Reading Acts | Together Through the New Testament 2010 | Weeks 5 & 6
Finding Comfort in the Words of God
note: This week (February 15-21) we continue reading through the New Testament in the Book of Acts, with chapters 17-28. You will need to read about two chapters each day. If you would like to download a copy of our entire New Testament reading plan, click here.
On Friday morning Teri, Samuel, Grace and I drove down to Orange County for the memorial service of Teri's Grandmother, May Chase. Grandma May died last week, leaving behind her husband of more than 60 years, 7 children, and too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to count. It was a bittersweet experience; bitter because we were mourning the passing of a woman who is so special to all of us, and yet sweet because it was an opportunity to come together as a family to provide comfort, to encourage, and to love one another.
Teri's family asked me to help prepare and lead the memorial service. It was an honor. During the service, Teri's uncle Andy and I read scripture. We chose three passages: Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 23, and Matthew 11:28-30. As we read the passages aloud at the service, I felt an amazing sense of comfort and peace. God's word does that for those who believe. This should not come as a surprise, for Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)." And the Psalmist wrote, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth (Psalm 119:103)!" During the service, especially at the reading of God's word, I felt his comfort.
So as you read through Acts, I want to encourage you to seek the comfort that comes from the words of God. Listen for God's comfort. Let the story of the spread of the gospel and the birth of the church be food for your soul. Let the power of the Holy Spirit, on display in the book of Acts, give you peace in the midst of difficulty. Acts, like every other book in the Bible, is full of comfort for those who chose to live not "on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
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Teri Farone on Feb 26, 2010 4:49pm
I just finished Romans. I'm loving reading through the New Testament like this. I hope that you other readers are enjoying it, too!