Your work is not in vain in the Lord! — 1 Corinthians 15:58
In the third year of a difficult struggle with depression due to physical limitations and constant pain, I confessed to my friend: “My body is just falling apart. I feel as if I am of no use to God or people at all.”
The friend put her palm on mine and then said, “Isn’t there any use in me greeting you with a smile or just listening to you? Is it all in vain that I pray for you and say kind words?”
I turned around in my chair, and then answered: “Of course not.”
“Then why do you tell yourself such a lie? – she frowned. – You do a lot for me and other people.”
I thanked God for the important reminder that any of our work is not in vain for Him.
The Apostle Paul assures us that our bodies, despite their corruption and weakness, will one day “stand strong” (1 Cor. 15:43). God promised our resurrection with Christ, so we can confidently do even the smallest thing for Him, knowing that it benefits His Kingdom (1 Cor. 15:58).
Even with serious physical limitations, a simple smile, a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a demonstration of faith can serve the body of Christ, in which all the various members are interdependent. If we serve the Lord, He does not shy away from even our tiny offerings.
Jesus, thank you for valuing us and using us for the spiritual edification of others.
Do what you can, and give the rest to God.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
Sing to our God, sing, sing to our King, sing. — Psalm 46:7
Singing affects the brain! Research shows that when we sing, our body releases hormones that reduce anxiety and stress. Another study indicates that when a group of people sing, their hearts begin to beat in unison.
In his letter, the apostle Paul encourages the church to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). In general, the phrase “sing to God” is found in the Bible more than 50 times.
In the Second Book of Chronicles, it is told about how God’s people went against the enemy with singing, thus demonstrating their trust in God… The enemy came to the land of Judea. Alarmed, King Jehoshaphat gathered all the people to pray together in fervent prayer. They did not eat or drink, but only prayed: “We do not know what to do, because our eyes are on You!” (2 Chron. 20:12). The next day, the people set out to meet the enemy. They were not led into battle by desperate warriors, but by an ordinary choir. They believed God’s promise that they would defeat the enemy even without a fight (2 Chron. 20:17).
When the people continued to attack their enemies, they began to fight among themselves! By the time the Jews reached the battle site, the battle was already over. God saved His people.
The Lord prompts us to praise Him by singing, because there are many reasons for this. Whether we go into battle or stand still, praising God in song gives us the power to change our thoughts, hearts, and lives. P
God, we praise You for Your eternal love and faithfulness! You protect us and direct our path, so we entrust our lives to You.
A harmonious relationship with God gives birth to a song of praise.
Author: Amy Peterson
It is tempting to think that we are strong, we are capable, and “we have everything under control.” But in reality we are powerless on our own. We desperately need God—every moment of every day.
We would not exist if He had not created us. We would not live if He did not sustain us. We would not prosper if He did not guide, protect and empower us.
The author of 1 Chronicles knew the importance of relying on God. He said:
“Seek the Lord and His strength, always seek His presence!”
1 Chronicles 16:11
In a world that is constantly focused on ourselves, it is very important to recognize our need to depend on God. We need His strength, we need His power, and simply put, we just need Him!
If you feel confident in your own self-sufficiency, ask yourself: Who created this world? Who made my body, my mind and my soul? My eyes, my legs, my lungs? Who has the power to save or destroy? Who holds the keys to life?
Just as we constantly need air, we need God’s strength and presence to sustain our every step.
So how can we continually seek His power and presence? Staying in touch with Him: talking to Him throughout the day, making Him a priority in the midst of a busy schedule, humbly asking for His strength.
God will never reject a heart that sincerely seeks Him.
So come to Him in your weakness and He will give you strength. Come to Him with your questions, needs, and desires, and He will give Himself to you. And this is the best that can be.
My heart is inclined to Your testimonies. — Psalm 118:36
Dr. Charles Eliot – the long-term president of Harvard University – was convinced that an ordinary person, if he reads the best books of world literature for a few minutes every day, can acquire a substantial education. In 1910, he completed 50 volumes of the so-called “Harvard Classics”, which contained selections from books in various fields – history, science, philosophy and fine arts. Each set of books had a special supporting material called “15 minutes every day” – that is, you had to read 8-10 pages every day for a year.
Imagine if we read God’s Word every day for fifteen minutes! We could then say with the psalmist: “My heart is inclined to Your testimonies, and not to profit. Turn my eyes so that they do not see vanity, in Your way You revive me! (Ps. 118:36-37).
Fifteen minutes every day is ninety-one hours in a year. But no matter how much time we choose to spend reading the Bible, the secret to success is regularity. Consistency is the key, not the amount of reading. If the Holy Spirit teaches us, the Word of God will make its way from our brains to our hearts – and then to our hands and feet. And we will see real changes in our lives.
“Show me the path of Your decrees, Lord, and I will stick to it to the end!” (Ps. 118:33).
I cry to You, Lord, that You may teach me today from Your Word. I want to hear Your voice, know You and draw closer to You.
The Bible is the only Book whose Author is always present with the reader.
Author: David McCasland
God designed our hearts and our brains—our emotions and our intellect—to work together.
For example, when we love someone, we are forced to get to know them on a deeper level. And when we discover their passions, their heartache, and what drives them to act, we often feel an even deeper kind of love.
When the apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi (a city in Greece), he gave them this command:
“This is my prayer for you: That your love may grow more and more together with knowledge and understanding. I pray that you will always be able to distinguish the important from the worthless, and always be able to choose the best, and remain pure and blameless until the Day of Christ’s coming.”
Philippians 1:9-10
No one wants to waste their time, their energy or their one precious life. But when we understand what is important – to know and love God, to know and love people – we can decide to spend our lives on the most important things.
So what did Paul want from the Philippians?
Paul desired that their love should be evident, and that their knowledge should continue to increase; to cultivate a life of love and understanding continued to flourish.
The Bible teaches that knowledge of God is true understanding (Proverbs 9:10) and that the greatest commandment is to love God and people (Matthew 22:37-40). And we gain insight into God’s character by studying His Word, learning from His creations, and living with love.
When we love God with our heart and mind, rely on knowledge and faith, and accept truth and grace, we can experience a fuller understanding of God’s beautiful plan.
We can shine a light into an increasingly dark world. We can add vision, clarity and meaning to any circles we attend. We can be known for loving our Creator and the people around us. We can live in honor of God until the day we meet our Savior face to face.
He surrounded him, He looked after him, He kept him like the apple of his eye. — Deuteronomy 32:10
“God is like an eyelid,” said my friend Riley, and I just blinked. What does she mean? “Tell me more about it,” I asked. We studied interesting biblical metaphors together. For example, God compares Himself to a woman in labor (Is. 42:14) or a beekeeper (Is. 7:18). But what Riley said – that God is like an eyelid – was something new and confusing to me. She, however, pointed me to Deuteronomy 32:10, where Moses praises God for leading His people and protecting them “as the apple of His eye.”
“What surrounds and protects our pupils? – Riley asked me. – Of course, the eyelid!” Therefore, God can be compared to the ages that automatically protect our delicate eyeballs. Vika is constantly watched by our eyes. Protect them from various dangers. When we blink, it cleans them of dirt and dust. And the eyelids moisturize the eyeballs, keeping them healthy. Finally, when they close, it allows us to sleep, to rest.
When I thought about this metaphor, I couldn’t help thanking the Lord for the large number of comparisons that help us understand His love for us. So, when we close our eyes at night or open them in the morning, let us remember God and praise Him for His sincere care and tender care. P
Thank You, God, for those wonderful metaphors through which You help us understand You better. Thank you for protecting us like the apple of an eye.
Closing your eyes, do not forget to thank God for His protection.
Author: Amy Peterson
Let’s start by debunking the myth: nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many times in the Bible, Christ’s followers were persecuted, attacked, or faced with various troubles.
In his message to the believers of the first century, James informs them of the various trials that they must go through in life:
“Happy is the person who faces temptations and remains steadfast, because if he overcomes them, he will receive the crown of eternal life, which God promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12
When we see trials as a way to become more like Jesus, then we will be blessed by them.
Perhaps you will remember a difficult period of life. Looking back, you may see how God cleansed you because of it. God is often at work behind the scenes, deepening our character and expanding our abilities, even when we can’t see it.
You may be going through one of those tough times right now. Take this passage to heart! You can persevere, knowing that we are promised a reward in heaven. Although rewards on this side of heaven are not promised, looking toward our final destination with Jesus gives us hope to endure the trials of the present.
If you are going through a difficult time in your life, spend some time thinking about God’s promises. He promises to never leave you or forsake you, but to walk with you through trials. And at the end of the trial, you will be more like Christ.
Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness and love in your life.
Where did the idea of a seven-day week come from? Throughout history, different peoples have experimented with changing the number of days in the week, but the most stable pattern of work and rest for man is the one created by God.
When God first created the world, He completed everything He wanted in six days. He could be moving on to the next project on his to-do list, but instead God is intentionally resting and enjoying His creation. This is the standard mode of work and rest created for us from the beginning.
The way we create and produce reflects that we are made in His image and likeness. Like God, we create things and give them names. We work and then rest. When we intentionally stop working to enjoy the blessing of simply being in relationship with God, each other, and His creation, we also reflect His image.
When God rests, it does not indicate laziness or weariness from work. From the very beginning, God models a rhythm of work followed by rest and reflection. Instead of pausing because we are tired or when we finally finish our long list of projects, God asks us to schedule time for rest each week.
When you need to know when it’s time to take a break, choose the rhythms of our Creator, not the routine caused by fatigue. He intends to bless you.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges? If so, you are not alone. It’s no secret that this world is full of both good and bad.
King David, whose life is described in various parts of the Old Testament, was very accustomed to problems – enemies that constantly threatened him and the reality of imminent death.
But, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he wrote:
“Trouble may befall a righteous person, but the Lord will save him from them.”
Psalm 34:20
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that God is alive, active, and always present in your life…even in the most difficult circumstances of your life.
But who is this “righteous one” that David speaks of in this psalm, when other places in the Bible say that “there is none righteous, not even one”? (Romans 3:10, Psalm 13:3). There is a way to understand this seeming contradiction:
Righteousness cannot be achieved, but it can be earned.
If we believe in God and also in His Son Jesus Christ (Who gave Himself as a sacrifice so that we could live), then we believe that His righteousness is also transferred to us.
Simply put, a righteous person is one who relies on the righteousness of God.
Seems unfair, doesn’t it? But this is grace. Only by grace, through faith, can you and I be considered righteous. You cannot earn or buy it.
Therefore, when we face difficulties, we can expect God to reveal Himself in many different ways. Not because we are righteous in ourselves, but because He is righteous in Himself. And His righteousness knows no bounds. How does God reveal Himself?
He leads. He soothes. He corrects. It redirects. He reminds us of the truth. He protects us. He gives us wisdom and insight. He inspires others to help us. He motivates us to help others. He gives us peace in the midst of trouble. He supports us to stand firm in the faith. It acts and acts and acts in various unfathomable ways.
And just when you might question whether or not your need is a nuisance to God, remember: God’s presence is inexhaustible and His resources are limitless.
It is good when you need God every minute of every day. To breathe, to survive and to thrive.
Problems, of course, will come. But God will never leave you.
He who began a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
For three years in a row, my son took part in solo piano concerts. Last year, during one such concert, I watched as he climbed the stairs to the stage, as he began to play… After playing two songs, he sat down next to me and said: “Mom, the piano is smaller this year.” I said, “No. The piano is the same as last year. But you’re bigger! You’re growing.”
Spiritual growth, like physical growth, usually happens slowly and takes time. It is a constant process of becoming like Jesus, which involves a profound transformation of our thinking (Rom. 12:2).
When the Holy Spirit works in us, we feel the sin in our lives more acutely. Filled with the desire to glorify God, we put more effort into positive change. Sometimes we succeed in this, but other times we fail despite our best efforts. We start to give up when we feel like we’re not making any difference. We tend to think of these setbacks as a lack of progress, but they are often a sign that the process of change is actually underway.
Spiritual growth requires the action of the Holy Spirit, the desire to change, and time. May God give you the strength not to stop in spiritual growth and to believe that “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Dear God, please give me the desire to grow spiritually. I want to glorify You with my life and know the joy of the work of the Holy Spirit in me.
Spiritual growth is a process.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
