grace and peace be multiplied to you today.

 

Scripture for the week of January 19, 2014

JBKSOW1212014And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3 (NKJV)

How can we know that God is the one true God and if Jesus is His Son? In his 33 years, Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophesies recorded over 1500 years. There is more historical evidence of His life, death and resurrection than of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates combined. All of his Apostles and multitudes through the centuries have died declaring the truth of experiencing the power of His resurrection life. It has been stated that there have been more Christian martyrs in the last century than the last 2000 years! Martyrs do not die for a lie because Jesus is a relationship more than a religion. He is alive and His love is still healing hearts, forgiving sinners, and setting captives free today, including me! Ask Him to make Himself real to you, too.

 Scripture for the week of January 12, 2014

showpath

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11 (KJV)

Have you ever pondered what you really need to find happiness? Or have you been tempted to focus on your desires for pleasure and happiness to the detriment of others? The dominant voices of this world encourage us that the only path to pleasure and happiness is to focus on fulfilling our own needs and desires first and foremost. This scripture challenges us to ask God to show us His path for our life. In His presence, at His right hand, we are positioned close to His power, authority and protection that overcomes all obstacles with the promise that we will find the fulness of joy and experience pleasures without end we all long for. Say, “Yes!” to the Lord’s path for you this year.

 

Scripture for the week of January 5, 2014

snowpath

But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:24 (NKJV)

We often begin a new year evaluating our accomplishments and/or the disappointments of the previous year. With good intentions we try setting new resolutions with goals to do better and be better in the days ahead with the hope of patting ourselves on the back at the end of this year. Maybe it would be better to focus our energy and efforts on the things that glorify God more than things to glorify in ourselves. By increasing our understanding and knowledge of God, His Word and His ways we can hope to experience and to then extend His lovingkindness, justice and goodness to those in the world around us. What a joyous anticipation to know the blessing of God’s delight in the pursuit of knowing and experiencing Him more in this new year.

 Scripture for the week of December 29, 2013

snowpath2Even 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 things unknown, do you ever have fear and worry about what the future may hold? The older we get the easier it is to focus on the uncertainties and possibilities for unexpected difficulties and disasters that may come. What an encouraging promise from The Lord that even if we face changing circumstances, financial limitations, deteriorating health or the frailty of old age, our Father God that 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 The Lord.