In the midst of a time of discouragement and distress, God’s prophet speaks a word to remind them, and us, that God’s power will still be at work to bring comfort, healing, and a future!
Worship this week with Holy Communion
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Adult Class
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week:
Isaiah speaks the promise December 6, 2015
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:1-2)
For all of the hard words we hear from the prophets, there are also passages of heartrending grace and beauty. This passage from Isaiah is among those. God is leading God’s people home, overcoming every obstacle. Good tidings abound.
Read: Sunday, Isaiah 40:1-11, Isaiah of the Exile
Monday, Isaiah 41:1-20, Israel Assured of God’s Help
Tuesday, Isaiah 41:21-29, The Futility of Idols
Wednesday, Isaiah 42:1-9, The Servant, a Light to the Nations
Thursday, Isaiah 42:10-20, A Hymn of Praise
Friday, Isaiah 42:21-25, Israel’s Disobedience
Saturday, Isaiah 43:1-7, Restoration and Protection Promised
- How do you think God felt toward the people of Israel?
- What words of comfort could your community use? How might prayer and a commitment toward God help your community?
- Do you think God is more likely to comfort or condemn people? Why do you think so?
Do: Quilt or tie a comfortable blanket for someone in need. Pray over the blanket as you make it. Give your blanket with a message that your prayers envelop the blanket and the people who use it.
Bless: May God comfort you in your times of need. Amen.
