“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
“And she turned and said to Him in Hebrew: “Rabbuni”!” — John 20:16
Two orphaned brothers were adopted into different families and had not seen each other for almost twenty years. But then, thanks to a DNA test, there was a joyful reunion. One of the brothers, named Kieron, sent the other, Vincent, a text message, not yet sure that he was his brother. “Who else is this?” – thought Vincent. Kieron asked what his birth name was. “Tyler,” he answered. Everything immediately fell into place. One brother recognized the other by his name.
The name played a significant role in the Easter story. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of Christ. When she saw that His body was gone, she stood and wept. “Why are you crying, woman?” – asked Jesus (John 20:15). However, she did not recognize Him until He called her name: “Mary!” (v. 16).
Hearing this word, she cried out: “Rabbi,” which means “Teacher” (v. 16). This reaction reflected the joy that all Christians feel when remembering that the resurrected Christ has conquered death and knows each of us as a father knows his children. “I am going to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God!” He said to Mary (v. 17).
Two brothers from Georgia recognized each other by name and promised to “take this relationship to a new level.” At Easter, we give praise to Jesus for the feat He accomplished to resurrect for those He called His own. Indeed, He is alive!
How do you feel when you think that Jesus is risen and knows you by name? How can you learn more about Him?
Your knowledge humbles me, Lord. I am infinitely grateful for the sacrificial gift of Your love.
Author: Patricia Raybon
“Therefore, I too, having thoroughly investigated everything from the first wave, wanted to describe it in order for you…” – Luke 1:3
One woman told me about a dispute in her church that nearly split the congregation. Do you know what they argued about? About whether the earth is flat or round! A few months later, news broke of a man of worship who stormed into a restaurant with a gun to save children he believed were being abused in the back room. Neither the children nor the utility room were found in the restaurant. The man was arrested. In both cases, people read conspiracy theories on the Internet and believed them.
Christians are called to be law-abiding citizens (Rom. 13:1-7), and such citizens do not spread false information. In the days of the evangelist Luke, there were many stories about Jesus among the people (Luke 1:1). Some of them were inaccurate. Luka did not believe everything he heard. He essentially became an investigative journalist: he met with eyewitnesses (v. 2), carefully studied everything from the beginning (v. 3), and wrote a Gospel that contains names, dates, and historical facts described by people who saw everything with their own eyes.
We must do the same. Misinformation can seep into our churches. Therefore, fact-checking is a manifestation of love for one’s neighbors (Lk. 10:27). When you hear something sensational, try to check it out. Contact the specialists. Be seekers of truth, not spreaders of error. After all, we worship the One who is full of truth (John 1:14).
Why do you think conspiracy theories spread so quickly? How can you become a truth seeker?
Heavenly Father, help me to distinguish truth from error. Guide me with Your Spirit.
Author: Sheridan Voysey
? 05/07/2023 10:06 a.m. #broadcast “Glory, honor and peace to everyone who does good” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 05/07/2023: https://youtu.be/3jfqguaCO84
“The Lord… sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted.” — Isaiah 61:1
Carson’s life was the key. He hunted, fished, rode his motorcycle, skateboarded and loved being outdoors. But one day, Carson got into an accident on his motorcycle, after which he was paralyzed from the chest down. Depression soon set in. He did not see the future. And then one day his friends took him hunting. For a while, he even forgot about his paralysis, rejoicing in the beauty of the world around him. This experience brought him inner healing and gave him a new purpose in life – to give the same joy to other people with disabilities through the non-profit organization “Hunting to Heal”. Carson now believes the accident was actually a blessing in disguise. He managed to create a place where people with severe musculoskeletal disorders find inner healing. “I can do what I want. I’m happy,” he says.
The prophet Isaiah announced the coming of the One who will “heal the brokenhearted” and comfort “all who mourn” (Is. 61:1-2). After reading this text in the synagogue of His hometown, Jesus said: “Today the Scripture that you heard has been fulfilled” (Lk. 4:21). The Lord came to save us and restore us to wholeness.
Are you in need of soul healing? Turn to Christ and receive “the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a dark spirit” (Is. 61:3).
In what areas of life do you need Christ’s healing? Who can you tell about Him and about His salvation?
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the spiritual healing you have given me and many others. Now I await complete healing in Your Kingdom.
By Ann Sitas
“Why didn’t they return to praise God, except for this stranger?” — Luke 17:18
Hansl Parchment is in a difficult situation. He took the wrong bus and arrived at the wrong place where the semi-final at the Olympic Games in Tokyo was supposed to be held. But, fortunately, he met a volunteer, Trijana Stojkovich, who helped organize the games. She quickly hailed a taxi and gave him money for the trip. As a result, the athlete managed to perform, made it to the final and then became the Olympic champion in the 110-meter hurdles race. Later, he returned to the same place to find and thank his savior.
The Gospel of Luke tells about a Samaritan who returned to Jesus to thank Him for his healing (Luke 17:15-16). Jesus entered a village where ten lepers met Him. They all asked for healing, and all experienced His grace and power. Everyone was happy that they were healed, but only one “returned and began to praise God with a loud voice. And he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him” (vv. 15-16).
Every day we receive many different blessings from God. It can be something significant, such as an answer to prayer or timely help from a stranger. And sometimes blessings look like ordinary phenomena: good weather and the opportunity to work outside. So, like the healed Samaritan, let us thank God for His goodness.
What can you thank God for today? How to cultivate a grateful heart?
God, You have been very good to me. Thank you for ______________________________.
Author: Po Fang Hia
