“He who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of His will and grace.” — 2 Timothy 1:9
As a child, my daughter loved to play with Swiss cheese during lunch. She would put the yellow square on her face and say, “Look, mom,” and her bright green eyes would peek out from two holes in the cheese. When I was a new mother, this swiss cheese mask best represented my attitude toward my efforts—sincere love, yet so imperfect.
Oh, how we long to live a holy life – a life dedicated to God, characterized by our likeness to Jesus. However, time passes, and our holiness still seems unattainable. Instead of it, our “holeness” remains.
In the 2nd Epistle to Timothy 1:6-7, the apostle Paul calls him to live according to his holy calling. Paul further explains: “[God] saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of His will and grace” (v. 9). A holy life is possible, however, not because of our character, but because of God’s grace. Paul continues: “[This grace] was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages” (v. 9). Can we accept God’s grace and live based on the strength it gives us?
In raising children, in marriage, in work or in showing love to our neighbor, God calls us to a holy life, which becomes possible not thanks to our efforts to be perfect, but thanks to His grace.
How do you understand personal holiness? How will you ask God to remind you of His all-encompassing grace that brings holiness into your life?
Dear God, please help me to rely on Your grace and not on my own efforts to live a holy life.
Author: Eliza Morgan
“And to those who hesitate, be merciful.” — Jude 1:22
The invitation to dinner from church leader Harold and his wife Pam warmed my heart and made me a little nervous at the same time. The thing is, I joined a Bible study group in college that taught ideas that contradicted some of the Bible’s teachings. “Will they reproach me for this?”
We ate pizza. Harold and Pam talked about their family and asked about mine. They listened attentively as I talked about my homework, my dog, and the boy I was in love with. Only later did they gently admonish me about the group I attended and explain what was wrong with its teachings.
Their warning turned me away from the false teaching presented at that group and brought me closer to the truths of Scripture. In his letter, Jude uses strong expressions against false teachers and calls believers to “fight for the faith” (Jude 1:3). He reminded that “in the last time there will be delusions… [which] are separated from unity… [and] do not have the spirit” (vv. 18-19). At the same time, Jude calls believers to be merciful to those “who hesitate” (v. 22), showing compassion, but not yielding to the truth.
Harold and Pam knew that I was not yet strong in my faith, so instead of judging me, they first offered me their friendship and then their wisdom. May God grant us love and patience, that we may show wisdom and compassion in dealing with those who have doubts.
Who can you help deal with doubts about faith? How can you lovingly guide them to the truths of Scripture?
Heavenly Father, I need Your wisdom and Your guidance to help those who have been hurt by false teaching. Please give me the words I need.
Author: Karen Huang
“Be kind and merciful to each other.” — Ephesians 4:32
“What do I regret?” This is exactly the question best-selling author George Sanders answered in his 2013 commencement address at Syracuse University. His approach was that of an older person sharing one or two regrets with young people who could learn something from his example. He listed several things that people might think he regretted, such as being poor and working a horrible job. However, Sanders said he doesn’t really regret it at all. Instead, he regrets that he did not show kindness, that he missed opportunities to be kind to someone.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, answering the question: “What does the Christian life look like?” It’s tempting to rush into answers, such as having certain political views, avoiding certain books or movies, or worshiping in a certain way. However, Paul’s approach was not limited to contemporary problems. He mentions abstaining from “rotten” words (Eph. 4:29), from bitterness and anger (v. 31). He essentially ends his “speech” with an appeal to the Ephesians: “And be kind to one another” (v. 32). And the basis for this is God’s kindness to us in Christ.
One of the things that we find to be the hallmark of living in Jesus is certainly kindness.
Think of a recent time when you failed to show kindness? How to find it today?
Dear Jesus, help me to show others the kindness you showed me.
Author: John Blaze
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang to God.” — Acts 16:25
During a short-term mission trip to Ethiopia, our team accompanied a local group of Christians who visited young people who had fallen on hard times and lived in shacks in a landfill. We were very happy to meet them: we shared testimonies, encouraged and prayed together. One of my favorite moments of the evening came when a member of the local team played guitar and we worshiped with our new friends under the shining moon. What a sacred moment! Despite their desperate situation, these people had the hope and joy that can only be found in Jesus.
In the 16th chapter of the book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles, we read about another case of impromptu praise. This time it happened in the prison of the city of Philippa. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten and thrown into prison for serving Jesus. However, instead of despairing, they glorified God, “prayed and … sang” in their prison cell. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken! And now all the doors were ajar, and the shackles fell off everyone” (vv. 25-26).
The prison guard, waking up, wanted to end his life, but when he realized that the prisoners had not escaped, he trembled before God. Salvation came to his family (vv. 27-34).
God rejoices when we glorify Him. Therefore, let us worship Him both in ups and downs.
How has God helped you to praise and worship Him even in times of trouble? How did He reveal Himself in a miraculous way at such moments?
Dear God, please help me to glorify You in all circumstances.
By Nancy Gavilanes
“To give them adornment instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a dark spirit.” — Isaiah 61:3
One evening I noticed neat lines in the wasteland near my house. Each row contained small green leaves from which tiny buds peeked out. The next morning I even stopped when I saw beautiful red tulips sprouting in the plot.
Last fall, a group of people planted a hundred thousand bulbs in vacant lots on the South Side of Chicago. They chose the color red to show how the application of “red-lining” (a discriminatory lending practice by banks) has affected predominantly minority areas. Tulips symbolized the houses that could stand on these plots.
God’s people experienced many trials – from expulsion from their native land to discrimination like the “red border”. But we can still find hope. The prophet Isaiah reminds Israel that God will not leave them. He will give them “decoration” instead of ashes. Even the poor will be “praised” (Is. 61:1). God promised to replace the spirit of despair with “garments of praise.” All these images point to God’s greatness and bring joy to people who, in the end, will become “oaks of righteousness” (v. 3).
These tulips also show that God can create greatness even out of dirt and discrimination. I look forward to seeing those tulips each spring, and even more so to the renewed hope in my neighborhood and other communities.
Where in your community have you seen despair replaced by beauty? How can you help create beauty in places of despair?
God, thank you for the beauty You give me to see, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Author: Katara Patton
“Here we are as ambassadors instead of Christ… we beg you… be reconciled to God!” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
My college friend Bill Tobias served as a Pacific Island missionary for many years. He told a story about a young man who left his hometown in search of happiness. A friend brought him to church, where he heard the Good News about Jesus and believed in Him as his Savior.
The young man wanted to bring the Gospel to his people, who were “stuck in witchcraft”, so he was looking for a missionary who could help in this. But the missionary told him: “Just go and tell them what God has done for you” (see Mr. 5:19). He did so. As a result, several people in his hometown accepted Jesus. However, the biggest breakthrough occurred when the city healer understood that Christ is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Having believed in Jesus, the former healer told about Him to the whole city. Within four years, the testimony of one young man led to the establishment of seven churches in this region.
In the 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul lays out a clear plan for how to bring the Gospel to those who do not yet know Christ. This plan coincides with what the missionary told the young believer to do. We should be “ambassadors of Christ”, His representatives, as if God Himself speaks through us (2 Cor. 5:20). Every believer can tell a unique story about how Jesus made him a “new creation” and reconciled him to God (vv. 17-18). So, let’s tell others about what God has done for us!
What does salvation in Jesus mean to you? How can you best prepare to tell your story to others?
Dear God, please help me to share my faith story with others.
Author: David Brenon
“The sky announces God’s glory.” — Psalm 18:2
Alex Smalley wants everyone to wake up earlier, or at least have a little distraction at the end of the day. Why? To admire the sunrises and sunsets. According to Smalley, a leading British researcher in the field of fascinating weather effects, these fleeting moments are the most beautiful and inspiring periods of the day. A stunning sunrise or sunset can improve mood, increase positive emotions, and reduce stress even more than blue skies or vivid nightscapes. “When you see something huge and awe-inspiring, your own problems can seem smaller and you won’t worry about them as much.”
His conclusions regarding the effect of surprise echo the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “O Lord, God! You created the heavens and the earth by Your mighty power and Your outstretched arm – nothing is impossible for You” (Jer. 32:17).
King David also observed God’s creation and said: “The sky declares God’s glory, and the firmament tells about the work of His hands” (Ps. 18:2). Regarding the sun, he says: “Its rise is from the edge of the sky, and its circuit is at its end, and nothing can be hid from its heat” (v. 7). Therefore, “the Lord’s Law is perfect, it strengthens the soul” (v. 8). God’s glorious creation reflects the almighty Creator. Why not pause today and look up at the heavens in admiration?
From which place do you like to watch the sunrise or sunset? When you look at the sky, what do you discover about God?
Heavenly Father, in Your glorious heavens You show me the miracle of Your power.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“The eyes of the Lord look throughout the earth to strengthen those whose whole heart is toward Him.” — 2 Chronicles 16:9
The series “Rocky” tells about a young boxer who overcomes incredible difficulties to become a heavyweight champion. The movie “Rocky III” shows how a successful boxer is amazed by his own achievements. Television filming prevents him from spending time in the gym, and as a result, during another fight, he is knocked out by an opponent. The rest of the film is Rocky’s attempt to regain his fighting ability.
In a spiritual sense, King Asa of Judah lost his battle superiority. At the beginning of his reign, in the face of incredible difficulties, he always relied on God. When the mighty Kushites were preparing to attack, Asa prayed: “Help us, Lord, our God, for we rely on You, and in Your Name we have come against this multitude” (2 Chron. 14:10). God answered his prayer. Judea defeated the enemies and dispersed them (vv. 11-14).
Years later, Judea was again threatened with danger. However, this time the complacent Asa ignored God and turned to the king of Aram for help (2 Chron. 16:2-3). Everything seemed to work. However, God was not pleased. The prophet Hanani told Asa that he had stopped trusting God (vv. 7-8). Why didn’t he rely on God the way he used to?
Our God is unfailingly trustworthy. His eyes “look throughout the earth to strengthen those whose whole heart is toward Him” (v. 9). When we fully rely on the Lord, we experience His power.
As you get older, does it get easier or harder for you to trust Heavenly Father? Why do you think this happens? How can God strengthen your faith?
Dear Jesus, help me to rely on You more and more every day.
Author: Mike Whittmer
“I will visit you and fulfill My good word about you to bring you back to this place.” — Jeremiah 29:10
It has been many years since we left the small town in Oregon where our family grew up. We have great memories there, and a recent visit brought back some of the highlights: our girls’ soccer games, our old house, church gatherings, and our friends’ Mexican restaurant. The city had changed, but there was enough familiarity in it to make us want to return again.
When the Israelites went into exile in Babylon, they missed the familiar people, sights, and culture. They forgot that they were cast out for rebelling against God. So when the false prophets told the exiles that they would return home in two years (Jer. 28:2-4; 29:8-9), they found a receptive audience.
However, God condemned these false prophets and their false promises. “Do not let your prophets who are among you lead you astray” (Jer. 29:8). He had plans for His people “to give [them] a future and a hope” (v. 11). Despite the complexity, difficulty and unusual circumstances, God was with His people. He said to the exiles: “And you will seek Me, and you will find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart” (v. 13). God will return them “to the place from whence [them]… was driven out” (v. 14), but at the time determined by Him.
Nostalgia plays an evil joke with the mind, causing sadness for what once was. Don’t miss out on what God is doing right now. He will fulfill His promises.
What difficulties are you experiencing now? How does God demonstrate His faithfulness?
Heavenly Father, help me flow to You in the present and not long for the past.
Author: Matthew Lucas
“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” —Revelation 7:10
Catherine’s work on Bible translation is based on love for God and people. Catherine rejoices when women in India come to a deeper understanding of Scripture by reading it in their native language. “When they read the Bible, they often start cheering and clapping their hands. When they read about Jesus, they say, ‘Oh, that’s great!'”
Catherine wants more people to read the scriptures in their own language. In this desire, she is guided by the vision of the apostle John on the island of Patmos. Through the Spirit, God led him to the heavenly throne room, where he saw “a great crowd that no one could count, from all peoples, tribes, nations, and languages, [that] stood before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9). They all praised God, saying: “Salvation to our God” (v. 10).
The Lord continues to increase the great number of people who glorify Him. He uses not only the work of Bible translators and those who pray for them, but also those who lovingly extend a helping hand to their neighbors, bringing them the good news about Jesus Christ. We can rejoice in this joyful mission, marveling at how God prompts more and more people to join in the angelic praise: “Glory, and wisdom, and praise, and honor, and strength, and power, to our God forever and ever” (v. 12).
Do you see how God moves people to praise and honor Him? How can He invite you to join His mission of spreading the Good News about Jesus?
Savior God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Please help me to show Your amazing love to others.
By Amy Buescher Pye
