God's Glory Church

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you.” — Isaiah 43:1

For an illustration during the sermon, I went to a beautiful painting that the artist had created of a church scene and drew a dark line down the middle of the canvas. The church community gasped in surprise. At the same time, the artist just stood and watched as I distorted what she had created. Then, choosing a new brush, she lovingly transformed the damaged painting into an exclusive work of art.

Restoring the painting reminds me of the work God can do in our lives when we destroy it. The prophet Isaiah rebuked the Israelites for their spiritual blindness and deafness (Is. 42:18-19) and at the same time proclaimed hope for God’s salvation and redemption: “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you” (Is. 43:1). He can do the same for us. Even if we have sinned, God forgives us and restores us if we repent of our sins and turn to Him (vv. 5-7; see 1 John 1:9). We cannot create beauty out of mess, but the Lord Jesus can. The good news of the Gospel is that He redeemed us with His Blood. The Book of Revelation states that in the end Christ will wipe away our tears and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5).

We have a limited view of our history. However, God, who knows us by name (Is. 43:1), will make our lives even more beautiful than we could imagine. If you are already redeemed through faith in Jesus, then your story, like a picture, has a glorious ending.

What a mess have you made? What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?

Dear Jesus, thank you for never leaving me. I rely on You and I ask that You please restore what I have destroyed.

Author: Glenn Packiam

“If someone … begins to preach about another Jesus, about whom we did not preach … then you would gladly tolerate it.” — 2 Corinthians 11:4

The hubbub in the room gradually turned into complete silence as the book club leader began to briefly outline the novel the group was to discuss. My friend Joana listened attentively, but could not understand the plot of the story. Finally, she realized that she had read not the fiction that others had read, but a completely different book with a similar title. Although she liked the “wrong” book, she could not join the discussion of the “right” book.

The Apostle Paul did not want the Corinthian believers to believe in the “wrong” Jesus. He said that false teachers who preached another “Jesus” entered the church, and believers accepted this deception (2 Cor. 11:3-4).

Paul condemned the heresy of these false teachers. Even in his first letter to the Corinthian church, he told the truth about the biblical Jesus. This Jesus was the Messiah, who “died for our sins… on the third day… rose again… and… appeared… to the Twelve”, and then to Paul himself (1 Cor. 15:3-8). This Jesus came to earth through the birth of a virgin named Mary and was named Emmanuel (God with us) to confirm His divine nature (Matt. 1:20-23).

Do you know this kind of Jesus? Understanding and accepting the biblical truth about Him confirms that we are walking the spiritual path that leads to heaven.

How do you know you believe the truth about Jesus? What do you need to research to make sure you really understand what the Bible says about Jesus?

Dear God, help me to stand in the light of Your truth.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

“In all this we win through Him who loved us.” — Romans 8:37

When my husband coached our son’s basketball team, he would reward the players with a holiday party at the end of the year and celebrate their achievements throughout the season. One of the youngest players, Dustin, came up to me at a party and asked, “Didn’t we lose today?”

“Yes, we lost,” I answered. “However, we are proud of you because you made the best of your efforts.”

“I know,” he said, “but we lost, didn’t we?”

I nodded.

“Then why do I feel like a winner?” – asked Dustin.

Smiling, I answered: “Because you are a winner.”

Dustin thought that losing the game made him a failure, even though he tried his best. Our battle as believers in Jesus is not limited to the sports field. However, we often tend to perceive a difficult period in life as a reflection of our dignity.

The Apostle Paul confirmed the connection between present suffering and our future glory as God’s children. Having given Himself for us, the Lord Jesus continues to help us in the battle with sin and make us like Himself (Rom. 8:31-32). Although we all experience hardships and persecutions, God’s steadfast love will help us endure everything (vv. 33-34).

As God’s children, we still sometimes allow difficulties to define our worthiness. However, we are guaranteed final victory. Despite the obstacles in life, we will still be victorious (vv. 35-39).

When has confidence in God’s love helped you persevere? How has God confirmed your worth as His beloved children, even after a significant setback?

Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me to sing victorious praises despite my difficulties.

Author: Sosheel Dixon

“He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?'” – Acts 9:5

At the age of sixteen, Louis Rodriguez was already going to prison for selling drugs. Now, arrested for attempted murder, he is back in prison and awaiting a life sentence. However, it was there that God spoke to him. While behind bars, young Louis remembered his childhood and how his mother always took him to church. And now he felt God’s call. Eventually, Louis repented of his sins and came to Jesus.

In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we meet a zealous Jew named Saul, who was later nicknamed Paul. He brutally persecuted Christians and lived by these murders (Acts 9:1). He was also present at the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58). Despite Saul’s guilt, God literally spoke to him. On the way to Damascus, Saul was blinded by the light from which Jesus addressed him: “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (v. 5). And that was the beginning of his new life. He came to Jesus.

Louis Rodríguez served some time, but was later granted parole. Since then, he began to serve God, devoting his life to serving in prisons in the United States and Central America.

God specializes in restoring the worst of us. He speaks to our guilt-ridden hearts and lives. Perhaps it is time for you to repent of your sins and come to Jesus.

What guilt do you feel or have felt? How does God call or has called you to Himself?

Lord Jesus, I have moved away from You, but I feel Your call in my heart. Forgive my sins.

By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)

“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, possess it.” — Genesis 1:28

I recently made an amazing discovery. Walking down the path to a clump of trees near my house, I discovered a hidden playground: a ladder made of sticks that led to an observation deck; a swing made from coils of old ropes hanging from branches. There was even a suspension bridge located between the branches. Someone turned old wood and old rope into a creative adventure!

Swiss physicist Paul Tournier believed that we were created for adventure because we were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). God created the universe (vv. 1-25), risked creating people who can choose between good and evil (Gen. 3:5-6), and called us: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, subdue it” (Gen. 1:28). And we also have an incentive to invent, take risks and create something new, fruitfully managing the earth. Whatever these adventures are, big or small, they are best when they benefit others. I’m sure the creators of this playground would enjoy it if people found this place and enjoyed it.

Making new music, exploring new forms of evangelism, or rekindling a marriage that has gone cold are all adventures that make the heart beat faster. What new task or project do you feel compelled to do right now? Maybe it’s God leading you to a new adventure.

Where else in Scripture do you notice God’s proactive nature? How do His adventures inspire you to do your own?

God, send me to a new adventure out of love for You and others!

Author: Sheridan Voysey

“I’m…going to prepare a place for you.” —John 14:2

Shore swallows, small birds belonging to the sparrow family, dig their nests on the banks of rivers. The development of land businesses in the south east of England has reduced the habitat for their population and there is less and less space for the birds to nest after they return from their annual winter migration. Local ecologists, in cooperation with a company producing sand sculptures, created a huge artificial sandbank so that the birds would have a place to settle in the future.

This good deed vividly reflects the words of Jesus, with which He comforted His disciples. After saying that He would leave them, and they would not be able to follow Him immediately (John 13:36), Jesus assured them that He would go “to prepare a place for [them]” in heaven (John 14:2). Although the disciples were saddened by the fact that Jesus would soon leave them and they would not be able to follow Him, He urged them to perceive His holy mission as a component of preparation for their (and us) acceptance into heaven.

Without the sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus on the cross, “many mansions in the house of the Father” would not have been prepared for us (v. 2). Having gone to prepare a home for us, Christ assures us that He will return and take to Himself those who believe in His sacrifice. And in these homes we will happily spend eternity with Him.

When did you feel not “at home” in this life? What do you most expect from heaven?

Lord Jesus, thank you for preparing a home for me in heaven.

Author: Kirsten Holmberg

“I will make a road in the desert, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

After putting on my new glasses, I entered the worship hall, took my seat, and saw my friend sitting right across the aisle on the other side. I waved her hand. She looked so close and clear that I felt as if I could reach out and touch my friend at once, even though she was sitting several yards away. Already after the service, when we talked with her, I realized that my friend was sitting in her usual place. I could just see her better now with my new glasses.

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, knew that the Israelites, who were in Babylonian captivity, needed a new purpose, a new perspective. He told them: “Behold, I will do a new thing… I will make a road in the steppe” (Is. 43:19). In His message of hope, God reminded the Israelites that He “created” and “redeemed” them, and He will be with them. “You are mine!” – He encouraged His people (v. 1).

In any of your circumstances, the Holy Spirit can give you better vision so that you, without looking back, look only at the new. And everything around appears thanks to God’s love (v. 4). Do you see what God is doing in spite of your pain and suffering? Let’s put on new spiritual glasses to see what new things God is doing even in the devastating moments of our lives.

What’s new growing in your desert? How does improving your vision help you focus on the new rather than the past?

God of new beginnings, thank you for all your promises. Help me to see all the new things that You are doing even in the desolating moments of my life.

Author: Katara Patton

“I trust in You, O Lord, You will answer, O Lord my God!” — Psalm 37:16

Volunteers, members of an organization for the rescue of domestic animals in Australia, found a stray sheep. The dirty wool (which weighed over 75 pounds) made it difficult for her to move. The rescuers assumed that the sheep had been wandering in the bushes for at least five years. Volunteers cut off her heavy wool. Freed from her burden, the sheep, which was called Baarek, ate it. Her legs got stronger. And she began to feel more confident, being next to other animals in the shelter.

The psalmist David understood what it was like to be oppressed under the yoke of heavy burdens, what it was like to feel forgotten and lost and to desperately desire a rescue mission. In the 37th Psalm, David cried out to God. He felt alone, betrayed and helpless (vv. 12-15). At the same time, he prayed with confidence: “I trust in You, Lord, You will answer, Lord, my God!” (v. 16). David did not deny his predicament and did not minimize his inner turmoil and physical discomfort (vv. 17-21). However, he believed that God is near and He will answer at the right time in the right way (vv. 22-23).

If we feel weighed down by physical, psychological, or emotional burdens, God remains committed to the rescue mission He has planned since the day we were created. We can count on His presence when we cry to Him: “Hurry to help me, Lord, You are my salvation!” (v. 23).

How has God shown His faithfulness when you have felt down? How has God comforted and supported you through other people?

Gracious God, help me to encourage those who feel depressed, lost or forgotten.

Author: Sosheel Dixon

“Bethlehem-Ephrates, though you are small… out of you… will come the One who will be the Lord in Israel.” — Micah 5:1

The Brooklyn Bridge, after its completion in 1883, was considered the “eighth wonder of the world.” However, for the implementation of this project, it was important to first stretch a thin wire from one bridge tower to another. Other wires were added to the first wire until a massive rope was woven together with three others. All these cables (each of which was formed from over five thousand galvanized wires) supported the longest suspension bridge in those days. What started as a thin wire turned into a large part of the structure of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The life of Jesus began with His birth: the baby was placed in a manger in a small town (Luke 2:7). The prophet Micah foretold His humble birth, writing: “Bethlehem-Ephrates, although you are small among the thousands of Judah, from you will come to Me the One who will be the Lord in Israel”(Mic. 5:1; see also Matt. 2:6). Yes, the beginning was small, but the glory and mission of this Lord and Shepherd reached “to the ends of the earth” (Mic. 5:3).

Jesus was born humbly. “He humbled Himself” and His earthly life ended in death with criminals on the cross (Phil. 2:8). However, thanks to His incredible sacrifice, Jesus built a bridge between us and God, granting salvation to all who believe. Believe, too, in order to receive God’s great gift in Jesus Christ. If you already believe, humbly praise Him for all He has done for you.

What is God doing in your heart, big or small? How will you glorify Him in humility?

Lord Jesus, thank you for humbly coming to save me with Your great sacrifice.

Author: Our Daily Bread Ministries

“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say: rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4

Keith felt depressed as he slowly made his way between the rows of groceries. His hands were shaking from the first signs of Parkinson’s disease. When did the quality of his life begin to deteriorate? What will this mean for his wife and children? Keith’s gloomy thoughts were dispelled by a sudden laugh. He saw a man wheeling a smiling boy. The man leaned over to his son and whispered something in his ear, and he couldn’t stop laughing. The boy’s condition was obviously worse than Keith’s, but he and his father cheered where they could.

Writing from prison and awaiting the judgment of the court, the apostle Paul seemed to have no reason for joy (Phil. 1:12-13). The emperor was Nero, known for his violence and cruelty. So Paul had reason to worry. He also knew that there were preachers who tried to take advantage of his absence to gain fame for themselves. They thought that this would “add to the burden” of the apostle while he was in prison (v. 17).

Instead, Paul chose joy (vv. 18-21) and urged the Philippians to follow his example: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Although our circumstances may seem bleak, Jesus is with us and He has guaranteed us a glorious future. Christ, who came out of His tomb, will return to earth to resurrect His followers to life with Him. So, as we begin this new year, let’s rejoice!

What hardships or injustices make you sad? How can the truth of Jesus fill you with joy?

Heavenly Father, help me to look beyond my circumstances. Only in You do I seek joy.

Author: Mike Whittmer