“Stretch out your wing over your slave girl, because you are my relative.” — Ruth 3:9
Phil and Sandy, moved by the stories of refugee children, open their hearts and their home to two of them. Having picked up the children from the airport, they drove home in tension and in complete silence. “Are they ready for this?” There were many differences between them (culture, language, religion), but Phil and Sandy had to become a shelter for these wonderful children.
Boaz was also moved by the story of Ruth. He heard how she left her people to be close to Naomi, and when Ruth came to gather ears of corn in his field, Boaz blessed her with the following words: “May the Lord pay for your work, and may your reward be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, that you have come to hide under His wings” (Ruth. 2:12).
Ruth reminded Boaz of his blessing when she woke him up one night in a stream. When Boaz awoke from his dream, he asked, “Who are you?” Ruth answered: “I am your handmaid Ruth. Spread your wing over your handmaid, for you are my relative” (Ruth. 3:9).
Boaz sheltered Ruth by marrying her, and the echo of their story can be felt in the praise that their great-grandson David raised to the God of Israel: “How precious is Your mercy, O God, and the sons of men hide in the shadow of Your wings” (Ps. 35:8).
How did you feel when someone sheltered you? How can you shelter others?
Heavenly Father, in You I find refuge. Use me so that others can find refuge in You.
Author: Mike Whittmer
“Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed.” — James 5:16
“Hi, Po Fang! – a friend from church wrote to me. – Let’s do James 5:16 in our group this month. Let’s create a safe atmosphere of trust and confidentiality so that we can share our concerns and pray for each other.”
At that moment I did not know what to answer. Although the members of our group had known each other for many years, we had never really opened our hearts and our pain to each other. After all, it’s scary to be vulnerable.
However, the truth is that we are all sinners and we all suffer. We all need Jesus. Sincere conversations about God’s amazing grace and trust in Christ help us continue to rely on Him. With Jesus, we can stop pretending that there are no problems in our lives.
So I said, “Yes! Let’s do it!” At first it was awkward. However, gradually one by one the members of the group began to open up. Some continued to remain silent, but all treated this with understanding. No one pressured anyone. We ended the meeting by performing the second part of the text of the Epistle of James 5:16: “Pray for one another.”
That day I felt the beauty of sincere communication with Christians. Thanks to our common faith in Christ, we can rely on His help and the help of others in overcoming our weaknesses and difficulties.
How to encourage more sincere communication in your church community? Who can you share your pain with?
Heavenly Father, thank you for placing me in Your family so that I can find support in the process of my assimilation to Christ.
Author: Po Fang Hia
“Woe… to the shepherds who feed themselves! You do not strengthen the weak, and you do not heal the sick.” — Ezekiel 34:2,4
The University of Iowa has probably the most touching tradition in football. Kinnick Stadium is located next to Stead Family Children’s Hospital. On the top floor of the hospital, there are panoramic windows that offer a wonderful view of the field. On game days, sick children and their families gather on the upper floor and watch the action in the stadium. At the end of the first half, all coaches, athletes and thousands of fans turn to face the hospital and wave to the children. At this moment, children’s eyes begin to shine. It’s just amazing to see the athletes and the whole stadium pausing to show care.
The Holy Scriptures call us to be concerned about those who are weak and to care for those who are struggling and who are sick. However, very often we ignore the needy (Ezek. 34:6). The prophet Ezekiel rebuked Israel’s leaders for their selfishness and disregard for the needs of others. “Woe to the shepherds of Israel,” God said through Ezekiel. He further explained: “You do not strengthen the weak, and you do not heal the sick, and you do not bind up the wounded” (vv. 2, 4).
How often do our personal priorities, leadership styles, and attitudes toward finances show a lack of concern for those who are suffering? Instead, God shows us a way of life in which the strong take care of the weak (vv. 11-12).
Have you seen how the strong take care of the weak? Or, on the contrary, ignored them?
Heavenly Father, teach me to love as You love.
Author: Wynn Collier
“Jesus… says: ‘Let the little children come to Me.'” — Luke 18:16
When our named grandmother ended up in the hospital after several strokes, the doctors did not know how much her brain was damaged. It was necessary to wait until her condition improved a little, and then check the functioning of the brain. She spoke only a few words that were barely understandable. However, when the 86-year-old woman who had watched over my daughter for twelve years saw me, she opened her parched lips and asked, “How’s Kayla?” The first words she spoke to me were about my child, whom she loved deeply and deeply.
The Lord Jesus also loved children and gave them a special place, although the disciples did not approve of it very much. And so the parents brought their children to Him so that He would “touch them” (Lk. 18:15). And Christ blessed these children. However, not everyone was happy that He blessed the little one. The students scolded the parents and ordered them not to disturb the Teacher. Instead, He intervened and said: “Let the children come to Me” (v. 16). Christ set the children as an example of how to accept God’s Kingdom – with simple trust and sincerity.
Young children rarely have ulterior motives. They say what they see. Let us trust in God with an open heart like a child, while He helps us to restore that childlike trust.
How to imitate a child’s sincerity in a relationship with God? How do you bless the children in your family and community?
Heavenly Father, help me to accept Your Kingdom openly and sincerely in a childlike way.
Author: Katara Patton
“Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws which I speak in your ears today, and learn them, and be careful to do them.” — Deuteronomy 5:1
A few years ago, a train carrying two hundred and eighteen passengers derailed in northern Spain. 79 people died, and another 66 were hospitalized. The driver could not explain the reasons for what happened, but the video from the surveillance camera was able to explain. The train was moving too fast and could not enter the turn. There was a speed limit on this section designed to keep passengers safe. But the driver with thirty years of experience neglected safety requirements, which led to the death of many people.
In the 5th chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses presents the restrictions imposed on Israel by the covenant with God. He encourages the new generation to accept God’s instructions as given directly to him (v. 3), and then repeats the ten commandments (vv. 7-21). Recalling the laws given at Sinai and drawing conclusions from the disobedience of the previous generation, Moses calls the Israelites to be obedient, humble and remember God’s faithfulness. The Lord made a way for His chosen ones so that they would not destroy their own lives or the lives of other people. If they neglect His wisdom, they will bring trouble upon themselves.
Today, as the Lord guides us through life, let’s make all the Scriptures our comfort, guidance and protection. Then we will be able to stay on God’s rails and fully devote our lives to Him.
Why are the boundaries that God has set a manifestation of His love? In what cases can these limits be tight?
God, help me to show my love for You through obedience.
Author: Marvin Williams
? 07/30/2023 10:01 a.m. The #broadcast “Son of Joy. Trust or verify?” | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 07/30/2023: https://youtu.be/U4IMEvsBX7g
“But the parts of the body that seem weaker are much more needed.” — 1 Corinthians 12:22
A friend of mine works on a hospital ship called the Mercy of Africa. They provide free medical care to citizens of developing countries. Employees help hundreds of patients every day, whose illnesses could have remained without proper treatment.
Periodically, correspondents climb aboard and film excellent doctors who can fix a cleft lip or straighten a crooked leg. Sometimes they also interview sailors. But Mick’s work usually remains behind the scenes.
Mick is an engineer. Unexpectedly for himself, he was entrusted with the sewage system of the ship. Every day, up to forty thousand liters of liquid waste passes through the sewers. Managing this toxic substance is a serious matter. Without Mick, who maintains the pipes and pumps, the work on “Mercy of Africa” would stop.
It is easy to applaud those on the “upper deck” of Christian ministry while overlooking others working below. The Corinthians praised those who had supernatural gifts, and Paul reminded them that every believer plays an important role in the work for Christ (1 Cor. 12:7-20). Every gift is important, whether it is the ability to heal or simply help people (vv. 27-31). Moreover, the more inconspicuous the work, the more honor it deserves (vv. 22-24).
Do you work “on the lower deck”? Then raise your head. Your work is honorable in the eyes of God and necessary for all of us.
What happens when you compare your gifts to others? Who from the “lower deck” can you thank for his work today?
I am important to You, Lord. Thank you for seeing me, even if people don’t.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“He went to a lonely place and prayed.” — Luke 5:16
Green Bank (West Virginia) is a tiny settlement in the rugged Appalachian Mountains. It is similar to dozens of other towns in the area, with one important exception. None of its one hundred and forty-two residents have mobile Internet access. The reason is in the observatory, whose telescope is constantly scanning the sky. Signals from Wi-Fi and cell towers create interference, so Green Bank has been put on radio silence. It is one of the most technologically quiet places in North America.
Sometimes silence is the best state for moving forward, especially in our relationship with God. The Lord Jesus Christ himself gave us an example in this, often going away and spending time alone to talk with the Heavenly Father. Evangelist Luke reports: “He withdrew to a lonely place and prayed” (Lk. 5:16). This is a great example for us. If the Creator of the Universe was so aware of His dependence on the Father, how much more do we need it!
By regularly secluding ourselves in a quiet place and strengthening our spirits in God’s presence, we can move forward in His renewing power. Do you have such a place?
What hinders your prayer communication with God? Where can you fully focus on prayer?
Heavenly Father, sometimes the noise of living in a sinful world distracts me from You and prevents me from spending time with You. Help me find a place where I can simply enjoy Your presence.
Author: Bill Crowder
And the Lord said to Moses: “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh.” — Exodus 6:1
In David’s homeland, believers in Christ were oppressed, their cattle were killed. David and his family lost everything they had and were scattered in different countries. David spent nine years in a refugee camp far from his family. He knew that God was with him, but the years passed. Two people dear to him died in separation, and the situation did not change. So David lost his spirit.
Many years ago, another nation faced cruel oppression. God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses reluctantly agreed. But when he appealed to Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler only increased the oppression (Ex. 5:6-9). “I do not know the Lord, and neither will I let Israel go,” he said (v. 2). The people complained to Moses, and he began to complain to God (vv. 20-23).
In the end, the Lord delivered the Israelites, and they got the freedom they wanted, but by God’s action and in God’s time.
David spent his years in the refugee camp to good effect, earning a master’s degree at a seminary in New Delhi. Now he is a pastor for his people – refugees like him who have found a new home. “My experience is a mine in which I learned to lead as a servant,” he says. In his testimony, David quotes the song of Moses from the book of Exodus: “My strength and my song is the Lord, and he has become my salvation” (Ex. 15:2). Today, the Lord is our fortress and salvation.
What questions do you want to ask God? How can you trust His promises more?
Heavenly Father, I can always count on You. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten this truth.
Author: Tim Gustavson
“For you are saved by grace through faith… not by works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
We were decorating the church building for a special event and one of the sisters scolded me for my inexperience. When she left, another one came up to me and said, “Don’t worry. She’s one of those who needs extra grace.”
I laughed. I liked the expression “extra grace” and started using it whenever I had a conflict with someone. Years later, I sat in the same church at the funeral of the same sister who needed “extra grace.” The pastor told how she served people, often unnoticed by others, and was generous and caring. I asked God to forgive me for judging her and others by labeling her unfairly. After all, I myself also needed “additional grace”, just like everyone who follows Christ.
In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes that all of us “were by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3). But the Lord, instead of anger, gave us salvation, which we did not deserve and will never be able to work off. Why so? “So that no one should boast” (v. 9).
As we obey God day by day in our life’s journey, the Holy Spirit will work to change our character to reflect the virtues of Christ. Every believer needs additional grace. And the Lord gives it to us in due measure (2 Cor. 12:9).
Who among your acquaintances, in your opinion, needed “extra grace”? In what area of life do you need grace today?
God the Father, help me to give grace to people as generously and simply as You gave it to me.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
