God's Glory Church

“He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” —John 14:9

Leo was four months old, but he had never seen his parents. He was born with a rare disease that deprived him of his normal vision. For him, everything around was as if in a thick fog. So, doctors designed special glasses for him.

Leo’s father posted a video of his mother putting on his new glasses for the first time. Leo’s gaze slowly comes into focus, a wide smile spreading across his face as he truly sees his mother for the first time. Priceless. At that moment, little Leo could see clearly.

Apostle John describes the conversation of Jesus with His disciples. Philip asked Him: “Show us the Father” (John 14:8). Even after spending so much time together, the disciples still did not understand who Jesus was. In response, the Lord said: “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?” (v. 10). Before that, Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (v. 6). This is the sixth of Jesus’ seven “I” statements. He invites us to look at Him through the lens of these statements and see Who He really is – God.

We are similar to students in many ways. During the period of difficulties, our vision deteriorates. We cannot focus on what God has already done and can still do. When little Leo was fitted with glasses, he was able to see his parents clearly. Perhaps we too need to put on God’s glasses to see clearly Who Jesus really is.

What might cloud your view of Jesus? How to look at Him again with clear vision?

Lord Jesus, please help me to focus on You. Show me clearly Your way for me.

By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)

“When we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us.” — 1 John 1:9

Looking at the phone, I frowned and sighed. My friend and I had a serious disagreement about our children, and I knew I should have called back and apologized. I didn’t want to do it, because we still haven’t come to an agreement, but I knew that during our last conversation I was far from kind and humble.

While waiting for the call, I thought: “What if she doesn’t forgive me or doesn’t want to continue being friends?” I remembered the words of the song, which brought me back to the moment when I confessed my sin to God. I felt relieved because I knew that God had forgiven me and freed me from guilt.

We cannot control people’s reactions to our attempts to solve relationship problems. If we humbly ask for forgiveness and make the necessary changes, we allow God to heal the relationship. Even if we feel pain from unresolved problems in relationships with people, peace with God is always possible. God’s arms are open and He wants to show us the grace and mercy we need. “When we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

How does forgiveness create peace? With God’s help, what steps will you take this week to reconcile with another person?

Dear God, remind me of Your infinite grace. Help me to be more humble and trust You in all my relationships.

Author: Jennifer Benson

“As a shepherd looks over his flock… so I will look over My flock.” — Ezekiel 34:12

When Pastor Warren heard that a man in his church had left his wife and family, he asked God to help him meet the man by chance so they could talk. And the Lord helped! When Warren arrived at the restaurant one day, he noticed the man at the table. “Will there be room for one more hungry man?” – he asked, approaching a member of the church. Soon they were talking openly and praying together.

Pastor Warren acted like a true shepherd, following the example of God who said through the prophet Ezekiel that he would care for his flock. God promised to find His scattered sheep, save them, and gather them together again (Ezek. 34:12-13). He will feed them in a good pasture: “I will find the lost sheep, and I will bring back the lost sheep, and I will bind up the wounded, and I will strengthen the sick” (vv. 14-16). In each of these images we see a manifestation of God’s love for His people. Ezekiel’s prophecy reflects the eternal heart of God and the Shepherd, Who will one day reveal Himself in the Person of Jesus.

Whatever our circumstances, God touches each of us, seeking to save and shelter us in good pastures. He wants us to follow Him, the Good Shepherd, Who lays down His life for His sheep (see John 10:14-15).

How does Jesus, the Good Shepherd, care about you? How can you trust Him to heal any wound or strengthen any weakness?

Dear God, You love me even if I drift away from You and wander somewhere. Help me to always be in Your fold to receive Your love and care.

By Amy Buescher Pye

“And he was tried there in that prison house. And the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy.” — Genesis 39:20-21

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the space module and became the first people to set foot on the surface of the moon. However, we often forget about the third member of the crew – Michael Collins, who remained on board the main ship, waiting for the return of his comrades.

As the rest of the crew descended to the lunar surface, Collins waited for them alone on the far side of the moon. He had nothing to do with Neal and Buzz, or anyone on earth. NASA commented on it as follows: “No one since the time of Adam has been in such complete solitude as Michael Collins.”

Sometimes we feel completely alone. Imagine, for example, how Joseph, son of Jacob, felt when he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:23-28). He felt even more lonely when he was thrown into prison on false charges (Genesis 39:19-20).

How did Joseph survive in prison in a foreign land, even without any of his family by his side? Listen: “And he tried there in that prison house. And the Lord was with Joseph” (vv. 20-21). Genesis 39 reminds us of this truth four times.

Do you feel lonely and isolated from others? Rely on the truth of God’s presence, promised by Jesus Himself: “I will be with you daily” (Mt. 28:20). With the Savior Jesus you will never be alone.

When do you feel most alone? How does God remind you that He is with you in times of loneliness?

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to know that You are with me just as You were with Joseph.

Author: David Brenon

“And the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return again to God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7

I sat down in the church pew behind my friend. The worship group has just started singing the song “I Can Only Imagine”. Raising my hands, I praised God. The sweet soprano of Louise, my friend, sounded in harmony with my voice. Later, she told me about her health problems and we decided to pray together for her cancer treatment.

A few months later, Louise said she was afraid of dying. Leaning over her bed, I put my head next to hers, whispered a prayer and softly sang our song. I can only imagine how, just a few days later, Louise was already worshiping Jesus in His direct presence.

The apostle Paul comforted his readers who were facing death (2 Cor. 5:1). Suffering on this side of eternity can cause sadness, but our hope is rooted in heavenly life, in an eternal stay with Jesus Christ (vv. 2-4). Although God created us with a desire for eternal life with Him (vv. 5-6), His promises are to affect our life for Him now (vv. 7-10).

Living for Jesus and waiting for His coming or for our call to return home, let us rejoice in the peace of His constant presence. What will we feel the moment we leave our earthly bodies and enter eternity with Jesus? We can only imagine!

When have you felt overwhelmed by the death or loss of a loved one? How are you encouraged by God’s promise of eternal life?

Loving God, thank you for your promise to be with me on earth and in eternity.

Author: Sosheel Dixon

? 02/05/2023 09:58 A live broadcast has begun on your channel: “Three Prayers of Avvakum” | Pastor Mykola Sychev 02/05/2023: https://youtu.be/dYn5cmgFCc0

“Do not call me: Naomi, – call me: Mara, because the Almighty has made me very bitter.” — Ruth 1:20

After the death of her first husband, Jen remarried. However, the children of the new husband did not accept her. Now he died too, and the children hated her for staying in the house where they had spent their childhood. Her husband left her a small amount of money, but the children say she is stealing their inheritance. Jen is understandably disappointed and bitter.

Naomi’s husband moved with his family to Moab, where he and his two sons died. Years later, Naomi returned to Bethlehem; at the same time her daughter-in-law Ruth arrived with her. With their appearance, the city was in an uproar, and people began to ask: “Is this Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19). In response, she asked that she no longer be called by this name, which means “pleasant”. Instead, her name should be “Mara”, which means “hill”. “I left rich, but the Lord returned me empty” (vv. 20-21).

Can you be called “bitter”? You are disappointed by your friends, family, or your health. You deserved better, but you didn’t get it. And you are overcome with bitterness.

Naomi returned to Bethlehem with bitterness in her heart, but she returned. And you can go home too. Come to Jesus, a descendant of Ruth, born in Bethlehem. And rest in His love.

Over time, God changed Naomi’s bitterness to joyful fulfillment of His perfect plan (Ruth 4:13-22). It can also change your bitterness. Come to Him.

What name describes you? What does it mean to you to live out the name that describes you in Jesus Christ?

Heavenly Father, I return home to find peace in Your Son.

Author: Mike Whittmer

“As a native among you, so will be for you a sojourner who lives with you.” — Leviticus 19:34

In a new country, everything was completely different: a new language, schools, customs, traffic, weather. They didn’t know if they would ever be able to adjust to it. Members of the church, which is located nearby, decided to help the family in setting up a new life in a new place. Patti took the couple to a local grocery store to show them what was available and how to shop for groceries. During visits to the supermarket, the family was happy to see pomegranates on the counter – fruits from their homeland. They bought a pomegranate for each of their children and another for Patti as a thank you for her help. These fruits and new friends brought them great comfort in a new, unfamiliar country.

God, through Moses, provided a list of laws for His people, among which was the commandment to treat a foreigner among the people as a “native” (Lev. 19:34). God also commanded to “love him as yourself.” The Lord Jesus called this commandment the second great commandment after the commandment to love God (Mt. 22:39). Even God “protects those who come” (Ps. 145:9).

Helping new friends to adapt to life in our country, let’s remember that we are also “sojourners” on earth (Heb. 11:13). So, let’s wait for the appearance of a new heavenly abode.

Who does God want you to care about? What gift has He given you to show His love to others?

Compassionate God, I do not fully understand what it means to be a stranger in the world. Help me support those who are in a foreign land.

By Ann Sitas

“The student is not greater than the teacher; but, having improved, everyone will be like his teacher.” — Luke 6:40

In one popular video, a three-year-old student, who had already earned a white belt in karate, imitated her trainer. With passion and zeal, the little girl repeated all his words and movements after the mentor. She did a great job!

The Lord Jesus said: “The disciple is not greater than the teacher, but when perfected, everyone will be like his teacher” (Lk. 6:40). He told the disciples that, following His example, they should be generous, loving and non-judgmental (vv. 37-38), and be careful about whom they follow: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will not both fall into the pit?” (v. 39). The disciples had to understand that the Pharisees were blind leaders who led the people to disaster (Mt. 15:14), so it is important to follow the Master steadfastly. Disciples of Christ should strive to be like Him and to fulfill His instructions regarding the manifestation of generosity and love.

Striving to follow the example of Jesus Christ, let us dedicate ourselves to our Teacher, so that we may become like Him in understanding, wisdom and actions. Only He can help us to reproduce His generous and loving character.

In what ways are you striving to follow Jesus today? When is it most difficult for you to follow the example of Christ the Master?

Lord Jesus, great Teacher, help me to follow You disciplinedly and attentively!

Author: Marvin Williams

“Blessed are the sad.” — Matthew 5:4

I received a message from a young man from England who said that his 63-year-old father was in a very serious condition in the hospital. Although we never met him, our activities were similar in many ways. So, the son, trying to please his father, asked me to send a video message with words of support and prayer. Deeply moved, I recorded a short appeal and prayer for healing on video. Later, my husband said that my father had watched my video and was very happy. However, unfortunately, a few days later I received another message saying that my father had died. He held his wife’s hand until his last breath.

My heart was breaking. Such love and such grief. The family lost a husband and a father. However, Jesus assures that those who cry are blessed. “Blessed are the sorrowful,” says Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:4). The Lord does not say that suffering and sadness are good. Instead, He says that God’s mercy and goodness are shown to those who need them most. Those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one or even because of their own sinfulness need God’s attention and support more than others. The Lord Jesus promises: “They will be comforted” (v. 4).

God comes to meet us, His beloved children (v. 9). He blesses us in our tears.

Where have you encountered sadness in your own life or in the lives of others? How does Jesus’ promise of blessing change your perspective on grief?

God, I was overcome with pain and sadness. Please help me feel Your blessing even in my tears.

Author: Wynn Collier