binding up the brokenhearted.....

Isaiah 61:1:
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners

This time of year is full of celebration, memory-making, parties, shopping, family events, special decorations and music, opportunities to give, and lots of blessings.
Let’s enjoy it – remembering ‘the reason for the season’ always, and keep a grateful heart at all times.

Let’s also remember those in our midst who are NOT celebrating, partying, making memories, shopping, enjoying family and the decorations and music. Let’s remember those who are HURTING, and who may even feel as if the holidays rub salt in their wounds.

Ask The Lord to reveal to you those who are lonely, grieving, hurting either physically or emotionally, struggling financially or with other circumstances, losing their jobs and homes and stability, caught in a marriage falling apart, in a pit of depression or a stronghold, suffering broken hearts, feeling unsure about their future and in the grips of worry and even fear.

And then – reach out to those who are hurting this season. Instead of getting caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle, spend some time focusing on meeting the needs of others. A gift of food or money, lending a helping hand, asking how you can specifically pray for someone, giving useful gifts, extend hospitality to those who have nowhere else to go during the holidays, send a note of encouragement, acknowledge someone as you pass by…….there are zillions of ways to bless those who are hurting through these holidays. The Lord came to bind up the brokenhearted....and He often wants to use US in that process!

Let’s not forget the hurting! They are all around us.

a Word for us today.....

reasons for hope.......what are yours????

Reasons for the hope….

Always be prepared to share, that verse says. If ever there was a time to be ready to share the hope, it’s now.
Today I have been thinking about some of the reasons for the hope I have:

*He is MIGHTY TO SAVE. (Zeph. 3:17)
*He expressed His love for me in that while I was still a sinner, He died for me. He died for you, too. (Rom. 5:8)
*God will never change. I can fully trust Him because He will not act contrary to His character or Word. (Heb. 13:8)
*He always keeps His promises. ALL of them – some in principle and others specifically designed for us in our times. (Deut. 7:9)
*He is faithful to finish what He starts. Including in me. (Phil. 1:6)
*He will only allow what He knows I need and can handle with His help. (1 Cor. 10:13)
*My eternity is secure, so what have I to fear? (Deut. 31:8)
*He sets up kings and kingdoms, and also dethrones them as He sees fit. (Daniel)
*He is always sovereign. Always. SOVEREIGN. (the entire Bible!)
*He knows my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and yet He still loves me. (Jer. 17:9)
*His love for me never changes based on what I do or don’t do. (Ps. 107:31)
*He lifts me up – when I am weak, He is strong. (2 Cor. 12:10)
*I have the Holy Spirit in me. I can rely on Him, and not myself, because I am so unreliable on my own! (Luke 3:16)
*He can move mountains. (Matt. 17:20)
*No one can snatch me out of God’s hands. I am perfectly safe, always. (Heb. 13:5)
*It is for freedom that He set me free. My chains are gone! (Gal. 5:1)
*He is preparing a place for me. (John 14:3)
*All prophecy either has come true or will come true. (Rev. 22:7)
*God’s Word is alive in me. It pierces me just when I need it. (Heb. 4:12)
*God’s Word works. (the entire Bible!)
*With God on my side, who can be against me? (Rom. 8:31)
*Victory has already been won. (1 John 5:4)
*I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13)
*He gives and takes away, and either way, I can say ‘blessed be the name of the Lord’. (Job)

See what I mean?? I could go on and on and on, but these came to my mind as I sat here and brainstormed why I have the HOPE that I have. It’s been a good exercise – try it for yourself!! And, remember to always be prepared to give an answer to share the reason for the HOPE that you have. Don’t miss the opportunity………