Have you ever stood in great need of comfort and encouragement? If so, you know that in time of affliction, there is no thought or word that has deeper meaning, nor any possession of greater value, than that of effective and genuine comfort. The objective of this study is to equip us to have the assurance that there is comfort available, and to know how to be comforted, as well as how to be a comfort to others in the fires of affliction.
Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #5
Psa 23:1-6 He is our Shepard -- we have a personal relationship with Him (Heb 12:1). No matter how we get wounded He has purpose (Job. 5:8-19). "..though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil". We meet our fears with faith (Psa 56:3). We fear no evil because: (1) God works all things together for our good if we love Him (Rom 8:28, Gen 50:20); (2) 1Co 10:13 says there is no trial too great for us to bear; (3) 1Pe 1:6-9 says every trial can purify our faith; (4) Rom 8:31 and Rom 8:37 say that all sufferings are designed for blessing; (5) Eph 6:10-18 says if we are dressed in the armor of God; (6) 1Pe 3:13-15 those that follow good cannot be harmed. "for You are with me". Jesus Christ will never turn His back on us (Heb 13:5-6, Rom 8:38-39); we have His Spirit in us as evidence. Psa 84:5-12 - Blessed are we whose strength is Him, and whose heart is set on being with God (1Pe 2:11). The experience of believers (Psa 84:7) is "strength to strength", "faith to faith", and from "glory to glory" (2Co 3:18, 2Co 4:16-17). Psa 23:4 "Your rod and staff comfort me" refers to protection and discipline (Heb 12:5-11).
Scripture References: Romans 8:28, Romans 8:38-39, Psalms 56:3, Hebrews 13:5-6, Job 5:8-19, Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 12:5-11, Hebrews 12:1, Romans 8:37, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 23:1-6, Romans 8:31, Psalms 84:7, Genesis 50:20, Psalms 84:5-12
From Series: "The Divine Mentor"
The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.