“The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anyone.” — Hebrews 13:6
My friend Reilly is approaching his 85th birthday! Ever since our first conversation over 35 years ago, he has always been a source of inspiration for me. When he recently revealed that he had completed a book manuscript and embarked on another ministry initiative after his retirement, I was intrigued but not surprised.
At the age of 85, the biblical hero Kalev was not ready to stop either. Faith and devotion to God sustained him during many decades of living in the desert to receive God’s promised inheritance. Kalev said: “Today I am still strong, as on the day when Moses sent me – what was my strength then, such is my strength now, to fight, and to go out, and to come” (Ezek. 14:11). How did he plan to win? “The Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out, as the Lord said” (v. 12).
Regardless of age, stage of life, or circumstances, God will help all who put their full trust in Him. In Jesus Christ, our Savior, God has become visible to us. Thanks to Christ, the Gospel inspires us to believe in God. Jesus showed God’s care and compassion to all who turned to Him for help. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews said: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid of anyone” (Heb. 13:6). Young or old, weak or strong, imprisoned or free, running or lame – what prevents us from asking Him for help today?
Who inspired you to believe in God? How do you see God as the source of help in all things?
Almighty God, help me to see You as a source of help in all circumstances.
“God arranged the members in the body, each of them, as he wished.” — 1 Corinthians 12:18
In his essay “Ministry and the Spectrum,” Professor Daniel Bowman Jr. writes about the complexity of making decisions about how to serve a person with autism in the church. He explains, “People with autism have to forge a new path each time, a unique path that takes into account…mental, emotional and physical energy…time to be alone/recharge; sensory capabilities and comfort level…time of day; whether we are valued for our strengths and accommodated to our needs rather than excluded because of perceived shortcomings; and so much more.”
Bowman believes that the proper solution to the situation can be mutual assistance, which the Apostle Paul talks about in the 12th chapter of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians. In verses 4-6, Paul describes how God uniquely gifts each believer “for good” (v. 7). Everyone is a “necessary” member of the body of Christ (v. 22). If churches understand the uniqueness of each person’s calling and gifting, and do not demand the same ministry from everyone, they will be able to support their members in ministry according to their gifts.
Therefore, each person can find prosperity and wholeness in the body of Christ, as well as be confident in their own worth (v. 26).
How have you been blessed by the unique gifts of others? How can churches encourage Christians to serve in different ways?
Dear God, thank you for making us all unique. Help me to appreciate every member of Christ’s body.
“I told you this so that you may have peace in Me.” —John 16:33
The Civil War was raging in the USA. On December 30, 1862, Union and Confederate troops camped seven hundred yards apart on opposite banks of the Stone River in Tennessee. While warming themselves by the fires, the Union soldiers took up fiddles and harmonicas and began to play “Yankee Doodle.” In response, the Confederate soldiers played “Dixie”. Notably, the two sides came together for the finale, playing “Home, Sweet Home” in unison. In the dark night, sworn enemies shared music; those were glimpses of unimaginable peace. However, this truce was short-lived. The next morning they laid down their fiddles and took up their rifles, and 24,645 soldiers died.
Our human efforts to establish peace are inevitably exhausted. Fighting stops in one place, only to flare up in another. One conflict in the family subsides, and a few months later a new misunderstanding arises. The Holy Scriptures say that God is our only reliable peacemaker. Jesus said: “Peace is in Me” (John 16:33). Although we participate in His peacemaking mission, it is God’s reconciliation and renewal that makes true peace possible.
Christ says that it is impossible to avoid conflicts. “You will suffer in the world, but be of good courage: I have overcome the world” (v. 33). Although our efforts often prove futile, a loving God (v. 27) makes peace in this divided world.
Where do you see people working for peace? How is God’s peacemaking different?
“The triple thread does not break soon.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12
“I knew the only way to succeed was to forget about my home, my wife, my son and my daughter,” Jordon said. “But I realized I couldn’t do that. They are woven into the fabric of my heart and soul.” While alone in a remote area, Jordon took part in a reality TV show where contestants were challenged to survive outdoors for as long as possible with minimal supplies. They had to endure not the threat of a meeting with bears, the cold, injuries or hunger, but complete loneliness without friends and family.
We can have all the survival skills we need to be in the wild, but cutting ourselves off from our community is a sure path to failure. The wise author of the book of Ecclesiastes said: “Two are better than one, for…one will lift up his friend” (Eccl. 4:9-10). For our prosperity, we need a community that loves Christ, even if that community is imperfect. We have no chance of facing the trials of this world if we try to deal with them alone. He who labors alone labors in vain (v. 8). Without community, we are more vulnerable to danger (vv. 11-12). Unlike a single thread, “a triple thread does not quickly break” (v. 12). The gift of a loving, Christ-centered community is a gift that not only encourages, but empowers us to thrive despite any difficult circumstances. We need each other.
How can you commit to spending time with other believers? Who around you is lonely and needy?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of community! Open my heart to show love and spend time with other Christians.
“The bread of untruth is sweet to a man, but his mouth will be filled with sand.” — Proverbs 20:17
In Germany, thieves stole a refrigerated trailer with more than 20 tons of chocolate. The value of the stolen sweets was estimated at $80,000. Local police have appealed to anyone who is offered large amounts of chocolate through non-traditional channels to report it immediately. Of course, those who stole a huge amount of sweets will face bitter and unpleasant consequences if they are caught and prosecuted!
The book of proverbs confirms this principle: “The bread of unrighteousness is sweet to a man, but his mouth will be filled with sand” (Prov. 20:17). The things we obtain in an unfair way may at first glance seem sweet – spiced with excitement. However, over time the taste wears off and our deception leaves us with nothing and in trouble. The bitter consequences of guilt, fear, and sin can destroy our lives and reputations. “Even a young man will be known by his ranks – whether his rank is pure or simple” (v. 11). Therefore, let our words and actions reflect a pure heart devoted to God, not the bitterness of selfish desires.
If temptation comes, we ask God to strengthen us and help us to remain faithful to Him. It can help us look beyond the short-term “sweetness” of temptation and direct us to carefully consider the long-term consequences of our choices.
Has temptation led you to bitter consequences? How to remain faithful to God?
Dear God, I need Your strength to overcome temptations and remain faithful to You.
My sister, my brother, and I flew in from different states for my uncle’s funeral and stopped to visit our ninety-year-old grandmother. She was paralyzed after a stroke, lost her ability to speak and could only use her right hand. As we stood by her bed, she reached out, took each of our hands, placed one on top of the other over her heart, and patted them. With this wordless gesture, my grandmother seemed to say: “Family is important”, which was especially relevant in the context of our somewhat broken and distant sibling relationship.
In God’s family, in the church, believers can also distance themselves from each other. We can allow bitterness to separate us from one another. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews mentions the bitterness that separated Esau from his brother (Heb. 12:16), and calls us, brothers and sisters, to stick together in God’s family: “Watch for peace with all, and for holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (v. 14). The word watch indicates the conscious and determined promotion of peace with our brothers and sisters in God’s family. This applies to everyone.
Family is important. Like the earthly family, so is God’s family of believers. Can we all make the necessary effort to stick together?
What do the words “seek peace with all” mean to you? Is there a person with whom you may need to reconcile?
Dear God, thank you for calling me to You. Help me to make every effort to live in peace with everyone in Your family.
“I was to them like those who lift the yoke from off their neck.” — Hosea 11:4
A 2017 video of a father comforting his two-month-old son during routine vaccinations has captured the attention of many viewers around the world because it conveys a father’s love for his child. After the nurse finished administering the shots, the father gently pressed his son against his cheek and the boy stopped crying within seconds. There is nothing more comforting than the tender care of a loving parent.
There are many beautiful descriptions of God as a loving Father in the Holy Scriptures that remind us of God’s deep love for His children. The Old Testament prophet Hosea was given a message to deliver to the Israelites living in the Northern Kingdom during the divided kingdom. He urged them to return to their relationship with God. Hosea reminded the Israelites of God’s love, portraying Him as a tender Father: “When Israel was a boy, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1); “and I was to them as those who lift a yoke from off their neck” (v. 4).
This reassuring promise of God’s loving care applies to us as well. Whether we are seeking His tender care after a period of rejecting His love, or perhaps seeking Him because of the pain and suffering in our lives, God calls us His children (1 John 3:1) and His comforting arms are open to us (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
How have you felt the love of God as a caring Father? What experiences can you bring to Him today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your child and for tenderly caring for me as I flock to You.
“Sometimes the road seems simple to a person, but its end is the path to death.” — Proverbs 14:12
Pastor Damian’s schedule included visits to two people who were near death but decided to take two different paths in life. In one hospital there was a woman who was loved by her whole family. Her selfless public service was endeared to many. Believers in Jesus gathered around her, and worship, prayer, and hope filled the room. In another hospital, a relative of a church member, Pastor Damian, was dying. This man’s hardened heart led to a difficult life, and his family lived in despair because of his bad decisions and actions. The difference in the atmosphere that prevailed around each of these two reflected the striking difference in their lifestyles.
Those who do not think about where they are going often find themselves in uncomfortable and lonely places. In the Book of Proverbs, it is noted that sometimes “the road seems easy to a person, but its end is the path of death” (Prov. 14:12). Young or old, sick or healthy, rich or poor – it is not too late to reconsider your path. Where does it lead? Does he glorify God? Does it help or hurt others? Is this the best way for a Christian?
Choice matters. The Heavenly Father will help us make the best choice if we turn to Him through His Son Jesus, who said: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28).
What in your life path needs revision or correction? What prevents you from asking for God’s help and courage in correcting your path?
Dear Jesus, You are the source of life. Give me the courage and strength to dedicate my life to You and do only what brings You glory.
There is one story in the Holy Scriptures that is one of my favorite among all the other biblical stories. If you ask me, what kind of story is this? I will tell you – it is the story of Joseph, one of the 12 sons of Jacob.
Reading about him, I personally have many questions. How did it happen that the patriarch Jacob had 10 sons who hated their brother so much that they wanted to kill him? Maybe Jacob paid little attention to them and raised them poorly? Or maybe he did not tell them enough about God, who appeared to him personally? Or maybe he singled out Joseph too much among all his sons and this is what first provoked envy, and then the desire to get rid of his father’s favorite? In fact, I do not see any one answer to all these questions. The only thing I see in this biblical story is that everything that has already happened and will happen to us is the sum of our choices and reactions in various life circumstances. Some, like Joseph’s brothers, under the influence of today’s upheavals become cruel and carry in their hearts a desire for revenge, while others, more like Joseph, see God’s providence in all the evil around them. How can we understand this? Is it possible to see anything good in evil at all? Let’s try to answer these questions.
I will not retell all the events of Joseph’s life today, but I want to look with you at his second meeting with his brothers in Egypt and what happened at that meeting. In the 45th chapter of Genesis we read:
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come near to me.’ And when they had come near, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.’
But now do not be grieved, and do not be grieved in your hearts, that you sold me here; for it was to preserve your lives that God sent me before you.” (Genesis 45:4-5 CUV)
What did you notice in this small fragment? I don’t know about you, but I am very surprised by Joseph’s reaction to what his own brothers once did to him. Can we say that the desire to kill him and selling him into slavery was not a manifestation of cruelty? No. And he says: “Let it not seem cruel to you that you sold me here…” Do you see this too? How so? Can we say to the Russians today: “Let it not seem cruel to you that you kill, rape, kidnap people and abuse prisoners?” I really think that no one would dare to say such a thing. And Joseph says this. He not only says this, he really thinks so. Is he some kind of masochist who enjoys suffering unjustly? No, he is a healthy person in his right mind. Why then does he say this? Because he saw something more than the evil that his brothers did to him.
What exactly did Joseph see? He saw the ultimate goal – why the Lord allowed all this suffering into his life. But another question arises: “Can this justify the evil that his brothers did? No. Is it possible to conclude from this that betrayal is normal? No. Or did understanding God’s calling return to Joseph the 13 years he was a slave and in prison? Also no.” The only thing this discovery gave Joseph was an understanding of how to live on without constant regret for the lost years and the pain that he cannot change his past.
This is exactly the discovery that so many people in our country need so much. And maybe you need this discovery today?
You cannot change your past and it is impossible to justify evil. But you can turn the evil done to you into good for others. How? When you understand that you are called by God to serve people and help them gain salvation. This is what Joseph understood for himself and this gave him the strength to forgive his brothers.
What would have happened if Joseph had not understood this? Surely, then we would not have known anything about the 12 patriarchs and the people of Israel. And we would not have known about Christ, who was also born from the tribe of Judah from the virgin Mary.
Therefore, the first discovery that I see in history is this:
Today you are in church because God sent you before someone so that people around you could gain salvation.
Can I tell you about an ordinary girl? Or rather, she is not quite ordinary for me, because she was able to see in her life circumstances something more than the evil that befell her family. If you ask what this girl’s name is, I’ll tell you that her name is Lera and she lives in Dnipro. I had the opportunity to meet her in person at a recent seminar for children’s ministers in Radomyshl. You may have a question, what exactly is special about this girl? She is special because she is raising a special child. Her eldest son has autism, and anyone who has encountered such children knows how difficult it is for parents and children themselves in our society, especially now during the war. What did this young wife and mother do when she and her husband found out about their son’s diagnosis? At first, they struggled with disappointment and misunderstanding, how did it happen that they had a child with this special feature? They had many questions. Why is it so with them? They serve God, their husband is a pastor of the church… And there were many different reasons. But there was an answer from the Lord, and today they serve such children and their parents. They opened a kindergarten for such children, where they are engaged in their rehabilitation and adaptation to ordinary life. The ordeal that befell this family turned out to be good for them and for serving others.
And did you know that today there are 8 million 177 thousand citizens of Ukraine abroad. Of the 41 million citizens, more than 20% of the population are not in Ukraine. And this is not just a fact, but our reality, as well as the basis of our missionary activity here. Our mission is to bear witness to those who were forced to leave their homes here in Ukraine and to those who have gone abroad and are therefore deprived of support and communication. Today, hundreds of Ukrainian churches have opened throughout Europe, and only God knows how many more will open. Similarly, in Ukraine there is a need to start new home groups and new churches for those people who were forced to leave their homes and, like Joseph, start everything from scratch. Who will do this? This is God’s calling for you and for me, dear church.
Do you know what started Lera’s ministry to special children? Because their church began accepting refugees after the start of a full-scale war. It was from these people that the Lord raised up ministers who are now working with special children.
But our story today does not end there. So let’s look at its continuation. In chapter 45, verse 6, we read:
“This is only the second year of famine in the land, and there are still five years left when there will be neither plowing nor harvest.
So God sent me ahead of you to leave a remnant of us on earth—to save your lives through a great salvation.
Итак, не вы послали меня сюда, а Бог. Это Он сделал меня как отцом фараону и управляющим над всем его домом и владыкой всей египетской земли». (Бытие 45:6-8 CUV)
Чем дальше я читаю эту историю, тем больше удивляюсь выводам Иосифа. Почему? Ибо, на первый взгляд, они никак не касаются тех реалий, в которых он жил. Я думаю, что вы обратили внимание, как в предыдущих стихах он напоминает братьям, что именно они продали его в Египет. А тут уже каким-то образом в этом деле оказался замешан Господь. Как это? Неужели Бог задумал убить Иосифа? Неужели Бог получил за продажу 20 серебряников? Нет. А может это Господь потом наврал отцу Иосифу, что его убили дикие звери? Нет, всего этого Бог не делал. Тогда каким образом Он оказался причастен ко всему, что сделали братья Иосифа? На самом деле, Бог обратил все зло, сделанное братьями, во благо самого Иосифа, а затем и во добро для его братьев. Именно в этом Иосиф и увидел Божье призвание в своей жизни. Поэтому он и говорит: «не вы послали меня сюда, а Бог».
Но как это осознать? Как увидеть в ваших сегодняшних обстоятельствах руку Божию? Сейчас, когда идет война, когда ваши знакомые, а может, и вы сами теряют близких людей, возможно ли в этом увидеть что-нибудь хорошее? Если смотреть только на потери и само зло, то я скажу честно – в этом вы ничего хорошего не увидите. Но если вы сможете посмотреть на эти обстоятельства так, как посмотрел на них Иосиф, то Господь обязательно откроет вам для чего это случилось с вами. Да, вы не сможете вернуть всего, что вы потеряли, но вы сможете обрести мир от Бога, а еще сможете помочь людям рядом с собой примириться с Господом.
Поэтому правильный вопрос, который вы можете задать себе – не почему это случилось в вашей жизни, а для чего? Если вы сможете дать на него ответ, то вы, как Иосиф, увидите в этом руку Божию и Его призвание для вас.
Меняются ли обстоятельства в нашей жизни, когда мы понимаем, что это Бог позволил этим испытаниям прийти в нашу жизнь? Нет, обстоятельства не меняются. А может, от этого понимания как-то меняется наше прошлое и из нашей памяти сталкиваются все прошлые боли, измены и разочарования? Тоже нет. Что же тогда мы получаем, когда понимаем, что Бог послал нас стать ответом для других? Мы получаем силу жить дальше. Жить так, чтобы быть благословением для других.
Не обстоятельства послали тебя и не другие люди, Бог послал тебя, чтобы ты стал благословением!
И в завершение сегодняшней проповеди хочу вам рассказать историю об одном военном. Это реальный человек и реальное чудо, которое Господь через него совершил.
Этот военный служит на Авдеевском направлении и все мы знаем насколько тяжел этот участок фронта. Все началось с того, что он повез своих собратьев на ноль. Ехали они ночью, без света, однако он очень хорошо знал дорогу и на позицию они добрались без всяких препятствий. Он взорвал своих собратьев и стал возвращаться. Именно в это время начался очень сильный обстрел, поэтому водитель свернул с основной дороги и уехал в объезд. Объезжая его машина наехала на мину. Машину сильно повредило, а сам он получил ранение, однако был в сознании и решил доползти до основного пути, где ездили наши военные. Уже добравшись до основного пути, военный потерял сознание, однако его нашли и оперативно доставили в госпиталь. Там он пришел в себя и начал восстанавливаться. Находясь в больнице на десятый день, он узнал, что его собратья так и остаются на нуле. Никто в подразделении толком не знал на каких именно позициях, связь ворвалась, а командование не очень торопилось что-то делать. И знаете, что сделал этот военный? Он отпросился из госпиталя на день, взял свой автомобиль и поехал за ребятами. Чудо в том, что он раненый смог эвакуировать всех своих собратьев живыми и невредимыми.
В чем сущность этой истории? Возможно ты, как этот военный, еще не восстановился от своих ран, но рядом с тобой есть люди, которым нужна твоя помощь и именно ты можешь им послужить. Перед молитвой я хотел бы напомнить две сегодняшние истины.
Первая: Сегодня ты в церкви, потому что Бог послал тебя перед кем-то, чтобы люди рядом с тобой получили спасение.
Ты не можешь изменить свое прошлое и невозможно оправдать зло. Но можно обратить зло, сделанное тебе, во благо для других. Как? Когда ты понимаешь, что призванный Богом служить людям и помогать им получить спасение.
И вторая истина: Не обстоятельства послали тебя и не другие люди, Бог послал тебя, чтобы ты стал благословением!
Вы не сможете вернуть всего, что вы потеряли, но вы сможете обрести мир от Бога, а еще сможете помочь людям рядом с собой примириться с Господом.
Кто-то сегодня, как братья Иосифа, становится жестоким и носит в сердце желание отомстить, а кто-то больше похож на Иосифа и видит во всем зле вокруг Божий промысел. Что ты выбираешь?
“I beg you… to behave worthy of the vocation to which you have been called.” — Ephesians 4:1
The book “Hidden Figures” tells about John Glenn’s preparation for space flight. In 1962, computers were still prone to failure. Glenn didn’t trust them and worried about the calculations for the launch. However, he knew that one smart woman could calculate the necessary numbers. He trusted her. “If she says it’s okay,” Glenn said, “I’m ready to go.”
Catherine Johnson was a teacher and mother of three children. She loved Jesus and served in the church. God blessed Catherine with an outstanding mind. In the late 1950s, NASA asked her to help with the space program. She was Glenn’s “smart woman”, one of the “living computers” they hired at the time.
Not all of us are called to be brilliant mathematicians, but God calls us to other things: “Grace has been given to each of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Eph. 4:7). We must behave “worthy of our calling” (v. 1). We are also part of a body, each part of which does its own work (v. 16).
Katherine Johnson’s calculations confirmed the flight path. Launching Glenn into orbit was like a “hit in the bull’s eye.” But this was only one of Catherine’s vocations. Remember that she is also called to be a mother, a teacher and a church minister. We can ask ourselves what God has called us to do. Are we “ready to go”, using the gifts of grace with which He has gifted us, and live worthy of our calling?
What has God called you to do? What has He gifted you with?
Dear God, help me to accept what You have given and live a life worthy of Your calling.
