“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles...”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
This month’s Anchor offers foundational principles we need daily as Christians, building blocks on which to develop our faith.
My ministry years began in 1964. During the war years my wife Linda and I served as missionaries on Okinawa in South East Asia, working with our service personnel. Later I held several pastoral positions and then became a chaplain in both hospital and law enforcement communities.
One of the foundational truths we’ve offered to people in all these areas of ministry is that God is a God of comfort. In life’s circumstances—from the merely unpleasant to the thoroughly dreadful— this is what we need. Whatever circumstances you are coping with, you can trust God’s presence and know His comfort. Then you also will be equipped to offer the comfort of Christ to others.
The word “comfort” in Greek in The New Testament is related to the word “paraclete,” meaning “one who comes alongside to help.” That’s what God did when He sent Jesus to us! Your Comforter is right alongside of you and will see you through.
About the writer:
Dick has been a regular Anchor writer since 1978, longer than any other. From 1969-1979 he served with the Far East Broadcasting Company in Okinawa, Japan; has been a pastor in several churches and a hospital chaplain in the Midwest; and now is in his 37th year as a chaplain for law enforcement personnel. He and his wife Linda have been married for 50 years, always active with their children and grandchildren and with various church ministries.
My ministry years began in 1964. During the war years my wife Linda and I served as missionaries on Okinawa in South East Asia, working with our service personnel. Later I held several pastoral positions and then became a chaplain in both hospital and law enforcement communities.
One of the foundational truths we’ve offered to people in all these areas of ministry is that God is a God of comfort. In life’s circumstances—from the merely unpleasant to the thoroughly dreadful— this is what we need. Whatever circumstances you are coping with, you can trust God’s presence and know His comfort. Then you also will be equipped to offer the comfort of Christ to others.
The word “comfort” in Greek in The New Testament is related to the word “paraclete,” meaning “one who comes alongside to help.” That’s what God did when He sent Jesus to us! Your Comforter is right alongside of you and will see you through.
About the writer:
Dick has been a regular Anchor writer since 1978, longer than any other. From 1969-1979 he served with the Far East Broadcasting Company in Okinawa, Japan; has been a pastor in several churches and a hospital chaplain in the Midwest; and now is in his 37th year as a chaplain for law enforcement personnel. He and his wife Linda have been married for 50 years, always active with their children and grandchildren and with various church ministries.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Insight
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 1-2
- Psalm 120
- 1 Corinthians 14
