“And the sun shone upon him when he crossed Penuel. And he limped on his thigh.” — Genesis 32:32
Faye touched the scars on her stomach. She underwent another operation to remove a cancerous tumor. This time, the doctors removed part of the stomach and left an uneven scar that testified to the extent of their work. Faye told her husband, “Scars are symbols of suffering or healing. I choose the latter. They are signs of my healing.”
Jacob faced a similar choice after his nightly struggle with God. The angel injured his thigh, leaving Jacob emaciated and with a noticeable limp. When Jacob massaged his thigh months later, I wonder what he was thinking?
Was he full of regret for his years of deception that led to this fateful match? God’s messenger tried to get the truth out of him, refusing to bless him until Jacob admitted who he really was. He confessed that he was Jacob, “the one holding on to the heel” (see Genesis 25:26). He deceived his brother Esau and father-in-law Laban to gain an advantage. God’s fighter said that Jacob’s new name will be “Israel, because you have fought with God and with people, and you have prevailed” (v. 29).
Jacob’s lameness symbolized the death of his old life in deception and the beginning of a new life with God. The end of Jacob and the beginning of Israel. His lameness forced him to lean on God, who was now powerfully working in him and through him.
What spiritual scars do you have? How can they symbolize the end of something bad and the beginning of something new?
Heavenly Father, my lameness is a sign of Your love.
Author: Mike Whittmer
“The Lord is near! Do not worry about anything, but in everything let your desires be revealed to God.” — Philippians 4:5-6
For more than thirty years, Lourdes, a vocal teacher in Manila, has taught students face-to-face. But when she was asked to teach online, she became worried. “I’m not very computer savvy,” she said. “My laptop is old and I’m not familiar with video conferencing platforms.”
For someone it may seem like a small thing, but for her it was a real stress. “I live alone, so there is no one to help me, she said. I am afraid that my students will drop out, and I need income.”
Before each class, Lourdes prayed that her laptop would work properly. “The screen saver on my screen was Philippians 4:5-6,” she said, “how I clung to those words!”
The Apostle Paul urges us not to worry about anything, because “the Lord is near” (Phil. 4:5). God’s promise of His presence is something we must hold on to. If we rest in God’s closeness, His peace “keeps the hearts… and… thoughts in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).
“God led me to computer troubleshooting websites,” Lourdes said. “He also gave me patient students who understood my technological limitations.” God’s presence, His help, and His peace are what we can enjoy as we strive to follow Him all the days of our lives. We can confidently say: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and I say again: rejoice!” (v. 4).
How do you find comfort in God’s presence? What specific requests can you make to Him today?
Dear God, thank you for being with me. In your presence, I don’t have to worry about anything.
Author: Karen Huang
“For the Lord rebukes with wickedness, but He has friendship with the righteous.” — Proverbs 3:32
David and Angie felt called to move overseas, and subsequent fruitful ministry seemed to only confirm the correctness of the decision. Life was overshadowed by only one unpleasantness: David’s elderly parents were forced to spend Christmas alone.
David and Angie tried to ease his parents’ loneliness by sending gifts and calling on Christmas morning. However, what his parents really wanted: their personal presence. David’s income allowed him to come home only occasionally. What else could they do? David needed wisdom.
The third chapter of the Book of Proverbs is a crash course in the search for wisdom. He shows how to obtain it by turning to God (vv. 5-6), describes its various qualities, including love and faithfulness (vv. 3-4, 7-12), as well as its benefits, such as peace and longevity (vv. 13-18). “For the Lord abhors wickedness, but He has friendship with the righteous” (v. 32). He tells His decisions to those who are close to Him.
One night, as David was praying about his problem, an idea came to him. The next Christmas, he and Angie put on their best clothes and set the table. David’s parents did the same. Then, after setting up the laptops, they turned on the video link. It felt like they were in the same room. Since then, it has become a family tradition.
God gave David His wisdom. He likes to suggest creative solutions to our problems.
What dilemma are you facing? What loving solution can God offer you?
Heavenly Father, please guide my heart to creative problem solving.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“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
