The Eternal has comforted his people. He has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations so all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:9–10 On a hill far away, on an old, rugged cross, you comforted me, O God. Contrary to expectations, you rolled … Continue reading
When the Comforter comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:8–11 When we … Continue reading
Blessed be the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our adversity, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any adversity with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 God is worthy of our praise because he works for our perseverance by … Continue reading
Remember the promise to your servant, in which you made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has preserved me. … I have remembered your rules of old, O Eternal, and they comfort me. Psalm 119:49–52 No matter what anyone says, or how painful the accusation, or untrue the charge, … Continue reading
During the Advent season we celebrate Christ’s birth 2000 years ago, and we celebrate, in anticipation, his return to reign as God’s anointed king. So we pray that our Father in heaven will consummate the establishment of his kingdom, in which everyone in the kingdom will exhibit righteousness and love. This new Advent song will … Continue reading
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. … “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God. Luke 2:9 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with … Continue reading
The glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them: “Fear not! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is … Continue reading
This Christmas sonnet/prayer comes from thinking about what Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus. It also arises from an objection to the typical rhyming pattern found in Christmas carols: child – mild, as in “meek & mild;” meek, yes; but mild? I never perceive Jesus as “mild;” rather he always seems untamed to me, … Continue reading
Believe this: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate his perfect longsuffering as an example for those committed to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15–16 At … Continue reading
Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Scripture comforts because it presents evidence that God is patient with us during our lapses of faith. He does not ask or expect perfect success in our efforts to … Continue reading