“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
“For you know how each of you, like a father to his own children, we asked you, and exhorted and showed you, so that you behave worthy before God.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
A popular video of a bear trying to lead four restless cubs across a busy street made me smile with understanding. It was touching to watch how she took the cubs one by one and carried them across the road, and they immediately headed back. After a series of unsuccessful attempts, the mother bear was finally able to herd all four into a pile, and the obstacle was successfully overcome.
The tireless work of parents in raising children also served as an illustration for the apostle Paul, who described his concern for the church in Thessalonica. Instead of asserting his authority, the apostle compared his ministry to the Thessalonians to the way a father and mother care for their children (1 Thess. 2:7, 11). Deep love for the new converts (v. 8) prompted Paul to ask, persuade and even beg them to “behave worthily before God” (v. 12). This fervent appeal was dictated by a sincere desire to see them glorify God in all areas of their lives.
Paul’s attitude can serve as a good example, especially when the responsibilities of leadership begin to tire. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we can carefully and persistently show love to those under our care, encouraging them and pointing them to Christ.
Are you familiar with the experience of leadership motivated by love? How can you support those you are called to care for?
Heavenly Father, help me to treat people with the love and care that You showed me.
Author: Lisa Samra
“Love one another with brotherly love; precede one another with honor!” — Romans 12:10
A marathon race is a difficult test. To run through it, the athlete must constantly push himself physically and emotionally. And for one high school girl, a cross-country race is an opportunity to push not herself, but others. During training and races, 14-year-old Susan Bergman rolls a wheelchair with her older brother in front of her. Geoffrey was not even two years old when he suffered a cardiac arrest. As a result, the boy received serious brain damage and cerebral palsy. Today, Susan sacrifices her own athletic goals so that Geoffrey can compete with her. What love and sacrifice!
The Apostle Paul also thought about love and sacrifice when he called on his readers to be brotherly to one another (Rom. 12:10). He knew that the Roman Christians faced problems of envy, anger, and dissension (v. 18). Therefore, he persuaded them to let divine love into their hearts. The love that flows from the love of Christ will work for the good of others. She will be sincere and generous (v. 13). Those who love with such love put the interests of others before their own (v. 16).
As Christians, we participate in the race of love by helping others reach the finish line. Although such participation is difficult, it brings glory to Jesus Christ. Therefore, in the name of love, we will rely on the fact that He will send us the strength to love and serve.
What does it mean to you to love people as God loves them? How does Jesus show that this kind of love is more than feelings?
God, in the name of love and for Your glory, help me to put others before myself.
Author: Marvin Williams
“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not destroy the truth of God.” — James 1:19-20
“Where are you going!” – I blurted out when my car was cut off by a truck. I narrowly avoided a collision and suddenly saw a sign on his bumper: “Don’t like the way I drive? Call me!” and phone number. How not to call? After dialing the number, I told the operator everything I thought about what had happened. She wrote down the number of the truck and said wearily, “You know, you can also report those who drive well.”
These words made a breach in my proud self-righteousness. A wave of shame rolled over. Seeking “justice”, I did not think about how my angry tone could affect this woman in her difficult work. The gap between my faith and behavior at that moment seemed enormous to me.
The theme of the correspondence of beliefs and actions is raised by James in his message: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not work the truth of God” (James 1:19-20). And then he adds: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers yourselves, deceiving yourselves” (v. 22).
None of us are perfect. Sometimes our “steering” in life needs adjustment. It begins with confession and prayer for God’s help. Only He can smooth the sharp corners of our character.
Why can words spoken in haste and in anger cause problems? How can you better practice what you believe?
Heavenly Father, sometimes my anger gets the better of me and I say things I shouldn’t. Help me to grow and change spiritually.
Author: Adam Holtz
“Our Lord is great, and mighty in power, His wisdom is beyond measure!” — Psalm 146:5
Sometimes, due to chronic pain and constant fatigue, I find myself confined within four walls. On such days I feel unbearable loneliness. Then it seems that neither people nor God care about me. One day during a morning prayer walk with my specially trained dog, I was struggling with these feelings when I suddenly saw a large balloon in the distance. People in the basket enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of our area. Of course, they couldn’t see me. Walking along the neighboring houses, I sighed. How many people behind these doors also feel insignificant and useless! At the end of the walk, I asked God to give me the opportunity to tell my neighbors that I know them and I don’t care what happens to them. Just like Him.
God determined the exact number of stars He decided to create. He gave each of them a name (Ps. 146:4). This showed His attention to the smallest details. His power and wisdom are immeasurable (v. 5).
God hears our prayers and sees every tear as clearly as every happy smile. He knows when we stumble and when we celebrate victory. He understands our deepest fears, secret thoughts and wildest dreams. He knows where we came from and where we are going. It is He who helps us to see, hear and appreciate our neighbors. Therefore, we know that He loves, understands and supports us.
How did your neighbors treat you well? What good deed can you do for them today?
God, help me to see, hear and love others in word and deed.
Author: Sosheel Dixon
“You fought with God and with people, and you succeeded.” — Genesis 32:28
A carved wooden statue – a household deity – was stolen from a woman named Ekuva. She reported it to the police. They conducted searches, found some idol and called the applicant for identification. “Your god?” – asked the policeman. “No,” she replied sadly, “my god is much bigger and more beautiful than this.”
Humans have long sought to shape their own ideas of deity, hoping that a man-made god would be able to protect them. Probably, that is why Jacob’s wife, Rachel, “stole the household gods that the father had” (Genesis 31:19). But God did not withdraw his hand from Jacob, despite the fact that in his condition there were hidden puppets (v. 34).
After some time, an extraordinary event happened to Jacob. The “Husband” came to him and wrestled with him all night (Genesis 32:25). Before sunrise, Jacob said: “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (v. 27). Then the stranger gave him the name “Israel” (God-fighter), and then blessed him (vv. 28-29). Jacob called the place where all this happened Penuel (God’s face). “For,” he said, “I saw God face to face, and my soul was saved” (v. 30).
The one true God is infinitely greater and incomparably more beautiful than anything poor Ekuva could imagine. It cannot be carved from wood, stolen or hidden. Jesus taught His disciples to address the living God like this: “Our Father who art in heaven” (Mt. 6:9).
How would you describe God? Why is your perception of Him limited?
Heavenly Father, help me to know You as You are.
Author: Tim Gustavson
