“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
“And seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and observing that they were both uneducated and simple people, they were surprised and recognized them that they were with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13
Neither Orville nor Wilbur Wright had a pilot’s license. None of them even graduated from college. The brothers were engaged in the sale and repair of bicycles. But they had a dream: the sky beckoned them. On December 17, 1903, they made four flights in turn on the apparatus, which was called “Flyer”. The longest flight lasted only a minute, but that minute changed the world forever.
Neither Peter nor Ivan had a preacher’s diploma. None of them graduated from seminary. They were fishermen, but the Holy Spirit inspired them to preach the Gospel. “For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we should be saved,” they boldly proclaimed, testifying about Christ (Acts 4:12).
Neighbors of the Wright brothers did not immediately appreciate their achievement. A local newspaper did not believe them and stated that even if the flights did take place, they were too short to be of any significance. It took several more years of experimentation before public opinion recognized the merits of the first aircraft designers.
The religious leaders forbade Peter and John to speak about Christ. To this Peter replied: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (v. 20).
You may also not be included in the lists of recognized authorities. Maybe those on these lists despise you. It is not important! If you have the Spirit of Christ, you can live boldly for His glory!
What task or person makes you feel inferior? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit who lives within you to solve this problem?
Lord Jesus, I am Yours. Use me as you please.
Author: Mike Whittmer
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
