“And they were… in a fraternal community.” — Acts 2:42
In the south of the Bahamas is a small piece of land called Ragged Island. In the 19th century, salt was actively mined here, but due to the decline of this industry, many people emigrated to the neighboring islands. In 2016, fewer than eighty people lived on the island. And although there were representatives of three religious denominations among them, people gathered together in one place every week for worship and fellowship. With so few residents, a sense of community was especially important to them.
The believers of the early church also felt a strong need and desire for community. They were excited about their newfound faith, made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, He was no longer physically present with them, so they understood that they needed each other. Christians devoted themselves to learning from the apostles, fellowship, and communion together (Acts 2:42). They gathered in homes for worship and shared meals, and cared for the needs of others. “Those who believed had one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32). Filled with the Holy Spirit, they constantly glorified God and brought their needs to Him in prayer.
Community is essential to our growth and support. Don’t try to walk this path alone. God will foster this sense of community as you share your struggles and joys with others and draw closer to Him together.
How can you commit to spending time with other believers? Where and when will you do it?
God, I need You and other believers to be able to live a full life for You.
By Ann Sitas
“The rich and the poor meet, the Lord created them both.” — Proverbs 22:2
During our vacation, my wife and I rode our bikes every morning. One route ran through an affluent neighborhood with homes worth millions of dollars. We saw a variety of people: residents walking their dogs, cyclists and many workers building new homes or maintaining the landscape. There was a mix of people from all walks of life and it reminded me of the real world. In fact, there was no difference between us. Rich or poor. Wealthy professionals or the working class. Known or unknown. We were all the same on that street that morning. “The rich and the poor meet, the Lord created them both” (Prov. 22:2). Despite our differences, we are all created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
However, there is something else. Equality before God also means that regardless of our economic, social or ethnic status, we are all born sinners: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We are all disobedient and equally guilty before Him, and we need Jesus Christ.
We often divide people into groups for various reasons. However, in reality, we are all part of the human race. And although we are all sinners who need a Savior, thanks to God’s grace we can receive justification, reconciliation with God (v. 24).
How does knowing that we are all equal before God help you love others better? How did Jesus meet your greatest need?
Dear God, thank you for Jesus, whom You sent to earth to live a perfect life and voluntarily give Himself as a sacrifice for my sins.
Author: David Brenon
“So I stilled and soothed my soul like a child…” – Psalm 130:2
I put my phone down, tired of the many photos, ideas and notifications the small screen was broadcasting. Then I picked it up and turned it back on. Why?
In Shallow Water, Nicholas Carr describes how the Internet has shaped our relationship with silence: “The Internet seems to destroy my ability to concentrate and contemplate. Whether I’m online or not, my brain expects information to be perceived as the Internet transmits it: in a fast-moving stream of particles. Once I was a scuba diver in a sea of words. Now I glide along the surface like a boy on a jet ski”.
Life on a mental jet ski doesn’t sound healthy. But how do we begin to slow down, to dive deeply into quiet spiritual waters?
In Psalm 130, David writes: “I calmed and soothed my soul, like a child weaned from its mother” (v. 2). David’s words remind me that I have a responsibility. Changing habits starts with my choice to be still, even if I have to make that choice over and over again. However, gradually we begin to feel God’s goodness, which satisfies us. Like little children, we rest in contentment, remembering that only God offers true hope (v. 3), a spiritual satisfaction that no smartphone app or social media can provide.
How does technology affect your ability to rest peacefully in God? Does your phone contribute to your satisfaction? Why yes or no?
Heavenly Father, the world is full of distractions that do not satisfy my soul. Help me to trust You. Fill me with real pleasure.
Author: Adam Holtz
“But as you make a feast, call the poor, the crippled, the crooked and the blind, and you will be blessed.” — Luke 14:13-14
In 2016, Wanda Dench sent her grandson a text inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner. However, the grandson changed the phone number, and the message was received by a complete stranger named Jamal. Jamal was free that day, so he called the sender back, introduced himself, and asked if the invitation was still valid. Wanda replied: “Of course, come.” Jamal came, and since then it has become an annual tradition for him. A mistaken invitation turned into a blessing.
Wanda’s kindness in inviting a stranger to dinner reminded me of Christ’s words in the Gospel of Luke. During a meal at the home of a Pharisee ruler (Lk. 14:1), Jesus noticed how the guests tried to take the best seats (v. 7), and told the host that if he invited only those who could call him back, it would deprive him of his blessing. It is better to invite the poor, and then God will reward him generously (v. 14).
For Wanda, Jamal’s invitation to join the family dinner turned out to be an unexpected blessing in the form of a strong friendship – a great comfort after her husband’s death. If we extend a helping hand to others not out of selfish reasons, but guided by God’s love, we will receive much more.
Has there ever been a time in your life when an unexpected invitation brought you a blessing? What did it consist of?
Heavenly Father, help me to be a blessing to others. Direct my heart.
Author: Lisa Samra
“You shine like a light in the world, keeping the word of life.” — Philippians 2:15-16
The first thing I noticed in the city were the gambling establishments. Then there are stalls selling cannabis, shops “for adults” and huge billboards of lawyers who make money on human mistakes. Although I had been to many questionable cities before, this one seemed to surpass all others.
However, my mood improved the next morning. The reason for this was a conversation with a taxi driver. “Every day I ask God to send me people whom He wants to help,” he said. “Gamblers, prostitutes, people from single-parent families tearfully tell me about their problems. I stop the car, listen, pray for them. This is my ministry.”
After talking about how the Savior came to our fallen world (Phil. 2:5-8), the apostle Paul called on believers to do God’s will (v. 13) and to keep the “word of life”, that is, the Gospel (v. 16). In this case, they will be “blameless and sincere, innocent children of God in the midst of an evil and licentious generation”, shining in it “as a light in the world” (v. 15). Like my new taxi driver friend, we are called to carry the light of Christ into the surrounding darkness.
“In order to change the world, a Christian must be faithful,” said historian Christopher Dawson, “because in this ‘is the whole essence of the Divine life.'” Therefore, we ask God to give us the strength to be faithful to Him, shining the light of Christ in the darkest places of the world.
How can you focus on Christ today and not on the evil of the world around you? How can you shine His light among men?
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Light of the world and bringing me out of darkness.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“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
