The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 23:12 (HCSB)
Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 19:9 (HCSB)
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous.
The Word for encouragement:
2 Corinthians 1:4 (HCSB)
He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
My observation:
I remember a teacher telling us of his personal experience in dealing with a son who had a severe disability. He said that troubles come to everyone. When you look around you might think others have trouble free lives, but it is wise not to exchange your troubles for somebody else's. I thought this illustration was powerful when I heard it over twenty five years ago, and it has stayed with me all of these years.
Today's focal verse for our encouragement has a more powerful truth and a more enduring truth. This truth is that we will have troubles, but we don't have to face them alone. There are two words that Paul used repeatedly in this letter; trouble and comfort. Everyone faces troubles, and that includes believers.
Everything that happens to us has to go through God's hands before it gets to us. That is not as easy thing for us to get our minds around. However, if we keep our faith and our hope focused on the God of our salvation, we will be able to triumph over our troubles. Remember that we have a Father who is the author of mercies and the God of all comfort.
God is a God of purpose. He comforts us so that we may be a comforter to others. Paul found this to be true in his life. God used Titus to comfort Paul. God also uses the prayers of others to help and comfort us during our time of trouble.
2 Corinthians 7:6 (HCSB)
But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,
2 Corinthians 1:11 (HCSB)
while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through ⌊the prayers of⌋ many.
My prayer:
Father God, I praise and thank you that when I experience trouble in my life that I can cry out to you, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Father, I thank you for the help and comfort that I have received from others who are in that army of those who have been comforted to be comforters.
Father, I thank you for praying family and friends that have sustained me in my valley of trouble and trials. Father, I thank you that our problems when placed in your hands are raw materials for miracles.
My song:
God Specializes (Click on link below to listen to this song):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQyEqUZx6jc&feature=related
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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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