comfort

The Danger of Complacency (Amos 6)

“Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!” (Amos 6:1)

Amos 6 reminds me that we can’t be complacent and base our security on how we’re doing financially, relationally, or physically, because any of those things can literally be taken away in an instant. When we “rest on our laurels” and fail to continuously move closer and closer to God and His will for us, we play an extremely dangerous game that has eternal consequences.

I think about my wife’s health situation and how the healthiest person I know was struck completely by surprise, with something that was also completely out of her control. We absolutely cannot put our hope and security on things of this world, no matter how secure they appear to be. (more…)

For Your Sake (John 11:14)

“So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.'” (John 11:14)

This morning I spoke to a co-worker and brother in Christ, who shared that he has gone through many life-threatening trials in his life due to several illnesses. As my wife goes through her own season of faith-stretching, Jesus gives me a wonderful reminder in John 11 that God can use suffering, even to the point of death, for our sake. (more…)

“It Is I; Don’t Be Afraid” (John 6:18-21)

“A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (John 6:18-21)

There’s a popular saying that states: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” This is a call for people to depend on their own strength and to just “push through” their circumstances and “hang in there.” But fortunately God gives us a better way! (more…)

Where Does My Help Come From? (Psalm 121:1-8)

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psa. 121:1-8)

This is such a perfect passage for my family and I based on a pretty serious medical situation that came up yesterday. (more…)

When My Foot Slips (Psalm 94:18-19)

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psa. 94:18-19)

Every day I reminded of my humanity and the fact that I can and will make mistakes.
As the Bible reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23) (more…)