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Comfort my People!

The month of Elul is not only marked by the daily blast of the shofar and the reciting of Psalm 27, but also by the prophetic readings from Isaiah known as the Haftarot of Consolation (Isaiah 40-63). These seven portions, read in the weeks between Tisha B’Av and Yom Teruah (the Feast of Trumpets), are God’s love-songs to Israel — words of mercy, hope, and restoration after judgment.

Click here to read more of this devotional – let it speak to your heart.

He’s the God of Second Chances!

The month of Elul carries the fragrance of mercy because it was born out of failure. Two great collapses mark Israel’s journey in the wilderness. The first instance occurred at Sinai, when impatience led to idolatry and the golden calf was raised. Moses descended with the tablets of the covenant, only to see the people dancing around an idol. In grief and holy anger, he shattered the Ten Commandments at the base of the mountain (Exodus 32:15-19).

There’s more encouragement just ahead – read more.

Never Forget!

Yesterday, Israel observed Yom HaShoah—Holocaust Remembrance Day—honoring the memory of the six million Jews who perished. Tragically, a recent poll reveals that nearly half of Israelis fear the possibility of another Holocaust. In light of this sobering reality, I want to share a powerful story of one remarkable woman who rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the ghettos during World War II.

Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.

Keep your head up!

I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but he lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot?

Read more – let the Word sink in deeper.

Aoooooooo!

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on in every person. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’. One is evil — it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good…

Don’t stop now – more truth and grace await.