God's Glory Church

“They both ran together, but the second disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and arrived at the tomb first.” — John 20:4

On a trip to Paris, Ben and his friends visited one of the famous museums. Although Ben did not study art, he admired Eugene Burnand’s painting “The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Tomb on the Day of Resurrection.” The facial expressions of Peter and Ivan and the gestures of their hands speak for themselves, causing the audience to want to be in their place and feel their special emotions.

Based on the text of the Gospel from John 20:1-10, the painter depicted two disciples running to the empty tomb of Jesus (v. 4). The artistic masterpiece conveys their strong emotional confusion. Although their faith was not yet fully formed at that moment, they ran in the right direction, and the resurrected Jesus eventually appeared before them (vv. 19-29). Their experience of seeking Jesus was different from that of those who sought Him in later centuries. But even if we are far from an empty tomb or masterpieces of art, we can still clearly see the good news. Scripture encourages us to hope, seek, and run to Jesus and His love, even in the face of doubt, question, and uncertainty. Celebrating Easter, let’s remember God’s faithfulness: “And you will seek me, and you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).

If you don’t know Jesus, what will you do to start running to Him and His love? If you are a Christian, how will you tell others about His love?

Dear Jesus, lead me into Your arms.

Author: Arthur Jackson

“And His sweat became like drops of blood that floated to the ground.” — Luke 22:44

While visiting the Scottish National Gallery, I paid attention to the painting style and bright colors of one of the many paintings by the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, “Olive Trees”. According to many historians, this painting was inspired by Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. However, my attention was drawn to the small red drops of paint on the canvas among the ancient trees.

It was on the Mount of Olives (so named because of the olive trees on the mountainside) that Jesus went to pray on the night when, as He told the disciples, Judas was to betray Him. Jesus was filled with pain from the realization that betrayal would lead to His crucifixion. When He prayed, “His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Lk. 22:44). The suffering of Jesus in the garden was visible. He was preparing for the pain and humiliation of the public execution that would lead to the physical shedding of His blood on that Good Friday.

The red drops in Van Gogh’s painting remind us that Jesus had to “suffer much, and [that] he would be shunned” (Mr. 8:31). Although suffering was part of His story, it no longer dominates the picture. Jesus’ victory over death transforms even our suffering, making it part of the beautiful landscape of our lives.

Why is it important for you to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ? How does His example help you in your suffering?

Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to suffer and even die so that I may have eternal life.

Author: Lisa Samra

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” — Matthew 20:28

Thirteen-year-old DiEvion accepted the challenge to serve others. He and his mother heard a story about a man who encouraged children to mow fifty lawns for free during summer vacation. The goal was to help veterans, single mothers, people with disabilities, anyone who simply needed help. According to the event’s organizer (who himself has mowed fifty lawns in fifty states), it was intended to teach the importance of a work ethic and giving back to the community. Despite the heat and the opportunity to do something else this summer, DiEvion decided to serve those in need and rose to the challenge.

The call to serve also goes out to believers in Jesus. On the eve of His death, Jesus had dinner with the disciples for all people (John 13:1-2). He was well aware of the suffering and death that awaited Him, but he still got up, wrapped himself in a towel and began to wash the disciples’ feet (vv. 3-5). And then he said: “And when I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, then you must also wash one another’s feet” (v. 14).

Jesus, the humble Servant and our example, was concerned about people. He healed the blind and the sick, preached the good news about His Kingdom and gave His life for His friends. Because Christ loves you, ask Him to show you whom to serve this week.

What does God’s love and compassion mean to you? How can you serve others with your gifts and talents?

Dear God, show me how to love others with the love with which You love me.

By Ann Sitas

“If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24

We all leave a part of us behind when we move to a new place. However, for a long-term stay in the village of Villa las Estrellas in Antarctica, in a cold and deserted place, you have to literally leave a part of yourself. Considering that the nearest hospital is 625 miles away, a person is in serious trouble with appendicitis. Therefore, before moving there, every resident must have their appendix removed.

Seriously, right? However, it is not as serious as becoming a citizen of God’s Kingdom. People want to follow Jesus all they want (Matt. 16:25-27), but He explains what it means to be a disciple. “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (v. 24). This also means our readiness to get rid of everything that competes with Him and His Kingdom. By taking up our cross, we declare our willingness to suffer social and political oppression and even death for our devotion to Christ; it is a willingness to truly follow Him. It means following His lead in service and sacrifice moment by moment.

Following Jesus is much more than just leaving a part of your life behind. It is devotion and consecration of our whole life, including our bodies, only to Him.

What does following Jesus mean to you? How does He call you to sacrifice your life for Him?

Dear Jesus, help me to get rid of everything that competes with You and Your Kingdom.

Author: Marvin Williams

“Abide in Me, and I in you.” — John 15:4

A few years ago, we adopted an adult black cat named Yuno from a local animal shelter. I only wanted to reduce the mouse population, but the rest of the family wanted a pet. The shelter gave us clear instructions on how to organize the feeding of the cat in the first week, so that he understood that our house is now his home, his place of belonging, where he will always have food and be safe. And even if Yuno goes somewhere, he will definitely return home.

In the absence of a true home, we will always be tempted to wander somewhere in search of kindness, love, and meaning. If we want to find true life, Jesus calls: “Abide in Me” (Jn. 15:4). The biblical scholar Frederick Dale Bruner emphasizes that the word “abide” evokes a sense of family and home. Therefore, he paraphrases the words of Jesus: “Make yourself at home in Me.”

Developing the idea of ​​a home, Jesus used the image of a branch on a vine. Branches, if they want to live, must always be on the vine, holding fast to their place of belonging.

Many voices lure us with empty promises to solve our problems or provide us with new “wisdom” or a bright future. But if we want to live truly, we must abide in Jesus. We have to stay at home.

What makes you happy about being in Jesus? How did Jesus show that He is the true source of life?

Lord Jesus, I tend to wander off somewhere. I am attracted by different directions. However, I want to be with You. You are my life. Help me to be in You.

Author: Wynn Collier

“I will rather boast of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Football player Christian Pulisic suffered several injuries that affected his career. He was very upset when he learned that he would not be in the starting line-up of the team in the semi-finals of the Champions League, but he told how God revealed Himself to him. “I always turn to God, and He gives me strength,” he said. “I feel the One who is always next to me. I don’t know if I could do anything without that feeling.” Pulisic ultimately made a big difference when he came on as a substitute and initiated a smart play that led to the win and secured the team’s continued championship. This experience taught him a valuable lesson: we can always see our weaknesses as opportunities for God to reveal His incredible power.

The world teaches us to rely on our own strength if we experience problems. Instead, biblical wisdom teaches that it is God’s grace and strength that will help us get through the most difficult circumstances (2 Cor. 12:9). So we can go forward with confidence, knowing that we are never alone in our trials. Our “weaknesses” become opportunities for God to reveal His strength, strengthening and supporting us (vv. 9-10). Through our trials, we can glorify God, thanking Him for His mercy and sharing our experience with others so that they too may experience His love.

When have you tried to overcome difficulties on your own? How to find strength in God?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being my source of strength and guiding me every day.

Author: Kimya Loder (guest)

? 04/02/2023 10:02 #broadcast “Blessed “betrayal”” has started on the Church of God’s Glory channel | Pastor Oleksandr Koltukov 04/02/2023: https://youtu.be/M9v_O5gfc9Q

“I tell you that when these are silent, the stones will cry out.” — Luke 19:40

Bluestone is an amazing type of stone. If you hit it, some stones may ring. In the Welsh village of Maenklocog, whose name means “bell” or “stone that rings”, bluestones were used as church bells until the eighteenth century. It is interesting that the ruins of Stonehenge in England were built of blue stone, which leads some to think: is the original purpose of the monument connected with music. Researchers claim that the blue stones of Stonehenge were brought from an area near Myenclocog (about two hundred miles away) because of its unique acoustic properties.

The ringing stones are another wonder of God’s creation, and it reminds us of the words Jesus spoke when He entered Jerusalem. When the people praised Jesus, the religious leaders rebuked Him for it. “And He answered them: “I tell you that when these are silent, the stones will cry out” (Lk. 19:40).

If blue stones can make music, and if Jesus said that even stones glorify the Creator, then what should our praise be to the One who made us, loves us, and saved us? He is worthy of all worship. May the Holy Spirit fill us with the praise to God that He deserves. All creation praises him.

How does creation glorify God? How to join the daily worship of the Creator?

Creator God, You deserve all praise, worship and gratitude. If my heart grows coarse and I forget Your dignity, remind me that all creation sings Your praise.

Author: Bill Crowder

“Blessed… to whom sin is forgiven.” — Psalm 31:1

Jose, a young believer in Jesus, visited his brother’s church. When he entered the worship hall, his brother gave him a disapproving look. Jose wore a t-shirt and tattoos were visible on both of his arms. His brother told him to go home and change into a long-sleeved shirt, as many of the tattoos reflected his past. Jose suddenly felt dirty. However, another man overheard the brothers’ conversation, who brought Jose to the pastor and told him what had happened. The pastor smiled and unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a large tattoo on his chest that was left over from his past. The pastor assured Jose that he did not need to hide his hands because God had cleansed him from the inside.

David felt the joy of God’s cleansing. Confessing his sin to Him, the king wrote: “Blessed is he to whom a crime is given, to whom sin is covered” (Ps. 31:1). Now he could “sing with joy” with the “heartfelt” (v. 11). Subsequently, the apostle Paul in Romans 4:7-8 quoted a passage from Psalm 31:1-2, where it is said that faith in Jesus leads to salvation and to our purity before Him (see Rom. 4:23-25).

Our purity in Jesus is more than a clean skin, for He knows and cleanses our hearts (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 John 1:9). Let us rejoice in His cleansing today.

What past sins have you been trying to deal with? What does it mean to be changed and cleansed by faith in Jesus?

Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins and making me clean.

By Our Daily Bread Ministries

“You will keep the thought, based on You, in complete peace, because it puts its hope in You.” — Isaiah 26:3

Researchers from the Chinese city of Fujian decided to help improve the sleep of patients in intensive care units. They measured the effects of various sleep aids on subjects by simulating a hospital ward environment with bright lighting and audio recordings of machine beeps and nurses’ conversations. The study showed that masks and earplugs improve the rest of the test subjects. But for real patients in a real intensive care unit, restful sleep will still be difficult to achieve.

How to find peace when the surrounding world is restless? The Bible says that those who hope in God will have peace regardless of their circumstances. The prophet Isaiah wrote about the future time when the Israelites will return home after severe trials. They will live peacefully in their city, because God will make it safe (Is. 26:1). He will act in the surrounding world for their good, humbling the proud, liberating the oppressed and administering justice (vv. 5-6). Israel will be convinced that “in the Lord is an eternal stronghold” and will always hope in Him (v. 4).

“You will keep the thought that rests on You in complete peace, because it puts its hope in You,” Isaiah wrote (v. 3). God can still provide peace and tranquility for us today. Let us be calm and confident in His love and strength, regardless of what is happening around us.

What scares or worries you today? How can you remind yourself of God’s power and His love?

God, I trust in You and want to find peace in Your love.

Author: Karen Pimpo