“And the Lord took me from the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy.” — Amos 7:15
Michigan has fourteen billion trees, most of which are quite common. Therefore, there is an annual “Big Tree Hunt” held there – a competition to determine the oldest and largest trees that can be considered a living monument. The competition raises ordinary trees to another level: in any forest there can be a “winner” just waiting to be noticed.
Unlike most people, God always notices the ordinary. He does not care about those who are overlooked by others. During the reign of Jeroboam, God sent a simple man named Amos to Israel, who began to call the people to turn away from evil and seek justice. However, he was forced to shut up. “Clearly, go, escape to the land of Judah… and prophesy there,” people said with contempt (Am. 7:12). Amos answered: “I am not a prophet, and I am not the son of prophets – I am a shepherd and a cultivator of wild fig trees. And the Lord took me from the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy to My people Israel” (vv. 14-15).
God knew and noticed Amos when he was an ordinary shepherd tending flocks and trees. After hundreds of years, the Lord Jesus noticed and called Nathanael (Jn. 1:48) and Zacchaeus (Lk. 19:4-5) near the fig trees. No matter how unknown we feel, God sees us, loves us, and uses us for His purposes.
Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God sees you as a person? How does His knowledge of you inform you of His love?
Dear God, thank you for loving me even though I feel insignificant.
Author: Karen Pimpo
“When he was slandered, he did not slander each other, and when he suffered, he did not threaten, but handed over to the One who judges justly.” — 1 Peter 2:23
George was working on a construction site in the hot summer sun when suddenly one of his neighbors came into the yard where he was working. The man, clearly angry, started cursing and criticizing everything about the project and how it was being done. George received verbal blows, but left them unanswered until the angry neighbor stopped shouting. Then George softly replied, “You must be having a rough day today, aren’t you?” Suddenly, the man’s expression softened, he lowered his head and said: “I’m sorry that I talked to you like that.” George’s kindness eased his neighbor’s anger.
There are times when we want to strike back. Pay back an insult for an insult. Instead, George showed an example of kindness, which was most perfectly manifested in the sacrifice of Christ, who bore the consequences of our sins: “When he was reviled, he did not revile one another, and when he suffered, he did not threaten, but handed over to the One who judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:23).
All of us will have moments when we are misunderstood, misrepresented, or attacked. We may want to respond in kind, but the heart of the Lord Jesus calls us to be kind, seek peace and show understanding. Today, by giving us an opportunity, God can use us to bless someone who is going through a difficult day.
Why is it so easy to take revenge on others for their unkind words? Instead, how can you show kindness to those who treat you unkindly?
Heavenly Father, please help me find in You the strength, grace, and wisdom to reflect the character of Jesus Christ.
Author: Bill Crowder
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11
Every year my wife and I put hundreds of miles on our bikes pedaling the trails of West Michigan. For your convenience, we have some accessories that we have attached to the bikes. Sue has a front light, tail light, odometer and bike lock. My bike has a water bottle holder. In fact, we could successfully drive our route every day and rack up all those miles without the extras. They are helpful but not required.
In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes about another set of “accessories”, but it is mandatory. We must “put on” these things if we are to be successful in following Jesus. Our life is not an easy walk. We are in a battle in which we must fight “against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11), so we should be well prepared.
Without the wisdom of Scripture, we can make mistakes. Without Jesus, who helps us live His “truth,” we will succumb to lies (v. 14). Without the Gospel, we will not have “peace” (v. 15). Without “faith” to protect us, we will succumb to doubt (v. 16). Our “salvation” and the Holy Spirit strengthen us so that we live well for God (v. 17). This is our armor.
It is important that we, traveling along the roads of life, are protected from its real dangers. This is only possible when Christ equips us to overcome the challenges along the way.
What does it mean for you to “put on” God’s armor? In what situations do you find yourself in need of God’s armor the most?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me in the scriptures how I can resist Satan’s attacks.
Author: David Brenon
“Who will despise the day of small things?” — Zechariah 4:10
During the wedding ceremony, our shy friend Dave stood in the corner clutching a long cloth-wrapped object. When it was his turn to present his gift, he handed it to us. Evan and I opened the package to find a hand-carved piece of wood with perfect concentric circles inside and engraved with the words, “Some of God’s miracles are small.” This plaque has hung in our home for forty-five years and reminds us again and again that God works even in the little things. In paying bills. In providing food. In healing from a cold. All this makes up an impressive list of God’s provision.
Through the prophet Zechariah, Zerubbabel, the ruler of Judah, received a similar message from God regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. After the return from the Babylonian captivity, a period of slow progress began, and because of this the Israelites became discouraged. “Who will despise the day of small things?” – proclaimed God (Zech. 4:10). He fulfills His desires through us, and sometimes against us. “Not by might or power, but only by My Spirit” (v. 6).
If we are sorry that we do not see the great work of God in us and around us, let us remember that some of His miracles can be “small”. He uses small things to accomplish His great purposes.
Where have you seen “small” miracles of God in your life? How has He used the little things to meet your needs and the needs of others?
Dear God, thank you for Your “little” miracles in my life. Help me to notice all Your works!
Author: Eliza Morgan
“Guard your heart, because life comes from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
The human heart is an amazing organ. This fist-sized pumping station weighs between 300 and 450 grams. Every day, the heart beats about 100,000 times and pumps seven and a half thousand liters of blood through one hundred thousand kilometers of blood vessels in our body! With such a strategic role and heavy workload, it is clear why the health of the heart is crucial to the well-being of the entire body. Medicine encourages us to adopt healthy habits because the condition of our heart and the quality of our health are closely related.
While medical science speaks authoritatively about our physical heart, God speaks with even greater authority about the “spiritual heart.” It appeals to the mental, emotional and moral “center” of our being. Since the heart is the central processor of life, it must be protected: “Guard your heart, for out of it comes life” (Prov. 4:23). Guarding the heart will help us with our speech (v. 24), cause us to have discerning eyes (v. 25) and choose the best paths for our feet (v. 27). Regardless of age or stage of life, if we guard our hearts, our lives are preserved, our relationships are protected, and the Lord is glorified. J
What do your lifestyle and habits say about the condition of your heart? If you haven’t asked God to change your heart yet, what’s stopping you from doing so today?
Dear God, search me and know my heart. Create a pure heart in me. Let me hide Your truth in my heart, so that I do not sin before You.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“He gave Himself for our sins in order to free us from the evil modern age.” — Galatians 1:4
A few friends set out on a boat across the English Channel, hoping that the forecast for stormy weather would change. But the wind rose, the waves became restless. This threatened the safety of their vessel, so they radioed the Royal National Rescue Institute for help. After several tense minutes, they saw their rescuers in the distance and were relieved to know that they would soon be safe. As my friend later gratefully said: “Regardless of whether people ignore the rules of behavior at sea or not, rescuers will still come to help.”
As he told this story, I thought about how Jesus leads God’s search and rescue mission. He came to earth to become a Man and live among us. By His death and resurrection He gave us a plan of salvation, when sin and disobedience separated us from God. This truth is emphasized by the apostle Paul: “[Jesus] gave Himself for our sins, to free us from the evil modern age” (Gal. 1:4). Paul reminded the Galatians of the gift of new life they had received through the death of Christ, that they should glorify God day by day.
Jesus, our Savior, willingly died to save us from destruction. Thanks to this, we have life in God’s Kingdom, and in thanks for this we can share the saving news with other people in our community.
How do you express your gratitude for the gift of salvation? Who can you share the good news with?
Dear Jesus, You give life and salvation. Please help me to accept Your love and show it to others.
By Amy Buescher Pye
“The fool is angry and the brave.” — Proverbs 14:16
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a tidal island in England connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Twice a day, the sea covers the dam. Signs warn visitors of the dangers of crossing at high tide. However, tourists regularly ignore warnings and often find themselves on the roofs of submerged cars or swimming to rescue houses. The tide is as predictable as the sunrise. Warnings are everywhere, it is impossible not to notice them. However, as one writer put it, Lindisfarne is “a place where the reckless try to outrun the tide”.
The Book of Proverbs tells us how dangerous it is to be reckless and careless (Prov. 14:16). A reckless person pays little attention to wisdom or wise counsel and does not show consideration or diligent care for others (vv. 7-8). However, wisdom helps us to listen and think, so that we are not carried away by hasty emotions or half-hearted ideas (v. 6). Wisdom teaches us to ask the right questions and consider the consequences of our actions. While the fool moves forward without regard to relationships or consequences, “the wise consider his steps” (v. 15).
Although sometimes we need to act decisively and quickly, we can resist rashness. If we accept and practice God’s wisdom, He will give us the guidance we need when we need it.
Have you witnessed reckless living? How can you avoid this lifestyle?
Dear God, we live in a reckless world. Please help me to be wise and live wisely.
Author: Wynn Collier
“So many of us are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another.” — Romans 12:5
Most of the three hundred residents of the town of Whittier, Alaska, live in one apartment complex, which is why Whittier is called “the city under one roof.” Amy, a former resident, says, “I didn’t even have to go outside the house. The grocery store, the notary, the school and the post office were all on the first floor. Take the elevator down and you’re there!”
“Because life there was extremely comfortable, I thought I didn’t need anyone anymore, – shares Amy. – But the residents of the city are so friendly. They take care of each other. And I realized that they need me, and they need me.”
We also sometimes want to avoid socializing with other people. Instead, Scripture says that Christians should have a healthy balance of solitude and fellowship with other believers. The Apostle Paul compares the church to a human body. Just as every part of the body has a function, so every believer has a role (Rom. 12:4). Just as a separate part of the body cannot exist autonomously, so a believer cannot live a life of faith in isolation (v. 5). Only in the community do we use our gifts (vv. 6-8; 1 Pet. 4:10) and grow, becoming like Jesus (Rom. 12:9-21).
We need each other; our community is in Christ (v. 5). By caring for one another, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and show others His love.
How has the community in Jesus Christ helped you in your walk with God? How did other believers encourage you?
Dear God, thank you for my brothers and sisters.
Author: Karen Huang
“You are no longer strangers and strangers, but fellow citizens of the saints, and at home for God.” — Ephesians 2:19
“You don’t belong here.” These words broke the heart of an eight-year-old girl, and the pain caused remained with her forever. Her family emigrated from a refugee camp in a war-torn country to another country, and her immigration card read: “Foreigner”. She felt that she did not belong here.
As an adult, although she believed in Jesus, she still felt alienated. The thought that she was an unwelcome guest in a new country did not leave her. While reading the Bible, the woman discovered the promises recorded in the 2nd chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians. In the 12th verse, she saw that old, disturbing word: “Aliens.” “At that time you were without Christ, separated from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” However, as she continued to read, she saw how Christ’s sacrifice changed her status. The woman came to the 19th verse, which said: “You are no longer strangers and foreigners.” She became a “fellow citizen” of God’s people. The realization that she had become a citizen of Heaven caused her great joy. She will never be a stranger again. God accepted her.
Because of our sins, we are alienated from God. But we don’t have to stay that way. Jesus brought peace to everyone, including the “far off” (v. 17), making everyone who trusts in Him fellow citizens of His eternal Kingdom, united in the Body of Christ.
In what sense do you feel alienated? What does it mean to you to realize that God has called all His children to unity in Him?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to communicate with You and with other people who love You and trust You.
Author: David Brenon
“I told you this so that you may have peace in Me.” —John 16:33
A photo of my five-year-old daughter, who triumphantly won the fun competitive game “Gutters and Stairs,” appeared on the Facebook social network. We also played this board game a lot when we were kids. The game, which was invented in ancient India, helps people learn to count and gives the thrill of climbing the ladder and winning by reaching the 100 mark faster than others. But be careful! If you land at 98, you’ll slide far down the chute, delaying or even preventing victory.
Isn’t that like life? The Lord Jesus lovingly prepared us for the ups and downs in our lives. He warned: “You will suffer in the world, but be of good courage: I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). We should not be afraid of trials. Why? Because Christ has overcome the world! There is nothing greater than His power. Therefore, we can meet everything that comes our way with the manifestation of “His mighty power” that He has given us (Eph. 1:19).
As in the game “Gutters and Stairs”, life sometimes presents us with stairs that we happily climb up, and sometimes we fall down a slippery mountain. However, we must not play the game of life without hope. We have the power of Jesus to get us through it all.
What challenges do you need help with? How can focusing on Jesus’ power to overcome life’s trials and tribulations encourage you?
Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding me that You have overcome the world! Help me rely on Your strength to handle the ups and downs of life.
Author: Katara Patton
