file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941004.txt
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OUR  DAILY  BREAD                    Tuesday, October 4,1994
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READ: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

                "THE SOURCE OF COMFORT"

        [God] comforts us in all our tribulation,
        that  we  may  be able to comfort those
                who are in any trouble.

                  - 2 Corinthians 1:4

While stationed in England during World War II,  I  received
word  that  my 20-year-old brother Cornelius had been killed
in action.  The news hit me hard, but God  immediately  com-
forted  me  with  the  assurance  that  Cornie was safe with
Jesus.  The peace of God took possession of me.

Since then I have experienced  the  death  of  other  family
members  and  have visited scores of sorrowing people.  What
does a person do to bring comfort?  Quote  dozens  of  Bible
verses?  Try to analyze and explain the ways of God's provi-
dence?

I think not.  People grieving over a sudden loss are  in  no
state  of  mind  for  intellectual exercises.  They need the
comfort that God alone can give.  We can be His channels  of
blessing, but we must first experience God's comfort so that
"we may be able to comfort those who  are  in  any  trouble,
with  the  comfort  with which we ourselves are comforted by
God" (2 Cor. 1:4).

We can be His instruments by praying for the  sorrowing,  by
showing  that  we  care,  by  doing small kindnesses, and by
speaking as He leads.  But in everything we do, let's  never
forget that it is He who brings the needed comfort.

Lord, thank You for comforting us in our times of need.  Use
us to bring comfort to others who are sorrowing.

Author:  Herbert Vander Lugt

 A life that is crushed by  sorrow
 Can  feel for  another's grief
 And send out that sweet perfume of love
 That will bring some heart relief.

                         - Osgood

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable,
   but to make us comforters.

The Bible in One Year:  Haggai 1-2, Zech. 1-2

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