Tuesday, November 1, 2016
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
If you are concerned about a person with a life-controlling problem, you have most likely experienced hurt, disappointment, and rejection from the one you care so much about. You probably sometimes feel as if there is no hope. The Bible has a great deal to say to us about the healing God wants to bring to us in our wounded condition. He offers us comfort and hope in Jesus. These are important truths to keep in our heart and mind. And as we understand them better and experience them more fully, God can use this comfort and hope to begin to heal some of our hurts.
As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can take comfort from Jesus, our Shepherd, because he is close beside us and will protect us.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 NLT)
God's love for us is unconditional. Unfailing. Take comfort in his love.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. (Psalm 119:76 NLT)
Take comfort in knowing that God's mercy begins afresh every morning. He is faithful.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT)
CONSIDER THIS . . .
No matter how much we've been hurt or how hopeless life seems, hope is always available when we turn to the right source. Meditate on these scriptures and others like them.
Place your hope in God the Father.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 NLT)
Place your hope in Jesus.
Christ gives me the strength to face anything. (Philippians 4:13 CEV)
Place your hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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 15:13 NIV)
Place your hope in the Word of God.
You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. (Psalm 119:114 NLT)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the comfort and hope you give me. Forgive me when I depend on other things or people or even myself instead of you. In Jesus' name . . .
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THESE THOUGHTS WERE DRAWN FROM . . .
Concerned Persons: Because We Need Each Other by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min.
This study is designed for the many people who have a current or past relationship with a person who has a life-controlling problem. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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