Archive for August, 2025
The God of Mercies and Comfort
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (II Corinthians 1: 3, 4).
Had we seen Paul at the time he penned this we would be looking at a man who had every kind of charge against him, weak, dishonored, the preacher of an obscure and fanciful gospel, a visionary, a failure. If he could find in the Lord mercy and comfort under these conditions surely we can.
Like Paul we often find the Lord’s greatest mercies and our greatest comfort in our jungle of trouble.
God, in being depicted as the “Father,” is identified thereby as the source of mercy and comfort. He is the “God of all comfort.” It means more than tenderness: it is strength in tenderness, and it is tenderness in strength. It is not a mere palliative, but a curative. It not merely soothes, but heals. Its ministry is not only consolation, but restoration. “Comfort” is “mercy” at work,
God is the Father of mercies. The Jews frequently address God in their prayers under the title or character of, “Father of mercies.” The plural number is used partly to show that God is exceeding merciful; He delights in showing mercy.
The words “all comfort” in this passage come from the ancient Greek word “paraklesis.” The idea behind this word for comfort in the New Testament is always more than soothing sympathy. It has the idea of strengthening, of helping, of making strong. The idea behind this word is communicated by the Latin word for comfort (fortis), which also means “brave.”
Some people can engage in the pleasures of this world for a time with friends, but they cannot be happy or comfortable with God. Although He declares Himself to be the God of all comfort, they continually complain that they cannot find comfort anywhere; and their sorrowful looks and the doleful tones of their voice show that they are speaking the truth. They are failing to rely on the Lord.
The Lord comforts us in all our affliction. We are not promised that He will take us out of our suffering, but that He will be right there with us, offering comfort through it all. Note those two words: in and all.
One purpose in comforting us is that we may comfort others based on our experience and His comfort we experience. It is a “I know how you feel, I felt that way, and I found the Lord as my comforter. He can do the same for you if…” Thus, we become God’s teaching tool. It is His cycle of comfort. Ask yourself what you are doing with the blessings God is giving you.
Comfort others with the comfort with which you are comforted.
Words of Wisdom
Consider the teachings of these three great teachers. Work through the first part of this Post to get to the intended teaching.
An impressive painting by Raphael represents two schools of thought. Raphael’s fresco entitled “The School of Athens” is the marriage of art, philosophy, and science which was a hallmark of the Italian Renaissance. Painted between 1509 and 1511, it is located in the first of the four rooms designed by Raphael, the Stanza della Segnatura.
But just what does this famous painting mean? Let’s look at what the iconic “The School of Athens” meant for Raphael as an artist and how it’s become such a symbol of the Renaissance. The stellar work was commissioned by the Pope. An elderly Plato stands at the left in the painting, pointing his finger to the sky. Beside him is his student Aristotle. In a display of superb, Aristotle reaches his right arm directly out toward the viewer. Each man holds a copy of his books in his left hand—”Timaeus” for Plato and “Nicomachean Ethics” for Aristotle.
In the masterpiece Plato’s gesture toward the sky is thought to indicate his Theory of Forms. This philosophy argues that the “real” world is not the physical one, but instead a spiritual realm of ideas filled with abstract concepts and ideas. The physical realm, for Plato, is merely the material, imperfect things we see and interact with on a daily basis.
By contrast Aristotle’s hand is a visual representation of his belief that knowledge comes from experience. Empiricism, as it is known, theorizes that humans must have concrete evidence to support their ideas and is very much grounded in the physical world.
Historically the combined theories represented by two iconoclastic scholars leaves many wondering what is the hidden meaning.
By way of contrast there is another historical figure who exceeded the two combined in understandable thought. The officials in reporting to the chief priest said of Jesus, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7: 46).
The words of Plato and Aristotle like those of all wise men of all ages were informative. Jesus’ words were transformative. Their words were worldly, Jesus’ words were other worldly.
Jesus has been described as the “Orator of the Universe.” However, it was not how He spoke that was most important, but what He spoke. His teachings are the gold standard of truth. His words cut to the heart of the matter with penetrating psychology.
It is critically important that we be able to truthfully say, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. (Psalm 119: 10, 11).
Knowing the truth and not applying it is little better than not knowing the truth. Study and memorize the words of Jesus to be wise. Apply them and be blessed.
Stay Out of the Gaslight
Have you ever been gaslighted? Perhaps you have been, but are unfamiliar with the term.
The term “gaslighting” comes from the name of a 1938 play and 1944 film, “Gaslight,” in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she has a mental illness.
Gaslighting is one of the tactics used to undermine our faith and bring confusion. Gaslighting thrives on instilling fear and insecurity.
Gaslighting attempts to erode our confidence, causing us to doubt our accomplishments and progress. Gaslighting is seeking to confuse and manipulate believers. Some Scriptural principles can help us overcome a gaslighter’s attempts to manipulate us.
Know what God thinks of a gaslighter.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22).
Gaslighters often employ deceit and lies to twist the truth and confuse their victims. “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies” (Proverbs 14:5).
Guard your own emotions. A person seeking attention is a candidate for being gaslighted.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
In the midst of gaslighting, it is crucial to guard your mind and focus on thoughts that are true, noble, and pure.
Gaslighting attempts to diminish your confidence and self-worth, but the Spirit of God empowers us with courage, love, and self-discipline.
Gaslighters often drop “love bombs” (flattery) to gain a person’s confidence in order to build their confidence so the gaslight will be readily accepted. A love bomb is an undue praise and confidence booster. Don’t be a victim of flattery.
To guard yourself against gaslighting, know who you are. To know who you are, get a good understanding of Whose you are.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Servants All
I had the blessing of serving as chairman of the Board of the National Board of Directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. It was one of the more rewarding jobs I have ever had. No, not monetary, there was none of that. The payoff was in the gratitude of serving such a worthy cause.
I have a graphic reminder of this. I was named as a member of the FCA Hall of Champions. As a reminder I was given a miniature bronze statue of Jesus washing the feet of Peter. On the base is the Scripture: “…Jesus… said, If anyone wants to be first, He must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9: 35).
Christian servanthood is a foundational principle rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes humility, selflessness, and a willingness to serve others as an expression of faith and love. Unlike worldly leadership, which often seeks power and status, Christian servanthood calls believers to adopt a posture of humility and service. Jesus exemplified this when He washed the feet of His disciples, an act typically reserved for the lowest servant. In doing so, He taught that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others.
The apostle Paul echoed this message in Philippians 2:3-7, urging believers to consider others more important than themselves and to adopt the mindset of Christ, who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” This model of servanthood is not about weakness, but about strength channeled through compassion and love. It challenges Christians to look beyond their own needs and extend grace, mercy, and assistance to those around them, whether in church, community, or everyday life.
Christian servanthood is also a response to God’s love. As believers recognize the immense grace they have received, they are moved to serve others not out of obligation but out of gratitude. It is an active expression of faith, fulfilling Jesus’ command to love one another. Through acts of service, Christians reflect the character of Christ, advance the mission of the Church, and offer a living testimony of God’s transforming power.
To test your spirit of servanthood monitor how you feel and react the next time you are given an opportunity to serve someone or a cause. Is it “Who do you think I am, your servant?” Or, if possible, do you serve them?
Every follower of Jesus must realize their reason for being left on earth is to serve the Lord. You must change your way of thinking from “Me” centered thinking to “Him” centered thinking.
As Jesus walked along the beach He called men to be His disciples and follow Him. That is still His call offered to every believer today.
Remember, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24).
Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim
Three distinct celestial beings are mentioned in Scripture: angels, cherubim, and seraphim.
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1: 14).
Angels appear throughout Scripture. The word angel comes from the Greek word “angelos” meaning “messenger.” The corresponding Hebrew word is “malakh” also meaning “messenger.”
The terms are sometimes used to designate human messengers (Hag. 1:13, Mal. 2:7), but most often are used to refer to supernatural, celestial beings. In instances when the term refers to human beings it is identifying them as messengers of God as are supernatural angels, that is, messengers.
To my limited knowledge the Bible does not describe them as having wings. Mythology and medieval art represent them as having wings, and thus a current concept is that they have wings. This incorrect representation is further encouraged by confusing them with the two other supernatural beings now to be identified.
The words Cherub and Cherubim in speaking of “angels’ wings” occur about a hundred times in the Bible. Only in the Bible translation entitled “God’s Word,” is the Hebrew “k?r? ?m” rendered “angels’ wings.” All others translate it “cherubim.” That one reads: “The sound of the angels’ wings was heard as far as the outer courtyard” (Ezekiel 10: 5). All other Bibles translated it more accurately as “cherubim.”
Another form of supernatural, creating beings is cherubim. This word comes from the Greek, “cherubim” or Hebrew, “kerubim.” Their primary task is that of serving as guards. They guard the way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:24), and either support or flank the throne of God (Psalm 80:1; 99:1).
Cherubim are spoken of as being winged. Their swiftness is spoken of as being like the wind. They were mysterious, heavenly beings represented as winged lions with human faces (Ezek. 41:18ff) .
Two wooden replicas of cherubim, gold covered with wings outspread, were placed over the cover or “mercy seat” of the Ark of the Covenant, protecting the holy contents.
Seraphim form a third order of celestial beings and are spoken of as being winged (Isaiah 6:2,3) . The word is from the Hebrew “saraph.” They are mentioned only once in the Bible, and that is in the Old Testament. They appear to be attendants waiting to carry out the bequests of the Lord.
Most scholars consider these three orders as separate forms of celestial beings.
Much is said in Scripture regarding angels watching over us that is a mystery. There are some “mysteries of the faith,” regarding angels watch over us that is not fully understood. God has told us all we need to know. Accept it and thank Him.