DECEMBER 30, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

DECEMBER 30 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING:  JOHN 5:1-15

Why are we so afraid to leave our comfort zone as Christians? It seems that far too often we trust our comfort more than we actually trust the Lord. We have even convinced ourselves that our comfort is a sign of God's favor and blessings. We must be careful that we haven't bought into the "ideology of idolatry!” That is, that things are what really rule us...give us hope...give us peace...give us self-worth. I believe that one of those things that has become an idol in the western church is comfort. We don't like it when things get a little uncomfortable, we will fight it with everything we got. We will destroy others for our comfort. We will split churches for our comfort, and if we are not careful we will miss heaven for our comfort.

Jesus never promised His followers comfort or security in things...but He promised these in Himself. For most of the history of the true church, comfort as we know it was a rare thing. Even today in many parts of the world our Christian brothers and sisters know nothing of comfort or safety from this world. They have put their comfort and safety in Christ alone, for they know each day could be their last on earth. I am asking the Holy Spirit in this new year to make His church uncomfortable. To take us to the place where we can no longer sit complacently as long as we know there are people heading into eternity without Jesus. To stir our hearts in knowing that there are widows and orphans and the genuinely poor who need a cup of cool water in Jesus' Name. To stand for justice in an unjust world...to do what is right, simply because it is right. I am praying that He move us from our dependency on and idolatry in our worldly comforts and make us completely dependent on Him, to have hearts that only desire Him. The church that is making a difference in eternity is not the one who sits and enjoys its wealth and blessings...it is the church who moves and exhausts itself and its resources for the kingdom. Holy Spirit move us to be Your church in the days You have given us!​

Please share your thoughts.