Tuesday, June 23, 2015

God Comforts

1 Kings 19:9-15, 18
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus... I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
(Read more of the story here: I Kings 19)


Today we will be exploring the Bible Point:
God has the power to comfort.
And we shout HOLD ON!

Comfort and power
don’t seem to go together,
but with God they do!
Elijah learned that firsthand.


First God comforted him by sending an angel to give him nourishment for the journey ahead. Then God spoke to Elijah in an amazing way—not through a mighty windstorm or an earthquake or a fire but through a gentle whisper (or sheer silence).

God knew exactly what Elijah needed, and God used his power to comfort Elijah. We all need comfort.

Remember a time when you felt God’s comfort.
What are some things that bring you comfort in life?


We all need comfort.
Some are hurting.
We need a hug,
a listening ear,
or a friendly hello.
Sometimes it is hard
for us to express that need.

Today, let’s be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Open to the most wonderful comfort of all—God’s love!

Loving God,
you know the needs
of each of us.
Help us to be sensitive today
showing your love and comfort.
Help us understand that
you are the perfect Comforter
in all situations.
And help us share your comfort with others.
Amen.


____
This week Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church is celebrating God's power through Vacation Bible School. These devotional thoughts follow our daily theme.

No comments:

Post a Comment