The Book of Comfort

Wow what a week it has been! We have lots done physically on the house. Many odd problems solved and it appears that an end is in sight. Yesterday the cupboards are complete and look great - but the old counter top looks like the most ugly thing you have ever seen. The new one that we have ordered is in now and will be in place next Tuesday.

Today

• The Bathroom Tile grout goes in...
• The Kitchen, Laundry Room and Bathroom will begin to receive their new plywood floor covering in preparation for the new floor tile - appliances will be moved.
• I conduct a funeral at 1:00 PM

This has been an interesting vacation to say the least.

• Spiritually new growth has taken place within me.
• God has also kept me in touch with a world that is in need.
• I haven't watched TV for two weeks and the interest to do so has almost been lost.
• Last evening a young man called for help. A long "coffee time" together helped to sort out some problems. We met near Home Depot and shared some tears together.
• I met with two other hurting people this week and listened to more deep needs.

In all - if I had been in a tourist resort area on a far away island - I would have missed the blessing of being here for these folk. Each of these are outside my Christian world. What a blessing.

Finally - here is a great thought that I came across this week. It has shown me again how important the Bible is to me.

Pastor Murray

The Book of Comfort
The word "comfort" means "with" (com) "strength" (fort[e]). In other words, comfort is not a matter of simply making someone feel better; it is a matter of giving a person the courage to go on--to face the future even though he or she may be in the midst of difficulties right now.

No book is able to do this better than the Bible. The God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) has written a book that's brought comfort to millions. Let's take a look at some of the places where this is especially true.

What Does God Say?
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, NLT).

• What promises in this verse could be seen as comforting? Rephrase these promises in your own words.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT).

• What does God cause to work together for our good?
• What kind of a person does God make this promise to?

My Thoughts
Think about a difficulty that you're currently going through. What do you find comforting from the verses above as it applies to your situation? Explain.My Part

Take some time to memorize Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:28. Prepare a short story where you share how these verses (or verse) comforted you in a time of need. Be prepared to share not only the verse but your short story with someone who also needs comfort.

Additional Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3