Friday, June 8, 2018

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Word


God’s Word in All Seasons
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

There are times in my life when I don’t know exactly what to do. How to react to an event or comment. Or maybe how to deal with the heaviness of grief. I am so thankful that God loved us enough to leave a guidebook for us. His Word is perfect, entire, and useful in every situation. No matter what I face, I can turn to the Bible and find an answer. Sometimes the same exact verses that gave me answers in grief are the ones that can give me direction in joy. I love how I can read His Word on a daily basis and each and every time learn something new.

Several years ago I realized that spending time in quiet meditation studying the Bible was an important act of faith. I began taking some time each morning to read, pray, and sit quietly in His presence. As the number of children increased in my home, the quiet part has become much more difficult. But I find that if I forget or push aside my one-on-one time with His word, my days are tougher.

God’s Word can be all things to all people. Perfect for teaching, admonishing, preaching, ministering, witnessing, encouraging, strengthening, and comforting. He left the Word with a purpose, with a great love for His children, so that we can find each of those things no matter what challenges, blessings, or fears lay ahead of us.

I’ve included some of my favorite verses below. These are ones that I have especially turned to in times when I needed His comfort and direction, and I’ve found that even though my situation changes I can find exactly what I need in them each time.

This one is especially good for times of grief or when I am hurting: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite”. ~Psalm 147:3-5 (KJV)

This one is wonderful for times when I feel confused and need direction: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

This one is good for times when I am questioning why: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 (KJV)

This one is good when I am overly stressed and need to be reminded that I am God’s child and, therefore, I can find refreshment in Him: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ~Romans 12:2 (KJV)

This one is perfect for times when I need to be reminded that prayer works, just not always on my time: “And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” ~1 John 5:15 (KJV)

And finally, this one is good when I need to be reminded of my purpose here: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (Bolding mine).” ~James 1:25 (KJV)

What are some of your favorite verses for the different seasons of your life?

~*~

Author Bio:
Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.
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2 comments:

  1. Wonderful reminders of Scripture for times of refreshing. Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Karen. Thank you for reading!

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