“We love Him because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
When Elsa was diagnosed with cancer, she was ready to go to heaven to be with Jesus. However, the woman recovered, although the disease made her immobile. Elsie wondered why God had spared her life. “What good can I do? – she asked God. – I have neither money nor any special skills, and I cannot walk. What good am I?”
So she found small, simple ways to serve others, especially the cleaners in her house who were migrants. The woman would buy them food or give them a few dollars each time she saw them. These monetary gifts were small, but they greatly helped the workers to make ends meet. As she did this, Elsie felt that God cared for her, with friends and family giving her gifts and money, which enabled her to bless others in return.
As she shared her story, I couldn’t help but think of how Elsie truly lived out the call to love one another found in 1 John 4:11 and the truth that reminds us that it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Elsie gave because she received. However, for this she only needed a loving, grateful heart and a willingness to offer what she had, and God multiplied these gifts. So, let’s ask the Lord to give us a grateful and generous heart so that we can give according to His guidance!
What have you received from God? How can you encourage someone today in a simple yet meaningful way?
Dear Father, thank you for your gifts in my life. Please give me the heart to love others as You have loved me.
Author: Leslie Koh
“Even if you wash yourself… your guilt will be a stain before My face, says the Lord God.” — Jeremiah 2:22
“Oh, no!” – I exclaimed sadly, opening the dryer to get the laundry. My white shirt was covered in ink stains, like a leopard’s skin. I forgot to take the fountain pen out of my pocket, and now all the linen was hopelessly ruined.
In the Holy Scriptures, the word “stain” is often used to describe sin. It penetrates into the cloth and spoils it. This is how God, through the prophet Jeremiah, described sin, reminding His people that its stain cannot be cleansed: “Though you wash yourself with lye, and you heal yourself with soap, your guilt will be a stain before My face” (Jer. 2:22).
Fortunately, sin does not have the final say. In the Book of the prophet Isaiah, it is said about God’s promise that He can cleanse us from the stains of sin: “When your sins are like crimson, they will become white as snow; if they are red like crimson, they will become like wool!” (Is. 1:18).
Unfortunately, I was unable to remove the ink stains from my shirt. Likewise, I cannot remove the stains of my sin. Fortunately, God cleanses us in Christ, as we are promised in the text of the 1st Epistle of John 1:9: “When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
What has been the experience of forgiveness and cleansing from sin in your life? What “stain” do you perhaps need to bring to God?
Heavenly Father, please help me to keep the promise that in Christ there is forgiveness and purity, that I am washed and white as snow in Your eyes.
Author: Adam Holtz
“I will not leave you, nor will I depart from you!” — Hebrews 13:5
Thousands of people prayed for Pastor Ed Dobson when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic sclerosis in 2000. Many believed that when they prayed in faith for healing, God would answer immediately. After 12 years of battling a disease that had caused Ed’s muscles to gradually atrophy (and three years before his death), someone asked him why he thought God still hadn’t healed him. “I am not concerned with this issue,” he answered. His wife, Lorna, added: “If you’re only looking for answers, you can’t really live.”
Do you feel the reverence for God in Ed and Lorna’s words? They knew that God’s wisdom was greater than their own. Still, Ed admitted, “I find it almost impossible not to worry about tomorrow.” He understood that the disease would lead to even greater disability, and he did not know what new problem the next day might bring.
To focus on the present, Ed posted a scripture in his car, on his bathroom mirror and next to his bed: “[God] said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you!’ That is why we boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid of anyone”” (Heb. 13:5-6). Whenever Ed began to worry, he repeated these words.
No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Perhaps Ed’s practice can help us turn our anxieties into opportunities for trust.
What Bible verses help you focus on today and not worry about tomorrow? Where can you place them to help your faith grow?
Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are God and I am human. Please teach me to trust You.
By Ann Sitas
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21
Leaders of educational institutions rarely admit their guilt when a tragedy occurs within their walls. However, a year after the suicide of a 17-year-old student, the prestigious school admitted that it “tragically failed to protect him.” The student was constantly bullied, and the school authorities, despite knowing about the abuse, did nothing to protect him. The school has now pledged to take significant action to tackle bullying and take better care of pupils’ mental health.
The damage caused by bullying is a prime example of the power of words. The book of Proverbs teaches us never to take lightly the influence of words, for “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21). What we say can uplift or crush another. In the worst case, cruel words can become a contributing factor to literal death.
How can we give life with the words we speak? Scripture teaches that our words come either from wisdom or from foolishness (Prov. 15:2). We find wisdom by drawing close to God, the source of life-giving wisdom (Prov. 3:13, 17-19).
We must take our words seriously and care and protect those who have been wronged by others. Harsh words can kill, but kind words can heal, becoming a “tree of life” (Prov. 15:4) to those around us.
When have you witnessed careless words causing harm? How can you show God’s mercy through what you say?
Loving God, please help me to never take words lightly. Teach me to rely on You and to speak only what brings life.
Author: Monica La Rose
“We have this treasure in clay vessels.” — 2 Corinthians 4:7
His back is hunched, he walks with a stick, but six decades of spiritual shepherding testify to the fact that he relies on God – the source of his strength. In 1993, Pastor William Barber was diagnosed with a disease that causes vertebrae to fuse together. In a not too delicate way, he was told: “William, you will probably have to find another occupation, because the church will not want a person with a disability to be their pastor.” But Barber overcame the offensive comment. God not only used him as a pastor. He has also become a powerful, respected voice in support of neglected and marginalized people.
Although the world may not fully know what to do with people with disabilities, God does. Those who value beauty and the things money can buy may miss the goodness that comes with unsolicited hacking. The rhetorical question of the apostle James and the principle behind it are worth pondering over: “Has not God chosen the poor of this world over the rich in faith and over the heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5). If health, strength, or other things decline, faith need not follow suit. With God’s help, everything can be the other way around. Our lack can be a catalyst for trust in Him. Our brokenness can be used by God to bring good into our world.
What are you weak or broken in? How can you use your weakness to encourage others?
Heavenly Father, please help me to bring You glory despite my weaknesses.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“They will raise their wings, like those eagles, they will run – and they will not tire.” — Isaiah 40:31
A pair of eagles built a giant nest in a tree a few miles from my house. Soon the huge birds had eaglets. They cared for their chicks together until one of the adult eagles was tragically hit by a car. For several days, the surviving eagle flew up and down over a nearby river, as if searching for its lost mate. Finally, the bird returned to the nest and took full responsibility for raising the offspring.
In any situation, the process of raising a child by one of the parents can be difficult. The joy that a child brings, combined with possible financial and emotional pressures, can create a wide range of experiences. But there is hope for those who fulfill this important role, and for all those trying to cope with a situation that seems overwhelming.
If we feel exhausted and discouraged, remember that God is with us. Because He is almighty, almighty, and unchanging, His power never fails. We can trust what the Bible says: “Those who hope in the Lord will recover their strength” (Is. 40:31). Our own limitations will not determine what happens to us because we can rely on God to supernaturally recharge us. Hope in Him allows us to go and not get tired, but on the contrary – to “raise wings like those eagles” (v. 31).
What seems overwhelming in your life? How can God encourage you to rely on His strength?
Dear Heavenly Father, I cannot handle my problems on my own. I need You. Please give me Your supernatural power today.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
“Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh.” — Exodus 7:7
Two Texas grandmothers recently became a media sensation by traveling around the world in eighty days at the age of eighty-one. Best friends traveling the world for twenty-three years, visited all seven continents. They started in Antarctica, danced the tango in Argentina, rode camels in Egypt and sledded at the North Pole. They visited 18 countries including Zambia, India, Nepal, Bali, Japan, Rome and ended their trip in Australia. The friends hope that they have inspired future generations to enjoy travel, regardless of their age.
In the book of Exodus, we read about two 80-year-old men who were called by God to a life of adventure. He urged Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he free God’s people from slavery. God sent Moses’ older brother, Aaron, to support him. “Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron was eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh” (Ex. 7:7).
Such a request would seem terrible at any age, but God chose these brothers, and they carried out His instructions. “And Moses and Aaron entered Pharaoh, and they did as the Lord commanded” (v. 10).
Moses and Aaron had the privilege of witnessing how God delivered His people from more than 400 years of slavery. God can use us at any age. So let us follow Him wherever He leads.
How have you seen God’s faithfulness manifest in your life? How can you serve Him?
Dear God, please help me to follow You all the days of my life.
By Nancy Gavilanes
“A faithful word: if we died together with Him, then we will live together with Him!” — 2 Timothy 2:11
For more than two centuries, the first hymn in the Methodist songbook was “Oh, if I could praise You with a thousand mouths.” Written by Charles Wesley and originally titled “On the Anniversary of Conversion,” this song was created to celebrate being completely renewed through faith in Jesus. The song consists of eighteen stanzas that proclaim the glory of God’s goodness to those who repent and follow Christ.
Such faith should be celebrated and shared. In the 2nd Epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul encourages him to remain steadfast in his faith and persistently share the Gospel, for which he suffers torment “even to prison, like that criminal” (2 Tim. 2:8-9). However, Paul does not doubt his choice at all and calls Timothy to remember the Good News, “about Jesus Christ of the seed of David, who rose from the dead” (v. 8), who came not to rule, but to serve and, ultimately, to die for the sins of the world so that we may have peace with God. Death did not win. Jesus rose from the dead!
We are free, and the Good News about Him is also free. “The word of God cannot be imprisoned” (v. 9), even in those places where death seems to have won: in prison cells, hospital beds, graves. In Christ there is hope for all people. This is news worth noting!
How do you rejoice in the Good News of Jesus in your daily life? Who can you share this news with?
Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me and giving me the opportunity to share the Good News with others.
Author: Matthew Lucas
“For God will bring every case to judgment, and everything is secret – whether it is good or evil.” — Ecclesiastes 12:14
The thief broke into the phone repair shop, broke the window glass and began to put phones and other things in his pockets. He tried to hide his face from the surveillance camera by covering his head with a cardboard box. However, during the robbery, the box fell, revealing his face. In a few minutes, the store owner saw a video recording of the robbery, called the police, who arrested the robber near a nearby store. This story reminds us that every hidden sin will be revealed someday.
Human nature tries to hide its sins. Instead, in the book of Ecclesiastes, we read that we must obey God’s commandments, because every hidden thing will appear before His righteous gaze and receive a just judgment (Eccl. 12:14). The author wrote: “Fear God, and do His commandments, because this belongs to every person” (v. 13). Even the hidden things condemned by the Ten Commandments (Lev. 4:13) will not escape God’s judgment. God will judge every case, good or bad. But by His grace we can find forgiveness of our sins in Christ Jesus and His sacrifice for us (Eph. 2:4-5).
If we realize and internalize His commandments, it leads to a reverent fear of Him and a corresponding way of life. Let’s bring our sins to Him and feel His loving, all-forgiving heart again.
How do you maintain a reverent fear of God? What can you do this week to remember His commandments?
Dear God, I repent of my secret sins. Please look at me with mercy and help me live righteously before You.
Author: Marvin Williams
“And the grace of our Lord increased greatly in me with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 1:14
I expected eight bananas. Instead, when I opened the packages with products that were delivered to my home, I found twenty! I quickly realized that my move to England meant that I also went from ordering food in pounds to ordering in kilograms. Instead of three pounds, I ordered three kilograms (almost seven pounds) of bananas.
With this abundance, I made several batches of my favorite banana bread to share this blessing with others. As I mashed the fruit, I began to think about other areas of my life where I felt unexpected abundance, the source of which was always God.
The apostle Paul seems to have had a similar experience of thinking about God’s abundance in his life. In the First Letter to Timothy, he tells about his life before conversion, describing himself as an oppressor and an attacker (1 Tim. 1:13), the first of sinners (v. 16). God lavished grace on the broken Paul (v. 14). Having told about all the abundance in his life, the apostle could not help but express praise to God, because he considers Him worthy to be shown “honor and glory forever and ever” (v. 17).
Great grace was also shown to us when we accepted Jesus’ offer of salvation from sin (v. 15). If we pause to reflect on all the blessings we have received, we will join Paul in grateful praise to our bountiful God.
How have you experienced God’s abundance in your life? How can you glorify Him today?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your infinite gift of grace.
Author: Lisa Samra
