Author: Kate Plourde Page 15 of 59

Psa 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

In this world filled with mind-boggling technology, people are lonelier than ever before. Science of People conducted a poll in 2019 which showed 58% of Americans found themselves lonely! How can this be? Social media is a platform to connect people, yet people find themselves lonelier!

I believe there are a couple of reasons for this:

Social media connects people online but does not connect people in person. I attend a Zoom Bible study and it’s wonderful. But it would be so much nicer to be with those people in person! People need actual people in their lives. No man is an island, so they say.
Secondly, people need the Lord. Everyone has a God-sized hole in their heart that can only be filled with a personal relationship with the Lord. I have seen people’s lives transformed once they were born-again and received the indwelling Holy Spirit residing with them every second of every day!

If you had a friend who was always there for you, right at your fingertips; a friend who would answer your plea and come running, you would not be lonely would you? Well, Reader, there IS someone who can be all these things. God wants to be your friend. He desires to have fellowship with you. When God created mankind, his initial intent was to have fellowship. We see this in Genesis when God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

However, when they willfully rebelled and disobeyed God’s warning, He broke that fellowship. (Genesis 3:3) But this account didn’t end there. God had a plan and that plan was to restore fellowship with mankind. God took the form of a man, Jesus Christ, come to earth, and die for the sins that separated God and man. One of the names for Jesus is Emmanuel, which is Hebrew for “God with us.” What a beautiful depiction of God! Christ rose from the dead and anyone who believes on the Son is freed from the bondage and punishment of sin. (John 3:16, John 3:3, John 3:7) That original fellowship was restored and now Christ dwells within us through His Holy Spirit. (John 14:17, John 15:26, John 16:13) Praise the Lord!

Anyone who is born again can have the joy of the Lord living inside him. This joy pushes loneliness away. If you’re not in the Word of God, you have no clear direction. But when you are in the Word, you can learn and glean from its blessings! No one could have been more lonely than David. He was chased by King Saul, and then by many more enemies! He found himself alone and discouraged.

Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

We see in the next verse that the results were astonishing! Loneliness and despair were replaced by singing and praise!

Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

The born-again believer has the power to overcome loneliness if only that believer will spend time in God’s Word and allow it’s healing balm to take root in his heart! David was given a new song to sing! Our praises and songs, in the midst of trials and fears, will lead others to see, fear and trust in the Lord! Wow! Our testimony as believers is what speaks volumes to the unsaved world. Our testimony is a light that points the lost to Christ. (Matthew 5:14) We show others how God comforts us in the midst of turbulent times.

But the unbeliever doesn’t have God to comfort him. It doesn’t have to be that way. One can be born-again if one chooses it. Salvation is a choice. If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Friendship

By Kate Plourde

On November 15, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Pro 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Relationships can be so complicated. In this post, I won’t be talking about relationships between a man and a woman. I’ll be covering friendships in general. Today’s verse packs a punch, doesn’t it? If your friends are not wise or even believers, how do you think they respond when you need help? The Apostle Paul gives us insight in this area.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Paul is speaking of close relationships here. Therefore, if your friend is a born-again Christian and solid in his faith, you will be able to turn to that friend for prayer, as well as counsel. However, if you have a long-time friend who is not saved, you will only get worldly advice.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Apostle Paul knew what he was talking about. After all, Paul was a Pharisee before he had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1-5. Can you imagine how his friends who were Pharisees felt when they learned of his conversion? No where do we see in Scriptures where Paul spoke of continuing his friendships without him correcting their religion.

Another reason to be equally yoked with someone who is saved and growing in the Lord is that you know that you can go to that friend and receive godly counsel, even if it hurts your feelings!

Pro 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

This not only applies to your friends, but to you as well! You should be solid enough in your faith to be able to provide biblical proof when you speak with another believer. I once worked with another believer and it was wonderful to be able to share God’s Word together. However, one day she was angry with the bank teller at the drive through and gave her a hand gesture that no believer should do. I began to distance myself after that. She came back to me asking why, and I gave her this verse:

Pro 22:24-25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: (25) Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Her pride prevented her from receiving the verse and our relationship was strained after that. There is a reason the Lord put verses in the Bible like this one. You are who you hang around with! Be wise in your selection of friends. Pray about the people that come into your life and let the Lord guide you, and He will reveal His will for you in this area.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Worrying

By Kate Plourde

On November 13, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

What is worry? By definition, Noah Webster has the best:

To tease; to trouble; to harass with importunity, or with care and anxiety. Persons are often worried with care and solicitude.

When one worries, one allows circumstances, whether present or future, to overpower one’s thinking. Mr. Webster hits the nail on the head when he uses the words “harass with importunity.” Worry presents itself as a pressing or urgent demand on one’s thinking. The Lord does not want His followers to worry. No! He wants us to rest in Him, find peace in Him, and allow Him to lead us.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

If you don’t take care of your frame of mind, your thinking, the devil will most certainly get into your thoughts and cause worry. If there’s any way the enemy can remove your thoughts from centering on the Lord your God, he will do it! The Apostle Peter gave us an encouraging verse in 1 Peter 5:7, but read the next verse!

1 Peter 5:7-8 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If the devil can sway you into thinking about things that are truly out of your control, he has succeeded in devouring your thoughts! He has succeeded in removing Christ from the center of your heart! Don’t let him succeed!

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

But how does one do that? Read the Word, listen to godly music, praise Him while you wait on His replies, praise Him in all things – good or bad! Paul’s words to the Philippians are spot on! He gives us clear directions:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If your thoughts are consumed with godly things, there will be no room for worry. If you feel worry setting in, think on these things! Praise the Lord in your storm of worry; thank Him for the things that are causing worry because it is through giving Him these worries that you learn to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Peace Through Troubled Times – Natural Disasters

By Kate Plourde

On November 10, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

(Psa 57:1-2) To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (2) I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Although David wrote this Psalm while he was hiding from King Saul, the sinking feeling of helplessness is the same as going through a natural disaster where you have no control over the results. Amen? I feel for people who live in tornado alley, in the path of a volcano, or where hurricanes frequent the most. Disastrous occasions seem to bring people to their knees. Sometimes that reaction is short-lived. When I think of 9/11, I remember churches being full because of the fear that entered America’s hearts. But it was indeed short-lived. It wasn’t long before America stopped frequenting the churches and went back to their everyday lives. Are you counted amongst those, Reader?

Psa 46:1-2 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

If you are amongst those who abandoned God after the possibility of being spiritually awakened, you may very well be telling God you are no longer interested in His appeals. How awful for anyone who has reached this point.

Isa 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

For those who listened to God’s call and became born-again believers, God has countless promises in His Word for you! Born-again believers have an advantage over those who are not Christians. God promises peace and comfort when we dive into the Bible. It can be found within its pages, Christian. I especially love Psalms because David poured his heart out to God and penned those words. Those who love God’s Word reap its benefit to this day!

I have been through a natural disaster back in July of 1983 when I lived with my sister’s family in Baton Rouge, LA. A flood occurred when the drainage could not keep up and about three feet of water covered many streets. We were rescued by boat and brought to a safe place. It was three days before we could return to the house we were staying in and what a mess it was. I praise the Lord for strength of body to clean up and for the Red Cross to help with items that were lost. It was quite traumatic for me because my husband was in school several hours away. Although I had my sister and her family with me, it wasn’t the same as having my husband. But God’s peace surrounded me, and I was not afraid because I knew He would take care of the details. This was not of my own doing but totally God-given.

Psa 119:49-50 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. (50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Dearest Reader, if you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster, turn to the One who can give you comfort during the darkest hours. Granted, the verse below is referencing to the Apostle Paul’s petitions to God to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” However, God’s grace is sufficient for us during a natural disaster. His strength is revealed in how you handle that storm of life. People are watching you whether you know it or not. When they see your peace instead of fear, they will wonder why! (Philippians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

If you are not truly born-again, you go through your trial alone. You do not have God by your side, helping you every step of the way. Reader, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Anxious

By Kate Plourde

On November 8, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Good morning, Reader! Today’s topic is the result of personal growth in my life. There was a time that I worried about everything. At salvation, that was the first thing the Lord took away from my life. It helped me to trust in Him early on and to develop dependence on Him and Him alone. But what if a believer has not been rid of this? The Apostle Paul gives us clear instruction in the verse above: prayer and thanksgiving. Is it any wonder why believers struggle with anxiety? Prayer must be a daily (if not more) occurrence, Reader. It teaches us to turn to the Father in everything. It teaches us to share our anxieties with Him and lay them at His feet to take care of for you. Prayer teaches us to submit to the Father’s will for our lives.

What things make you anxious? Do you have a rocky marriage? Do you struggle with the war in the Middle East? Is your income less than your purchases? So many things can lead a person to feel anxious and uncertain about the future. We will be seeing the repercussions of Satan’s efforts to rule this world more and more as the end of days approaches. The Rapture could happen at any time! But until it does, we will see the hearts of men grow colder and more wicked. Jesus teaches us in:

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Christian, we are currently seeing God’s chosen people brutalized in Israel. In fact, antisemitism has increased exponentially and is occurring in our own country. How very sad that Christians aren’t creating more of a stink and speaking up against it! Your silence is interpreted as agreement with those who hate the Jewish people. We cannot and should not be silent. As we speak up against the enemy’s hatred of the Jews, we can be sure to fall under persecution ourselves. But according to Jesus, we are to rejoice and leap for joy for our reward is great in Heaven!

If you’re anxious about circumstances in your life, I recommend you do the following:

Pray! Pray! Pray!

If you feel that anxiousness rise up in your spirit, pray again! Keep praying and keep telling the Lord that you can’t take it. He will not abandon you any more than you would abandon your own child if that child came to you for comfort, Christian! Jesus promises us:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace Through Troubled Times – Fretting

By Kate Plourde

On November 6, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Psalm 37:1-8 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. [3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. [4] Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. [5] Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. [6] And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. [7] Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. [8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Is it any wonder why people are more fearful these days? They look around and see chaos where there once was calmness. One only look at major cities and see the homeless population. Crime is up, jobs are down, and prices are escalating! All this doom and gloom can be overwhelming to some. So what exactly does one do when the cares of this world seem to take over one’s life? The Bible has all the answers, especially to believers!

The remedy for fear is clearly depicted in today’s Bible passage. There’s a clear outline and I laid it out for you in today’s graphic. The word “fret” starts off our “don’t do’s,” but what exactly does that word mean? I thought it meant not to worry, but not according to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.

To be agitated; to be in violent commotion; as the rancor that frets in the malignant breast.

To be vexed; to be chafed or irritated; to be angry; to utter peevish expressions. “He frets, he fumes, he stares, he stamps the ground.

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary

This definition is not what I expected at all. So God tells His child not to get agitated or have violent disturbances over seeing the sinner prosper. I can think of several circumstances of this type of agitation in my own circle of friends and acquaintances. How does God respond to this? In the very next verse, He tells us that their end will come and they will be cut down. No matter how bad life gets as a result of the evildoers, their time will come. People who give into their fears usually develop anxiety and mental illness. So is it any wonder that from 2007 to 2017, there was a 13% increase in mental health conditions? If you let it go far enough, it can literally disable you!

There has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade (to 2017). Mental health conditions now cause 1 in 5 years lived with disability.
World health organization

The next remedy is to “trust in the Lord”! Proverbs 3:5-6 is an excellent piece of advice from David’s own son, Solomon. There is nothing that happens that God has not already given the “go ahead.” He has allowed the circumstances in your life for a reason: (1) to grow you spiritually, or (2) to teach you a lesson. The conclusion to either one should be to trust Him.

We then come to a somewhat odd remedy and that is to delight oneself in the Lord. Noah Webster said: “Delight is a more permanent pleasure than joy, and not dependent on sudden excitement.” When one has the joy of the Lord in their hearts, one delights in Him. When we delight in Him, He will bless you with the desires of your heart. The desires He gives you will most certainly be according to His will for you.

Committing your way has more emphasis than trust. It means you have no doubt that God will handle whatever situation you have placed in His care. You have entrusted God because you know for a fact that He will provide the answer and fulfill your need according to His will. He is your Jehovah Jireh. (Genesis 22:14) Just as God provided a sacrifice to Abraham to replace Isaac, so will God provide you with what you will need for every situation when you commit your way to Him. Committing to God brings with it a sense of surety knowing without a doubt that God will handle it.

The next remedy is to “Rest in the LORD”! Oh Reader, have you rested in the Lord? Rest is to stop, to be quiet; free of any disturbances in your life. It’s a time of complete reconciliation with God. Jesus told us about this rest in Matthew 11:28. There is no rest for the unbeliever because he has a God-shaped hole in his heart that has been filled with the cares of this world. But to the believer, we can rest in the fact that God’s Word is never wrong! Amen?

Then we are given a gentle reminder not to fret. This ends the remedy. However, now begins the application. No remedy is able to perform its cure if it is never taken or applied. If you’re a believer, you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Peace Through Troubled Times – Job Loss

By Kate Plourde

On November 3, 2023

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If you are reading this and find yourself in the midst of living without a job, I pray this post encourages your heart! But do you know that God is with you, Christian? He has not abandoned you – He is with you through His Holy Spirit! He never leaves you nor will He forsake you in this time of hardship! (Hebrews 13:5)

I find it so personal when I read that one of God’s names is Emmanuel (or Immanuel in the King James Bible). The Hebrew word literally means:

עִמָּנוּאֵל
‛immânû’êl
im-maw-noo-ale’
From H5973 and H410 with suffix pronoun inserted; with us (is) God;

Christ’s title, Emmanuel, is most commonly used at Christmas time to describe His birth. However, the meaning “God with us” goes so much deeper. As I see the news of the unemployment lines getting longer, I can only imagine the distraught and discouraged minds! Worrying over bills and putting food on the table is something that hits everyone. But is it what Christians should be worrying over? Emmanuel is with us. In a previous post about El Roi, we learned that this is Hebrew for “God sees us.” Today, we learn that God is with us. Nothing gets passed Him, Reader. God put specific titles for His name so that we would learn about His character.

God knows your difficulties and He knows exactly what you need, even before you realize that you need it. He is working out the details in the background whether you see that or not. Isaiah 46:10 proves to us that He knows the beginning to the end. Therefore, He will not place you in a situation where it will cause you to sin. Absolutely not! You can trust Him to do the right things in your life! Today’s Scripture passage in Proverbs is so apropos!

As a believer, trust that God sees what you are going through and is present to help you to go through this trial of unemployment. He just asks that you trust Him and to acknowledge that you are not going to lean on your own personal understanding of the circumstances. Allow God to work… He won’t let you down. I think of David as he was struggling with Saul trying to kill him. He wrote many Psalms as he struggled with life and death situations. Spend time in Psalms and encourage your heart! Take a look at what David wrote when he was delivered out of the hands of his enemies and the hand of Saul:

2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Your trial is no less important to God than was David’s trials. The same God that delivered David will help you with finding work. One of my favorite verses depicting how much we mean to Him is:

Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Christian, be encouraged because your Father is there and He will help you. Trust in Him and allow Him to open or close doors; allow Him to work, and don’t jump the gun. He loves you (John 3:16); He sees you (El Roi); He is with you (Emmanuel). How more personal can it get? What a wonderfully compassionate God we serve!!!

If you are not truly born-again, you cannot experience the peace that God brings. There is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Sickness

By Kate Plourde

On November 1, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Gen 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

Everyone has either gone through, is going through, or will go through troubled times. This is especially true when it comes to sickness. One doesn’t really know how to deal with sickness until they themselves go through the battle. Oh how true!

Are you currently struggling with cancer or a life-long illness? It is difficult to look on the positive side of things when you’re right smack in the middle of it, isn’t it? For the Christian, however, you have a God who sees you! Hagar recognized this when she and Ishmael were cast out of their home by Sarah into the wilderness. No, she wasn’t sick, but I dare say she wanted to die because of the circumstances she found herself in. It is then that she said, “Thou God seest me.” We see from the rest of that account, that God blessed Hagar and Ishmael.

There is not one smidgen of detail that the Lord doesn’t see, dear Reader. He sees everything! He is there to provide comfort to you in your sickness. Don’t allow yourself to get to the point of being bitter toward God for allowing this trial in your life. Bitterness is an awful thing and can lead a person to say and do things who would not normally do in a right state of mind.

Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

God sees your disappointments. He knows your heart and realizes that you cannot do those things that everyone else gets to do! He knows your desire to accomplish tasks but cannot. He knows these restrictions because He allowed them in your life for a purpose!

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God has given you a purpose in life despite your circumstances. Yes!!! We all need a purpose so we feel needed. As the saying goes, “No man is an island”! Therefore, stop feeling sorry for yourself and start helping someone else. There is no better “mental cure” than to be a blessing to someone else. It takes our eyes off ourselves and onto others.

El Roi, God sees you; now go “see” someone else and help them with their trial!

If you are not truly born-again, trials will be overwhelming to you. Come to the cross and be saved! There, the God who sees you will welcome you! If you choose not to, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Table of Contents

By Kate Plourde

On October 30, 2023

In Devotionals

I’m writing this series because we as Christians should be able to glean from God’s Word so we don’t get discouraged or anxious as we see the end times unfold. I hope you are blessed by it!

Day 1 News & Events	Day 2 Sickness	Day 3 Job Loss
Day 4 Fretting	Day 5 Anxious	Day 6 Natural Disasters
Day 7Worrying	Day 8 Friendship	Day 9 Loneliness
Day 10 Jealousy	Day 11 Bad Habits	Day 12 Fear
Day 13 Scoffers	Day 14 Lovers of Pleasures	Day 15 Self Absorbed
Day 16 Boasters	Day 17 Unholy	Day 18 Blasphemers
Day 19 Disobedient	Day 20 Unthankful	Day 21 Proud
Day 22 Natural Affection	Day 23 Trucebreaker	Day 24 False Accusers
Day 25 Uncontrollable	Day 26 Fierce	Day 27 Hatred of Good

Peace Through Troubled Times – News & Events

By Kate Plourde

On October 30, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

What makes you anxious? What disrupts your world or turns it upside down? I have to admit that watching the news does this to me. I can actually feel the anxiety level rise within me like a thermometer! The only way I can stop this from happening is to remove the problem! I can hear some of you now saying, “You can’t hide your head in the sand”! And you would be right.

The only solution to this is to choose what news channel or website to follow. As most of us have come to realize, the news media broadcasts what it is told to broadcast. We no longer have objective news which state both points of view. So to keep ourselves sane and unafraid, we must saturate our lives with the Word of God. It is there you will find peace and encouragement.

The following verse was given to Joshua when God commissioned him to lead Israel after Moses. Can you imagine Joshua’s apprehension when this happened? Moses was a leader above leaders, but yet still a man. We know this because God did not allow Moses into the promised land because of his disobedience. Joshua lived through enslavement in Egypt, the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea and the 40-year wandering through the desert. But at that point, Moses was still God’s man – Joshua wasn’t ready to be the leader … yet.

Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Aren’t we Christians also commissioned? Jesus Christ said to “go ye therefore.” Everything we say and do impacts both the saved and the lost. It impacts them both because they are looking at our testimony. Our testimony should cause the lost to thirst after what we have: peace in the midst of the storms of life. Our testimony should encourage the saved to be faithful, strong and of good courage just as we are.

However, when the circumstances of life cause us to feel anxious and troubled, we must find the root cause. Some things we can take care of and remove them from our lives. While others cannot be removed. For example, watching the news about the war in Israel is unsettling and upsets me. However, it causes me to consistently have a heart of prayer. The fact that we are seeing end time prophecies fulfilled before our very eyes should be encouraging. But not everyone sees these headline news as encouraging. Some get absorbed with worry. The same God who told Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed is the same God of today. (Hebrews 13:8)

Are you dismayed and afraid, Reader? Tell the Lord about it and once He delivers you from that fear, glorify Him by telling others!

Psa 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

I once was a worry-wart and fretted over everything. Once I was born again, the Lord removed that burden from my shoulders. I was able to trust in Him and am able to tell you about it.

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Author: Kate Plourde Page 15 of 59

Peace Through Troubled Times – Loneliness

Peace Through Troubled Times – Friendship

Peace Through Troubled Times – Worrying

Peace Through Troubled Times – Natural Disasters

Peace Through Troubled Times – Anxious

Peace Through Troubled Times – Fretting

Peace Through Troubled Times – Job Loss

Peace Through Troubled Times – Sickness

Peace Through Troubled Times – Table of Contents

Peace Through Troubled Times – News & Events