by Ken Turner | Jul 10, 2021 | High Impact Living
10 Bible Verses To Bring Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You arewith me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.
Psalm 91:11
For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:4
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Thought For Today
Nothing has changed my life like the Word of God. The scriptures are a powerful source of comfort in difficult times, but I’ve noticed something about my relationship with God. If I turn to the scriptures as the source of truth for everything, His Word becomes deeply comforting when I need comfort.
If I neglect the scriptures and only read the word when I “need something” it takes longer to get my mind and heart in the right place to process all that God has to offer. Make your relationship with the Word a regular part of your life. Learn to enjoy Him daily.
Ken Turner
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by Ken Turner | Jul 9, 2021 | High Impact Living
Spiritual discipline gives us a railway to run on. Having a spiritual growth plan creates intentionality and a sense of purpose. If you are struggling in areas of spiritual growth, I encourage you to take time and study each of the spiritual disciplines and begin to incorporate each one into your walk with God.
MEDITATION
Psalm 1:2, But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:8-9
FASTING
But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart. Psalm 35:13
So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29
STUDY
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
SIMPLICITY
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 2 Cor. 1:12
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt. 6:33
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND MONEY
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.. 2 Cor. 9:7
SOLITUDE/SELF EXAMINATION
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matt 6:6
However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:15-16
SUBMISSION
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb 13:17
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
SERVICE
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:9-11
EVANGELISM
And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matt. 28:19-20
Ken Turner
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by Ken Turner | Jul 8, 2021 | High Impact Living
Are you in the practice of “gleaning?” Have you ever thought about the meaning of this question?
In Leviticus 19:10, the Jewish people were instructed not to glean their vineyards but to leave some for the poor and strangers. To glean was to “take everything” in the vineyard and leave no extra. God wanted them to leave the extras. They were also instructed to leave stalks of corn in the corners of the field for the poor, the widows and fatherless. So, here’s the principle. Look around at all the ways God is blessing you and providing for you. Start being aware of all the extra things God has allowed you to accumulate. Rather than hoard the extras, look for those in need around you and allow them to glean from the extra blessings God has given you. We often accumulate more than we need. Consider generously and strategically blessing others. Trust me; God will refill your supply the more you give.
And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:10
Don’t think your generosity is a waste of resources. God says when you share your extra resources, even with a stranger, He will bless the work of your hands with more abundance. God mentions sharing your “olives and grapes” not just bread and water with those in need. He wants you to realize how much a little generosity, even of finer things, gives hope to those in need. Don’t think you always have to know all the details about how your giving is used for it to count. He specifically says that sometimes you leave something for a stranger and trust Him to bless you abundantly.
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.
When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Deuteronomy 24:19-21
Have you ever been in a difficult place, low on resources, and not sure where to turn for help? Ruth was there. Yet, God directed her to the field of a man named Boaz. Not only did he allow her to glean in his field, but he also went further than that. He was kind, he was inclusive, told her she didn’t need to go elsewhere, was committed, instructed his other servants to be kind to her, and he addressed all her needs in a spirit of compassion. When God speaks to you and directs you to be giving toward others, don’t give and look down on the person in need, but give and lift up that person.
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. Ruth 2:8
When choosing to give, it’s important to do it from a heart of generosity, not grudgingly, but with a spirit of joy. When you are helping someone you know, the best investment you can make is to equip them to be industrious. There’s a difference between “empowering and enabling.” You empower someone when you give them help coupled with encouragement, advice, and support in their own journey to bounce back. Boaz allowed Ruth to glean in his field and among his sheaves. He encouraged her to keep gleaning. She had to get up and glean, and every time she did, she experienced progress.
And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Ruth 2:15
Generosity can be and should be, an act of worship. It may seem that acts of giving are to bless others and to change lives, but there is more to it than that. I think God wants us to be generous because He knows how much it will change OUR own life. As a matter of fact, as we listen to God and respond in faith-filled giving, from a heart of worship to God, our heart will be transformed. Pray and ask God how you can become more generous and take action in the next few days to see how God works.
And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. I John 3:17-18
Ken Turner
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by Ken Turner | Jul 7, 2021 | High Impact Living
1. Life is full of daily choices. Choose to lean into the voice of God and walk away from the temptations of the flesh.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
2. Follow the example of Jesus in choosing to do your Father’s will and not live according to your own plans.
He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:35-36
3. Throughout scripture, there are warnings of pride and humility. Forsake pride, embrace humility… this is the key to God’s blessings.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
4. Don’t just guard your heart, give your heart to God and choose to regularly seek HIs ways through the reading and study of His word.
My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26
5. Glorify God, not only in spirit and words but also in how you use your body. Don’t let your physical body be in charge. Glorify Him with your mind, eyes, ears, lips, heart, hands, and feet.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ken Turner
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by Ken Turner | Jul 6, 2021 | High Impact Living
Remember these 5 critical decisions and move ahead with clarity and purpose in your life with Christ.
If you have been walking with God for a long time, you are not immune to the tempation to give up. What if you are in a crisis of life where your questions seem bigger than the answers. Don’t give up! This is not new, you are not the first Christ follower who has felt this way. Remember these 5 critical decisions and move ahead with clarity and purpose in your life with Christ.
The Decision To Endure In The Midst of Suffering
It’s not the person who suffers that is blessed; it’s the person who endures. Not all suffering is miserable — many times suffering leads to an unexpected reward.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12
The Decision To Never Abandon the Faith
Throughout the Christian walk, as in all other areas of life, we make critical decisions. It’s dangerous to be “unaware” of the strategy of the enemy to try to pull us away from God. Where are you today in your spiritual walk? How deep is your love and commitment to Christ? Was there a time you were closer to Him than you are right now? What changed? Have you experienced the world pulling at you to put your faith aside? All believers experience moments when the enemy tries his hardest to get us to abandon our faith. Read carefully 2 John 2:7-9 and renew your commitment to Christ! It is worth it.
For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:7-9
The Decision To Not Give Up On The Bible
Have you ever struggled to understand the Bible? I mean, you know it’s God’s word and you know that the scripture is much more valuable than just any other writing, but you struggle with it. Sound familiar? Do you feel guilty about it? Don’t. So many Christians who lived way before you and I have struggled too. Satan also knows that it can be a struggle so the world embraces a cynicism toward the Bible. That devaluation of scripture can eventually influence even the most sincere Christian to give up on their own spiritual growth by reading and understanding God’s word. Let me encourage you today to get back on track! Start reading the Bible again, study it, get into a Bible study with a friend and commit to the decision to grow.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:17-18
The Decision to Continue In Your Commitment
If you live a Godly life you will experience some suffering. But wait, didn’t Jesus say He would give what He called “the blessed life” to those who choose to follow Him? Yes, He said that and He doesn’t break His promises. But the world we live in can be a wicked place, filled with wicked people and because of this wicked world, there will be sin and suffering.
But here’s some really good news. Notice in the verses in 2 Timothy 3, how those who choose evil will continue to experience a life that gets worse and worse. Those who choose to continue in their commitment to Christ and follow the teachings they have learned of Him from childhood will continue to grow wiser, more faith-filled, more complete, more mature, and more equipped for life.
So, there may be some trials along the way, but the commitment to continue with God, growing and learning His word and His ways, will lead to a life that is better and better.
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. – 2 Timothy 3:13
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, – 2 Timothy 3:14
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:15
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:17
The Decision To Deal With Your Blind Spots
Do you know anyone who has “blind spots?” I’ll bet you do! Before you let your mind start thinking about all the examples of people you know who do things that you think are weird, annoying or immature, think about this. You and I have both strengths and weaknesses. Our life journey with Christ is an ongoing process of maturity. Today’s scripture reminds us of this powerful truth. Count it all joy when trials come because these hardships will produce maturity, strengthen our weaknesses, reveal our blind spots, and help us to be more complete and more mature in our spiritual walk.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, – James 1:2
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. – James 1:3
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:4
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5
Ken Turner
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