The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 19:8 (HCSB)
The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.
The Word for encouragement:
2 Corinthians 1:3 (HCSB)
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
My observation:
There is a deep seated desire in each of us that longs for exaltation. However, it is in humiliation that we find grace that enables us to overcome the afflictions of life. This word includes all of the conditions of life that brings pressure to bear in our life. It includes trouble, tribulation, trials, and oppression.
When affliction comes into our life there is a normal tendency to resort to complaining. That is our natural human response when facing problems that exert so much pressure upon us that it feels like it will cause us to break and crumble.
The Apostle Paul knew what it was to have trouble in his life. He had been through the School of Suffering so what he said comes from a person who had firsthand experience of affliction.
2 Corinthians 1:8 (HCSB)
For we don't want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life.
Paul was able to write to this church and say to them that in the midst of his suffering that there was someone to look to that is greater than our troubles. That person is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we take the upward look we find that we have something to be thankful for, and we have someone to give praise to. The Apostle found something in humility that he could not find in exaltation. He found that God is the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (HCSB)
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.
My prayer:
Praise the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me, Praise the name of the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.
Father God, thank you for being a God who supplies sufficient grace to cover my most pressing needs. Lord, I thank you for the confidence I have that I have someone to come along side of me to help me and to give me the strength to get through all of my troubles and trials.
Father, thank you that you are a God who is still on the throne, and that I can call upon when I am oppressed, and find comfort from the God of all comfort.
My song:
God is still on the Throne (Click on link below to listen to the song):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwjWJuPUQWQ
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http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org
Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.
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