Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Seven Things To Think About in These Troubled Times


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in the most troubled times of our lives, but yet, God's Word instructs us to only think on the things that fall into the six categories listed in the above verse.  Today, I want to encourage you by sharing seven true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good report facts that we can all rely upon and draw our thoughts to no matter what is going on around us.  I am also including some songs that are bringing encouragement to my family and me.  I am amazed at the lyrics penned by these modern Contemporary Christian artists and the depth of meaning and faith that is woven throughout their words.  I hope they bless you, as well.  At the end of the post, I will announce the three winners of the giveaway!

#1.  Everything is going to be okay.
One of the things I most miss about my dear Dad is when he would tell me something I was troubled about was going to be okay.  Just hearing him say that brought a sense of peace and calmed my fears.  Though he is no longer here to speak those words of peace to me, my Heavenly Father sends the Comforter to let me know - everything is going to be okay.  Even now.  No matter what. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."  
Psalm 46:1-3


#2.  When Jesus speaks "peace," everything changes.
The tumultuous storm that threatened the lives of His disciples had to back off and cease raging when the voice of the Eternal God in a body of flesh spoke!  Every attack of satan has to back off when He speaks peace to our situation, regardless.

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."  Isaiah 59:19

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."  Mark 4:39


#3.  Jesus knows you.

He was there.
Ever since the moment of your conception.  Long before you breathed your first breath.  Every moment of your life.  Through your highest highs and lowest lows.  He was not only there, He pulled you through.  Just look back over the years.  Trace His hand.  The evidence is all over your life.  He knows every, single thing about you, including right now - in this season, in this moment of time.  He is there.  Seeing every tear, watching every event unfold, walking by your side, giving you strength, and supplying your needs.  

"O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether."
Psalm 139:1-4

"By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You."  Psalm 71:6


#4.  Jesus knows what you need.
Even before you come to Him.  Even before you say a word.  He is completely aware of everything weighing on your mind and heart.  He will work it all out.  He cares about everything you care about, and He is perfecting all that concerns you.

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever."  Psalm 138:8

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."  Isaiah 65:24


#5.  God has always kept every promise He has ever made.

Why would He change now?  Why is this situation any different?  Sometimes, it takes time to see a promise fulfilled, but just because God delays in sending the fruition and manifestation of the promise does not mean He has failed to keep His Word.  He works on His own timetable, but He always, always does what He says He will do.  Abraham was 100 years old when God made good on a promise He gave to him when he was 75.  Yet, Abraham's faith stood firm, and he staggered not at the promise of God!  Even during those long years of waiting, he stood firm and was fully persuaded in the promise of the One Who had never failed him!

"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform."   Romans 4:18-21

I have heard it said that a child of God can grasp a hold of one of the promises of God and safely swing out over the fires of hell with a full assurance and certainty that God's Word will not fail!  Let us continue to hold fast and firm to the truth of God's Word and look to Jesus no matter what is shaken around us.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2


#6.  Nothing is more powerful than the power of God that dwells in us!

Nothing in Heaven above or earth below or even the powers of hell is stronger or bigger or above the power of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  All things are under His feet, and no matter what satan throws at a child of God, it has NO power over HIS power that lives and works in us.  Praise God!!

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."  Ephesians 1:18-23

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world."  I John 4:4

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."  Romans 8:11


#7.  Even in the worst of times, God remains the same.

My dear Mom always told me that there are three things God cannot do.  

He can't lie.
"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?"  Numbers 23:19

He can't fail.
"Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant."  I Kings 8:56

He can't change.
"For I am the LORD, I change not."  Malachi 3:6

No matter what happens, God is good.

"For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100:5

He is faithful.
"But the Lord is faithful, Who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."
2 Thessalonians 3:3

He is kind.
"How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings."  Psalm 36:7


Speaking of Big Daddy Weave, it is now one week after the announcement of our giveaway of THREE of their CDs!  Today, Zach entered the commenters' numbers into wheel decide, and #4 was chosen, then #3, and then #9.  So, the winners are:

Kitty, Barb D., and Deborah!!!

All three winners will receive their own copy of Big Daddy Weave's CD "When the Light Comes," along with a copy of our new book, "Biblical Minimalism:  Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life."

I have been able to contact Kitty and Deborah, but I have no contact information for Barb D.  Barb D., could you please kindly email us at homespundevotions@gmail.com and provide your mailing information, so we can get your package in the mail to you?  We hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks to everyone who commented and entered the giveaway!  If you didn't win and would like our book or the Big Daddy Weave CD, you may order them at the links above.

Keep encouraged, dear friends, and keep pressing on for Jesus.  Heaven will surely be worth it all.  


In closing, Kelly made it through another operation and according to the last report I received, she continues to improve.  The recovery road ahead of her is long and overwhelming, so please do keep her in your prayers.  (If you would like to read the original prayer request for Kelly, click HERE.)

28 comments:

  1. Praise the Lord for Kelly's continued improvement. I will pray, believing that she will be made whole in His time.
    Thank you for this post my dear Cheryl. It encourages me so much to know that my thoughts and feelings are not felt by just me but by other Christians as well. God is here. He does not change. He LOVES me! Always.
    Thank you again and much love and blessings on you, Kevin and Zach.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Yes, praise the Lord, indeed. I just got an email telling me she has been moved to another hospital and will soon begin rehab! Isn't God amazing? That is just wonderful news. She is very grateful for all the prayers. Yes, dear friend, you are certainly not alone in your feelings, and my heart stays heavily burdened over what will happen on Tuesday. I am praying so hard and continuing to intermittently fast each day for 16 hours. Trusting God to hear from Heaven and give our President four more years in the White House, always looking to Jesus as our only hope. Thank you for your kind words. Many blessings and hugs to you today, too!

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  2. Oh, what great news about Kelly, Cheryl! Yes, I'm continuing to pray for her and her family. And could I give you a prayer request? We are facing an impending tropical storm impact arriving around 4 a.m. Thursday morning. High winds and drenching rain. As our house is nestled in a forest, there is always the threat of downed limbs and, possibly, trees. I've been praying all day that God would protect everyone in the trajectory of this storm, and I'd be so appreciative of yours. He can do it!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your prayers for Kelly, dear friend. How are you doing? I have been praying for you and trusting God to protect and watch over you. Please let me know how you fared during the bad weather. Did you have any downed power lines or trees? May the Lord continue to have mercy upon you. Many blessings to you today.

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  3. Glad to read positive news about Kelly and yes will surely keep praying for her. Congratulation to the winners! How awesome. I loved everything about this post! So timely too! We just finished up a 6 week study on the book of Philippians last night and oh my, it was so good! God's timing is surely perfect and our main scripture that we referred too for the past 6 weeks was Phil 4:8. Hugs to your dear sister in Christ.
    Cindy

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your kind words of encouragement, sweet friend. That is so wonderful that you all finished a study in Philippians. It is SO encouraging, isn't it? We need those constant reminders to keep looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith and to keep our thoughts and minds focused on Him in these troubled times. Sending hugs back to you today!

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  4. Glad to hear this news about Kelly, may she continue to improve. She is in God's tender, loving care.

    Thank you for the lovely and very encouraging post. I was touched by each and every song.

    God's continued blessings on you and your family ~ FlowerLady

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    1. So thankful for your kind words and encouragement today, Lorraine. It truly meant so much. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care!

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  5. Lots of encouragement and lots of Scripture--a wonderful script to take for finishing the race in these troubled times. Thank you! I heard an exciting word by Tim Sheets today about the breath of God. Made me think of our You Version Bible Study about Acts 2. I did not know this breath through a new language reinstates the power lost at Babel. I want to pray God's plan, His will into being and by His Spirit not my weak flesh! Hugs to you, sister.

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    1. Wow, that is so neat, Mary. I have never heard of that, either. I absolutely love our study and it means so much to be able to study it with you and the other dear friends and sisters in Christ. I have been much in prayer today, too. I love the way you worded that about His breath reinstating the power lost at Babel. So interesting. Sending hugs to you, too!

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  6. I'm so excited to be one of the winners of your giveaway! Thank you so much dear friend for your generosity. I really appreciate it. Thank you also for these wise words reminding us that we can always trust in Jesus. Always. He is always good. We face an uncertain future as individuals and as a nation, but He is in charge.
    Wonderful news about your friend. xo Deborah

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    1. Oh, I am so excited for you! You are so very welcome! Yes, praise the dear Lord, no matter what happens down here, HE is still in charge and always will be! Praise His holy name. Sending much love to you today, dear friend.

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  7. You always share such wonderful words of encouragement, faith, and hope, my dear precious friend! Thank you for sharing such wonderful selections of music as well. Thank you for the sources of encouragement through music, the Word, and your own personal experiences. It has always proven true to me that the darker the night, the brighter the day when it comes. No matter how difficult the circumstances, He has a way of providing just exactly what we need, even when we don't know it. I know that the peace of the Lord is deep, sustaining, and a comfort in these uncertain days. I will continue to keep Kelly in my prayers, such a difficult road to walk through, but praying the Lord sustains her and her family! With much love to you dear friend :)

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your sweet visit and kind words, dear friend. It blessed me so much today and brought such encouragement to my heart. I am sending much love back to you and trusting Jesus to bless you richly!

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  8. Oh, you've put so much work into this offering ... Scriptures, music, truth about Jesus. Thank you for sharing it On the Porch today, friend. What an encourager you are!

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words and encouragement today! And thank you for the opportunity to share it at your beautiful blog. Sending love and gratitude to you, sweet friend.

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  9. Oh Cheryl, I am honored to be one of the giveaway winners!!! I am excited to be receiving the package in the mail. You, Kevin and Zach are too, too kind and generous.
    Oh my, What a wonderful and uplifting post you’ve shared on the goodness of God. I loved all your words, and most of all your memories of your beloved daddy and mama and their wisdom. Thank you for passing that along to us. We certainly need these uplifting gifts of encouragement to keep our hearts and minds looking up.
    Also, thank you for the update on Kelly. Prayers are being said for her, and always for you and your family. God bless you, my friend.

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    1. Oh, we are so happy that you won! Thank you so much for your precious words of encouragement! I have so many dear memories of my dear mama and Daddy, and it is a joy to be able to share them here. Thank you for your continued prayers for Kelly. God is surely hearing, and she was moved to another hospital and will soon begin rehab. It is just amazing how God is pulling her through. You are such a blessing to me, and I am so grateful for you, dear friend.

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  10. Yes Cheryl its going to be okay..
    I shared a new to me poem by Overten on yesterday's post God makes no mistakes.
    I think in today's calamity we forget this.
    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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    1. Today's calamity! What an accurate way of wording what is happening. Thank you for your encouragement, my sister. God bless you.

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  11. Good news about Karen. Cheryl you always encourage me with your posts. Jesus Christ never changes, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I can put my trust in Him totally and completely! Blessings and prayers!

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    1. Thank you for your precious words of encouragement, sweet friend. I am so thankful for you. May the Lord bless you!

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  12. Hi sis, thought of your prayers as praying just now.

    I'm up specially in middle of night as US votes, for a season of prayer for US elections.
    Like you very burdened. I'm praying for peace in it all too may God have mercy. Agreeing with you, your dear ones and all who love the Lord and Truth (Thy Word is Truth) in their prayers. Please Lord, wicked and unworthy though we are, hear our prayers, pleadings weepings.. as faithfully as you heard Daniel, Elijah and all the saints who've gone before.. mercy, grace in ABUNDANCE O Lord Father God I plead with Thee for thy glorious names sake!
    Prayer hugs sis.
    Shaz.x
    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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    1. Thank you ever so much for praying so hard along with us. You have probably already heard the devastating news. In spite of all our fasting, earnest intercession, and efforts. It is very hard to understand, and I must say I am quite disillusioned and discouraged. God bless you for your kind words and support, dear sis.

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  13. Hi Sweet Friend! At first I was going to cut and paste something you wrote here in this post to comment on, but as I kept reading, there were so many that were noteworthy, that my comment would've been filled with LOTS of quote from this post! lol. What I'm trying to say is that this was such a wonderfully encouraging and edifying post! I love how your mom boiled down to such simple terms the three things God will never do. Even though it's stated in such a simple way, it brings home the Truth of it in a profound way!

    Thank you so much for faithfully blogging to build up your brothers and sisters in the Lord and to bring Glory to God.

    Sending you much love and gratitude.

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    1. Aw, how very sweet you are to leave such encouragement here, dear friend. I am so thankful to the Lord for you, your support, friendship, and prayers. God bless you. Sending much love and gratitude to you, too.

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  14. Dearest Cheryl, first of all, praise God for what He is doing for Kelly. I pray that she is strengthened by Jesus for each hard day and that she will continue to recover completely. Yes, these are trying times with this disappointing election. However, we know that our God is in total control. While it's hard for us as we see the difference in the party platforms, we know that God can shine brightly as we respond in godly manner and shine the light of Jesus brighter than the darkness. May God be glorified in it in all be glorified in all we do and say and how we respond. I love you, dear friend, and apologize for being so being in emails. I'm behind in everything and still deal with some additional health issues (some minor but still annoying). But God has ordained all that comes to us, and may we trust Him always. Love you and praying for you...hugs! xoxo

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    1. Dear friend, your precious words of encouragement are like a balm to my troubled soul. I love you so much, and please don't worry if you can't email. I completely understand. We will communicate, as you are able. I trust you are feeling better. I continue to pray for you and send hugs to you. My heart is beyond broken tonight, and I feel so uneasy in my spirit. May God have mercy on us. Love and appreciate you dearly.

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