“There is a time for everything, and an hour for every business under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Recently, I came across a useful word – hibernation. Winter is a time when nature freezes. Author Kathryn May uses the word “hibernation” to describe our need for renewal during the “frosty” seasons of life. I found this analogy very helpful. My father died of cancer. Losing it for several months sapped my vitality. Not wanting to slow down, I fought through this winter, praying for summer to come soon.
Ecclesiastes said: “There is a time for everything, and an hour for every matter under heaven.” There is a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance (Eccl. 3:1-4). I read these words for years, but I only began to understand them when winter came into my life. We have little influence over these periods of time, but we must remember: they all end at some point. Having done their work, they will leave. And although we do not always understand what is happening, God does important work through them (v. 11). My complaining time is not over yet. But the moment will come and I will triumph. Just as plants and animals do not struggle with winter, so I need to calm down and allow God to do the necessary renewal.
“Lord,” prayed my friend, “do Your good work in the heart of Sheridan in this difficult time.” His prayer was better than mine. In God’s hands, different times are always beneficial. Let us submit to His will and seek His renewing action each season.
When did you wish that a difficult period of life would end sooner? What do you think God expects of you at this time?
God, thank You for using all the times of life for my benefit and Your glory.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
“And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me, he is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:38
In 155 AD, Polycarp, a minister of the early church, appeared before the Roman court. Under the threat of burning at the stake, he was offered to deny Christ. However, he answered: “For eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has not wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?” Polycarp’s answer can inspire us as we face trials through our faith in Christ our King.
A few hours before the arrest of Jesus, Peter resolutely declared his loyalty: “I will lay down my life for You!” (John 13:37). But the Lord, who knew Peter better than Peter himself, answered: “Truly, truly, I say to you: the rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times” (v. 38). But after the resurrection of the Lord, the one who denied Him began to serve Him boldly and, in the end, glorified Him with his death (see Jn. 21:16-19).
Are you Polycarp or Peter? Let’s be honest, most of us are more like Peter. We also have “failures of courage” when we are unable to speak or act as believers in Christ. But such incidents, whether at school, at work, or at home, do not define our essence. If we fail, let us shake off the dust with prayer and turn again to Christ, who died for us and lives in us. He will help us to be faithful and boldly follow Him every day despite all difficulties.
In what situations do you need more courage to stand up for Christ? What helps you testify of Him?
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I give in to fear and betray You with my words and actions. I need Your strength to be a bold follower of Christ.
Author: Arthur Jackson
“Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, and whither shall I flee from Thy face?” — Psalm 138:7
The officer searched me, and then I walked into the county jail, signed in the attendance book, and sat down in the crowded lobby. Silently praying, I watched adults get nervous and sigh, while children complained that they were bored.
In about an hour, an armed guard read a list of names, including mine. Our group followed him into the room and settled on the chairs. When my stepson sat down on the chair on the other side of the thick glass and picked up the phone, a wave of heavy hopelessness washed over me. I burst into tears. And at the same time, a conviction arose in my heart that this young man was still within God’s reach.
In Psalm 138, David says: “Lord, You have tried me and known me… and You know all my ways” (Ps. 138:1-3). After proclaiming God’s omniscience, he proceeds to glorify His care and protection (v. 5). Stunned by the immensity of God’s knowledge and the depth of His penetration into the human essence, David asks two rhetorical questions: “Where shall I go from Your Spirit, and where shall I flee from Your face?” (v. 7).
When we or our loved ones find ourselves in situations where we realize our helplessness and hopelessness, God’s hand remains strong and firm. Even if we think we have gone too far, we are still within His reach.
How has knowing that God is omnipresent affected your faith? How did He comfort you when you felt helpless and hopeless?
Loving Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are always able and willing to help me and those dear to me.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“And He will judge between people.” — Isaiah 2:4
The longest border in the world is between the USA and Canada. Its length is 8,891 km on land and water. Workers regularly cut down young trees at a distance of three meters on both sides so that the border can be easily distinguished. More than 8,000 stone signs have been placed on its path, so that anyone who enters can immediately understand that the dividing line runs here.
The border drawn between the forests indicates the division of states and cultures. We Christians await the time when God will remove such divisions and unite all the nations of the world under His leadership. The prophet Isaiah predicted the future in which the temple of God will be restored and glorified (Is. 2:2). People from all nations will gather to learn to “walk in the paths” of the Lord (v. 3). We will no longer rely on futile human efforts to maintain peace. The Lord Himself will judge the peoples and settle all disputes (v. 4).
Can you imagine a world without divisions and conflicts? This is the world that God promises us! Whatever the differences between us, we can “walk in the light of the Lord” (v. 5) and faithfully serve Him right now. We know that the Lord rules the world and one day He will unite His people under one banner.
What division in the modern world is especially difficult for you to bear? How does waiting for the eternal Kingdom of God give you strength?
God, I acknowledge Your dominion over all the powers of the world. You reign over everything.
Author: Karen Pimpo
“He who calls you is faithful, He will do this!” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Eighteen years marked the beginning of a new period in our daughter’s life. She was now of legal age and had the right to vote in elections, and soon she was due to graduate from school. And I suddenly realized that I had very little time left at my disposal to teach her to live an independent life, manage finances, understand world problems and make wise decisions.
My sense of duty to my daughter is quite understandable. After all, I love her and want the best for her. But I also understand: although I have an important role in her life, the main thing does not depend on me. The Apostle Paul, addressing the Thessalonians – people whom he considered his spiritual children, because they heard about Christ from him, urged them to instruct one another (1 Thess. 5:14-15). However, first of all, he entrusted their spiritual growth to God. Paul believed that the Lord Himself would “sanctify them in all their fullness” (v. 23).
The apostle gave into God’s hands what he could not do himself: to prepare the Thessalonians – their spirit, soul and body – for Christ’s return to earth (v. 23). Although Paul’s letters to this church contain many different instructions, his reflections on sanctification and their readiness for eternity show that success in the lives of those we care for ultimately depends on God (1 Cor. 3:6).
How has God helped you grow in Him? Whose spiritual formation do you need to entrust to Him?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the leader and executor of my spiritual growth. Help me to always trust You with this good work.
Author: Kirsten Holmberg
“And the people could not distinguish the voice of the call of joy from the voice of weeping.” — Ezra 3:13
After experiencing three losses in just four weeks, Angela’s family was devastated. After one of them, the sudden death of a nephew, Angela and her two sisters spent three days in the kitchen at the table, leaving only to buy something, order food and attend the funeral. As they mourned Mason’s death, they took comfort in the ultrasound photos that captured the new life growing in the youngest of the sisters.
Later, Angela found hope and solace in the Old Testament book of Ezra. It tells how God’s people returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian army destroyed the temple and drove the people out of their beloved city (see Ezra 1). Now the temple was being restored and people joyfully praised God (Ezra 3:10-11). But among the joyous shouts was also heard the cry of those who remembered life before the exile (v. 12).
One verse especially comforted Angela: “And the people could not distinguish the voice of the call of joy from the voice of the people’s cry, because the people were loudly calling” (v. 13). She realized that even in the midst of deep sadness, you can find a place for joy.
Perhaps you too are saddened by the death of loved ones or are mourning other losses. If so, let your sorrowful sighs go up to God with expressions of joy. He hears us and accepts us in His arms.
Why do you think we can feel joy and sadness at the same time? How can you cultivate joy in yourself today?
Loving God, in this world we experience pain and suffering. Joy was ignited in us. We turn to You for hope and peace.
By Amy Buescher Pye
“Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will inject spirit into you – and you will live.” — Ezekiel 37:5
On November 4, 1966, a devastating flood occurred in Florence, Italy, due to which Giorgio Vasari’s famous masterpiece “The Last Supper” lay under a thick layer of mud for twelve hours. The paint softened, the wooden frame swelled. Many believed that the picture could not be restored. However, after fifty years of painstaking work, restoration specialists and volunteers presented the restored canvas to the world.
When Israel was captured by the Babylonians, the people fell into despair. Death and ruin reigned everywhere (see Lamentations 1). During this period of upheaval, God brought the prophet Ezekiel to a desert valley and showed him a vision in which the entire valley was filled with dry bones. “Will these bones come to life?” – asked God. “Lord God, You know!” – answered Ezekiel. Then God commanded him to prophesy over the bones. “And I prophesied as I was commanded. And there was a noise when I prophesied, and there was a roar, and the bones came together, bone to bone,” he says (v. 7). Through this vision, God showed that only He could restore Israel.
When it seems to us that everything in life is destroyed and cannot be restored, God assures us that He can put together what was broken. He gives us a second breath and a new life.
What is ruined or destroyed in your life? How can you trust God to restore?
God, so many things in my life never seem to recover. I tried to fix everything, but I realized that I can only hope in You.
Author: Kimya Loder (guest)
“I will rejoice in the Lord… I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” — Habakkuk 3:18
“I know dad will be home soon because he sent me flowers.” That’s what my seven-year-old sister told my mother when my father went missing in the war. Before leaving, he ordered flowers to be delivered to her home on her birthday. The order arrived at the appointed time, and there was no news of Dad. But the girl was right. Dad really did come home. He miraculously survived the brutal battle. She still keeps a vase of those flowers as a reminder to never lose hope.
Sometimes in our sinful, corrupt world it is not easy. Parents do not always return, and children’s wishes are not always fulfilled. However, God gives us hope. The prophet Habakkuk predicted the Babylonian invasion of Judah (Hab. 1:6; see 2 Kings 24), but at the same time emphasized that the Lord is always good (Hab. 1:12-13). Remembering God’s mercy to His people in the past, Habakkuk proclaimed: “If the fig tree had not blossomed, and there had been no harvest in the vineyards, if the olive had deceived the occupation, and if the field had not produced food, if the flock had gone out of the fold and if the cattle had not stopped in the stables, then I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will rejoice in the God of my salvation” (Av. 3:17-18).
Some interpreters believe that the name Habakkuk means “to cling to” or “to hold on to.” We will hold on to God as our main hope and joy, no matter what the trials may be, because He Himself holds us and will never let go.
How does joy in the Lord help you in difficult times? How can you glorify Him today?
Heavenly Father, no matter how difficult the path may be, I know that with You, a bright future awaits me. Thank you.
Author: James Banks
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them to speak.” — Acts 2:4
During a discussion of a book on the Holy Spirit written by German theologian Jürgen Moltmann, who was ninety-four years old at the time, a journalist asked him: “How do you activate the Holy Spirit? Do you have to take a pill? Do pharmaceutical companies make these?” Moltmann’s thick eyebrows shot up. Shaking his head, he smiled and replied in a thick German accent, “How to activate? No way! Wait for the Holy Spirit and He will come.”
Moltmann pointed out the false idea that God’s work is done by our strength and skill. The book of the Acts of the Apostles shows that it is done by God Himself. When the first church appeared, there was nothing like human strategy or impressive leadership. The Holy Spirit came with a noise, “as if a storm broke out suddenly, and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). Then He broke down all the international barriers, gathering previously hostile people into one new community. The apostles were no less amazed than others, looking at what God was doing with them. They themselves did nothing, “the Spirit spoke” (v. 4).
The success of our work and the life of the church is not determined by our abilities. We are totally dependent on what only the Spirit of God can do. This allows us to be bold and calm at the same time. Celebrating the day of Pentecost, we will wait together for the coming of the Holy Spirit and act together with Him.
Are you tempted to rely on your own strength and abilities? Where should we expect the action of the Holy Spirit?
God, I exhausted myself thinking that I had to do everything myself. Holy Spirit, help me!
Author: Wynn Collier
? 05/28/2023 10:03 a.m. #broadcast “Life is a union of spirit, soul and body” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Haydarenko Hanna | 05/28/2023: https://youtu.be/6lqO3q8vGVg
