Be Strengthened by God

Afflictions come that burden us beyond our strength.  Afflictions keep us under pressure. (NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:8 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;” Where do we turn […]

Confident of God’s Comfort

If Afflicted (NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:6 “But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation…” Our response to our afflictions can be used for others’ comfort and salvation.  What we project impacts the lives of others. When followers of Christ are afflicted, it is for the glory of God!  How many times […]

Abundant Comfort

(NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:3, 5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 5 “for just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” Even as followers of Christ, how often do we focus on the negatives of our sufferings? Reality Check: Our […]

Remember: God’s comfort in afflictions

  Affliction – is being under pressure.  What are some major afflictions?  Death of a loved one, moving and relocating, changing jobs, ostracism and persecution for faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, traumatic accidents, natural disasters – what is my affliction today? Afflictions may cause anxiety.  Our anxieties and fears are real to us. Remember […]

“God of all comfort”

  When do we miss out on God’s comfort?  One of the times is when we wallow in the muck and mire of the pigpen of self-pity.  Stinky mess! How does anyone climb out of such thinking? Hmmm, my thoughts are depressing…how do I break such a cycle?  Drugs?  Talking it out with another?  What? […]

Experiencing God the Father’s Mercies

  God the Father’s word says to bless Him.  Who is this God?  He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the Father of mercies.  He is the God of all comfort.  (2 Corinthians 1:3) What work needs to be done to experience God’s mercies?  None, zilch, nada.  No work on my […]

Bless the Lord!

  God’s word says to “Bless the Lord.” Blessing the Lord is not dependent on our circumstances or about the invading enemy of depression or our unsettled future; we are to bless the Lord. (NASB) Psalm 33:18-21 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His […]

God’s Grace ~ God’s Peace

(NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s Grace Grace is God’s favor given to all who turn to Him in belief.  Believing that He exists!  Believing that He alone is God! Grace is God’s favor which cannot be earned, coerced, or manipulated! Grace […]

Pray ~ Yield ~ Listen and put God’s words into action

God’s word is written to us. When we read God’s word – God is speaking.  Many times the Lord God of the Holy Bible gives words to encourage, strengthen and to lift our thoughts to Him.  God’s love will always have our best in mind.  Therefore, words of discipline and rebuke are used to grow […]

Called to Believe and Trust God

The will of God is sovereign – He chooses leaders for His people.  And He chose Saul of Tarsus to become Paul the apostle. (NASB) 2 Corinthians 1:1 “PAUL, AN apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” Saul’s persecution of Christians Saul was on a mission to annihilate followers of Christ.  He put […]