Comfort Archives - Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel

Kurt Steinbrueck April 28, 2021

Blog Comfort, god, I Am, jesus, salvation, truth, two in One

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A Tale of Two Persons

“And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,” – Apostles’ Creed

Jesus is fully God and fully man.

He is true God:

‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ – John 8:58-59

He is true man:

“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.” 1 John 4:2-3

There have been many people who denied Jesus’ dual natures. Some of the ideas people have put forth are…

Jesus was a man who God inhabited at his baptism and then left just before his death.
Jesus is part God, part man, like a superhuman being.
Jesus was just a man and we have made Him out to be God.
Jesus is God but wasn’t truly human, He just looked human.

The Bible, however, makes it clear. Jesus is God as much as the Father and the Holy Spirit. In His deity, He is almighty, eternal, all-loving, all-knowing, and deserving of all glory, honor, and praise. Jesus is also fully human, like you and me. He got hungry. He slept. He felt pain. He bled. He died.

Why Does This Matter?

He Is Our Salvation.

In His humanity, Jesus stepped into our world, He took on our sin, and He died in our place. That’s right, the eternal, almighty God, bled and died for you. He stood in our place and is the sacrifice that forgives our sins.

In His divinity, Jesus was perfectly obedient to the Father (did not sin). He overcame death and rose from the dead. He ascended on high and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

He Is Our Comfort.

Jesus, as God and man, offers a comfort we would not know otherwise. His humanity assures us that we have a God who understands us. He knows our suffering and has been tempted in every way (though He did not sin) (Heb 4:15). His deity assures us that He can handle any situation we face and that all His promises are true.

It can be hard (perhaps even impossible) to comprehend Jesus as both God and man. Often, we tend to emphasize more of one nature than the other. However, I pray that we always hold onto our understanding and belief that Jesus is fully God and fully man.

Dear Jesus,

You are God and You are man. Help me to remember that I have a God who understands me because You became man. Help me also to remember that I have God who can deliver me and who will always keep His promises.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

The Fear And Comfort Of An All-Knowing, Ever-Present God

Kurt Steinbrueck February 18, 2021

Blog all knowing, Comfort, Fear

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The Fear And Comfort Of An All-Knowing, Ever-Present God

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” – Psalm 139:7-12

God knows everything about you. He is also everywhere all the time. Think about that for a minute.

How does that make you feel?

Comforted and Safe – On the one hand, that may make you feel comforted and very safe. When I say, “Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you,” it’s saying the same thing, but it puts it in the context of one who loves, supports, comforts, and defends you.

Scared – On the other hand, you may feel frightened and ashamed. When people say, “God is always watching,” it also is conveying the same concept that God knows everything about you and is everywhere all the time. However, it feels more like the police on a stakeout.

What if I told you both were right?

We see both of these concepts coming out in Psalm 139 (maybe take a moment to read all 24 verses). The Psalmist writes about how he can’t get away from God even if he tried. He says God knows every word before they are even said. At the same time, He talks about God knitting him together, being fearfully and wonderfully made, protecting him, and defeating his enemies.

Love Makes All The Difference
So, are we to feel safe or scared? If we don’t know God, His love, or His saving grace, fear is the right response. God knows every bad thing we’ve ever done. This fear, though, should drive us to repentance where we receive the grace and mercy of God and experience His great love.

If we know God, His love, and His grace then we should feel infinitely comforted and safe. Not only do I know He will comfort and protect me, but I know that He does so while also knowing my sin. I know that He forgives my sin and nothing I’ve done would surprise Him and cause Him to leave or stop loving me.

Jesus died for you, already knowing all the bad things you would do. Yet, he still died for you.

It’s because of God’s love that the Psalmist can finish Psalm 139 saying,

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” – Psalm 139:23-24

He’s not saying, “Go ahead and search me, I’m confident You won’t find anything bad.” He’s saying, “Search me. I know you’re going to find all kinds of bad stuff, but I also know You love me and will lead me to eternal life.”

How?

By leading him to repentance and faith.

The Psalmist knows God is good and loves him. So, he can be completely exposed, trusting that God will do what is needed to save him.

You can do the same.

Heavenly Father,

I know I’m not perfect, but I also know that You love me and love to show grace and mercy. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Amen.

Kurt Steinbrueck May 7, 2020

Blog anxiety, Comfort, Command, Gospel, Law, Peace, Promises of God

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A Promise, Not a Command

Not a Command, A Promise

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

What makes you nervous?

There are a lot of things in life that can make us nervous. We may have difficulty in a relationship or just want a relationship. We may struggle financially. Maybe we mess up at work. Then, there’s this pandemic we are in.

There’s a lot that we can be nervous about, but what about this passage from Philippians? How do you read it, as a command or a promise?

Our minds are interesting things. When it comes to Scripture, we tend to see Law more than Gospel. We tend to see commands more than promises. That’s why it’s so important for us to hear the Gospel every week in Church. Even better is to hear/read God’s promises every day. We need the reminder.

When God’s Word Makes Us Nervous
When we read a passage like this, if we read it as Law, it will have the opposite effect of what is intended. Here, God is giving us a promise (Gospel). When we bring our cares and needs to God in prayer, He will give us peace. However, if we read it that I have to not be anxious or, if I’m anxious, I’m sinning. then we will have anything but peace.

So, today, let me share with you some Gospel. Through Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. This peace is not of yourself but from Christ. God wants you to live in that peace and know that He will care for you. Whatever concerns you have, He will care for them. Bring them to Him in prayer, and He will give you a peace that goes beyond your understanding and beyond the situation and He will guard your heart in Christ Jesus.

Heavenly Father,

Fill my mind with Your promises. Remind me every day of them. Today, I have some concerns and I want to bring them to you.

(share any concerns or worries you have with God)

Thank You for hearing me and caring for me. Please give me Your peace.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck April 3, 2020

Blog Comfort, Fear, Peace, Safety

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Safe In His Arms

Safe in His Arms

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” – Romans 8:15

Have you ever been really afraid, but then calmed by the presence of another?

I’ve experienced this with my kids. There have been a few times when a storm came through at night and Melissa and I got a little visitor in our bed. They just needed to be around us and have a hug. In fact, my dog is the same way. When the thunder starts, He gets as close to one of us as possible.

Fear Is a Liar
Fear tells you the situation is out of control. It tells you there’s no hope. This can happen in storms, but also in sickness, crisis, financial struggles, relationships, etc.

Fear Not
There are a bunch of Internet memes going around saying that the Bible says “Fear not” 365 times (the number of days in the year). That’s not actually true (surprise the Internet had something untrue), but the Bible does say it a lot and the sentiment is true. Every day, God’s message to you is, fear not.

What I love about the story of a child coming from their room to their parents to ease their fear is that the actual situation really hasn’t changed. The storm is still raging on and we were present with them the whole time. What has changed is their perspective.

We Know We Are Safe
The same is true with God. When we are afraid, we can go to Him and feel safe. The situation hasn’t changed and God was always present, but our perspective has changed. We remember that God has us safely in His arms and we have nothing to fear.

This Romans passage addresses another kind of fear as well, the fear of not having lived up to God’s standards. That’s why it refers to the “spirit of slavery”. When we feel under the Law and afraid that we haven’t satisfied the Law, God reminds us that He has adopted us as sons and daughters and we have nothing to fear. We are already His and greatly loved.

So, fear not. God has you safely in His arms.

Abba Father,

Calm my fears. Remind me of Your presence.

Amen.

PS – If you’d like listen to the song, Fear is a Liar, click below.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 19, 2020

Uncategorized Comfort, Guidance, Provision, Psalm 23, psalms, The Lord is My Shepherd

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My Guide, My Provider, My Comfort

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3

Do you feel anxious, today?

I love Psalm 23. It’s such a warm and comforting poem that not only helps people to feel better but assures them of the reality of their lives because of God’s love for them.

Do sheep wander around wondering what they will eat or where they will sleep? No.

They are guided by their shepherd who cares for them so they don’t have to worry about those things. Neither do you. Your shepherd, the Lord, will guide you and care for you as well. So, you can rest and be restored.

So, let’s take a moment to read all of Psalm 23 and then give God your anxieties in prayer.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

My Dear Shepherd,

You guide me and provide for me so I will not worry. You comfort me and heal my wounds. You are my protection in danger so I will not fear. Lord, take my anxieties.

(Pray about the things you are worried about.)

Continue to remind me that You are there with me and give me peace.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 13, 2020

Blog Comfort, Faith, heaven, hope, New Creation

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Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel

light at the end of a dark tunnel

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – 2 Peter 1:4

How’s your life going?

Is it perfect or are there some things that aren’t going well, maybe many things which are seriously wrong?

We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin and that leads to all kinds of sin, suffering, and pain. We suffer through abuse, disease, loneliness, financial uncertainty, addiction, sin, and more. Even outside our own lives, we look at the state of our nation or world and it can be scary. At times it may feel like you are in a dark tunnel with no end. However…

There is hope.

Christ has overcome this world. He will not let this go on forever. There is hope in the world around us. Moreover, He makes us His children by faith. There is hope in our own lives. He is the light of the world and He is the light in that dark tunnel.

When we suffer through the corruption of this sinful world, it can be easy to get lost in it, but God reminds us that through Christ we also overcome this world. We may suffer for a while now, but we will be with him in a new heaven and new earth one day with no such corruption and suffering.

Even in the midst of the darkness of this world, God shines His light here and now through His Word and through His people, the church.

In our suffering and the craziness of the world around us, let us remember who we are in Christ and keep our eyes focused on Him and His promises. Let us look to the one who gives peace in the storm. Let us set our hope in Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

This world can be pretty scary at times and seems to be falling further and further away from You. My own life has times of hardship and suffering that can take me to a dark place. Please lift me out of the darkness. Set my eyes on You. Remind me of Your promises and help me to trust them. My hope is in You, Lord.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 9, 2020

Blog Comfort, holy spirit, love others

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Comforted to be a Comfort

comforted to be a 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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Are you hurting?

God cares. He not only cares. He actively comforts us. In fact, one of the names for the Holy Spirit is “The Comforter!”

God knows what it’s like to suffer and He knows if you are suffering. He is not callous or unmoved. He doesn’t always remove the suffering, but He loves you and will comfort you in the suffering.

How Does God Comfort Us?

God comforts us in many ways. One of the greatest ways He does this is through His Word. In His Word, God gives us His promises and shows us His love. The Holy Spirit also gives us peace beyond our circumstances and beyond our understanding.

Also, God often comforts others through His people, the church. They share His Word, empathize, care for others, and can even give nice, warm hugs.

Blessed to be a Blessing:

God told Abraham he would be blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What God meant is that He would bless Abraham to have many descendants and that one of those descendants would be be our savior, Jesus. God also blesses us to be a blessing to others, yes, through the love and salvation Jesus gives us, and also through the comfort He brings

He comforts you not only for your sake, but so that you can then comfort others.

Is there someone you know who you could comfort, today?

Heavenly Father,

Praise be Your name for You show us great compassion. Please comfort me as I go through…

(pray over anything you are suffering through)

As You comfort me, help me to also be a comfort to others, especially bringing the comfort You give through Your Word and Spirit.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck February 17, 2020

Blog Comfort, Jesus has Overcome, More than Conquerors, Strength

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Bring It On, World!

Bring it on, world!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:35-39

How does this passage make you feel?

This is one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible. What a wonderful Gospel message!! In Christ, what do we have to fear? If God is for us, who can be against us?

This passage tells us two things. First, there will be trouble in life. Hardship, famine, poverty, and violence are part of this fallen world and will come to us as well. Jesus said as much throughout His ministry as well. So, we shouldn’t be surprised by life’s difficulties.

However, the second message is that all these things can’t separate us from Jesus. Jesus has overcome this world. He has overcome death. So, we are more than conquerors. Even death itself can’t separate us from Jesus. So, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

What troubles are you facing? Pray over them and know…

They can’t separate you from Jesus!

Heavenly Father,

You have not removed the struggles of life, but You will carry us through them and hold us fast in Your hand. As I go through life’s difficulties, remind me that You are with me. Remind me that the world doesn’t get the last say. Remind me that nothing of this world can separate me from You.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Comfort

A Tale of Two Persons

The Fear And Comfort Of An All-Knowing, Ever-Present God

Not a Command, A Promise

Safe in His Arms

My Guide, My Provider, My Comfort

light at the end of a dark tunnel

comforted to be a comfort

Bring it on, world!

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL