“Blessed is the man who endures the test.” — James 1:12
Twelve-year-old Lee Adianez decided to take part in a five-kilometer race. Afraid of being late, she lost track of time and started fifteen minutes early with a group running a half-marathon (over twenty kilometers). Lee Adianez kept up with the other runners and even ran ahead. Already at the sixth kilometer, when she saw that there was no finish line anywhere, she realized that she was in a longer and more difficult race. However, instead of getting off the course, she continued to run on. The random “half-marathoner” finished her race in 1,885th place out of 2,111 runners who made it to the finish line. This is persistence!
During the persecution in the first century, many Christians wanted to run away from the faith, but James encouraged them to keep running. If they patiently endured trials, God promised them a double reward (James 1:4, 12). First, “patience… has a perfect rank, so that you may be perfect and blameless, and have no faults in anything” (v. 4). Secondly, God will give them the “crown of life” – life in Christ on earth and then eternal life in His presence (v. 12).
Sometimes it seems that the Christian race is not what we agreed on, because it is longer and more difficult than we expected. However, because God gives us what we need, we are perfectly capable of persevering and continuing to run.
What difficulties are you currently experiencing? How do you stay faithful to God during trials?
Dear God, my legs are tired and I want to give up. Please strengthen me.
Author: Marvin Williams
“If you really pledge your neighbor’s clothes, you will return them to him before sunset.” — Exodus 22:25
Philip’s father suffered from a severe mental disorder and left home to live on the streets. After Cindy and her young son, Philip, spent an entire day searching for him, Philip became unreasonably concerned for his well-being. He asked his mother if his father and other homeless people were warm. So, they started collecting and distributing blankets and clothes to homeless people in that area. For more than ten years, Cindy has considered this her life’s work, thanking her son and her deep faith in God for helping her understand the difficulties of not having a warm place to sleep.
The Bible has long taught us to respond to the needs of others. In the book of Exodus, Moses laid out a list of principles that should guide us in dealing with those who do not have sufficient resources. If we seek to meet the needs of others, we should not treat it as a business and try to make a profit out of it (Ex. 22:24). If a person’s clothing is taken as a pledge, it must be returned before sunset, “for it is his only covering, it is a garment for his body; on what will he lie?” (v. 26).
We ask God to open our eyes and hearts to see how we can ease the pain of those who are suffering. Whether we seek to meet the needs of many or one person, we honor the Lord by treating them with dignity and care.
How has God met your needs through others? Whose needs could you meet?
Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see the needs of others.
Author: Kirsten Holmberg
“The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life, and the wise acquires life.” — Proverbs 11:30 a.m
The postman became worried when she saw that the mailbox of one of her customers was full. She knew that the elderly woman lived alone and usually took the press away. Making a wise decision, the post office worker told the woman’s neighbors about her concern. It turned out that one of them had a spare key to her house. Together they entered the apartment of an elderly woman and found her lying on the floor. She fell four days ago and could not get up to call for help. The wisdom, care and determination of the postman probably saved the life of a single woman.
In the Book of Proverbs it is said: “A wise man gains life” (Prov. 11:30). The understanding that comes when we do right and live according to God’s wisdom can bless not only ourselves but also those we meet. The fruit of a life that glorifies God can bring blessings to others. It also motivates us to care for others and care for their well-being.
As the author of the Book of Proverbs states, wisdom can be found if we rely on God. Wisdom “is better… than pearls, and all jewels are not equal to it” (Prov. 8:11). The wisdom that God gives us accompanies us throughout our lives. It can save lives for eternity.
How can you find wisdom to help someone today? How much do you value wisdom?
Heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom to follow Your ways and follow Your instructions. Help me to care for others.
Author: Katara Patton
“And Maria kept all these words, entertaining, in her heart.” — Luke 2:19
After all the joy of Christmas, the next day brought us many troubles. We stayed the night with friends, but did not sleep well. Our car broke down on the way. Then it snowed. We left the car and took a taxi home through the snow and ice, feeling terrible.
We’re not the only ones feeling down after Christmas. Whether it’s from overeating, Christmas carols suddenly disappearing from the airwaves, or maybe the gifts we bought last week are now on sale for half price, the wonderful Christmas atmosphere can quickly dissipate!
The Bible does not tell about the day after the birth of Jesus. However, one can imagine that after the journey to Bethlehem, the search for a place to live, Mary’s painful childbirth, and the shepherds who visited them unannounced (Luke 2:4-18), Mary and Joseph were exhausted. However, cradling the Newborn, I can imagine how Mary reflected on the angel’s message (Luke 1:30-33), on Elizabeth’s blessing (vv. 42-45) and on her own awareness of the fate of her Child (vv. 46-55). Mary “rejoiced” in her heart over all these things (Lk. 2:19), which should have eased the fatigue and physical pain of that day.
We will all have hard days, maybe even the day after Christmas. Let us meet them like Mary, thinking about the One who came into our world to illuminate it forever with His presence.
Do you have “falls” after “highs”? Can you reflect today on what Jesus brought into the world?
Dear Jesus, I praise You for coming into our dark world and forever brightening my days with Your presence.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“And you, Bethlehem-Ephrates… from you… will come the One who will be the Lord in Israel.” — Micah 5:1
In November 1962, physicist John Mockley said, “There is no reason to believe that the average boy or girl cannot master a personal computer.” Mockley’s prediction seemed amazing at the time, but it turned out to be surprisingly accurate. Today, using a computer or portable gadget is one of the first skills a child acquires.
However, not only Mockley’s prediction came true. Much more important biblical prophecies regarding the coming of Christ were also fulfilled. For example, in the Book of the Prophet Micah 5:1 it is said: “And you, Bethlehem-Ephrates, although you are small among the thousands of Judah, from you will come to Me the One who will be the Ruler in Israel, and His will be long-standing, from the days of eternity.” God sent Jesus, who arrived in tiny Bethlehem, and marked Him as a representative of the royal family of David (see Lk. 2:4-7).
The Bible, which accurately predicted the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, also promises His return (Acts 1:11). Jesus promised His first followers that He would return for them (John 14:1-4).
This Christmas, as we meditate on the foretold facts surrounding Jesus’ birth, let us think about His promised return and let Him prepare us for that glorious moment when we will see Him in person!
How can you respond in worship to the truth of the prophecies about the birth of Christ? How does His promise to return for us affect your decision-making?
Loving Father, I am very grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ and for His mission of salvation and redemption. Thank you that He will definitely come back for me.
Author: Bill Crowder
“And when they saw the dawn, they were extremely happy.” — Matthew 2:10
“If you find that star, you can always find your way home.” These were the words of my father when he taught me to find the North Star when I was a child. Dad served in the Armed Forces during the war, and there were times when his life depended on his ability to navigate the night sky. So he made sure I knew the names and locations of several constellations, but most important was the ability to find the North Star. Knowing the location of this star meant that I could orient myself to the terrain and find where I needed to be.
The Holy Scriptures speak of another star of great importance. “Wise men from the east”, learned men (from the territory that today covers Iran and Iraq) looked in the sky for signs of the birth of the One who was to become God’s King for His people. They came to Jerusalem and asked: “Where was the King of the Jews born? For we saw his star in the east, and we came to worship him” (Mt. 2:1-2).
Astronomers do not know what caused the star of Bethlehem to appear, but the Bible says that it was created by God to point the world to Jesus, to the “bright star” (Revelation 22:16). Christ came to save us from our sins and lead us to God. Follow Him and you will find the way to the eternal home.
How will you practically follow Jesus today? What can you do this week to share His love with others?
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the way to my eternal home in heaven. Please help me to be guided by Your light today!
Author: James Banks
“Therefore comfort one another, and build one another up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I don’t know who is responsible for turning off the lights and locking up the church premises after the Sunday service, but I do know one thing about this person – Sunday lunch will be delayed. Why? Because many people like to stay in the church after the service and talk about life’s problems, difficulties and many other things. It’s great to look around twenty minutes after the service and see so many people still enjoying their fellowship with one another.
Communication is a key component of the Christian life. Without the connection that comes from spending time with other believers, we would lose many of the benefits of faith.
For example, the apostle Paul calls: “Comfort…one another, and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews urges us not to neglect joint gatherings, because we need mutual support (Heb. 10:25). He also says that when we are together, we encourage each other “to love and to good works” (v. 24).
By consecrating our lives to Jesus, we prepare to show faithfulness and service, supporting the weak and showing patience to everyone (1 Thess. 5:14). Such a way of life makes it possible to develop a true community and care “for the good of one another and of all” (v. 15).
How do you benefit from communicating with believers? How can you help others experience community in Christ?
Dear God, please help me to encourage others in love and mercy.
Author: David Brenon
“He is our peace, who made one of the two and destroyed the middle partition, enmity.” — Ephesians 2:14
Since 1961, families and friends have been separated by the Berlin Wall. A barrier erected by the East German government prevented citizens from fleeing to West Germany. According to researchers, more than 2.5 million East Germans fled to the West from 1949 to the day the wall was erected. In 1987, US President Ronald Reagan stood by the wall and said: “Tear down this wall!” His words reflected a wave of change that culminated in the fall of the wall in 1989, leading to the joyous reunification of Germany.
The apostle Paul wrote that Jesus “destroyed the middle partition, the enmity” (Eph. 2:14). The wall existed between the Jews (God’s chosen people) and the Gentiles (all other people). Its symbol was the “central partition” in the ancient temple built by Herod the Great in Jerusalem. She did not allow the Gentiles to go outside the outer courts of the temple, although they could see the inner courts. Jesus brought “peace” and reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, as well as between God and all people. For this, He “destroyed the middle partition, enmity, with His body” (v. 14). The gospel of peace made it possible for everyone to unite through faith in Christ (vv. 17-18).
Many things can divide us. However, let’s try to live in peace and unity in Jesus Christ (vv. 19-22).
What “partitions” do you see? How can you help destroy them with the power of Jesus?
Lord Jesus, please help me break down the walls that block the way of Your truth and love.
Author: Tom Felten
“Have hope in God, because I will still thank Him for His salvation, my God!” — Psalm 41:12
My mom’s shiny red cross should be hanging by her bedside in the cancer center. And I should prepare for holiday visits in the breaks between planned procedures. All I wanted for Christmas was to spend one more day with my mother. Instead, I was at home… and hanging her cross on the Christmas tree.
As my son Xavier turned on the garlands, I whispered, “Thank you.” He answered: “Please.” My son did not know that I was thanking God that He used flickering light bulbs to direct my eyes to the eternal Light of hope – Jesus Christ.
The author of Psalm 41 expressed his sincere emotions to God (vv. 2-5). Then the nature of his speech changes, and he says: “Have hope in God, because I will still thank Him for His salvation” (v. 6). Despite the fact that the psalmist is overwhelmed by sadness and suffering, his hope is revived by the memory of God’s faithfulness in the past (vv. 7-11). At the end of the psalm, he rejects doubts and affirms the steadfastness of purified faith: “Why are you sad, my soul, and why are you worried about me? Have hope in God, because I will still thank Him for the salvation of His, my God” (v. 12).
For many of us, the Christmas season brings both joy and sadness. Fortunately, even these mixed emotions can be enlightened by the promises of the true Light of hope – the Lord Jesus Christ.
How did the Lord Jesus help you overcome grief during the celebration of Christmas? How can you support someone who is grieving during this time?
Dear Jesus, thank you for guiding me through times of sorrow and joy throughout the year.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“I am the One who blots out your transgressions… and does not remember your sins.” — Isaiah 43:25
Jill Price was born with hyperthymesia, the ability to remember everything that ever happened to her in minute detail. She can recreate in her imagination an exact picture of any event that she experienced during her life.
The TV series “Unforgettable” is based on the story of a female police officer with hyperthymesia, which gave her a great advantage in memory games and solving crimes. However, for Jill Price, this state is not so happy. She cannot forget the moments in her life when she was criticized, when she experienced a loss or did something that she deeply regrets. She replays these scenes over and over in her head.
Our God is omniscient. The Holy Scriptures say that His understanding knows no bounds. And yet we find a very encouraging thing in the Book of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the One who blots out your transgressions… and does not remember your sins” (Is. 43:25). The text of the Epistle to the Hebrews 10:10, 17 only strengthens this idea: “We are sanctified by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ… And their sins and their injustices I will remember no more.”
By confessing our sins to God, we can stop dwelling on them again and again. We must reject them: “Do not remember the past, and do not think about the old days” (Is. 43:18). In His great love, God chooses not to remember our sins. Let’s remember this.
What sins do you keep in your memory and recall them again and again? How can you give them to God and let go of the past?
Dear God, thank you for forgiving and forgetting my sins.
Author: Kenneth Petersen
