10 Bible Verses for Challenging Times

Kelly Balarie

When life gets hard, the first thing that I want to do is go to my bed, pull the covers over my head and escape from the world.  I want to hide - from questions, from problems, from bank accounts and from life.  When I do this, I find my mind often wanders to the "how comes" and "what ifs" of life.  My worry grows like a baloon being inflated with helium, until it reaches near it's popping point.

Many times, I don't turn to God until I am so worn out from my troubles that all I have left to cling to is Him. 

It is here where I can let go of my self-focus and open my eyes to see beyond my immediate circumstances. I see the one standing ready to embrace me.  I see truth.  I can find refuge in God's Word, which stands ready to speak right into our difficult circumstances. If only I turned to Him ealier.

We all have times where life crashes before our eyes.  We all feel like we want to run and hide.  We all have a Lord waiting to speak a fresh Word into our hearts.  

Hear what the Lord has to say to you.

1. Philippians 4:9

We can look to the world to fill our needs – but only God completely fills.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19

2. Deuteronomy 31:8

We may tend to forget things, but God never forgets anything – especially you.

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deut 31:8

3. John 14:16

Need Help?  God has sent the Spirit, the ultimate Helper.

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” John 14:16

4. Psalm 104:27-28

The word “Provider” is defined in the Name of God.

“They all wait for You To give them their food in due season. You give to them, they gather it up; You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.” Psalm 104:27-28

5. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is the ultimate Comfort in a time of need.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

6. Isaiah 54:17

The world can tremble, but God still remains sturdy. He is our strength.

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn…” Isaiah 54:17

7. Romans 15:13

God is our hope in what seems like a hopeless world.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:138. Psalm 16:5

God will give you a future and an eternal home; this has already been secured.

“LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5

9. Isaiah 41:10

When you feel troubled, God will help you a time of trouble.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

10. James 1:5

God offers wisdom, when you have none.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

When all else is stripped away – when life breaks down to it’s very core - we see the making of our vehicles. We see our maker. We see the foundation. We see God. We see what is important. We see what is valuable. We see Christ’s power on the cross. So, fear not. Fear not! Keep your eyes on Him.

How to Set Boundaries between Yourself and These 10 Toxic People

Debbie McDaniel

Life is precious. Yet all too often, we may find that much of our time is spent around negative, toxic people, draining the life right out of us. Sometimes they’re co-workers, friends, or sadly, even family members.

God never intends for us to spin our wheels, waste our days, trying to make others happy who can never be happy. Because in reality, it doesn’t depend on us. It’s not up to you. They may want you to think it does, as if you possess the power to improve the value of their existence, but that’s not a burden meant for you to carry.

God’s greatest desire is to set us free. And sometimes what propels that change is for some brave soul to be willing to say, “Stop, no more.” One who will choose what is better, and learn to set boundaries that will protect and limit the control an unhealthy person might be placing on another’s life.

Sadly, when we look deep into the mirror of our souls, we may realize that we are the ones who have some unhealthy tendencies that God wants to change. Today’s a good day to stop wasting time in toxic patterns of living. For he has better in store for us.

Here are some of the most common types of toxic people we may rub shoulders with every day, or a few we may find in our own lives:

1. The Controller

This person is a master manipulator and constant controller. They want to be in charge, not just of their lives, but of yours and everyone else’s too. They watch you like a hawk, ready to pounce on your every flaw. They micro-manage down to the last detail. They have trouble letting go, so they don’t, they hold on, too tightly, until it about chokes out all those around them, suffocating others with their drive to be superior.

2. The Abuser

This person is desperately needy inside, and takes it out on you and the world around them. Through their own experiences of internalized past hurt, they have become angry, vicious, and cruel to those they say they care the most about. These people need help from counseling and outside sources. They need healing from God. If you find yourself in the home of an abuser, get help, now. Don’t stay in a potentially dangerous situation with your false hope that you can somehow change their old patterns of abuse. It is not up to you. Protect your life and the lives of those in your care.

3. The Too Easily Angered

This person is the one you always feel like you have to tiptoe around. Like you never know what will set them off and fly into a fit of rage. These people become easily irate at even the smallest thing, which is a sure sign, there’s a deep-rooted problem inside. They’ve been known to throw things, hit things in their way, or spout off angry words they can never get back. They yell, they scream, they curse. You may see them on the ball fields, the golf course, the stressful office meetings, or even on the highway. Fits of rage not easily soothed, out of control temper tantrums that more closely resemble the patterns of a 2 yr. old.

4. The Bully

This person can be subtle or outright offensive in their attempts to bully, but either way, their desire is to dominate and make themselves look powerful. They have a strong need to feel better and look better than those around them, so they choose to bully anyone in their path. They use words, they use fists, they use lies, they use fear – but all in all, they want to push others down and exalt themselves and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal.

5. The Addict

This person is addicted to a substance or to a negative pattern of behavior that has severely affected their well-being as a person. They need help. They need professional help and they need spiritual help. They need people who will be brave to speak truth into their lives and not those who will feed their habit, enable their actions, or ignore dangerous signs of addiction. Recognize that this toxic pattern is bigger than just you. You are not to blame for the problem. But you can be the one who God uses to get them help.

6. The Negative

This person is the one who rarely has anything positive to say, because they see everything with a negative slant and have no problem telling you why. The sun may be shining, but in their mind, “It’s probably about to rain.” Life is viewed through shaded, cloudy lenses. They tend to be complainers, worriers, and whiners. These people often don’t even realize what they’re doing because it’s become such a natural part of the way they talk. They tend to zap the energy and suck the life right out of you if you’re around them too much. They walk in defeat and choose to believe the worst about most things – even you.

7. The Blamer

This person is never to blame for it is always “your fault.” They will blame everything on others close to them. If they’re having a bad day, it’s your fault. If they’re running late, it’s your fault. If they lose something, it’s your fault. If they fail at something, it’s your fault. You will never “win” around the blamer, because their aim is to bring you down through their constant blame game.

8. The Gossiper

This person is always talking, and usually about someone else. They have an overriding need to be “in the know,” and to pass on the next juicy morsel to an open, listening ear. They can be vicious with their words, and cruel in their hearts towards another’s feelings. They have no regard for the reputation of another. They feed on lies, exaggerations, mere hearsay, and half-truths. They tend to feel better while talking about others so they can somehow feel better about themselves.

9. The Arrogant

This person is proud, self-serving, and always, always “right.” They never want to be made the fool, but have no problem labeling others as foolish. They prey on the weak to make themselves appear better. They are quick to judge, quick to offer their opinions, and are rude to others in more subservient positions. Their goal in life is to be superior to all those around them.

10. The Victim

Not to be confused with one who really has been victimized in life and who is seeking God’s peace and healing, this person is one who tends to feel they are constantly the victim. In every situation. All throughout life. They are always feeling taken advantage of, always needy, always telling you what another has done to hurt them, or how no one cares. They see themselves constantly as the victim and before long, if you keep lending an ear; you may be the next one they feel victimized by.

What can you do?

1. Recognize the toxicity in others – or even in yourself.

If the problem is with you, admit that you need help. If the issue stems from within a family member or close friend, try talking with them in humility and with honesty, letting them know how these patterns over time have made you feel.

2. Set boundaries with tough love.

Tough love is able to say “enough.” Tough love says, “I care about you, but I care about me too, and I will not allow you to hurt me or those I love.”. Set limits to protect yourself. If you find yourself in a dangerous, abusive or addictive relationship, get out, and get help – NOW. Seek out counsel. Find a good support group of those who will encourage you and provide a safe place for you to share and pray.

3. Keep moving forward in your trust in God.

He can accomplish great things through your prayers. He can move mountains. He can change hearts. Anything is possible through his great power. Understand that though it is never up to you to make someone different, he’s set you in their lives for a purpose, for a reason.

4. Believe that God is for you.

He loves you, he cares for you, and he has good in store for your future.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Video Bible Lesson - The Man Who Tried To Stop Christmas by Greg Laurie

The Man Who Tried To Stop Christmas 

by Greg Laurie

1/2 Hour of God's Power with Scott Ralls

12/21/12

#Jesus #Christian #Bible #Salvation #Heaven #God #HolySpirit

Finding Satisfaction

Finding Satisfaction

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:11-13

God has provided us with many things to enjoy. But too often our lives are filled with turmoil instead of contentment. Four practices that create dissatisfaction are . . .

Busyness. We live in a hurry-up society, dashing from one activity to another. Jesus did not rush anywhere, yet He accomplished whatever God gave Him to do. Not once did He tell His followers to move faster. He even praised Mary for choosing to stop her work and spend time with Him (Luke 10:39, 42).

Earthly perspective. Too often we live focused on our circumstances. Our minds think about what happened earlier in the week, what’s on today’s agenda, and the activities occurring next week, month, or year. No wonder enjoyment of life remains elusive. The solution is to have an eternal perspective, which acknowledges that God is in charge and our goal is to please Him.

Self-imposed pressure. We have all experienced the unavoidable burdens of schoolwork, employment, and relationships. But we bring needless pressure on ourselves when we allow unnecessary “musts” and “shoulds” to rule us. The remedy is to turn to God, acknowledge His right to order our days, and ask for His plan.

Unhealthy attitudes. Perfectionism, false guilt, and apathy all undermine our enjoyment of life.

Satisfaction is found in a life that reflects God’s priorities—and time with Him comes first. Reading His Word, we become mindful of the Father’s great love, learn what He views as important, and experience the joy of belonging to Him. When contentment is elusive, it’s time to examine our priorities.

What Does “Immanuel” Mean?

What Does “Immanuel” Mean?
By Meg Bucher

“They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (MSG)

When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he learned that Mary was "with child through the Holy Spirit" and would give birth to a son named "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:18 Matthew 1:23). "Immanuel" is a Hebrew word meaning "God with us" and expresses the wonder of the incarnation, that God "became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). Immanuel explains how God came for us, is here with us, and is coming back for us through Jesus. Jesus appeased the ardent anticipation of our hearts. The questions have been answered. The gaps have been filled. Hope is available for the world to receive.

Christmas Presents vs. the Presence of Immanuel

“Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.” Mark 7:24

In a world where everyone has access to us, it can be a blessing to go unnoticed. Jesus knew the peace woven into the observatory silence of slipping through a crowd or standing at the back of a room. He was not an audience seeker, yet people followed Him by the droves.

When the busyness of the holiday seasons threatens to derail our perspective, we can reset our agendas by sitting in His presence. Make time to seek Him in Scripture. The best way to lose Christmas spirit is to make it all about what we’re getting and giving. Focus on the right Gift ignites the Spirit of Christmas.

A present is something presented, while presence represents the part of space within one’s immediate vicinity.  (Merriam-Webster) How many Christmas presents do we forget about, return, or get rid of each year? Christ’s presence is always available and applicable to our lives.

“That’s not fair!!!!!!!” My youngest daughter wailed. “You got a Lego girl the last time you opened up a square …that’s NOT FAIR!!!!”

Their argument over an Advent gift I’d given them to share put the never-enough nature of humanity on display. In the thick of presents about to hit many homes; and the dread of those who don’t have gifts to give; it’s vital to pull the true light of Christmas into focus.

Matthew 1:23, the first of many verses that connect the Old Testament with the new, fulfilled a verse written approximately 800 years earlier!  The treasures tucked inside spanned an eight century gap, until God whispered, “it’s time.”

Isaiah, who’s name means “the Lord saves”penned, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV). Matthew, who’s name means “gift of the Lord,” recorded his words within 50-70 AD:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

How does the Lord save? Through the gift of Jesus. We’re not always assured the final witness to inspired words. A sign normally fulfilled within a few years took 800, unraveling the scope of God’s timing.  

Does it feel off-putting to revolve an entire season around door-buster deals?  Beyond ancestral traditions and surrounding customs, the Creator of our souls seeks to spend time with us. Our minds will remain elusively angst until we seek the proof we need to believe and unlock our hearts. Presents don’t fulfill human hearts; souls are satisfied by the presence of Jesus. Savior. Immanuel.