“I will turn the wilderness into a lake of water, and the dry land into springs.” — Isaiah 41:18
After the devastating hurricane “Katrina” in 2005, the gradual reconstruction of New Orleans began. One of the hardest hit areas was the Lower Ninth Ward, where residents were without access to basic resources for years after the hurricane. Burnell Cotlon also made efforts to change this. In November 2014, he opened the first grocery store in this county. “When I bought the building, everyone thought I was crazy,” Cotlon recalls. But “the very first client cried because she… thought that life would never return to this area.” Kotlon’s mother said that her son “saw something that I didn’t see. And I’m glad that he … took this chance.”
God enabled the prophet Isaiah to see an unexpected future in the face of desolation. Seeing that “the poor and needy seek water, but there is none” (Isaiah 41:17), God promised: “I will turn the wilderness into a lake of water, and the dry land into springs” (v. 18). When, instead of hunger and thirst, His people will experience prosperity again, they will understand that “the Lord’s hand has done this” (v. 20).
God is the Author of restoration and is working to create a future in which “the creation itself will be freed from the bondage of corruption” (Rom. 8:21). If we trust in God’s goodness, He helps us see a future full of hope.
When have you witnessed recovery from destruction? How can you be a part of God’s restoration work?
God, please help me to bear witness with my life to the hope found in You and to the future You give.
Author: Monica La Rose
“I don’t stop thanking you for you, and I remember you in my prayers.” — Ephesians 1:16
They didn’t think that Jorn, the tenant who worked the land, would be able to achieve much. However, despite his poor eyesight and other physical limitations, he devoted himself to the people in his village in Norway, praying at night when the pain kept him awake. In prayer, he went from house to house, naming each person individually, even children whom he did not yet know. People loved him for his gentle nature and turned to him for wisdom and advice. Even if he couldn’t help them practically, people still felt blessed to receive his love. When Jorn died, his funeral was the largest in the history of this community, even though he had no family. His prayers bore fruits that he could not even imagine.
This humble man followed the example of the apostle Paul, who loved those he served and prayed for them even while in prison. He wrote to the Ephesians while in prison in Rome and prayed that God would give them the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation” and that He would “enlighten” the eyes of their hearts (Eph. 1:17-18). Paul wanted them to know Jesus and live in love and unity through the power of the Spirit.
Jorn and Apostle Paul faithfully prayed to God for those they loved and served. May they be examples for us to follow in how we love and serve others today.
Do you know someone who is a gentle prayer warrior? How does this person reflect the heart of Christ?
Lord Jesus, You served others and put their needs first. Please help me to love and serve You with joy every day.
By Amy Buescher Pye
“He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 1:31
James Morris was once called an “ignorant layman with a hot heart”, but God used him to lead Augustus Toplady to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Toplady, the author of the well-known Christian hymn “This Gracious Rock”, described Morris’s sermon as he heard it: “It is amazing that I … drew near to God … among a small group of believers gathered in a barn, and through the ministry of one who could barely speak his own name. It is certainly the work of the Lord’s hands, and it is amazing.”
God does do amazing things in the most unexpected places and through those we may think of as “unqualified” or just ordinary people. In the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul reminds us: “Look, brothers, at your called, that few are wise according to the flesh, few are strong, few are noble” (1 Cor. 1:26). Although the Corinthian believers were ordinary citizens, by God’s grace they did not lack gifts and usefulness (see v. 7). And God, who knows how to put boasters in their place (vv. 27-29), acted among them and through them.
Do you consider yourself “normal” or even think that you are worse than others? Don’t bother. If you are with the Lord and want Him to work through you, that is enough. Let the words: “God, use me!” sound more often in your prayer.
Who comes to mind when you think of those whom God has used effectively? What can you do to shift your focus from what you have or don’t have to what God can do through you?
Heavenly Father, forgive me for focusing more on myself than on You. Use me in Your holy service.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“For His mercy has not ended, it is new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22-23
For three years, Susan didn’t buy anything for herself, except for basic necessities. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected my friend’s income and she has switched to a frugal lifestyle. “One day, while cleaning the apartment, I noticed how shabby and faded my things looked, – she shared. – It was then that I began to miss new things, the feeling of freshness and excitement. Everything around seemed dim and seemed to hint that there was nothing to look forward to in the future.”
Unexpectedly, Susan found encouragement in the book of Lamentations of Jeremiah, which the prophet wrote after the fall of Jerusalem. In it, Jeremiah describes the unhealed wound of grief that the prophet himself and his people suffered. However, in the midst of the despair of sorrow lies a reliable ground for hope – God’s love. “For His mercy does not end, it is new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Susan realized that God’s deep love is constantly breaking out every day. When circumstances make us feel like we have nothing left to hope for, we can remember God’s faithfulness and expect His provision. We can confidently hope in God, knowing that our hope will never be in vain (vv. 24-25) because it is based on His steadfast love and mercy.
“God’s love is my ‘something new’ every day,” says Susan, “and I can look forward with hope.”
When did you think your circumstances were hopeless? How does the promise of God’s unfailing love give you hope?
Dear God, thank you that each day brings with it your steadfast love.
Author: Karen Huang
“I will send you to Pharaoh, and bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” — Exodus 3:10
Two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln freed enslaved people and the Confederacy surrendered, the state of Texas still did not recognize the freedom of enslaved people. So, on June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and demanded that all slaves be freed. Imagine the shock and joy when the shackles fell and those in slavery heard the proclamation of freedom.
God sees the oppressed, and He will eventually proclaim freedom to those burdened by injustice. This is the same truth as it was in the time of Moses. God appeared to him in the burning bush with an urgent message: “I have truly seen the trouble of My people in Egypt” (Ex. 3:7). The Lord not only saw Egypt’s cruelty towards Israel, He also planned to do something: “I have come down to deliver him… and to bring him out of this land to a good and wide Land” (v. 8). He intended to proclaim Israel’s freedom, and Moses was to become His “mouthpiece.” “I will send you to Pharaoh, and bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (v. 10).
Although God’s timing may not come as quickly as we hope, one day He will free us from all slavery and injustice. He gives hope and liberation to all the oppressed.
Have you seen how God helps the oppressed? How does He invite you to join His work?
Dear God, there is so much oppression in the history of our world that it is easy to despair. Please help me to remain focused on Your purpose to proclaim freedom.
Author: Wynn Collier
“When you reap your harvest in your field, and you forget a sheaf in the field, you do not return to take it – it will be for the stranger, the orphan and the widow.” — Deuteronomy 24:19
Several years ago, our church was asked to take in refugees who were fleeing their country after a violent change in political leadership. Whole families came with only a small bag of belongings. Several families from our church opened their homes to the refugees, including those who had little free space.
Their hospitality reminds us of God’s commandment given to the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 24:19-21). Being farmers, they understood the importance of the harvest, which was necessary to survive until the next year. Therefore, God’s command: “when you reap your harvest in your field, and you forget a sheaf in the field, you do not return to take it, it will be for the stranger, the orphan and the widow” (v. 19), is a call to trust God. The Israelites were to practice generosity, not when they knew they had enough, but when they gave from the heart.
The manifestation of such generosity was also a reminder that the Israelites themselves were slaves in Egypt (vv. 18, 22). They were once oppressed and destitute, but God’s mercy freed them from slavery.
Christians are also called to be generous. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “[Christ], being rich, became poor for your sake, that you might become rich through his poverty” (2 Cor. 8:9). We give because He gave to us.
Did someone help you in times of trouble? How will you help others by relying on God’s provision?
Dear Father, please open my eyes to the needs of the disadvantaged in my community.
Author: Matthew Lucas
“So that your will does not become an occasion to please the flesh, but to serve one another with love.” — Galatians 5:13
When my uncle Emory passed away, it was a grand farewell. However, all this honor reflected one idea: Emory showed his love for God through service to others. Nowhere was this more evident than in the context of his military service as an orderly during World War II. He received high military awards for his bravery. But Emory is best remembered for his compassionate service, both during and after the war.
Emory’s dedication was in line with the apostle Paul’s call to the Galatians. He wrote: “For you, brothers, are called to free will, but that your will does not become an occasion to please the flesh, but to serve one another with love” (Gal. 5:13). But how? By our sinful nature, we are programmed to put ourselves first, not others. So where does this unnatural dedication come from?
In the Epistle to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages: “Have the same mind as in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Paul describes Christ’s willingness to even endure death on the cross because of His great love for us. Only when His Spirit forms the mind of Christ in us are we set apart and enabled to sacrifice for others, reflecting the supreme sacrifice that Jesus made when He gave Himself for us. Therefore, let us follow the action of the Spirit in us.
When has someone sacrificed for you? How can you serve others, starting with your own family?
Loving Father, thank you for the perfect example of Jesus and His sacrifice. Please help me to have the mind of Christ.
Author: Bill Crowder
“Your faith, O daughter, has saved you.” — Mark 5:34
During a Saturday morning Bible study, a father was perplexed that his beloved but wayward daughter had returned to town and her behavior made him uncomfortable in his home. Another member of this small Bible study group was not feeling well, as the physical effects of prolonged illness and aging began to show. Numerous visits to doctors did not bring any results. The woman was desperate. By God’s design, the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Mark was the passage they were studying that day. And after completing the Bible study, they finally felt hope and joy.
In this chapter it is said that Jairus, the father of a sick child, cried out, “My daughter is dying!” On the way to the girl, Jesus healed the woman from her long illness, saying: “Your faith, O daughter, has saved you” (v. 34). Jairus and the woman, believing in Jesus, sought Him and were not disappointed. However, in both cases, things went from “bad to worse” before meeting Jesus.
Regardless of gender, age, race, or class, we all face situations that leave us stumped and searching for answers. Instead of allowing difficulties to distance us from Jesus, let us try to let them move us to a deeper faith in the One who feels our faith when we touch Him (v. 30) and Who can heal us.
What situation prompts you to seek Jesus? What are you earnestly praying for today?
Dear Jesus, You know every painful situation in my life. Despite the complexity of life’s circumstances, please make me strong in faith.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“But you must be vigilant in everything … do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your service.” — 2 Timothy 4:5
When the Titanic hit an iceberg in April 1912, pastor John Harper found a place for his six-year-old daughter in one of the lifeboats. He then gave his life jacket to one of the passengers and began to share the Gospel with all who would listen. When the ship was sinking and hundreds of people were waiting for an unlikely rescue, Harper swam from one person to another and said: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
At a meeting of Titanic survivors in Ontario, Canada, one man called himself “John Harper’s last convert.” After rejecting Harper’s first call, he accepted Christ when the preacher called him again. He saw Harper devote the last moments of his life to witnessing for Jesus before he suffered hypothermia and went to the bottom of the icy water.
Addressing Timothy, the apostle Paul encourages him to the same selfless evangelization. He instructs Timothy to preach with patience and vigilance (2 Tim. 4:1-2). The apostle reminds the young preacher to remain focused, despite the fact that some will reject Jesus (vv. 3-5).
Our days are limited, so every moment is important. We can be sure that our Father has prepared a place for us in heaven as we proclaim, “Jesus saves!”
How does knowing that our days are limited increase your willingness to share the Good News of Jesus’ love? How will you reach out to others today?
Lord Jesus, please enable me to share Your love with others.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“Let everyone give as his heart allows.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
At the after-school Bible club where my wife Sue serves once a week, students were asked to donate money to help children in war-torn Ukraine. About a week after Sue told our eleven-year-old granddaughter, Maggie, about the project, we received an envelope from her in the mail. In it was $3.45 and a note: “This is all I have for the children in Ukraine. I will send more later.”
Sue did not offer to help Maggie, but perhaps the Lord prompted her to do so. And Maggie, who loves Jesus and wants to live for Him, responded.
We can learn a lot when we think about this small gift from the heart. It reflects some of the instructions regarding giving given by Paul in 2 Corinthians (2 Cor. 9). First, the apostle called us to sow “generously” (v. 6). Giving “all that I have” is certainly a generous gift. Paul also wrote that our gifts should be given with joy, according to God’s guidance and our ability, and “not under compulsion” (v. 7). In addition, he mentioned the value of gifts to the “poor” (v. 9), citing Psalm 111:9.
When there is an opportunity to give gifts, let’s ask what kind of response God expects from us. If we are generous and joyfully direct our gifts to the needs of the needy, then through our gift we give “thanks to God” (2 Cor. 9:11). This is a gift from the heart.
What motivates you to show generosity to others? How do you aim to meet their real needs?
Dear God, please help me to be the kind of generous giver You want me to be – a reflection of Your generous heart.
Author: David Brenon
