1. Personal Bible Verses
I have enjoyed reading different posts on facebook from people praising the Lord, even with the challenges they faced in 2020. I like the idea of choosing a word or Bible verse to be your special verse during the New Year. My Memory came up on Facebook with my chosen verse from December 31, 2012. This verse was great 8 years ago, and it is still true today. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3) If you have a verse that is special to you or you have chosen a word to help you in 2021, I would love to read them and share some of them for my Daily Devotions.
2. Psalm 28:7
I recently shared a Bible verse that Michael had chosen to be his verse during the school year. He is recovering from heart surgery and chose a new verse of praise this week. I want to praise the Lord for His goodness and for the way He has helped us as we go through this storm. Michael is doing very well in rehab and I want to thank you again for all your prayers and encouragement. He told me he wanted a verse of praise and this one seems right for him, with his heart surgery. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psalm 28:7)
3. "There Is A Place By Me, And Thou Shalt Stand Upon A Rock"
Many times my verses of inspiration come from the portion of the Bible that I am reading from at that moment. This morning I was reading about Moses, on Mount Sinai, as God was giving him instructions for the tabernacle and the garments for Aaron, the priest. God told Moses to get down from the mountain because the people had made a molten calf to worship. So Moses and Joshua went down and when Moses saw the sin of the people he threw down the tablets of stone written by the finger of God. "And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?" (Exodus 32:21) Aaron... who had been left in charge. (Exodus 24:14) Aaron... his own brother who had held up his rod before Pharaoh. (Exodus 7) Aaron... who had seen God on the mountain. (Exodus 24:9-10) How could Aaron do this? About 3,000 men were killed because of this sin. Moses pleaded with God for the people. "And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written." (Exodus 32:31-32) He asked God to go with them. "And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:15) "And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." (Exodus 33:17-18) And now, we come to the verses that I want to carry with me through 2021. "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:" ((Exodus 33:21-22) I mentioned these verses briefly last week, and they have been on my mind. First of all, I am thankful that my Lord knows my name and I have found grace in His sight. And I don't want to go anywhere this year, that the Lord doesn't go with me. Next, when someone I have counted on lets me down, I want to go to the Lord and cry out as Moses did, "Show me thy glory." As the sinfulness of this world gets worse and I see the judgment of God on our country, and I am sinking in despair, let me hear my Savior say, "There is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock." And if in anger, I break His commandments, I want to go back up the mountain of God, and find mercy and grace, and forgiveness, and be sheltered in His hand. This is my prayer for the New Year. "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:" (Exodus 33:21-22) I want God to keep me in His hand, safe and secure.
4. Steadfast, by Melinda Sykes Greene
Steadfast: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering; standing firm, unwavering or loyal. As we enter a new year I want to be steadfast in my Christian walk, the way I am a helpmeet for my husband, in the way I mother our children, in the way we help with the youth group at church, in the way I am as church member, the way I am as friend, and the stand I take as an American. I know my attitude and actions need to line up with God’s word, they have been tested this past year. But I pray as we enter a new year I will not get my eyes on this world but on what the Lord has for me and my family. Stand firm, be steadfast as a Christian! Christ is the goal! Let’s pray as we enter 2021 that we will be willing to be steadfast as Christian.
1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the walk of the Lord; forasmuch as he know that your labor is not in vail in the Lord.”
5. Psalm 66:16, by Faye Micjan
Thank you for all you devotions, I read them and forward them to some of my friends. I'm thankful Michael is doing so well, I too went through open heart surgery 12 years ago, I have hypertrophy cardiomyopathy and had to have a portion of my heart removed, called a myectomy. I was born with this condition, and now at 77, I'm doing fairly well, and thankful I am saved and have always wanted to tell others about my salvation 54 years ago. Here is my verse that has always been my motivation.....Ps 66:16 "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul."
The lady that witness to me so many years ago was my neighbor Roberta, and just recently I had the opportunity to lead my neighbor to the Lord, her name you ask?? Roberta, now isn't that the most wonderful thing you have ever heard, and she is in her 80's. I witnessed to my brother for 9 years, and he and my sister-in-law both got saved, and he was called to preach and has been preaching since 1980. I'm so proud of him.
Keep the devotions coming in '21.
Love in our Saviour,
Faye Micjan
6. II Corinthians 12:9, by Linette Tripp
I was going to do a word, but today in my reading a thought came to me about things going on physically. Then 2 Corinthians 12:9 came to mind. I’m thankful the Lord is my help and strength. I can’t make it on my own.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Corinthians 12:9
7. Isaiah 26:3, by Olivia Baynes Ward
2020 ️There’s so much to say. Is it possible to be thankful and angry all at once? We had fun adventures and loads of smiles but many days seemed out of my control. It was as though everywhere I’ve looked someone new was hurting. In fact, the entire globe was hurting.
Some weeks were a battle. Anxiety, frustration, fear, season of little faith, separation from friends, family sickness, Sunday’s of no church, and the list of junk goes on.
It’s not been fair but I’ve never learned more about myself and God. If you had asked me a year ago, I would’ve told you my faith in God was strong. I would’ve told you anxiety and fear weren’t a problem for me. I would’ve told you my family members were healthy and 2020 would be a normal election year. My answers would’ve also been wrong.
Here’s what I’m learnING (with a long ways to go before it’s learnED):
•Hard days don’t have to be a ruined day.
•I can’t change the experience but I can control how the experience can change me.
•Only God is good at being God.
•It’s all ok, even when it feels like it’s not. Jesus sees and He gets it.
2021, I’m ready to see you. I want to soak in the presence of Jesus and be intentional about my relationship with Him. I want to watch Him catch my worries and cover where I lack. I want to quit pretending that I can control all aspects of life and 100% realize that I can’t.
Jesus isn’t surprised with my human, anxious mind. Instead he invites me to come to Him and rest. Jesus, I need you. Help me to trust you.
The verse that I have clinged to is Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." If I had to give it a word, I would say rest. Just knowing in the new year learning that there’s rest in His arms and He’s good at being God.
8. Hebrews 13:5, by Betty Metters Key
Today I want to wish Betty Metters Key a very Happy Birthday! This is Michael's mother, and after four weeks he is scheduled to go home from the hospital today, on her birthday. She told me that his going home would be the best birthday present. She has a verse that has been with her through the trials she has come through during the last few years.
"In my grief and sorrow, which diminishes from time to time, but never goes away, this verse is a help: "... I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5." (Betty Key)
For many years I also remember one of her favorite verses is Psalms 147:3, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." These are two very good verses to help us through any storms or trials we may face in the coming year. Happy Birthday Betty!
9. Romans 8:28
People often say that "Hindsight is 2020." Well, now that we are a week into 2021, I can fully say, I have no greater vision about the year 2020, than I had at this time last year. I don't know why things happened the way they did. When I think about times that someone said, "Hindsight is 2020", I think about those things that we could look back on and have made corrections that would have changed the outcome. But, with the year 2020, I know of no other things that I could have done differently that would have changed the outcome. I prayed, studied my Bible, and tried to follow God's leading through the year. I am usually a could have, would have, should have, kind of person, but looking back, I don't see any things I could have, or would have, or should have done differently. There is only one thing that I can say with certainty and that is found in Romans 8:28. Two people shared this as their verse for 2021. Iris Goins said, "I quote it everyday" and Angie Hilton Davis said that it is her favorite verse. We can't always see how or why things happen in our lives, but we can say with assurance, "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." And I want to go a little farther to verse 31, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
10. II Timothy 4:3-4, by Tim And Denise Allegri
I am so thankful for all the cards that were sent to Michael while he was in the hospital. We received a very lovely card from Tim and Denise Allegri from Missouri. They have been reading the Daily Devotions, and started their Christian website to help share God's Word. I sent them an email and told them if they wanted to share a verse for the year I would use it in these devotionals. Here is their verse and website information.
"Good morning, Beverly :)
We are so happy that Michael is doing well! You both are going through a tough trial and will no doubt come out better on the other side. Praise God, prayers have been (and are being) answered!
Thank you for the opportunity to include information about our new website along with a special verse for your Daily Devotion. It's difficult to select a single verse because they're all good! But in this case, we will use the verse that is one of the reasons we began VBS4ever ...
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
This verse points out that God knew people would begin to adhere to doctrine that is not sound. It is very important to understand which Bible is God’s Holy Word. There are so many modern “versions” of the Bible today, how do we know which one is God’s true Word? Many people don’t understand the implications of reading unsound doctrine but it is of great importance to God. Our Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan is a simple way to read the Bible each day and get closer to our Lord through His Word. Other information such as tips on Prayer, your Biblical Role as parent/grandparent/child and a complete explanation of Salvation is also available.
VBS4ever.com posts a unique daily inspirational message with Bible verse linked to Christian music, to start the day with praise and devotion to our Lord. You can sign up for the messages to be emailed to you each morning or we also post on Parler.com.
Beverly, your faithfulness and dedication to our Lord through your website is also a great inspiration for us personally. Thank you so much for your service. You and Michael are making a difference, all to the glory of God!
Love,
Tim and Denise Allegri"
11. Psalm 105:4, By Sally Hodges
Today I have another two verses to share from a dear friend. She started reading my devotions and we have been writing emails back and forth for two and a half years. We share stories about our gardens, our families, and our faith. We have mailed Christmas crafting supplies to each other, and I always enjoy hearing from her. Sally is from Missouri and even though we have never met, we seem to be like sisters, and we are sisters in Christ. It is amazing that God can bring two people together through His Word, and give them a strong bond through faith and prayer. Thank you Sally for your friendship!
"I actually have two I lean to.
This first is Psalm 105:4 “Seek the LORD and his strength: seek his face evermore.”
When Dennis was in St. Louis hospital for a month, this was my verse I went to. I needed his strength to stay strong as I entered Dennis’ room after they removed his vocal box, and then the days when we finally came home with a whole new set of trials and error with his new health condition. That was in April 2010, and I still use this often when something new that we haven’t gone through comes up. God continues daily to give me His strength.
My second is Isaiah 41:10 just a few words of this verse. “Fear thou not – for I am with thee...” This was the verse I went to when I learned I had cancer two years ago this month. The hospital where I had my surgery and the doctor’s office where I went to see if I would need chemo or radiation has a sign on one of the light poles and these words were on that sign and I saw it just before going in for my appointment. Thankfully, I did not need either. God is always faithful." Sally Hodges
12. Romans 5:8, Jack Austin
As Michael and I were listening to the Sunday worship service on facebook yesterday evening, we were talking about how we looked forward to being able to go back to church. Michael is doing great on his road to recovery and I pray that he will soon be well enough for us to worship with our friends at church. It was a joy to hear Jack Austin and the Miller Family sing. They are a blessing, not only because they are singing for the Lord, but also because we know that they are living for the Lord. Jack shared this thought with me for his verse for the New Year.
"Romans 5:8, I am thankful for God's love. He loved me when I was so unlovable and in my sins." Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Oh, what a life verse!
After the singing, Preacher Tripp used Mark 12:28-34 in his sermon and talked about how the man was "not far from the kingdom of God." You may know about Jesus and how He died on the cross. You may be "close" to the kingdom of God. But you must be born again to have everlasting life. Believe on Jesus as the only way to God and ask Him to forgive you of your sin and save you. Being "close" will not get you to heaven.
"28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question."
13. Abide, John Pilcher
When John Pilcher sent me his chosen word for the year I immediately thought of Zacchaeus. His word is, "Abide." Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed up in a tree. Jesus took notice of him and said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." (Luke 19:5) When I was around eight years old my grandfather M. P. Beasley was preaching from Luke 16 about the rich man and Lazarus. The Lord showed me I was lost in sin and I asked Jesus to forgive me and save me. Since that day Jesus has been my Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, abides with me. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" (John 14:16) 2020 brought many troubles and trials, but my Comforter was with me all the way. This is a good word for the New Year, because no matter what happens in 2021, He has promised to abide with us forever!
"1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully." (Luke 19:1-6)
14. Psalm 46:10, Marion Lauer Webster
Our verse today comes from Marion Lauer Webster, and it is one of my favorites as well.
" 'Be still, and know that I am God...' Psalm 46:10. The Lord had to remind me of this many times during 2020, and I'm sure He will be reminding me of it several times in 2021 as well."
If you look up the phrase "Know that I am God" this is the only time it is in the Bible. But, I just finished reading the book of Exodus and I noticed that over and over, God says they will "know that I am the Lord." The first time is in Exodus 6:7 and God tells the Children of Israel, "And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians." The second time, God says that the Egyptians would know. "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." (Exodus 7:5) God says that man will "know that I am the Lord" 77 times in the Old Testament. Many people today don't want to know God. But, His children can see His love as He brings them out from under their burdens of sin and the world, just as He said to the Israelites, and know that He is God. His children can also see His hand of judgment upon the earth, just as it was upon the heathen of old, and know that He is God. Let's look at the rest of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." God will be exalted in the earth and every knee shall bow to Him. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11) The world is loud today with all the commotion that is going on, but if we will get in a quiet place, alone with God, we can "know God!"
15. Psalm 121, Sherry Carter Stevens
It has been five weeks since Michael went in to have heart surgery. Those first two days were hard as I waited for positive news from the doctor. The next two weeks were long as I waited in the hospital room day after day. The following two weeks were encouraging as I waited with him each day in rehab. And the past week has been a learning experience as we worked together with him at home, as he continues in his healing process. I told him that every morning when I would wake up I would pray that the Lord would give me strength for that day... and He always did. Now, five weeks later, I am still looking to the Lord for my help and strength. My Mom's favorite verses are Psalm 121:1-2. Today I am sharing Psalm 121, as Sherry Carter Stevens' chosen Bible verses. I look back on the last five weeks and I know, beyond all doubt, that the Lord was my help. As we go forward into 2021, we don't know what problems we will face, but we can rest assured that our Lord is still in control, and our help comes from Him.
"1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (Psalm 121)
16. Psalm 71:16-18, Donna Thomas
"These are my "life verses" at this stage of my life... Psalm 71:16-18." Donna Thomas
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."
Psalm 71:16-18
I recently shared verse 18 as one Michael has chosen and posted in his classroom at school. These are great verses for this stage of my life, as well. I want to be the best grandmother I can be, and always be a Christian example to my grandchildren. God allowed me to be brought up in a Christian home where I was taught the love of God and for that I am eternally grateful. I tried to bring my own children "up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) and train them up in the way they should go. (Proverbs 22:6) Children today need love and guidance and we must give all diligence to show them the way of God, because the world is doing all it can to influence them in the wrong direction.
17. Hebrews 11, Becky Luther
Back during my early pre-teen and teenage years, Arthur F. Blackburn was my pastor. I learned and grew as a young Christian under his preaching. His daughter, Becky Luther, seemed to be able to open one of the old song books to any page, and beautifully sing those old hymns of praise, to our God. It seems so fitting that she would choose a chapter that pulls so much of the Old Testament together. "My favorite chapter is Hebrews 11, the Faith chapter." (Becky Luther) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) I would not want to live in this world today without faith in our Almighty God. We live in troubled times, but the examples listed for us in Hebrews 11 also lived in troubled times. Let's look at the first few...
Abel worshiped God... "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." (vs 4)
Enoch walked with God... "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." (vs 5)
Noah worked for God... "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (vs 7)
Abraham waited for God... "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (vs 8-10)
We begin in worship to God. We walk with God and we work for God. Now we are waiting for our Lord to come again. Hebrews 11 continues with such a "great cloud of witnesses" who had faith in God, and then we come to Hebrews 12. Let us be witnesses as we continue "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
18. Assurance, John 10:28-30, Marlena Shoe
Our word and verses today come from Marlena Shoe. She was in Michael's 8th grade class back in... well I won't say when. We have been going to church with Marlena and her family since her daughter Ashley was a baby. And Ashley has grown up and became a beautiful bride last year. We have been good friends for many years. Marlena works at the hospital and she sees Covid patients regularly. We need to pray for all the health care workers, like Marlena, who work to help people recover from this dreadful virus. The word that Marlena chose is "Assurance" and her verses are John 10:28-30. These wonderful verses encourage us and give us the assurance we need to keep going forward. We are safe and secure in the hands of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I and my Father are one." (John 10:28-30)
19. Isaiah 54:9, Jeannie Perry
I do not agree with all the aspects of Facebook, but I like being able to share my devotions with others, and I like this simple way of keeping in touch with friends and family. Jeannie Perry is one of my many cousins who I enjoyed playing with when we were children, and Facebook is a way for us to keep in touch. She says, "This has been my favorite for many years. Isaiah 54:9" "For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee." This is a verse that I didn't immediately recall, but when I read it I thought about the New Testament parable that Jesus told of the Prodigal Son. The son asked for his inheritance and went away and spent it all. "When he came to himself..." he decided to go back home, to his father. His father was happy that he came back home, and didn't treat him as a servant, as the young man thought, but had a time of rejoicing. Maybe you have strayed away from the Lord. Don't be afraid to turn back to God. He is waiting for you to come back to Him and He will rejoice over your return.
"17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." (Luke 15:17-24)
20. Job 23:10, Jennifer Hoosier Davidson
I have enjoyed reading how different ones have chosen different verses to go with them through this year. We are all saved by one way, and that is believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He alone can give us forgiveness and reconcile us to God. We are diverse, one from another, and God's Word can speak to us, who we are, and where we are, and at what stage of life we are in. I am thankful to God for sending His Son to die for me, and I am thankful for the Bible so I can know how to follow Him. This is the last verse I have to share, unless someone sends me another one today. Thank you to all who helped share God's Word and message this month.
Our verse today comes from another one of my cousins, Jennifer Hoosier Davidson. "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) The book of Job tells how he lost his oxen, sheep, camels, and all his children in the same day.
"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:20-21)
After that Job lost his health. With all that has happened in the last year many have lost their possessions, members of their family or friends, and even their health. It seems as though every one I know is suffering in some way. Times are hard, but I want to encourage you today. The Lord loves you and He knows all about the troubles you are facing. I hope these words of Job will help you, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Mrs. Linette Tripp sang "The Potter Knows The Clay" recently and I keep singing it as I work about the house. "It's gonna be okay, 'Cause the Potter knows the clay."
"The Potter Knows The Clay"
by The Perrys
I know you are going through the fire
It's getting hard to stand the heat
But even harder is the wondering
Is God’s hand still on me
It's lonely in the flame
When you’re counting days of pain
But the Potter knows the clay
How much pressure it can take
How many times around the wheel
‘Til there’s submission to His will
He’s planned a beautiful design
But it’ll take some fire and time
It's gonna be okay
‘Cause the Potter knows the clay
A Bible Verse Or Word
For The New Year
