In the last couple of devotionals I highlighted that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” (John 14:16, ESV) In Greek, the word is Parakletos. It’s a word that is also translated as Counselor, Advocate and Comforter. … Continue reading Our Comforter and Advocate
comfort
Comfortis
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). As far as I can tell, … Continue reading Comfortis
A consolation AND a demand
There is a lot in the Christian faith that is comforting and consoling, things like the promise of forgiveness, love and eternal life, and like the power and presence of God in your daily life. But we also need to hike up our britches and remember that our faith isn’t just about receiving, but giving. … Continue reading A consolation AND a demand
The comfort of God’s sovereignty
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…” (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV) Harold Kim tells a story about his friend Daniel who had to bury his wife, Maria, due … Continue reading The comfort of God’s sovereignty
When comfort is the enemy
I really don’t like what I’m about to say: Comfort is the enemy of discipleship. The problem is that I like comfort. I also like being a disciple of Jesus. But why are those two things supposedly in conflict? Comfort is about maximizing convenience, and minimizing inconveniences which take us out of our comfort zones. … Continue reading When comfort is the enemy
The only comfort in life and death
Yesterday I highlighted Acts 2:38 where Peter preached to a huge crowed in Jerusalem and told them this: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Yesterday I talked about repentance. Today I’d … Continue reading The only comfort in life and death
Is easier always better?
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort and quick-and-easy. But when it comes to faith, does God always make your life better by making it easier?
One heartbeat away
No matter how you spin it, we're all one heartbeat away from meeting our Maker...
When better isn’t easier
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort, and things being quick and easy. 100 years it would have been virtually inconceivable to drive up to a restaurant window, order your meal, and get it back almost instantaneously. Today, fast food drive-thrus are incredibly common. 10 years ago it would have been virtually inconceivable to pick up a … Continue reading When better isn’t easier
Looking at him like that offended too many people
Isaiah 53:2 “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him...” (NIV) Today's Thought When pastor Fred Craddock was in Oklahoma he saw a painting of Jesus. He was asked to look at it for his opinion. But it wasn’t the kind you’d expect to see. The colours were dark, including purples and blacks … Continue reading Looking at him like that offended too many people
