God's Glory Church

“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

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

In 2019, the World Sports Veteran Games took place in Poland. India’s oldest athlete, Man Kaur, took part in them. She was 103 years old. Amazingly, Man Kaur won gold in four events (javelin, shot put, 60m and 200m). However, the most impressive thing was that in the running competition she broke her own record, which she set in 2017! The great-grandmother showed the world how to finish with dignity.

The apostle Paul wrote to the young disciple Timothy: “The time of my departure has come” (2 Tim. 4:6). Reflecting on his life, he confidently said that he finished his journey worthily: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race” (v. 7). His confidence was not based on impressive accomplishments or great influence (although he certainly had all of those things). The main thing is that Paul “kept the faith” (v. 7). He remained faithful to the Lord. In sorrows and joys, he continued to follow the One who saved him from destruction. He knew that Jesus was waiting for him, holding in his hands the “crown of righteousness” to reward His servant for his faithfulness (v. 8).

Further, Paul writes that the Lord will give this crown not only to him, “but also to all who loved his coming” (v. 8). As we approach the beginning of the new year, let us remember that Jesus is waiting for us in eternity to reward all who love Him. So, let’s live so that our finish is worthy.

What does a decent finish mean to you? Who has become a good example for you in this?

God, I want to complete my journey with dignity. Help me to love You more than anything.

Author: Wynn Collier

“And they rejoiced that they became silent, and He brought them to the desired harbor.” — Psalm 106:30

I was peacefully dozing when suddenly a sharp sound came from the basement that made the walls vibrate. It was my son who took the chord on his electric guitar. The drowsiness disappeared immediately. After a few seconds, another music was heard. The daughter began to play the hymn “Oh, grace” on the piano.

I usually like my son playing the guitar. However, at that moment his unexpected chord scared me and made my heart beat hard. And almost immediately, the familiar melody of John Newton’s hymn reminded me that grace flourishes even in the midst of chaos. No matter how noisy, unwanted, or disorienting the storms of life may be, the notes of God’s grace sound beautiful and clear, reminding us of God’s unfailing care.

The Bible often talks about it. In Psalm 106:23-32, sailors face a violent storm that threatens to destroy them. “In danger their soul is troubled” (v. 26). However, they did not despair, but “in their distress they called upon the Lord, and He delivered them from their oppression” (v. 28). In the end, we read: “And they rejoiced that they were quieted, and He brought them to the desired haven” (v. 30).

When chaos arises, whether it threatens life or just disturbs sleep, a flurry of noise and fear can cause a storm in the soul. But if we trust God and pray to Him, we will feel the blessing of His presence and care. He will guide us to the haven of His unfailing love.

When has God brought you to His quiet haven through other people? To whom can you bring the same encouragement?

Heavenly Father, help me to remember the need to cry out to You when the waves of life’s waters rise, and to share that hope with others.

Author: Adam Holtz

“And He called His twelve disciples, and gave them authority.” — Matthew 10:1

The young woman could not sleep. She had been suffering from a physical disability for many years, and tomorrow she had to be the center of attention at a church fair to collect donations for her higher education. “However, I am not worthy of this,” thought Charlotte Elliott. Tossing and turning in bed, she doubted both her own abilities and her spirituality and piety. The next day, still restless, she took up a pen and wrote the words of the hymn we know:

“As he is, without deeds, without words,

Accepting Your call with joy,

And with faith in the holy blood

To You, Lord, I go!”

The words written in 1835 are consistent with how Jesus invited His disciples to serve. He called them not because they were ready, but because He authorized them to be what they are. The twelve disciples were a diverse group, which included, for example, a tax collector, a zealot, two ambitious brothers (see Mk. 10:35-37) and Judas Iscariot, “who betrayed Him” ​​(Mt. 10:4). However, Jesus gave them the authority to “heal the sick, [raise] the dead, [cleanse] lepers, [cast out] demons” (v. 8). He sent them without money, luggage, a change of clothes and shoes, and even without staffs (vv. 9-10).

“This is what I am sending you,” Jesus told them (v. 16), and that was enough. And for us who say “yes” to Him today, Christ is also enough.

What is your situation today or what is your life status? What doubts do you have about your readiness to serve God?

Lord Jesus, call me to come to You and serve You, relying entirely on Your grace and strength.

Author: Patricia Raybon

“Because this is our praise, the testimony of our conscience that in the holiness and purity of God… we lived in the world.” — 2 Corinthians 1:12

In 1524, Martin Luther shared the observation: “All merchants have one general rule, their main principle: As long as I make a profit and satisfy my lust, I do not care what happens to my neighbor.” More than two hundred years later, John Woolman, a store owner in Mount Holly, New Jersey, decided that his guiding principle in all business would be devotion to Christ. He fought for the liberation of slaves, so he refused to buy cotton and dyes from companies that used forced labor. Woolman strove to have a clear conscience, to love his neighbors and to conduct all his affairs honestly.

The apostle Paul also sought to live “in holiness and purity” (2 Cor. 1:12). When false apostles came to Corinth and tried to destroy his apostolic authority, he reminded the Corinthians of his life. His words and deeds could stand the most scrutiny (v. 13). In addition, in his ministry he relied on God’s power and grace, not on human wisdom (v. 12). Therefore, in all his affairs, Paul was guided by faith in Christ.

We are the messengers of Jesus Christ in this world. Let’s make efforts so that the Good News sounds in all areas of our lives – in the family, at work and in everything else. Only thanks to God’s power and His grace will we be able to truly serve God well and love our neighbors.

How is faith in Jesus Christ reflected in your words and actions? Why are honesty and sincerity so important in Christian relationships with other people?

Dear God, help me to serve others with such a clear conscience that my love for them is evident.

Author: Marvin Williams

“In the beginning God created Heaven and earth.” — Genesis 1:1

People have always loved listening to stories. Long before the appearance of writing, knowledge was transmitted through stories. Listening and reading fairy tales gives us pleasure. As soon as the words “Once upon a time…” are heard, we are immediately full of attention. An exciting story is not only enjoyable. If people listen together, their hearts may even begin to beat in unison! Although each person has a unique heart rate that can vary throughout the day, recent studies have shown that if a group of people listens to the same story at the same time, the heart rate of each group member can both speed up and slow down at the same time!

God begins His story with the words: “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1). From the moment Adam and Eve took their first breath (v. 27), God used this long history not only to direct the lives of individuals, but also to create a new community of His children. Under the influence of the Bible, the most amazing and true book of all time, Christians are united in one holy people, appointed for special purposes (1 Pet. 2:9).

Let our hearts beat in one rhythm, admiring the works of the Creator. And let other people hear His story. Let’s announce “His glory among the heathen, His miracles among all nations” (Ps. 95:3), calling them to become part of His great story.

What is your favorite part of the Bible story? Who can you tell about her?

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me yourself through the Bible and making me your child.

Author: Kirsten Holmberg