Scriptures to Read During Tough Times

There will always be times when we don’t quite feel as if we can continue to move forward in the things of God. God knew we would have these times. He is prepared for these times in our lives. If we continue to turn to Him in these times, He will provide the antidote. For example:

When you don’t feel strong enough to go on, read Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

When you don’t feel brave enough to go on, read Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When you feel as if you’ve messed up too much to have any hope of going on, read 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!”

When you can’t figure things out, read Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; {6} In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When you feel as if you are too tired to go on, read Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When you think it’s impossible, read Luke 18:27: “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

When you think nobody loves you, read John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

When you can’t forgive yourself, read Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

When you feel as if it’s not worth it, read Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When you don’t feel as if you are smart enough, read 1 Corinthians 1:30: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

When you don’t feel able, read 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When you just can’t go on, read 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

When you feel as if you can’t go on, read Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

When you just can’t manage any longer, read Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

When you are afraid, read 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

When feel all alone, read Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Prophet, Priest, and King, Part II

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Hebrews 1:1-3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 146:5-6 “The person who knows that the God of Jacob will help him is a happy person! If he trusts in the Lord as his God, he is happy. The Lord made the skies, the earth, and the sea. He also made everything that is in them. He always does what he has promised to do.” (EEB)

Hebrews 1—Verse 2—Jesus as Prophet

                    Verse 3—Jesus as Priest

                    Verse 3—Jesus as King

Jesus Christ (Messiah)—Anointed One

          Jesus’ anointing—Matthew 3:16-17

Old Testament Priests were “mediators” between men and God.

Priests—Hebrews 5:1-3

Before they could offer a sacrifice on behalf of others, they had to offer a sacrifice for their own sin.

Jesus came to be the “perfect sacrifice” and the “once and for all sacrifice.”

John 1:29; Hebrews 7:26-27

As our High Priest, not only does Jesus mediate for us with God, but He has reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18), He continually makes intercession on our behalf (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) and is our Advocate when we sin (1 John 2:1-2).

Hebrews 4:14-16–Great News about our High Priest.

Prophet, Priest, and King

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Text: Hebrews 1:1-3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:8 “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (NLT)

Hebrews 1:2—Jesus as Prophet

Hebrews 1:3—Jesus as Priest

Hebrews 1:3—Jesus as King

          Matthew 1:16 “Jesus, who is called Christ.”

          Christ—Messiah; Anointed One

Anointed Ones in the Old Testament:

Prophets—Elijah & Elisha—1 Kings 19:16

Priests—Aaron & Sons—Leviticus 8

Kings—Saul—1 Samuel 10; David—1 Samuel 16

Jesus as Prophet—

A call to repent—

Taught with authority—

          Luke 5:32; Mark 1:14-15; John 7:45-46

Where did Jesus’ authority come from?

          John 1:1-2, 14

How does Jesus function as a Prophet today?

          He speaks to us out of the Word.      

Hebrews 4:12

          Living & Powerful—

          Soul and spirit, joints, and marrow–

When You Pray

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Daniel 9:20-23a; Daniel 10:11-14

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (NIV)

Daniel 9:20-23a

          V23— “As soon as you began to pray….”

          V23b— “You are highly esteemed.”

Daniel 10:11-14

          V11- An angel shows up.

          V12— “Since the first day.”

          V13—Daniel’s prayer started a war in the heavenlies.

Four possible answers to our prayers.

#1—Yes!

#2—No.

#3—Wait.

#4—How about this?

Conclusion:

Hebrews 11:32-33

“obtained promises.”

Hebrews 11:39-40

God had something better in store.

Third Quarter Bible Reading Guide

The second quarter Bible reading guide we’ve been using at Troy Mills Christian Church is set to expire at the end of this week. We publish our guides quarterly so the next set of readings go from Monday, July 13 through Sunday, October 18. Even if you haven’t read your Bible all year, jump right in. There is no better day to start than today!

Maybe you’d like copies of the first two quarters – I’ll add them below.

The promises of God, the stories about God moving in people’s lives, the parables Jesus told – each special aspect of Scripture is designed to show you who God is, how much He loves each of us, and what His plan is for your life. Take a few minutes to read God’s Word – and let me know if you have questions or concerns. God’s Word is meant to be life-giving, not confusing!