'Comfort' Tagged Posts
Daily Devotions
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” vss. 14-15 John 10:11-15 Even though most of us know very little about shepherds and even less about sheep, there’s something about the image of Jesus as the good shepherd that resonates in our hearts and minds. Put simply, we love thinking of Jesus as our…
Daily Devotions
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, andcry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she hasreceived from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” vss. 1-2 Isaiah 40:1-8 There are times when we want to throw up our hands in despair and cry out,“Enough, O God, I’ve had enough, and I’m tired of being treated like refuse in thisbroken world.” Those moments don’t come to everyone…
Daily Devotions
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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.” vss. 28-29 Matthew 11:25-30 Let’s face it! There are times when life is not easy! We all know the symptoms and the feelings! Our bodies fail, cracks appear in foundational relationships, dread diseases stalk us, employment…
Daily Devotions
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” vss. 6-7 1 Peter 5:6-11 One of the frustrating things about the myriad of problems facing humanity is that there is little that any of us can do to fix anything. In general, all the ugly things plaguing the world are systemic issues, and it’s demonically difficult to change systems. And…
Daily Devotions
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” vss. 1-2 John 14:1-7 According to John, before his death Jesus prepared his disciples for his leaving by assuring them that he was just going away to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. His words,…
Daily Devotions
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.” vss. 7-8 Matthew 17:5-9 The disciples had been blown away. It had been a spectacular vision, with both visual and aural elements, and it terrified them. But when it was over Jesus was there, not to explain the vision, but to give them comfort. And that’s what they needed, not an explanation, just…
Daily Devotions
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” vs. 1 Psalm 27:1, 4-5 The psalmist was in one of those periods in his life when the Lord seemed very near and he had supreme confidence in the direction of his days. He knew that all was right in his world and that he had nothing to fear. The Lord was the stronghold…
Daily Devotions
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” vs. 8 Psalm 121 If we were to list our psalms of comfort, this one would probably rank near the top. This psalmist understood God, and he was able to provide a metaphor that describes the ever-vigilant nature of God better than any other. He writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from…
Daily Devotions
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” vs. 27 John 14:25-27 World peace has proven to be elusive. There’s a dismal rhythm in human history–devastating wars are fought, peace conferences are held, participants are hopeful, some years pass… and then we’re ready to fight again! Tens of millions of casualties in one…
Daily Devotions
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13:31-35 When it comes to metaphors we love to talk and sing of God as being like an eagle, one who lifts us up out of danger with strong wings and amazing strength. But that’s not the metaphor Jesus…
Daily Devotions
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” vs. 19 1 Corinthians 15:15-20 Some of us grew up believing that the whole point of having faith in Jesus was to insure that we would have eternal life when we die. There was great joy when, on their deathbeds, people would accept Jesus as their personal savior and receive the assurance of new life with him in heaven. When such…
Daily Devotions
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” vs. 14 Psalm 19:7-14 These words from our psalmist will resonate with any faithful preacher called to proclaim the gospel to any gathered assembly, whether on Zoom or in person. The psalmist had listened to the words of creation and studied the Law with conviction, and he knew that what he had learned would have great value…
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