“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
“The Lord your God…will rejoice over you in joy…” – Zephaniah 3:17
Researchers from Emory University decided to study the brains of grandmothers using MRI. They measured the reactions of elderly women to images that included pictures of their own grown children, grandchildren, and strangers’ babies. The study showed that grandmothers felt the strongest feelings when they saw their grandchildren. Scientists called it the “charm factor”. Grandmothers have stronger feelings for their young grandchildren than they do for their adult children.
Before you say: “Indeed,” let’s think about the words of James Rilling, who conducted research: “If the grandchild smiles, the grandmother feels the child’s joy, and if he cries, his pain is transmitted to her.”
One of the biblical prophets seems to present readers with a picture of the feelings of God, who looks at His people:
“The Lord, your God… he will be comforted by you in joy, renew his love, he will be comforted by you with singing!” (Zeph. 3:17). Another translation says: “His heart will be filled with joy… He will sing loudly about you.” Like a loving grandmother, the Lord feels our pain and shares our joy.
When we grieve, let us remember that the Lord has strong feelings for us. He is not an indifferent or aloof God, but He who loves us and rejoices over us. Let’s get close to Him, feel His love and listen to His song.
Why do you think God shows favor to you? How do you feel about this?
God, help me to always remember Your feelings.
By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called your name, you are Mine!” — Isaiah 43:1
The first Sunday after I started working with the youth at church and got to know some of them, I spoke to a shy little girl who was sitting next to her mother. I smiled, addressed her by name and asked how she was doing. The girl raised her head and looked at me with wide open brown eyes. “You remember my name!” she said in a low voice. By simply saying the name of a little girl who must have felt insignificant among the multitude of adults in the church, I gained her trust. She felt attention and care.
In the Book of Isaiah, God tells the Israelites something similar: they are known and valued. Even in captivity and in the desert, God saw them and called them by name. (Is. 43:1). They were not travelers, they belonged to Him. Although it seemed to them that no one needed them, in the eyes of God they were precious (v. 4). Along with reminding them that He knows them by name, God spoke of all that He would do for them, especially in difficult times. When they go through trials, He will be there (v. 2). They should not be afraid or worried. After all, the Lord of heaven and earth knew their names.
God knows the name of each of His children. And that’s great news, especially if we’re going through the rough waters of life.
What challenges have you faced lately? How does the fact that God knows you by name help you to overcome difficulties with confidence?
God, thank you for knowing me by name.
Author: Katara Patton
“And as many as received Him, to them was given power to become children of God…” – John 1:12
In 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States. He made a fortune in shipping in San Francisco, but this did not seem enough to him, and he wanted to become the first emperor of America. When the local newspaper printed Norton’s “imperial” announcement, the readers simply laughed, but he himself was determined. Among other things, the newly minted “emperor” issued statements aimed at correcting the flaws of society, printed his own currency and even wrote letters to Queen Victoria, offering to marry him and unite the possessions. He wore a royal military uniform made by local tailors. But, of course, he was no king.
Many of us spend years searching for self-importance. We try to find our place in life, to “make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4), but only God knows who we really are. And if we accept salvation in His Son Jesus Christ, He calls us His sons and daughters. John writes: “And to all who received Him, to them was given power to become children of God…” (Jn. 1:12). This belonging is a gift of His grace. We are children, “not of blood, nor of the lust of the flesh, nor of the lust of man, but born of God” (v. 13).
God gives us a new name and a new nature in Jesus Christ. There is no more need to compete and compare yourself with others. God tells us who we are.
Why do you think you are chosen by God? How does being one of His children help you understand who you really are?
God, I know that I belong to You. Help me to be sure that I was born of You, that I am a child of the King.
Author: Wynn Collier
“Lift up your eyes on high and see who made all these things? He who brings forth the stars according to their number…” – Isaiah 40:26
In 2021, after many years of hard work, the James Webb telescope was launched into space. Located one and a half million kilometers from Earth, it helps people to explore deep space, study the stars and other wonders of the universe.
This is actually an amazing piece of space technology. If all goes well with him, we’ll get some great photos as well as lots of new information. But the mission of this telescope is not new. The prophet Isaiah spoke about studying the stars thousands of years ago. “Lift up your eyes to the heights and see, Who created all this? The One who brings out the stars according to their number…” – he wrote (Is. 40:26). Every night they talk about the Creator, who gave rise to our vast universe (Ps. 18:3) and countless lights that silently decorate the night sky.
And the Lord Himself decides how many shining heavenly bodies there should be. “He calculates the number of the stars, and gives each of them a name” (Ps. 146:4). As mankind launches sophisticated spacecraft to explore the universe, we follow their discoveries with delight because they all point to the One who created the solar system and all that lies beyond. Yes, “the sky announces the glory of God” (Ps. 18:2).
What does the universe say about God and His creative power? What thoughts and feelings fill you when you think of His power?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful universe you have created for us.
Author: David Brenon
? 05/14/2023 10:02 a.m. The #broadcast “Lost Generation” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 05/14/2023: https://youtu.be/0diVKYBR6ss
