And Moses answered them: “This is the bread that the Lord gave you to eat.” — Exodus 4:15 p.m
Once the residents of the Swiss Olten were surprised to see chocolate flakes falling from the sky. Soon the whole city was covered with them. The ventilation system of a local chocolate factory has failed, throwing a huge amount of chocolate shavings into the air and littering the surrounding area with tasty treats.
But no matter how delicious chocolate is, it does not provide all human needs. But many years ago, God sent the Israelites perfect food from heaven. As they traveled through the desert, they began to complain about their rations, which were meager compared to the Egyptian variety. In response, God said: “Behold, I will rain down bread for you from heaven” (Ex. 16:4). Every morning, when the dew dried, white flakes remained on the grass and the ground. About two million Israelites collected these flakes, as much as they needed for the day. All forty years that they wandered in the desert, God supernaturally provided them with manna.
We know almost nothing about the manna, except that “it was white like coriander seed, and its taste was like dough in honey” (v. 31). It may not have been as attractive as chocolate, but it showed God’s concern for His people. In addition, manna points to Jesus Christ, who called Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:48). The Lord sustains earthly life in us and gives us eternal life (v. 51).
How has God cared for you? What effect did Jesus, the “bread of life” have on you?
Father God, thank You for taking care of my greatest need through Jesus Christ and for supporting me every day.
Author: Kirsten Holmberg
“Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” — Romans 5:8
Have you ever done something in anger that you later regretted? When my son was suffering from drug addiction, I once said many harsh words to him. As a result, everything only got worse. Fortunately, he then met believers who encouraged him with words of life and hope. And later he freed himself from addiction.
Even Moses, the hero of faith, did things that he later regretted. The Israelites in the desert faced a lack of water and began to complain. Then God gave Moses and Aaron strict instructions: “Gather the congregation, you and your brother Aaron, and say to that rock in front of them, and it will give its water” (Num. 20:8). But Moses was angry, because of which he attributed the miracle not to God, but to himself and Aaron. “Listen, you naughty ones, shall we bring water for you from this rock?” – he said, after which he showed direct disobedience: “he struck that rock with his rod twice” (vv. 10-11).
God, by His mercy, opened a spring of water in the rock, but Moses’ action had tragic consequences. Neither he nor Aaron entered the land that God had promised to His people. However, the Lord showed mercy even here, allowing Moses to see the land from afar (Numbers 27:12-13).
God graciously finds us in the wilderness of disobedience. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He gives us forgiveness and hope. No matter what our past, if we turn to Him, He will guide us to life.
How has the Lord shown you undeserved kindness? To whom can you show such kindness today?
Thank You, Heavenly Father, that despite difficult circumstances, You give me eternal hope.
Author: James Banks
“And do not be concerned about this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
In the waters of Indonesia and near the Great Barrier Reef lives a “master of disguise” – a mimic octopus that knows how to hide well. Like other octopuses, it can change color to blend in with its surroundings. But even this intelligent mollusk changes its shape, manner of movements and behavior in the event of a threat, imitating such creatures as a poisonous lionfish or a deadly sea snake.
Unlike this octopus, Christians are called to stand out in the world around them. Feeling threatened by those who disagree with us, we are tempted to blend in with the world so that we are not recognized as followers of Christ. However, the apostle Paul calls us to present our bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Rom. 12:1), reflecting the Savior in every aspect of our lives.
Friends or relatives can put pressure on us, convincing us to conform to the image of this world (v. 2). But we must show Whom we serve by bringing our lives into line with what we believe. If we cling to the Scriptures and show the loving nature of our Heavenly Father, our lives will show that the reward of obedience is greater than any loss. How will you follow Christ today?
In what situations did you wish people would not know that you are a Christian? Have relatives or friends distanced themselves from you because of your Christian behavior?
Lord Jesus, give me courage and confidence to show your character to others.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“Blessed is the man who endures the test.” — James 1:12
One famous photograph shows a shoe print on a gray surface. This is the footprint of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, which he left on the moon in 1969. Scientists say that this trace is most likely still there. There is no water or air on the Moon, so there is no erosion. Therefore, any imprints left on the lunar soil remain there.
And it is even more important to think about the constant presence of God in our lives. Apostle James writes: “Every good gift and perfect gift comes from above from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or shadow of turning away” (James 1:17). The apostle speaks about this in the context of our experiences: “Have full joy, my brothers, when you fall into all kinds of trials” (v. 2). Why? Because the great and permanent God loves us!
In difficult times, let us remember His constant care. In the well-known hymn “Loyalty is great” there are the following words: “You are unchanging, You are the same from the ages. Full of compassion and parental love.” Yes, the great God left his eternal mark in our world. He will always be with us. His faithfulness is great.
What difficulties are you facing now? How does believing in God’s constant presence affect your attitude toward them?
God, I’ve been sad lately because of various issues. I don’t know what will come of all this. But I believe that You are with me and will take care of everything. Help me to be calm and confident.
By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)
“And you will love your neighbor as yourself.” — Leviticus 19:18
A fun game in the youth group contained an important lesson: instead of changing neighbors, you should learn to love the ones you have. Participants sat in a circle, and one stood in the center. The one who was standing asked one of those who was sitting: “Do you love your neighbor?” The sitter could answer “yes” or “no”. Depending on the answer, the person sitting next to you stayed or changed places with someone else.
Don’t we sometimes want to change our neighbors in real life? Especially if it’s a picky co-worker or a neighbor who likes to mow the lawn at the wrong time. However, we usually have to get along with problematic neighbors.
When the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land, God gave them important instructions about how to be a people pleasing to Him. One of the main commandments was: “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18), which included refraining from rumors and gossip, refusing to profit from the need of your neighbor and direct exposure if he did something bad (vv. 9-18).
Loving everyone is hard. But we are called to treat others as Jesus Himself acts in us and through us. God can give us the wisdom and ability to live as befits His people.
Which of your “neighbors” do you find difficult to get along with? How can you show more love to this person?
Heavenly Father, help me to show Your love to people, even those who are difficult to love.
Author: Po Fang Hia
? 07/02/2023 10:09 a.m. #broadcast “Prayer for Ukraine” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | 07/06/2023: https://youtu.be/MfU2MsFBBfg
“God is a refuge for us.” — Psalm 61:9
Long ago, herds of bison roamed here. Indians roamed the prairies after bison. Then the settlers came here with their herds and tried to cultivate the land. Later, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, the area was used for chemicals, and even later for the destruction of Cold War weapons. But then bald eagles were found nesting here. This is how the National Wildlife Refuge “Arsenal of the Rocky Mountains” appeared – six thousand hectares of prairies, swamps and forests northeast of Denver (Colorado). Today, it’s one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the country – a safe, protected home for over three hundred animal species, from black-footed ferrets to night owls, bald eagles and, you guessed it, bison.
The psalmist David says that God is our refuge (Ps. 61:9). Far better than any earthly shelter, God is our true sanctuary, the safe place in which we “live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). He is a refuge in which we can hide “at all times” (Ps. 61:9). We can boldly offer our prayers to Him, pouring out our hearts before Him.
This is how our God was in the past, this is how He is now and this is how He will always be.
What does the phrase “God is our refuge” mean to you? What do you want to tell Him about today?
Loving God, thank You for being my safe and secure refuge.
Author: John Blaze
“Do not quench the spirit.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:19
I knew that after the hurricane there would be no electricity in the house (an unpleasant but common occurrence in our area), however, entering the room, I instinctively reached out and flicked the switch. Of course, nothing happened. As before, I remained in the dark.
This experience of waiting for the light despite realizing that the connection to the energy source was broken reminded me of a spiritual truth. We often wait for power from above without having a connection to its source.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that his evangelization was not “only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with great assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). By accepting God’s forgiveness, believers instantly gain access to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This power produces in us qualities such as love, joy, peace, and long-suffering (Gal. 5:22-23), and also gives us special abilities for ministry in the church, including teaching, helping, and governing (1 Cor. 12:28).
Paul warned his readers that they could quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19). We limit the power of the Holy Spirit by ignoring God’s presence or rejecting His revelation (John 16:8). But we must not live apart from Him. God’s power is always available to His children.
How was the power of the Holy Spirit manifested in your life? Have you ever felt her absence?
Almighty God, help me to always feel the power of Your Spirit in my life.
Author: Lisa Samra
“The Lord does not resist… but he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9
At the end of his life, John Perkins left a message to the people he was parting with. Perkins, a prominent proponent of racial reconciliation, said, “Repentance is the only way to return to God. If you don’t repent, you will all perish.”
These words are a repetition of what Jesus and many other heroes of the Bible said. Commenting on the death of the Galilean pilgrims, the Lord said: “If you do not repent, you will all perish like this!” (Luke 13:3). The Apostle Peter told people: “Repent and be converted, so that He may have mercy on your sins” (Acts 3:19).
In the Old Testament, we read the words of another person who wanted the people to convert to God. In the farewell speech “to all Israel” (1 Sam. 12:1), the prophet and judge Samuel said: “Do not be afraid! You have done all that evil, but do not depart from the Lord, and serve the Lord with all your heart” (v. 20). It was also a sermon calling for repentance. Samuel begged the people to turn away from evil and turn to God with all their souls.
We are all sinners and fall short of God’s standard. Therefore, we also need to repent, that is, turn away from sin and turn to Jesus Christ, who forgives and gives strength to follow Him. Let’s listen to the parting words of John Perkins and the prophet Samuel, who knew how God can use the power of repentance to make us those who will bring Him glory.
Why is it important to leave sin and ask Christ for forgiveness? What does it mean to follow God with all your heart?
God, lead me to true repentance. Help me to confess my sins and fully rely on the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Author: David Brenon
“Many publicans and sinners sat with Jesus.” — Mark 2:15
I recently found myself in a place that I have seen many times in movies and on TV – Hollywood! The huge white letters lined up on the famous hill could be seen from the palm of my hand from my hotel window.
But besides them, I noticed something else. To the left and slightly below the inscription “Hollywood” stood a cross. This was not shown in the cinema. And when I left the room, students from the local church talked to me about Christ.
For many, Hollywood is the center of everything worldly, opposed to the Kingdom of God. However, Christ clearly performed His work here as well. I admit, it was a surprise for me.
Many actions and words of Jesus were unexpected for the Pharisees. He did not associate with people who had general respect. His company consisted of “publicans and sinners” (Mk. 2:13-17) – people whose lives practically screamed: “Unclean!” He spent time with those who needed Him most (vv. 16-17).
For more than two thousand years, the Lord has continued to sow seeds of hope and salvation in unexpected places and among unexpected people. And He also calls and equips us to be a part of this ministry.
Have you ever seen God work in unexpected places? How can you be more open to serving Christ under such conditions?
Heavenly Father, thank You for working even in those places where I don’t think You should be. I am glad that You call me to be a part of Your service.
Author: Adam Holtz
