“You are… dear in My eyes.” — Isaiah 43:4
Ming’s father was a strict man and did not love his son. When the boy was sick and had to be taken to the doctor, the father complained that he was only a nuisance. And one day he overheard a quarrel between his parents and found out that his father wanted his mother to have an abortion. For many years the poor man suffered because he was an unwanted child. And when Ming grew up and became a believer, it was difficult for him to perceive God as Father, although he knew Him as Lord and Savior.
If we have also not experienced the love of our earthly parents, this can affect our perception of God. “And if He doesn’t need me? Will He care about me?” These and similar questions can seriously overshadow life. But if earthly parents are strict and aloof, then Heavenly Father is completely different. He leans towards us and says: “I have loved you” (Is. 43:4).
In the 43rd chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, God appears as our Creator and Father. If you doubt that He wants to see you in His family, then read the following words: “Bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth” (v. 6). If you ask the question, how much He needs you, then this is what He Himself says about it: “You have become dear in My eyes, you have become respected” (v. 4).
God loves us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could be with Him forever (John 3:16). We can be completely confident in His love.
How easy is it for you to perceive God as a Father? How do you remind yourself that you are precious in His sight?
Heavenly Father, I want to rejoice every day that I am Your dear and honored child.
Posted by Jasmine Goh (guest)
“A joyful heart heals well.” — Proverbs 17:22
For three years, on weekday afternoons, Colleen dresses up in various costumes or masks to meet her children as they get off the school bus. This makes everyone on the bus happy, including the driver. “It’s just amazing how much joy it brings to children,” he shares, “and I really like it too.” And what to say about the children of Colleen herself!
It all started with the fact that a young woman began to take boys for education. Knowing how difficult it is for them to separate from their parents and go to a new school, she decided to meet the children in funny costumes. After three days, she wanted to finish the “performance”, but the children began to persuade her to continue doing so. So Colleen continued. It took a lot of time and money to buy new costumes, but, as journalist Meredith Terhaar writes, “the result – children’s happiness – was worth it.”
One short verse from the book of wise and sometimes witty advice that King Solomon left to his son summarizes the results of this mother’s invention: “A joyful heart heals well, but an oppressed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22). Bringing joy to her children (biological, adopted and adopted), Colleen tried to rid them of their “oppressed spirit”.
The source of full and lasting joy is God, who works in us with the Holy Spirit (Lk. 10:21; Gal. 5:22). He gives us the ability to shine God’s light and bring people joy, hope and strength to overcome trials.
Think of a time when someone gave you joy. What was the result?
Heavenly Father, thank you for heavenly joy. Help me spread it to others.
By Alison Kieda
“My grace is enough for you, because My power is exercised in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Granger McCoy is an artist who studies birds and creates their sculptures. In his works, he strives to convey the grace, fragility and strength of these amazing creatures. One of his works is called “Recovery”. It shows only one right wing of a pintail duck, extended in a vertical position. Below, on the plaque, there is a description: “The swing is the moment of the bird’s greatest weakness, but also the moment when it gains strength for further flight.” And then Granger quotes a verse from the Bible: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth. Experiencing difficult times, he begged God to remove what he called “a thorn in the flesh” (v. 7). It could be a physical ailment or a spiritual confrontation. Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44), Paul asked God three times to relieve him of his suffering. But the Lord said that they are necessary for the power of grace to live in him. The apostle learned an important lesson: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
Oh, these thorns that remind us of our weakness! How we want to get rid of them! But, like a bird gathering strength for further flight, we too find God’s strength to overcome all that we face. His power becomes ours.
Where do you feel weak today? How can you gain God’s strength in this “weakness”?
Heavenly Father, give me Your strength to overcome all that lies ahead.
Author: Eliza Morgan
“And the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry?'” – Genesis 4:6
He did everything well. There was only one problem. Everyone knew about her, but he was a very good worker, so they turned a blind eye to his anger. No one really contradicted him. For this reason, many people suffered during his years of work. And as a result, his career, which could have become remarkable, ended prematurely. But he was a believer! If only I had once dared to rebuke him!
In the book of Genesis, God left a perfect example of what it means to resist sin with love. “Cain offered God a sacrifice from the fruit of the earth” (Gen. 4:3). But God made it clear that He did not like this gift. Cain became very angry (v. 5) or, as other translations say, he was very upset. Then God pointed out to the son of Adam his sin and urged him to seek what is good and right. Unfortunately, Cain ignored the rebuke and committed the first murder on earth (v. 8).
We cannot force other people to give up sin. However, we can face them in the spirit of meekness, we can speak the truth to them with love, so that together we can become more like “Him, and He is the Head, the Christ” (Eph. 4:15). Since God has given us the ability to hear, we will receive words of truth from others.
Why is it important for us to rebuke one another? How do you accept unpleasant, but necessary reproaches?
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to lovingly rebuke others and gratefully accept the unpleasant truth about myself.
Author: Tom Felten
“In Him we became heirs, having been appointed… to the praise of His glory.” — Ephesians 1:11-12
“Christianity is not for me. It’s boring. But I love adventures. What a life without them!” – said a young woman to me. It is sad that she knew nothing about the joy and excitement that a person who follows Christ feels. This is truly an adventure like no other. With inspiration, I told her about the Savior and how we find true life in Him.
Ordinary words are not enough to describe the miracle of knowing the Son of God and living with Him. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul speaks in short but powerful words about the essence of Christianity. God directly from heaven gives us many spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), including holiness and blamelessness in His eyes (v. 4), as well as adoption into the family of the King of heaven (v. 5). He generously gifts us with forgiveness and grace (v. 7-8), knowledge of the mystery of His will (v. 9) and a new life “to the praise of His glory” (v. 12). The Holy Spirit dwells in us, who guides and bestows His power (v. 13). Finally, God guarantees us a blissful eternity in His presence (v. 14).
When Jesus Christ enters our lives, we discover that knowing Him and following Him is the greatest adventure. Let us seek Him today and every day.
How would you describe life with Christ? Who can you tell about this?
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and always walking by my side. You have given me more than I can imagine. I love to be in communication with You and tell others about You.
By Ann Sitas
“I will tell what He has done for my soul.” — Psalm 65:16
Testimony time is a part of our church services when people tell how God works in their lives.
My aunt, Sister Langford, as she was known at church, was known for filling her testimonies with praise to God. This was especially true of the story of her conversion. Gratitude to the Savior could be more than half of everything she said. Her heart was overflowing with the desire to glorify the Lord, who by His grace had changed her life.
In a similar way, the testimony of the author of Psalm 65, which tells about what God has done for His people, is filled with praise. “Go and look at God’s works,” he exhorts (v. 5). God’s works included a wonderful salvation (v. 6), preservation (v. 9), trials and education, as a result of which the people of Israel came to the Promised Land (v. 10-12). Although we have much in common with other believers, there is also something unique about our personal journey of faith. Have you ever had moments in your life when God manifested Himself particularly vividly? These moments are worth sharing with those who need to know how God works in the lives of believers. “Go and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for my soul” (v. 16).
How can you better tell people about the manifestations of God’s goodness in your life? How have the testimonies of others helped you trust Him?
Heavenly Father, I am comforted by the many manifestations of Your kindness. Help me tell others about them.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“For I will forgive their guilt, and I will no longer remember their sin.” — Jeremiah 31:34
One December morning in 1992, I was driving down the road in my grandfather’s pickup truck when suddenly the rear wheels began to skid. I didn’t see the icicles, but I felt them well. The car began to be thrown from side to side: one skid, the second, the third – and here I was in the air, thrown off a five-meter embankment. Пам’ятаю, як подумав: “Це круто, ось тільки вмирати не хочеться”. In a moment, the car landed on a steep slope and, overturning, rolled down. I climbed out of the wrecked cabin, fortunately completely unharmed.
God had mercy on me. What about grandfather? He didn’t say a word to me about the car, which was beyond repair. He did not scold, did not make material claims, nothing. I was just smiling, glad that I was alive and well.
Grandpa’s forgiveness reminds me of God’s mercy, as the prophet Jeremiah says. Despite the indisputable guilt of the Israelites, God promised to restore relations with His people, saying: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:34).
I’m sure grandpa remembered until the end of his days who crashed his pickup truck. But he did the same as God, without mentioning it, without reproaching and without demanding compensation for damages. Like the Lord, Grandpa chose to act as if what I did never happened.
How does God’s forgiveness affect your perception of your own sins? How can you show mercy to others?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness. When guilt robs me of peace of mind, help me to remember that in Christ You will not remember any of my sins.
Author: Adam Holtz
“And he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord.” — 2 Kings 20:2
A recently widowed woman was on the verge of despair. In order to receive life insurance benefits, she had to provide information about the accident that claimed her husband’s life. The policeman she spoke to promised to help and gave her a business card, but she lost it. What to do? The widow began to pray, asking God for help. A few days later, when she came to the church, she saw the same card on the windowsill! The woman had no idea how she ended up there, but she knew who had arranged it all. The Holy Scriptures say that God hears our petitions. “For the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous, and His ears are on their prayers,” wrote the apostle Peter (1 Pet. 3:12).
The Bible contains many examples of how God answered prayers. One of the most vivid cases happened with the Judean king Hezekiah. He fell seriously ill, and the prophet Isaiah said that he would not recover. But Hezekiah knew what to do. He began to pray! (2 Kings 20:2). And the Lord immediately conveyed another message through Isaiah: “I have heard your prayer” (v. 5). Hezekiah was given fifteen more years to live.
God doesn’t always answer like our widow or King Hezekiah. But He assures us that when difficulties come, we will never be alone. The Lord sees us and hears our prayers.
What problems bother you? How can you entrust them to God’s guidance and care?
Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there and hearing my prayers.
Author: David Brenon
“If I even touch His clothes, I will be healed.” — Matthew 9:21
On the landing of the office building, I suddenly felt dizzy. There was a feeling that the stairs began to spin. Stunned, I grabbed the handrail. My heart was beating faster, my legs were bending, and I was clinging to the railing, rejoicing in its strength. The examination showed that I have anemia. Although the cause was not serious and the dizziness soon passed, I will never forget how weak and helpless I felt that day.
This is why I admire the woman who touched Jesus. Despite her weakened state, she was not only able to push through the crowd, but also showed amazing strength of faith, daring to approach the Lord (Mt. 9:20-22). After all, she had very good reasons not to do this. According to the Mosaic law, she was unclean and could face serious consequences if exposed (Lev. 15:25-27). But the thought: “If I even touch His clothes, I will be healed” pushed her forward. The Greek word translated “I will touch” means rather “I will take” or even “grasp”. The woman grabbed hold of Jesus. She believed that He could heal her.
Among the large crowd, the Lord saw the desperate faith of this woman. When we similarly cling to Him in our need, He receives us and comes to our aid. Let’s tell Him everything, without fear of rejection or punishment. He says: “Hold on to Me.”
What is the cause of your suffering and fear? До чого чи до кого ви зверталися по допомогу? How can you lay hold of Christ today?
God, thank you for your love. I don’t need to be afraid or ashamed. You accept me as a father would a child.
Author: Karen Huang
“And at that time, when they began to sing and praise, the Lord ambushed the sons of Ammon and Moab… and they were defeated.” — 2 Chronicles 20:22
During the Second World War, on the battlefields of Europe, to help soldiers feel less homesick, derivative pianos were airlifted directly to their units. The musical instruments contained only ten percent of the usual amount of metal and were treated with a special waterproof glue and insect repellent. Pianos were cheap but sturdy and provided hours of entertainment for soldiers who would gather around them and sing their favorite songs about home.
Singing, especially songs of praise, is one of the effective ways by which believers acquire peace and tranquility in the face of adversity. King Jehoshaphat was convinced that a huge enemy army had come against Israel (2 Chron. 20). The king called all the people to prayer and fasting (vv. 3-4). In response, God commanded him to lead an army to meet the enemy and promised that this time they would not even have to fight (v. 17). Jehoshaphat believed God. He appointed singers who were to go ahead of the soldiers, singing praises to the Lord for the promised victory (v. 21). When the singers began to sing, God miraculously defeated the enemies and saved His people (v. 22).
Victory does not always come as we expect. But we can always proclaim Christ’s victory over sin and death, which is already for us. We can be calm and worship the Creator even in places where real fighting is going on.
How can you glorify God where you are? How do you enjoy the fruits of the victory that the Lord Jesus won for you?
God, You are stronger than all my enemies! I magnify Your Name with faith.
Author: Karen Pimpo
