Comments on: Dec. 8: By my side

By: Kim Mishler

Kim Mishler — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:51:40 +0000

Kara,
My favorite passage because it gives me so much comfort and “relief” from everyday life! Thanks for reminding me once again of God’s fresh new mercies given so graciously to me each day!!

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:34 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement! Nathan said in his sermon one sunday that “God doesn’t always cause good to happen in our lives, but he DOES always cause good to come from the events in our lives”…isn’t it good to know that God can use even the stressful times in our lives for good. God will see you through.

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:52:37 +0000

Kara, Thank you for your message, and just know that Our Lord is enough for our every situation. May God Bless You.

By: Karen Unternahrer

Karen Unternahrer — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:20:58 +0000

Kara! This has long been a favorite passage of mine . . . to think that our Creator God, the One True God, included these words in the scriptures for our sake, for my sake, so I may know His love for me. What an awesome God. What a comforting thought. Thanks for your reminder that in the busiest busy-ness of my life, i have much to rejoice about. And that I will purpose to do!

The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:16:41 +0000

‘Have you ever had that feeling when you just don’t know if you are going to survive what is ahead of you?’ Kara, I read your opening sentence early this morning and immediately knew God was comforting and encouraging me in your email. I am experiencing real cruelty and persecution in my workplace, with colleagues misrepresenting me to my supervisor and to human resources. The situation is very tense and complicated right now, but I am grateful to be reminded that: God will rejoice over me, renew me in his love, exult over me, deal with my oppressors, remove disaster from me, take away judgements, bring me home and restore my fortunes. I am reminded to rejoice and hope… Thank you for taking time to write this Advent reflection. God in you has lifted my heart.

By: Jim Brenneman

Jim Brenneman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:53:51 +0000

Kara,
It’s the end of a very busy work day and still more to come, so when I read your devotional it came at just the right moment. There’s something truly comforting knowing God finds joy in participating in our lives day by day. Hard to believe, but wonderful to receive. Thank you.

By: Betty

Betty — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:48:40 +0000

Kara,
I had a day like that! Thanks for the powerful reminder that God is present with us in our day to day living. Best to you on your exams.

By: Janice

Janice — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:39:52 +0000

Thanks, Kara, for this hopeful message!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:52:41 +0000

Thanks, Kara, for relating this to coursework! I’m scrambling to complete a Hebrew Scriptures seminary course in the midst of ministry work–and preaching (including Zephaniah’s proclamation this coming Sunday). Take heart youself, as I will, with these lines:

he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
so that you will not bear reproach for it.

Hang in there. Do well. Thanks for your gift to us of your meditation and application of the scripture.

By: Martha Helmuth

Martha Helmuth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:17:10 +0000

Thanks, Kara, for these words of promise and hope and that you are finding ways to apply it to your busy student life. May God bless and keep you!