Trust God In Your Suffering by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3 NIV).

 So when was the last time you rejoiced in your sufferings. I believe it is very difficult to rejoice in sufferings. I have a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer again. She is undergoing chemo. Every time she emails me about her treatments, she is rejoicing that God has helped her get through them. Her motto is “I trust you, Jesus”. Her last email stated a challenge to all of us to observe everything through a child’s eyes. She stated that we need to be amazed at the wonders of nature and His beauty that is all around us. It is important to count your blessings also. Isn’t that so wonderful? She is a fighter and is rejoicing on how the Lord is getting her through this tough time. This is a very excellent example of trusting God and rejoicing even when you are suffering. She has been such a great witness of the Lord during this whole treatment. I admire her faith so very much.

Life comes with suffering in one form or another to all of us. It is how we handle it that builds our character. How do you handle it? Do you turn to God when you are suffering? Do you persevere through it with the Lord’s help?

I have learned that God never fails me when I call upon Him for help. He is there for you too. My friend is experiencing the kind of peace that only God can give.  He will give you the peace you need to if you call upon Him.

“The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12 NIV). Next time you are suffering, call on the name of the Lord. He will comfort you and give you peace. Then remember to trust in Jesus no matter what.

Dear Lord,

Help me to rejoice in my suffering knowing that you will be there and give me the peace I need in the middle of my struggles. You have never failed me. Now help me to help those who are suffering also. Help me to never stop trusting in you.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Be Careful What You Say by Ann Elaine Broughton

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3 NIV).

    Words are very powerful. They can tear a heart into pieces and ruin lives when used carelessly. Have you been a victim of words that hurt?   Have you spoken words you wished you could take back? I am sure that none of us are perfect in this area. But as Christians it is essential to try to measure what we say wisely. Think before you speak. Is what you are about to say beneficial? Is it positive? Does it make someone feel better? Is it true? 

    We need to remember how Jesus responded to those around Him.

He never quarreled. He stated the facts calmly, even before those who sought to crucify Him. He showed patience when his own disciples didn’t understand His purpose and what He would have to suffer. He even spoke calmly to the Pharisees who were constantly trying to corner Him to catch Him doing wrong. You see Jesus showed all of us how we are to behave, and since now He is in us, we too can act and talk like Him.  Too often we don’t really consider that we have Christ in us and with that, we have at our fingertips, His ability to change lives through words spoken wisely. But, it takes self control and a willingness to daily be in communication with the Lord. Prayer is what can help us be better speakers of the truth of Christ. The Holy Spirit can help us choose words that uplift other people’s spirits instead of putting them down.

    There are people around you who need to hear words of wisdom. They need to be encouraged to do the right thing. They need to know that they are chosen by God to do wonderful works for Him. You are the one who needs to reach out and share uplifting words to those around you.

   This week, pray before you speak, think before you speak, and try to speak only words that are beneficial to those around you. Words spoken wisely and in love are precious in deed.

Dear Lord,

 Help me to choose my words wisely. Help me to be a good example of you by what I say and do. Help me to build other people up and not tear anyone down with my words. Let me always remember that words can change lives forever.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Do Good For Others by Ann Elaine Broughton

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

God has prepared good works for you to do in advance. Are you doing them? It is something to ponder. As a recipient of good works I can say that it is such a blessing. There have been times when we had little money because my husband was out of work. My Christian friends helped us out by providing us with food and money for our bills. That is what is so wonderful about being a member of a loving congregation. One time when we didn’t have any food we found steaks in our mailbox from dear Christian friends. The church helped us pay our gas bills. These people knew how to do good for others. We appreciated it so much and have since been able to help others who are in desperate need of funds or food. We are called as Christians to do good for others.

Jesus spoke about doing good for others. He said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). You see when you do good for others, it is a wonderful witness for the Lord. As Christians it is essential that you do something for someone else. You will be blessed if you do. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

This week make an effort to help someone in some way who really needs encouragement. It might mean sharing some of your food with them or helping them pay a bill. It might mean just praying with them. Ask God to guide you to someone and believe me He will. It is wonderful to do good for the Lord. As someone who has been on the receiving end, I praise God for all those wonderful people who gave.

Dear Lord,
I know there is someone who needs me to help them in some way. Please guide me to them and help me to encourage them in whatever manner you have chosen for me. Help me not to be so busy that I don’t have time to reach out to someone in need.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

You Are Precious to God by Ann Elaine Broughton

“I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10 NIV).

Have you ever lost anything? It seems the older I get the more forgetful I am. I forget where I put things all the time. When I finally find it I am so very happy. Lately, I lost a pocket watch that my husband had bought me. I knew I put it somewhere for safekeeping, but couldn’t remember where. I had looked everywhere around the house and was in a panic. One morning my husband was looking for a light bulb and found the pocket watch tucked in the light bulb box. I rejoiced when I saw it because I was so afraid I had lost it. He had looked a whole year for this antique watch for me and it was precious to me. Needless to say, I decided to put it in a more logical place.
Just as I rejoiced when I found what I thought was lost, so does God rejoice when a sinner repents.

Jesus spoke in parables and the above verse is at the end of a parable about a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She lights a lamp and looks through the house carefully. When she finds it, she tells her friends and neighbors and they rejoice with her. Jesus proceeds to say that this is the same way that the angels rejoice when a sinner repents.

Jesus wanted to let the people know through these stories that each person is precious to the Lord. That what they do is acknowledged in Heaven. There are several other stories that He told such as the lost sheep and the prodigal son.

The prodigal son used up all of his inheritance on wild living and partying, but when he came home feeling dejected, his father wrapped his arms around him and said, “This brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32 NIV). You see God loves everyone and is waiting with arms open wide for those who repent and accept Him as their Savior. All of Heaven rejoices. Isn’t that fantastic? Do you know someone who needs to hear this good news? Do you know someone who is living a lifestyle that isn’t pleasing to God. It is time to tell them about Jesus and His love for them.

Dear Lord,
Help me to be a witness for you. I am so very thankful for those who showed me God’s wonderful love. Help me to show your love to others.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen