Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Nothing Can Compare with God
By Hernandes Dias Lopes — Thursday, June 18, 2026

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:18; Psalm 115:1-8

With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?
— Isaiah 40:18

Here again Isaiah uses a rhetorical question to highlight the greatness and uniqueness of God. The Lord is incomparable in his greatness. He rules over all creation without needing anyone to guide him. In comparison to the Lord, all nations are insignificant. Our trust, therefore, must be not in human power or governments but in the one who rules from the eternal throne in heaven.

Isaiah points out that God is not like any image or idol either. Since ancient times, people have carved or cast images to represent their ideas of gods that they believe have power over them. But the only true God is the Lord, who made heaven and earth. All other gods are false. They know nothing and can do nothing. People’s idols are powerless, but God is all-powerful.

God is also incomparable in his care for us. He is the one who provides for us and renews our strength when we are weary.

Nothing and no one compares with the Lord. He is the source of life, so his life is not derived from anyone or anything. He does not depend on anyone to rule or to protect himself.

God is unique, singular, incomparable. Put your trust in him!

Incomparable Lord, unequaled in power and wisdom, turn our trust from human notions of strength and power to recognize you alone. By your grace and through your Spirit, anchor our hearts in your sovereign care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

06/18/2026

Happy 60th Anniversary, Allen & Myrna Ferguson! Wishing you many more blessed years together!
🥳🍰🎈🎊

06/17/2026

The Insignificance of Nations
By Hernandes Dias Lopes — Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:17; Psalm 2:1-12

Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.
— Isaiah 40:17

As he continues describing God in his majesty and superiority, Isaiah says that all the nations, in comparison, are “as nothing”—even “less than nothing.” This means there is no room for pride or any sense of self-accomplishment in the sight of God. When Isaiah wrote this passage, Babylon was the superpower in that part of the world. It conquered many nations and had dominion over them.

Looking back, we see that the empires of the past fell. The great realm of Egypt lay covered with the dust of centuries. Assyria lost its far-reaching empire. Babylon, greater than Assyria, would soon fall into the hands of the Medo-Persians, and later Persia would fall to the Greeks. That is how it goes: nations rise and fall. Strong today, weak tomorrow. A nation may be rich and powerful for a time, but then it will crumble, fall, and eventually be forgotten— less than nothing.

Only God is never removed from his throne. Only the glory of God never fades. Only the power of God is never confronted by a greater power. Proud nations drink the cup of failure, but the Lord God will never face defeat.

Sovereign Lord, nations are as nothing before you, and yet you care for them and all people. Help us to trust in your unshakable rule. Root us in your eternal glory, unfailing power, and eternal reign that can never be challenged. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

06/17/2026

Happy Birthday, Allison Del Percio! Hope you have an amazing birthday!
🥳🎂🎈🎁🎉

06/16/2026

Happy Anniversary, Mike & Bonnie Hatchett! Wishing you many more years of happiness!
🥰🥳🍰🎊

06/16/2026

Insufficient Resources
By Hernandes Dias Lopes — Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:16; Micah 6:6-8

Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
— Isaiah 40:16

After discussing God’s incomparable supremacy, Isaiah emphasizes our human insufficiency to please the Lord. Lebanon is known in the Old Testament as a nation with great forests of beautiful trees producing the finest wood. The cedars and junipers of Lebanon were used in the construction of God’s temple and the king’s palace (1 Kings 5-7).

But even Lebanon’s great trees were not worthy enough to burn on God’s altar. And Lebanon’s animals were not sufficient for a burnt offering to the Lord. The prophet Micah asked God’s people, similarly, “Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?” Quantity does not impress God. An abundance of offerings cannot buy the Lord’s favor. Human resources are too small and limited to please the sovereign Lord of the universe.

Micah asks further, “With what shall I come before the LORD . . . ?”

And, by the guidance of the Spirit, the prophet answers: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Lord, you are far greater than we can imagine, and you are beyond anything we can offer. Teach us to honor you by practicing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you each day. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen