“I bring to my memory your unfeigned faith, which first settled in your grandmother Loida and your mother Eunice.” — 2 Timothy 1:5
“I feel completely useless,” Harold complained. “The wife is dead, the children are busy with their families. After dinner I sit and look at the shadows on the wall.” He often said to his daughter: “I am old, life is behind me. I no longer have a purpose. May the Lord take me away.”
But one day a simple conversation changed the usual course of thoughts of a lonely old man. “The neighbor had problems with his children, so I began to pray for him,” said Harold, “and then somehow I talked with him about the Gospel. And I felt that I had a purpose in life! As long as there are people who do not know Christ, I have to tell them about the Savior.”
It was an ordinary meeting, but Harold decided to talk about his faith, and his neighbor’s life changed forever. In the Second Epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul mentions two women whom God also used to change someone’s life, namely Timothy, a young colleague of Paul. Loida, Timothy’s grandmother, and Eunice, his mother, had “faith without hypocrisy”, which was passed on to the young man (1 Tim. 1:5). Among the daily chores in an ordinary home, young Timothy learned the faith that made him a dedicated disciple of Jesus, and later the leader of the church in Ephesus.
No matter how old we are and no matter what conditions we find ourselves in, let us make it our goal to testify about Christ.
Who can you tell about your faith in Jesus? What evangelistic opportunities might you need to pray about?
Lord Jesus, open my eyes and heart to see people around me who need to hear about your love. Give me opportunities to share the Gospel with them.
Author: Karen Huang
“But in their misery they called upon the Lord, and He delivered them from their oppression.” — Psalm 106:28
In 1982, Pastor Christian organized prayer meetings on Mondays at St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. For many years, a handful of prayer people gathered to ask God for peace. They could not remain indifferent, thinking about the violence that spread across the land and the despotic regime in East Germany. The churches were closely monitored by the communist authorities, but these meetings were ignored until their attendance grew to the point where people could no longer fit in the hall and filled the churchyard. And on October 9, 1989, 70,000 demonstrators took part in a peaceful protest. About six thousand policemen were ready to respond to any provocation. But everything passed peacefully and calmly, but historians consider this day to be a turning point. A month later, the Berlin Wall fell. Large-scale transformations began with simple prayer meetings.
When we turn to God and rely on His wisdom and strength, the situation begins to change. Like Israel, when we call on the Lord “in our trouble”, we find that He is able to answer the most difficult questions (Ps. 106:28). God “changes the storm into silence… and the dry land into a spring” (vv. 29, 35). The One we pray to sends hope in the midst of despair and beauty in the midst of ruin.
It is God in his time (not ours) who makes the transformation. And we participate in His work with our prayers.
Have you seen God change circumstances? What is the connection between His works and our prayers?
God, I need Your transforming work. Please do what only You can do.
Author: Wynn Collier
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17
“Every moment is a holiday” is a beautiful book with prayers for various occasions in life, including ordinary ones such as cooking or doing laundry. Everyday affairs often create a feeling of monotony and turn into a routine. The book reminded me of the writer Gilbert Chesterton’s words: “You thank God before you eat. That’s good. But I also thank God before I paint, swim, fence, box, walk, play… And I also thank Him before I dip my pen in ink.”
These words change my view of everyday life. Sometimes I tend to divide my activities into those that I think have spiritual value (like praying before meals) and those that don’t have spiritual value (like washing the dishes after a meal). Paul removes this division in the Epistle to the Colossians. He encourages the readers with the following words: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). To do something in the Name of Christ means, on the one hand, to glorify Him, and on the other hand, to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit.
“Everything you do.” All daily affairs, all hours and minutes of life can be full of the power of the Spirit of God, and all can serve for the glory of Christ.
Do you need to change the way you think about your daily activities? How can you do all things with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit to glorify You in all that I do.
Author: Lisa Samra
“Council in the human heart is deep water.” — Proverbs 20:5
When Bill Pinckney set out on a solo circumnavigation of the world in 1992, taking a challenging route around the perilous Great South Cape, he was driven by a lofty goal. Pinckney wanted to inspire and teach children through his journey. Among them were students from an elementary school in Chicago, which he once attended himself. The traveler tried to show by his example what can be achieved if you study hard and strive for a goal. That is why he named his yacht “Consecration”. Today, inviting schoolchildren on board, he allows them to be at the helm and tries to teach discipline and teamwork. “These are the necessary foundations of a successful life,” he says.
Pinckney’s words are consistent with Solomon’s description of wisdom: “Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water, and a wise man will draw it up” (Prov. 20:5). The wise king encouraged readers to explore their goals in life. Otherwise, you can get into trouble. “It is a sin for a person to say “holy” recklessly, and later to examine his vows” (v. 25).
Bill Pinckney had clear goals that inspired thirty thousand school children across the United States to follow his example. He became the first black American inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. “Everything is for children,” he says. We too will chart our course, guided by the deep wisdom of God’s instructions.
What is the purpose of your work or ministry? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Inspire me, God, to work faithfully for Your glory.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“They zealously spoiled all their deeds.” — Zephaniah 3:7
My friend’s eyes showed what I felt too – fear! We, two teenagers, had misbehaved and were now standing in front of the camp director. He, who knew our parents well, lovingly but firmly said that they would be very disappointed. We wanted to crawl under the table. We keenly felt our responsibility for what we had done.
God gave the prophet Zephaniah a message for the inhabitants of Judea, which also spoke about responsibility for sin (Zeph. 1:1, 6-7). After describing the judgments that He will carry out on the enemies of Judah (Zeph. 2), the Lord addressed His guilty people: “Woe to the city that is warlike and polluted, the city of rapists!” (Zeph. 3:1). He was kind and patient towards them, but “they zealously corrupted all their works” (v. 7).
God saw the hardened hearts of the Jews, their spiritual apathy, social injustice and greed. He was going to punish them. And it doesn’t matter if it was about princes, judges or prophets (vv. 3-4) – everyone was guilty before Him.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Jewish people of his time: “You store up anger for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:5-6). But we, unlike them, have the power of Christ, so let’s live in such a way that the holy, loving Father is glorified through us and that in the future we have nothing to regret.
Why do we need to be aware of personal responsibility for sin? Have you ever dishonored God with your actions?
Heavenly Father, help me to do only what is good and right in Your eyes.
Author: Our Daily Bread
“You wash me – and I will become whiter than snow.” — Psalm 50:9
“Wash me!” Although no one wrote these words on my car, they had every right to appear on it. With this thought, I went to the car wash, like other drivers who want to rid their cars of the salt stains that have been generously sprinkled on the roads after the recent snowfall. The queue was long, moving slowly. But the wait is worth it. I received a clean car, and as compensation for the technical delay, I got it washed for free!
To be cleansed at someone else’s expense – this is exactly the essence of the Gospel! Through the death and resurrection of His Son, God has provided us with the forgiveness of sins. Who among us did not feel the need to “wash” when we were covered with the dirt and soot of life? When have we been tainted by selfish thoughts or actions that have harmed us and those around us, robbing us of peace with God? Psalm 50 is David’s cry after temptation gained victory in his life. The prophet Nathan pointed out his sin (see 2 Sam. 12), and David began to beg God: “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean, wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (v. 9). Feeling dirty and guilty? Come to Jesus and remember the words: “When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
What did David mean when he asked God: “Wash me”? What prevents you from asking Him for forgiveness and cleansing through Christ?
God, You see all the stains in my life, you see how I need to be cleansed. Wash me, forgive me and help me glorify You.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“Every house is built by someone, and the One who built everything is God.” — Hebrews 3:4
From the spiral staircase to the spacious bedroom, from the hardwood floors to the plush carpeting, from the huge bathroom to the beautifully appointed office, the realtor outdid himself in showing the young couple their possible future home. At every step, they admired its beauty: “You made our dream come true! The house is simply wonderful!” Then the realtor said something that might seem unusual, but was true: “I will pass your feedback on to the builder. It is not the house or me that deserves praise, but the person who built it.”
The realtor’s words convey the idea of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Comparing Jesus Christ with Moses, the author writes: “He is worthy of higher glory than Moses, because the builder has more honor than the house” (Heb. 3:3). Although Moses was honored to speak with God face to face and see His glory (Num. 12:8), he was only a “servant” in the Lord’s house (Heb. 3:5). Instead, Christ, the Creator and Founder (Heb. 1:2, 10), deserves higher glory as “the One who built all things” and “the Son in His house” (Heb. 3:4, 6). And God’s house is His people.
We will faithfully serve the Lord, but let us remember: the great artist and builder Jesus is worthy of the highest glory. All the praise that we, God’s house, receive is ultimately His.
What special thing did God put in you? If you are praised, how can you redirect the praise to Christ?
Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all praise. May my words and deeds glorify You every day.
By Ann Sitas
“And whoever acts according to the truth, he goes to the light.” —John 3:21
Nothing could bring Aakash out of his lingering depression. He was seriously injured in a car accident and was brought to a missionary hospital in Southwest Asia. Eight operations helped restore the bones, but Aakash could not eat. Depression began. He was the breadwinner of the family, and now he has become disabled.
But one day a visitor came to Aakash, who read a passage from the Gospel of John in his native language and prayed for him. Touched by the news about God’s gift of salvation in Christ, Aakash turned to the Lord. Depression soon passed. When he returned home, he was initially afraid to talk about his new faith. But then he still told his family about Christ, and six of them also believed!
The Gospel of John is a bright beacon in a world of darkness. In it we read that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). From him we learn that “he who listens to the words [of Christ] and believes in the One who sent [Him] has eternal life” (Jn. 5:24). In it, the Lord says: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will not hunger” (John 6:35).
The challenges we face can seem overwhelming. But Jesus came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). Therefore, trust in Christ – the hope of peace and light for people.
What world problems scare you? How are you comforted by the truth and presence of Christ?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope in Your Son.
Author: David Brenon
“Untie the shackles of ungodliness, loosen the bonds of the yoke and let the oppressed go free.” — Isaiah 58:6
David Willis lingered on the second floor of Waterstones, and when he came down he found the lights off and the doors locked. He was locked inside! Not knowing what else to do, he typed out a message on Twitter: “Hi @Waterstones. I’m locked inside your store in Trafalgar Square. Let me out!” Shortly after this, the poor fellow was rescued.
It is good if there is someone to turn to for help. The prophet Isaiah wrote that if we find ourselves trapped in problems of our own making, we need to call on God for help. According to the prophet, the Lord accused His people of irresponsible attitude to faith. The Israelites fulfilled religious requirements, but they covered up the oppression of the poor and the pursuit of profit (Is. 58:1-7). Of course, God didn’t like it. He hid His face from them and did not answer their prayers (Is. 1:15). The Lord called them to repent and start caring for others (Is. 58:6-7). “Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will call and He will say: “Here I am!” If you remove the yoke from among you, you will not lift a finger and speak evil,” He promised (v. 9).
Let’s do good and help the needy. After all, God Himself listens to our requests for help and says: “Here I am!”
What behavior or relationship might prevent God from answering your prayers? What might you need to repent of?
God, thank you for hearing my prayers. Help me to do good to people.
Author: Marvin Williams
? 07/09/2023 10:02 AM The #broadcast “On the Island of Hopelessness” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 07/09/2023: https://youtu.be/LP3efh4Jnog
