The Lord's Compassion by Ann Elaine Broughton

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8 NIV).

Elijah, (1 Kings 18 and 19) was a prophet who learned firsthand about God's compassion. You see Elijah had a melt down. He was scared, even though God showed his mighty power in front of everyone by sending fire down and consuming a sacrifice. But you see, even a prophet of God can have a moment of panic. After God showed his mighty power, Elijah had all the prophets of Baal, an idol, killed. A very nasty queen named Jezebel sent a message to Elijah that she would have him killed just like he killed her prophets. You might say that this was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Elijah. He was scared and he ran for his life. He went into the desert and collapsed. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV).

Now God could have been angry at this wayward behavior of his chosen prophet, but here is where we can be encouraged. Instead of being angry with Elijah, he showed him mercy and kindness. God sent an angel to Elijah to give him food and nourishment because God still had a job for Elijah. He also knew that Elijah needed help and comfort.

There are times in all of our lives when we feel like Elijah....wanting to give up because our problems seem insurmountable. We can take heart from this story of Elijah that God knows what we are going through and will give us the strength to keep on doing His will if we ask Him. He isn't angry with us, but is filled with compassion because He loves us.
So when you want to run away like Elijah, remember that God is with you. Tell Him what is bothering you and then trust Him to have compassion and feed your soul with peace. It will come, that I promise. God's love never fails.

Dear Lord,
Help us when we feel like the world is crashing in on us. Let us feel your compassion and know that you can give us the strength we need to follow your will for our lives. When we feel like giving up, fill us with courage that only you can give. Thank you for hearing our prayers and giving us your peace.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

God Is With You by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5 NIV).

The Israelites wandered through the desert for forty years because they didn’t trust God and go into the Promised Land. But in spite of their lack of faith, God did show kindness to them and provided them with food on their journey. He also made sure their clothes and shoes didn’t wear out. It is comforting to know that the Lord loved them and took care of them when they were in a land full of dangers. “There you saw how the Lord carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place” (Deut. 1:31 NIV). At the end of the journey Moses told them to love the Lord because of what He did for them.
Do you feel like you are wandering through a desert? Are you facing hardship of any kind? Are you worried and concerned about your job, family, or health? I believe that all of us, sometime or another, feel as if we are wandering alone in a very stark lonely place. When troubles come, temptations swamp you, or your health declines it does feel like you are all alone. It is during these times when you need to realize that God is still with you. Picturing God carrying you, as a father carries his son, can help you during the times of trouble. He is with you as you walk through your wilderness and loves you very much. When you feel like you can't go any further God will give you strength to carry on. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). Don’t be afraid for the Lord is always with you. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 9 NIV). Rest assured that the Lord knows what you are going through and will carry you in His arms if you ask Him for help.
Dear Lord,
There are times when I feel like I’m wandering alone in a wilderness filled with many problems. Help me to be brave and believe that you can carry me through it. Help me to trust you and believe that I can carry on with your strength. Thank you for hearing my prayer and giving me peace in the midst of chaos.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Encourage One Another by Ann Elaine Broughton

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (I Thes. 5:11 NIV).

The Thessalonian church was a great example of how Christians treat each other with respect and love. Paul wrote to them that he was thankful to God for them. (1Thes. 1:2) Their faith was known everywhere. Paul's prayer for them was that their love would increase for each other and that they encourage one another.
As Christians we to are to encourage one another. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). We need to be constantly thinking and be aware about what we are saying so that we can be an example of Christ to others. Are the words you speak to others uplifting? Have you stopped to think lately if your conversation has left someone feeling encouraged or discouraged? Words can be very powerful. Take a moment and remember how good you felt after having a visit with someone who was positive. That is the way you need to talk to others. Be an encourager and you will see that someone will encourage you when you are in need of it. The Lord needs you to use encouraging words of faith to fulfill His purpose on this earth. Measure your words wisely and be a blessing to others.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes it is very easy to join in conversations that aren't a reflection of Christ's love in us. Please forgive us and help us to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us the words that can help others to be refreshed in their spirit. Help us to encourage others and give us wisdom to know what to say to those who need to be uplifted.
In Jesus' name,
Amen

Serve With Zeal by Ann Elaine Broughton

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:11-12 NIV).

The word zeal is defined as intense enthusiasm, as in working for a cause; ardent endeavor or devotion; ardor; fervor. It is with this zeal that you are to keep serving the Lord by praying, reading the Bible, and being the Lord’s ambassador on this earth. I believe it is very difficult sometimes to keep the zeal Paul talks about here. Life can hit you hard at times with problems of some sort, and it is very easy to lose your zeal as well as your hope. There are times when it might feel as if you can't seem to even smile because of all the difficulties you face.
Paul encourages us with these words, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way:………being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father” (Col. 1:10,11 NIV). I am reminded of Paul and Silas and their praying and singing when they were put in jail. Acts 16:25 They could have decided to sit in the corner and mourn their situation, but instead, they used this very dreary experience to witness by praying out loud and singing songs to the Lord. An earthquake occurred and Paul and Silas' prison doors were opened. Instead of running away though they stayed and witnessed to the jailer. They are an example of the way a person can overcome impossible situations and be patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
When you feel overwhelmed to the point of giving up, think back on all the ways the Lord has blessed you and take hope in the fact that the Lord is just a prayer away. He will help you to find peace in this situation. Just remember to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the hope that is given through your word by the examples of Paul and Silas and other disciples. We know that you will give us the strength and courage to handle any difficult circumstance.
In Jesus' name,
Amen