2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed (gratefully praised and adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  

Everyone has a time in their life when we need the comfort of God and others.  We help each other break loose of the thoughts that we need to cast down to have a positive focus.  God is always with us and willing to help us through any trouble.  Our spirits will rise, and our hearts will fill with hope, and the word of God reminds us of God’s love for us.  

Psalm 27:1-2

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is my refuge and fortress of my life- whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Life can feel overwhelming if we let it.  Everywhere we turn, it can seem like hope is fading.  In those times when fear tries to creep in, we must clear the screen before our eyes and examine our focus.  When we believe God and the word, our eyes focus on the Hope of the word, and we will be encouraged for the day.  We will rise above the circumstance with the refreshing of our focus.  

Psalm 22:24

For He has not despised nor detested the suffering of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He listened.  

In a time of need or suffering, it is a mistake to think that God does not hear our cry.  In those times, God listens, and we are to push deeper and closer with our relationship with Him.  It is God who sends healing, comfort, peace, and resources when we cry out to Him in our need.

Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is blameless.  The word of the Lord is tested (it is perfect, it is faultless); He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.  

If we keep our focus on the word of God that is tested and perfect, we will overcome the world’s cares.  Our confession of the word clears the path for our success in the trials.  God spoke the world into creation, and He wants us to create our lives and the world with the word.  Our strength comes from our connection to God and the word. 

Genesis 17:1

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk (habitually) before Me (with integrity, knowing that you are always in my presence), and be blameless and complete (in obedience to Me).

Through the covenant of Abram with God, we can share in the benefits because it was passed down to us through Jesus when we became saved.  When we walk in the covenant on purpose with God in our lives, we walk in His presence.  We can have a door open to us for guidance, protection, and increase.  Covenant rights are a huge advantage to our lives.

Isaiah 40:3-5

The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.  Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked (places) shall be made straight, and the rough roads smooth; and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.

The promise from God through Isaiah, spoken roughly 2,756 years ago, is the plan for our salvation and the coming of Jesus. Our part is to pray, believe in the word in faith, and act upon it.  We are to cleanse our hearts and renew our minds and be the vessels of the word that God needs us to be.

Luke 21:10-11

Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and (deadly and devastating) pestilence (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.

Jesus tells us beforehand what the sign of the end times will be.  The Bible itself warns us that an end is coming and to expect it.  However, we are not to fear but prepare ourselves in the word to reach the unsaved and lost.  We are not to let our hearts shrink back but become bold in proclaiming the good news of the Lord.  

Galatians 6:1

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual (that is you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit) are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness (not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness), keeping watchful eye on yourself that you are not tempted as well.  

We should help each other and build each other up and keep each other from sin.  When we build up our relationships, we build up trust to speak into each other’s lives.  Conviction comes through standing on the Word for guidance and love for one another.  But, do be cautious and not be tempted to sin as well.

2 Corinthians 3:6

He has qualified us (making us sufficient) as ministers of a new covenant (of salvation through Christ), not of the letter (of a written code) but of the Spirit; for the letter (of the Law) kills (by revealing sin and demanding obedience), but the Spirit gives life.  The Holy Spirit will help us reach out to the lost as ministers of the new covenant.  When we rely on Him for guidance, He will give us the words to speak to make a connection.  Our heads may tell us that finding common ground to communicate with someone is impossible.   But the Spirit knows what to say and how to reach 

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are God’s fellow workers (His servants working together); you are God’s cultivated field (His garden, His vineyard), God’s building.

We have been created with a purpose and have meaning to God.  Our prayers and intercession for others mean something to God.  Our leadership at church and help with kids and teens means something to God.  We are God’s representative for good here on earth.  It takes a team, and we are on it.