“Remember the Sabbath day.” — Exodus 20:8
Have you ever found yourself telling a story and then stopped, stuck on a detail like a name or a date you couldn’t remember? We often chalk it up to age, believing that memory weakens over time. But recent research suggests that the problem is not our memory, but our ability to recover those memories. Without regular repetition, memories become less accessible.
One way to improve this ability is through regular planned activities or the experience of recalling certain events. Our Creator knew this, so He commanded the children of Israel to set aside one day a week for worship and rest. In addition to the physical recovery that comes from such a rest, we get an opportunity for mental training to remember that “in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them” (Ex. 20:11). It helps us remember that God is at the center of the universe, not us.
In the rush of life, we sometimes forget what God has done for us and for others. We forget Who watches over our lives and promises His presence when we feel down and alone. A break in our daily routine provides an opportunity for the much-needed “practice of restoration” – a conscious decision to stop, remember our Creator and not forget about “all His good deeds” (Ps. 102:2).
What tempts you to skip rest? How can rest bring you closer to God?
Dear God, please give me the wisdom to stop and remember You.
Author: John Blaze
“And I will remember My covenant between Me and you, and between every living soul in every body.” — Genesis 9:15
On September 11, 2023, the twenty-second anniversary of the attacks on the United States, a stunning double rainbow graced the sky over New York. This city, where the former twin towers were located, suffered the greatest losses from those terrorist attacks. More than two decades have passed since those events, and this double rainbow brought a sense of hope and healing to those who were there to see it. Video captured the moment a rainbow appeared to emerge from the exact spot where the World Trade Center used to stand.
The rainbow in the sky brings assurance of God’s faithfulness since the time of Noah. After God’s judgment on sin, which led to incredible destruction, He set up a colored “beacon” as a visual reminder of the “eternal covenant between God and every living soul” (Genesis 9:16). After forty gloomy days of rain and months of flooding (Gen. 7:17-24), one can only imagine how joyful the “sign of the covenant” was for Noah and his family (Gen. 9:12-13). He reminded of God’s faithfulness that “there will be no more floods to destroy the earth” (v. 11).
When we face dark days and tragic loss—whether through natural disaster, physical or emotional pain, or illness—let us turn to God for hope. Even if we do not see His “sign” in these moments, we can be sure of His faithfulness to His promises.
How has God revealed His presence to you during difficult times in life? Who needs to hear your story today?
God, please help me to see Your hand today in the midst of my difficulties.
Author: Kirsten Holmberg
“And to all those who accepted Him, power was given to them to become children of God, those who believe in His Name.” —John 1:12
When Jay Spates of Rockville, Maryland, took a DNA test, nothing could have prepared him for the results he got. They contained a big surprise: he turned out to be the prince of the West African state of Benin! Soon, Jay boarded a plane and visited the country. When he arrived at the place, the royal family welcomed him and arranged a festive meeting with songs, flags and a parade.
The Lord Jesus came to earth to preach the Gospel. He went to His people Israel to tell them the good news and show them the way out of the darkness. Many received this message with apathy, rejecting the “true Light” (Jn. 1:9) and refusing to accept Him as the Messiah (v. 11). However, disbelief and apathy were not the general reaction among the people. Some people, on the contrary, humbly and joyfully accepted Christ’s invitation, accepted Him as God’s sacrifice for sin and believed in His Name. Therefore, a surprise was waiting for this faithful remnant. Jesus gave “them authority… to become children of God” (v. 12), to be His royal children through spiritual rebirth.
If we turn away from sin and darkness, accept Jesus and believe in His Name, we discover that we are children of God, adopted into His family, as royal children. So, let us enjoy the blessings as we fulfill the duties of the King’s children.
How does being a child of God affect you? What will you do this week to live up to your status and responsibility as His child?
Heavenly Father, it is amazing that through the death of Jesus You invite me into the spiritual Kingdom. I am truly grateful for that.
Author: Marvin Williams
“I will build My Church.” — Matthew 16:18
A fire completely destroyed the premises of a Baptist church in Texas. When rescuers and members of the community gathered after the flames died down, they were surprised to see a charred cross standing upright in the smoke and ash. The firefighter said the fire “took the building, but not the cross. It’s a reminder that the building was just a structure, and the church is a community.”
The church is not a building, but a community of believers who are united by the cross of Jesus Christ, the One who died, was buried, and rose again. When Jesus lived on earth, He told Peter that He would build His Church, and nothing would destroy it (Mt. 16:18). The Lord Jesus will gather believers from all over the world into a community that will exist forever. This community will suffer great hardships, but in the end will endure. God will live in them and sustain them (Eph. 2:22).
If we seek to establish and strengthen local churches and they do not develop, if church buildings are destroyed or if we are concerned about believers who are suffering in other parts of the world, let us remember that Jesus is alive and actively helping God’s people to endure. We are part of the Church He is building today. He is with us and for us. His cross remains.
How can you support other believers? How does spreading the Good News relate to God’s plan for the church?
God, please strengthen Your people. Fill him with wisdom, protect him and help him remain faithful to You.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
“Love… does not seek only its own, does not rush to anger.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
We rushed to a fast food restaurant to have lunch together during my friend Jerry’s short work break. At about the same time, six young people entered the restaurant directly in front of us. Knowing that we didn’t have much time, we internally expressed our displeasure. And those people stood in two groups at both cash registers, trying to be the first to make an order. Then I heard Jerry whisper the words of Christ: “Be merciful.” Oho! Of course, it would have been nice if we were the first to pass, but what a great reminder to think about the needs and wants of others, not just your own.
The Bible teaches that love is long-suffering, merciful, selfless, that it “is not quick to anger” (1 Cor. 13:5). “She often… prefers the well-being, benefit, and pleasure of others to her own,” commentator Matthew Henry wrote about this love. God’s love thinks of others first.
In a world full of angry people, we often have occasion to turn to God for help in being patient and kind to others (v. 4). In the Book of Proverbs 19:11 it is said: “The understanding of a man stops his anger, and his majesty is to pass over iniquity.”
It is precisely such acts of love that bring glory to God, and He can use them to bring the message of His love to unbelievers.
So, with God’s help, let us use every opportunity to show mercy.
In what cases are you prone to despair? How can prayer to God help in this?
God, I need Your help. Many things in this world irritate me, but I want to be filled and overflowing with Your love.
By Ann Sitas
“I am running toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
Sometimes, surprisingly, spiritual messages appear in the most unexpected places, for example, in comic books. The publisher of Marvel comics, Stan Lee, died in 2018, leaving a legacy of such iconic heroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and many others.
The famous smiling man in sunglasses had a personal catchphrase with which he signed off his monthly comic book columns for decades – the word excelsior (which translates to “all above”). In a 2010 tweet, Lee explained its meaning: “All the way to greater glory! That’s what I wish you every time I finish tweeting!”
I like it. Whether Stan Lee realized it or not, the use of this word certainly resonates with what the Apostle Paul wrote in the Epistle to the Philippians, when he called on believers to look not backward, but forward and upward: “But only, forgetting what is behind and hastening to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).
It’s easy to get lost in regretful memories or rethinking past decisions. However, in Christ we are called to give up regrets and go higher – to God’s greater glory, accepting the forgiveness and purpose that He so graciously gives us!
Why do you tend to look forward or backward in your life and in your faith? How to let go of past mistakes and move forward?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for the invitation to move forward, upward, and onward to Your glory.
Author: Adam Holtz
“Hear, Lord, my prayer, and hear my plea, do not be silent to my tears.” — Psalm 38:13
The first-grader called the emergency number. The operator answered him. “I need help,” said the boy. The operator began to help until he heard the boy’s mother enter the room and ask, “Johnny, what are you doing?” The boy explained that he couldn’t do his math homework, so he did exactly what his mom taught him when he needed help. He called 911. For Johnny, his current need qualified as an emergency. For a sympathetic listener, helping the boy with his homework was the top priority at that moment.
When the psalmist David needed help, he said: “Tell me, O Lord, about my end and about the length of my days, what it is – let me know when I die” (Ps. 38:5). He said: “My hope is in [God]” (v. 8). Therefore, David asked God to hear his plea and answer him (v. 13). He also asked: “Turn away your anger from me” (v. 14). Although David’s needs remain unspoken in the Psalm, he believes that God will always be with him, hear and answer his prayers.
Confidence in God’s immutability helps us cope with our changing feelings while affirming that no request is too big or too small for an unchanging God. He hears us, cares for us, and answers our every prayer.
How has God shown His love for you by answering requests that you thought were too small to make to God? Which of your needs seem too big or too small?
Loving God, thank you for hearing and answering every prayer I ask of you.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“All believers were together and had everything in common.” — Acts 2:44
As our party approached, my wife and I began to plan for it. Since there will be a lot of people coming, should I just order cooking? If we are going to cook ourselves, should we buy a grill? Given the slight chance of rain that day, should I buy a tent? Our party soon became expensive and even a little antisocial. Trying to provide everything on our own, we lost the opportunity to get help from others.
The biblical vision of community is one that includes both giving and receiving. Even before the fall, Adam already needed help (Gen. 2:18), and we are called to seek advice from others (Prov. 15:22) and share our burdens (Gal. 6:2). The members of the early church “had all things in common,” benefiting from each other’s “goods and possessions” (Acts 2:44-45). Instead of living independently, they shared, borrowed, gave and received in beautiful interdependence.
In the end, we asked guests to bring a salad or dessert to the party. Our neighbors brought a barbecue, and a friend brought his tent. Asking for help allowed us to build closer relationships, and the food that other people prepared added variety to the feast and made us happy. Self-sufficiency can become a source of pride. God gives His grace to those who humbly ask for help (James 4:6).
What prevents you from seeking help? What is something you need right now that you can just borrow instead of buying?
God, thank You for creating us as interdependent creatures. Help me to live humbly, sharing with others both my wealth and my needs.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“The wise man sees evil and hides, but the foolish go and punish themselves.” — Proverbs 22:3
The sight was terrible. A pod of fifty-five whales washed up on a Scottish beach. Volunteers tried to save them, but they eventually died. No one knows why such mass strandings occur, but it may be related to the strong social bonds between whales. If one gets into trouble, the others come to the rescue – a caring instinct that, ironically, can lead to tragedy.
The Bible calls us to help others, but we must be wise in the way we help. If we want to restore someone who has fallen into sin, we must be careful not to be drawn into that sin ourselves (Gal. 6:1). And while we are to love our neighbors, we are also to love ourselves (Matt. 22:39). In the Book of Proverbs it is said: “A wise man sees evil and hides, but fools go and be punished” (Prov. 22:3). It’s a good reminder of when helping others starts to hurt ourselves.
Several years ago, two needy people started visiting our church. Before long, the caring members of the church began to wear themselves out responding to all their requests. So, the church decided to set reasonable limits in assistance. Jesus, our best Helper, made time for rest (Mr. 4:38), and He made sure that the needs of His disciples were not superseded by the needs of others (Mr. 6:31). By taking care of our own health, we will be able to take care of others even more in the long run.
How to recognize your need for rest and shelter? What helps you to serve others for a long time?
Holy Spirit, please empower me to serve others in a healthy, sustainable way.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
And the Lord said to him: “What is in your hand?” He answered: “Stick”. — Exodus 4:2
A few years after I received salvation and dedicated my life to God, I felt His prompting to leave my career as a journalist. As I laid down my pen and my notes, I couldn’t shake the feeling that one day God would call me to write for His glory. During years of wandering in my own personal wilderness, I was encouraged by the story of Moses found in Exodus chapter 4.
Moses, who was brought up in Pharaoh’s palace and had a wonderful perspective, escaped from Egypt and lived in obscurity as a shepherd. It was then that God called him. Moses probably thought he had nothing to offer God, instead he learned that God can use anyone and anything for His glory.
God asked, “What is in your hand?” Moses answered: “Stick.” Then God said: “Throw her to the ground” (Ex. 4:2-3). The ordinary staff of Moses turned into a snake. When he caught the snake, God turned it into a stick again (vv. 3-4). This sign was given so that the Israelites would believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, had appeared to him (v. 5). As Moses threw down his staff and picked it up again, so I put my career as a journalist in obedience to God. Later He directed me to take up the pen again, and now I write for Him.
We don’t need much to be used by God. Don’t know where to start? Look what’s in your hand?
How can you use your talents to serve God? How can you use your resources to bless someone today?
Heavenly Father, please help me to use my life to glorify You.
By Nancy Gavilanes
