“For who will despise the day of small things?” — Zechariah 4:10
Will I be able to get to the Olympics? – a college student, a gifted swimmer, worried about her performance. That’s when math professor Ken Ohno studied the girl’s swimming technique and saw how to improve her time by six seconds, a significant difference for a competition of this level. After attaching the sensors to the athlete’s back and analyzing the data, the professor suggested slightly adjusting the movements, which ultimately affected the speed and allowed her to win.
Small corrective actions in the spiritual realm can also make a big difference. The prophet Zechariah spoke about this to the oppressed Jews who, after being exiled under the leadership of Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem and tried to restore God’s temple. “Not by might and power, but only by My Spirit,” said the Lord to Zerubbabel (Zech. 4:6).
“For who will despise the day of small things?” – proclaimed Zechariah (v. 10). The exiles were worried that the temple they built would be much more modest than the one once built by King Solomon. But just as a young athlete won an Olympic medal under the guidance of Professor Ono, so the ancient Jewish builders learned that even modest efforts with God’s help can bring us victory for His glory. With God, the little becomes great.
When did great, impressive actions lead to spiritual disappointment? What small changes have improved your spiritual life?
God, point me to small actions that will make big changes in me for Your glory.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“And I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and there is no harm to them, and the appearance of the fourth is like the son of God.” — Daniel 3:25
When the Nobel laureate Max Planck traveled to different cities with lectures, his driver once said that he could replace him because he had listened to his lectures many times. Therefore, he liked this idea, and he offered to exchange places in the next city. The driver agreed and confidently read the lecture. Then it was time for questions and answers. A difficult question was asked, but the driver, not confused, answered: “I see, you know the subject. However, your question is so simple that even my driver will be able to answer it.” Plank stepped forward and answered! This is how this funny and, of course, fictional story ends.
Daniil’s three friends also found themselves “on the hot seat”. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a red-hot furnace if they did not bow down to the idol. “And who is the God that will save you from my hands?” he said (Dan. 3:15). The friends refused to comply with the order. Then the king ordered to light the furnace seven times stronger than usual and throw the young men into the fire.
But a miracle happened. An angel (v. 28), and possibly Jesus Himself, joined them, protecting them from the flames, and the king received an undeniable answer to his question (vv. 24-25). As a result, Nebuchadnezzar glorified the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and admitted that “there is no other God who can save like this one” (vv. 28-29).
Sometimes we also face difficulties. But Jesus walks alongside. He will carry us in his arms.
What problems are you unable to cope with? How can Jesus help you solve them?
Lord Jesus, You are the answer when there are no other answers.
Author: Mike Whittmer
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17
When Jeff was fourteen, his mother took him to a concert by the famous singer BJ Thomas. Like many other musicians of the time, Thomas led a lavish lifestyle during his tours. But then he and his wife converted to Jesus Christ. Their lives changed radically.
At the concert, the singer went out to an enthusiastic audience and sang several well-known songs, when suddenly someone shouted from the hall: “BJ! Sing for Jesus!” He answered without the slightest delay: “I have already sung four songs for Him.”
It was decades ago, but Jeff still remembers the moment when he realized that everything in our lives should be for Christ. Even things that may seem unrelated to faith.
Sometimes we are tempted to divide our affairs into spiritual and non-spiritual. Reading the Bible, sharing testimony, singing hymns is spiritual. Cutting the lawn, going for a run, singing a “non-Christian” song is not spiritual.
The Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians reminds us that the Word of Christ abides in us if we teach one another, sing and give thanks (Col. 3:16). But this is how he continues his opinion in the next verse: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17).
Everything must be done for Him without exception.
How can you do all things in the name of Jesus Christ? How can you allow God to use your words and deeds for His glory?
Loving God, help me to submit everything I do and say to You.
By Cindy Hess Kasper
“For who will eat, and who will be able to consume without Him?” — Ecclesiastes 2:25
As I watched the crowd gradually flow from the platform to the train, I felt the heaviness of Monday creeping up on me. The sleepy, gloomy faces of the passengers crammed into the carriage spoke eloquently about their attitude to the coming working day. Attempts to take a more comfortable position were met with a gloomy look and disapproving grumbling. Gray weekdays again, monotonous work again.
And then I remembered that only a year ago the trains were empty. Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the course of life. We couldn’t even go to a cafe to have lunch. And some, hard to believe, missed the office! And now we are back to normal life, we go to work again. “Ordinariness,” I thought, “is good. Ordinariness is a blessing!”
Looking at the futility of daily work, King Solomon came to a similar conclusion (Eccl. 2:17-23). At one time, such work seemed to him endless, pointless and unsatisfying (v. 21). But then he realized that the opportunity to eat, drink and work is a blessing from God (v. 24).
If we are deprived of such a “routine”, we will quickly understand that it is a kind of “luxury”. Therefore, we thank the Creator that we can eat, drink and find pleasure in all things. All this is His gift (Eccl. 3:13).
What simple blessings are you grateful to God for today? What can you do for those who do not know how to rejoice in everyday blessings?
God, thank you for my “normal” weekdays, no matter how boring they may seem. Help me to be grateful for all your blessings.
Author: Leslie Koh
“Sleeper, get up and rise from the dead, and Christ will enlighten you!” — Ephesians 5:14
It’s like a dream, but without waking up. People who suffer from a disorder sometimes called “derealization” or “depersonalization” often feel that everything around them is not real. However, a similar feeling can occur in healthy people, especially under severe stress. And in some it appears when everything goes well. As if the mind cannot believe that such good events are actually happening.
The Bible reports similar cases among God’s people when it was difficult for people to perceive His power and salvation as a reality and not a dream. For example, the book of Acts tells how an angel released Peter from prison where he was awaiting execution (Acts 12:2, 4). At the same time, the apostle thought that he was seeing a dream (vv. 9-10). And only when the angel took him outside the gate, Peter finally came to his senses and realized that everything was really happening (v. 11).
In good times and bad, it can be hard for us to believe or realize that God is really doing His work in our lives. But we can be sure that the power of His resurrection will somehow become undeniable and surprisingly real. God’s light will awaken us from the sleep of death to new life with Him (Eph. 5:14).
Why is it sometimes difficult for you to see God’s power and love in your life? How can you experience His love clearly?
God, thank you that in the light and dark times, no matter how I feel, You create new life and give hope.
Author: Monica La Rose
“What we have seen and heard – this we announce to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.” — 1 John 1:3
Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of US President Abraham Lincoln, was present at three important events: the death of his own father, as well as the assassination of Presidents James Garfield and William McKinley.
And now let’s remember the apostle John, who was present at four of the most important events in history: the last supper of Christ, His struggle in Gethsemane, the crucifixion and the resurrection. Ivan knew that his main task was to bear witness to the world about these events. In the Gospel of John 21:24 we read: “This is the disciple who testifies about this, who also wrote this. And we know that his testimony is true!”
He repeats the same thought in his First Epistle, when he reports that he is writing about “what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at, and what our hands have touched, about the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). John felt a responsibility to spread the testimony of Christ. Why? Here is his answer: “What we have seen and heard we are announcing to you, so that you also may have fellowship with us” (v. 3).
The events of our lives may be miraculous or mundane, but in any case, God arranges them in such a way that we can testify about Him. Resting in the grace and wisdom of Christ, we will talk about Him at any time.
Think of the most amazing moments in the history of your faith. How can you share your testimony with those who need to hear about God’s love?
Lord Jesus, help me to feel the moments when I can tell people how much You love us.
Author: Bill Crowder
“And he refused.” — Genesis 39:8
Anthony, a swimming instructor in New Jersey, saw an SUV sinking in the bay and heard the driver yell from the cockpit, “I can’t swim!” The car quickly plunged into the muddy water. A crowd had gathered, but people were only fussing and shouting. Then Anthony ran to the rocky shore, unfastened his prosthetic leg and jumped into the water. Thanks to the instructor’s quick decision, the 68-year-old driver was soon safely ashore.
Sometimes we all have to make important decisions. Let us recall the patriarch Jacob, the father of twelve sons, who openly preferred the 17-year-old Joseph. Without thinking about the consequences, he gave the young man “flowery clothes” (Genesis 37:3). As a result, the brothers hated Joseph (v. 4), and when the opportunity arose, they sold him into slavery (v. 28). But in Egypt, God used it to preserve Jacob’s family and many others during a seven-year famine (Gen. 50:20). The key was Joseph’s decision to act righteously and run away from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:1-12). Because of this, he went to prison (v. 20), but then he took second place in the country after Pharaoh (Gen. 41).
Anthony was probably a good swimmer, but he too had a decision to make. If we love God and want to serve Him, the Lord will help us make decisions that will please Him and benefit people. And if you have not yet trusted Christ, then let this become your main decision in life.
Think about the consequences of some of your decisions. How did the Spirit of God help you to do the right thing?
God, help me make wise decisions that will bring You glory.
By Alison Kieda
? 05/21/2023 10:04 a.m. The #broadcast “Saved Generation” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 05/21/2023: https://youtu.be/fDEeyD1XWyg
“Pray to your Father.” — Matthew 6:6
The famous children’s writer Madeleine L’Engle made it a rule to call her mother once a week. When she reached an old age, her daughter started calling even more often, “just to be in touch.” Madeleine also loved it when her own children called her. Sometimes there were long conversations on important topics. And sometimes the call was made just to make sure everything was okay. In her book “Walking on Water” Madeleine wrote: “It is good if the children keep in touch with us. It is even better if all the children of God keep in touch with the Heavenly Father.”
Most of us are familiar with the prayer “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-13). But the words that come before her are no less important. They set the tone for everything that follows. Our prayers should not be ostentatious, we do not say them to show off to people (v. 5). And although there is no limit to the length of the prayer, verbosity (v. 7) does not mean high quality. It is better to take care of regular communication with the Heavenly Father, who knows our needs even before we ask (v. 8). Jesus emphasizes how important it is for us to stay in touch with God. And then he teaches: “Pray like this” (v. 9).
Prayer is one of the most important things that helps us keep in touch with God.
How can you keep in touch with other people? How do you keep in touch with Heavenly Father?
Lord, thank You for knowing my needs even before I ask.
Author: John Blaze
“He inclined His ear to me.” — Psalm 114:2
In the book “Physics” Charles Mann and George Twiss ask: “When a tree falls in a deep forest, and there is no animal nearby to hear, does it make a sound?” Over the years, this question has sparked philosophical and scientific debates about sound, perception, and even the reality of the world. However, there is still no final answer to it.
One evening, when I was lonely and sad because of a problem I couldn’t share with anyone, I remembered this question and rephrased it like this: “When I call for help, but no one is around, does God hear me?”
Faced with the threat of death, the author of the Psalm felt rejected by everyone. Therefore, he called God, knowing that the Lord will hear and help. “He heard my voice in my supplications, for He inclined His ear to me,” he writes (Ps. 114:1-2). When we cannot tell anyone about our pain, God knows about it. When no one hears our cry, the Creator does.
Knowing that God will show us His love and protection (vv. 5-6), we can be calm in difficult times (v. 7). The Hebrew word translated “rest” is used to describe a quiet and safe place. May the peace of God reign in our hearts, supported by confidence in His presence and help.
Many answers were offered to the question posed by Mann and Twiss. But the answer to the question: “Does God hear?” simple: “Yes, listen!”
What do you do when you feel lonely and forgotten? What will you ask the Creator, Who hears your every word and cares for you?
Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing the cry of my heart. Your help and presence comforts me.
Author: Karen Huang
