“The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in every sorrow.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
A young mother was following her daughter, who was pedaling her little bicycle with all her might. However, gaining too much speed, the girl lost control, fell off the bike, injured her ankle and cried. The mother immediately knelt down, bent down and kissed the wounded place. And it worked! The girl jumped up, got back on the bike and rode on. Oh, that all pain could be soothed so easily!
Apostle Paul was constantly undergoing trials, however, receiving comfort from God, he continued to go on. He listed some of his problems in 2 Corinthians: beatings with sticks and stones, dangers in travel, lack of sleep and food, concern for all the churches (2 Cor. 11:23-29). Paul learned from personal experience that God is “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). As a mother soothes her child, so God leans toward us to comfort and ease pain.
The Lord gives comfort in many ways. He can remind us of a scripture that will encourage us. It can encourage a friend to call us or write a letter of support. Problems may remain, but because God is bending over backwards to help us, we are able to pick ourselves up and move on.
How has God supported you? How can you be a joy to others?
Compassionate Father, come to me and take me into Your arms where I can find peace and encouragement.
“Let these words of mine be… close to the Lord day and night.” — 1 Kings 8:59
The North American Nuthatch is an amazing bird. Every year, she prepares her reserves for the winter, forming small caches of white pine seeds (four or five seeds each). A bird can prepare up to 500 seeds in an hour. And when winter comes, she can find her hiding places even under thick snow. A small bird can remember up to ten thousand places where it has hidden seeds. This is an impressive ability, especially considering how we humans sometimes struggle to remember where we put our car keys or glasses.
However, even such an amazing memory cannot compare with God’s ability to remember our prayers. The Lord “tracks” every sincere prayer and can send an answer even years later. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John depicts “four animals” and “twenty-four elders” who bow to the Lord in heaven. Each of them held “golden bowls full of incense, and they are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8).
Just as incense was highly valued in the ancient world, so our prayers are so precious to God that He always keeps them before Him in golden bowls, because He values us. Thanks to the grace revealed in Jesus Christ, He opened us unimpeded access to His throne (Heb. 4:14-16). So, pray boldly! Know that not a word will be forgotten or lost. God’s amazing love serves as a guarantee.
How are you encouraged by the truth that God never forgets your prayers? Who do you need to pray for today?
Heavenly Father, please give me perseverance in prayer and faith to wait for what only You can do.
“The star rises from Jacob, and the scepter rises from Israel.” — Numbers 24:17
William Shakespeare was a master of imagery. Actor Barry Craft skillfully uses this “trait” of the great playwright in his book “Shakespeare’s Image Generator”. The book contains various allusions and indirect reproaches found in Shakespeare’s plays. For example, instead of saying: “You are an arrogant scoundrel”, you can say: “Driven by excessive arrogance, you do strange things.”
Kraft’s book is written easily and with humor. But the ancient king of Moab tried to hire a secret prophet not for the sake of insults, but for the sake of cursing the people of Israel. “Go, curse this people for me,” said Balak to Balaam (Numbers 22:6). Instead, Balaam repeatedly blessed the Jewish people, which angered the king (Numbers 24:10). One of his blessings contained the prophecy: “I see him, but not now, I look at him, but he is not near” (Numbers 24:17). Certainly, the One whom he saw was not yet on earth. But who was Balaam talking about? The next line contains a clue: “A star rises from Jacob, and a scepter rises from Israel” (v. 17). Someday this “dawn” will lead the wise men to the promised Baby (Mt. 2:1-2).
An ancient Mesopotamian prophet, who knew nothing of the Messiah, pointed out to the world the future sign of His coming. A blessing sounded from the lips that were supposed to utter a curse.
How does your reading of Numbers help you see the Christmas story differently? How might it affect your interactions with people who oppose God’s cause?
God, please help me to see Your hand in all events.
“If you don’t believe, you won’t stand.” — Isaiah 7:9
In 1998, the Nokia company became the world leader in the production of mobile phones. In 1999, its revenue amounted to almost four billion dollars. However, by 2011, sales fell, and the once popular brand was bought by Microsoft. One of the causes of the crisis was a work culture based on fear, which led to catastrophic consequences. Fearing dismissal, managers did not want to tell the truth about the incomplete operating system of Nokia phones and about other problems.
King Ahaz of Judah was also afraid. “And his heart and the heart of his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind” (Is. 7:2). It became known that the kings of Israel and Syria united to attack Judah and conquer it (vv. 5-6). Through the prophet Isaiah, God assured Ahaz that “this will not happen and will not happen” (v. 7), however, the foolish king in a panic decided to make an alliance with Assyria and submit to the king of this superpower (2 Kings 16:7-8). He did not believe God, who said: “If you do not believe, you will not stand” (Is. 7:9).
The writer of Hebrews helps us understand what it means to be steadfast in the faith. He writes: “Let us hold fast the confession of hope, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). Let us try to remain firm and steadfast (v. 39), and the Holy Spirit will help us to rely completely on Jesus.
When did you have doubts about your faith? How has God strengthened you?
Heavenly Father, please help me to remain steadfast in my faith.
“God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh.” — Romans 8:3
At a garage sale, I saw a Christmas installation in a crumpled cardboard box. When I picked up the figure of the baby Jesus, I was amazed at the craftsmanship of all the details. The newborn was not just wrapped in a blanket and lying with his eyes closed. No, His eyes were open and His hands were reaching forward. The baby seemed to say: “I’m here!”
The miracle of Christmas is reflected in this small figure. God sent His Son to earth in human flesh. Jesus grew up like all children. His little hands were playing with toys. Later His hands opened the Torah and later worked with wood until His ministry began. His legs grew and began to carry Him through the cities and villages where He taught and healed. At the end of His earthly life, these hands and feet were pierced with nails, and His body hung helplessly on the cross.
Romans 8:3 says: “God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh.” If we accept Christ’s sacrifice as payment for all the bad things we have done and dedicate our lives to Him, the Lord frees us from sinful slavery. The Son of God came to us as a real, living Baby and opened the way for us to be reconciled with God and to be sure of eternal salvation.
What is the difference between glorifying Christ at Christmas and just celebrating Christmas?
Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to earth to free me from the slavery of sin and death.
“Do not give me poverty and wealth! Feed me with the bread intended for me.” — Proverbs 30:8
In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof”, the main character Tevye talks frankly with God about the way the world is set up: “You made a lot of poor people. I understand, of course, that there is no shame in being poor. But it is not honorable! What would be wrong with a little more luck? . . . Will the great eternal plan be disturbed if I become rich?”
Centuries before Sholom Aleichem put these words into Tevye’s mouth, Agur uttered an equally heartfelt but completely different prayer, preserved for us in the Book of Proverbs. Agur asked God not to give him either poverty or wealth, but to feed him with “the bread intended for [him]” (Prov. 30:8). Agur knew that if he received too much, he would become arrogant and turn into a godless man who saw no need for God. At the same time, he asked God not to allow him to become poor, so that he does not begin to steal and slander God’s Name (v. 9). Agur understood that God was his only provider, so he asked Him just as much as he needed for his daily needs. His prayer reflects the desire to be with God and to have the satisfaction that can be found only in Him.
Let us have the same attitude. Everything we have is a gift from God. Let us try to use His gifts wisely and live before Him with gratitude in our hearts. Because the Lord gives us not only what is necessary, but also much more.
How can you seek God and find satisfaction in Him? How do you express your gratitude for His faithfulness?
God, You are the giver of all good things. Help me to be satisfied with all that You give.
“I bring to my memory your unfeigned faith, which first settled in your grandmother Loida and your mother Eunice.” — 2 Timothy 1:5
A study conducted among believers in the United States in 2019 showed that the spiritual development of many respondents was greatly influenced by their mothers and grandmothers. About two-thirds of those from Christian families said that their mother played a major role in shaping their faith, and one-third pointed to a grandmother or grandfather (usually a grandmother).
The author of the report noted: “Again and again, our research shows the invaluable influence of mothers on… the spiritual development of children.” We find confirmation of this in the Bible.
In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul noted that the young minister’s faith was shaped by the example he saw in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). This poignant reminiscence shows the profound influence two women had on one of the leaders of the early church. This opinion can also be seen in another passage, where Paul calls on Timothy: “Try in this what you have been taught… you have known the Holy Scriptures from childhood” (2 Tim. 3:14-15).
A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. Even if we did not have such a blessing in our lives as Timothy, there were probably still people who made an important contribution to our spiritual formation. And it is even more important if we ourselves show others our honest faith and leave a good legacy.
Who had a significant influence on your spiritual formation? How can you encourage others in their faith?
Heavenly Father, thank you for those people in my life who have become an example of sincere faith for me.
“[Jonathan] was upset for David because his father had wronged him.” — 1 Samuel 20:34
The English poet William Cooper (1731–1800) found a friend in the person of pastor John Newton (1725–1807), a former slave trader. Cooper suffered from depression and attempted suicide several times. Newton visited him periodically, and they walked for a long time, talking about God. Once Newton had the idea that it would be useful for his friend to be creative, and he suggested that he compile a collection of spiritual hymns. Cooper agreed and wrote many songs that later became famous, including “God Works in Mysterious Ways.” When Newton moved to another city, they remained friends and corresponded until Cooper’s death.
I see parallels between the strong friendship of Newton and Cooper and the friendship of Jonathan and David in the Old Testament. After David’s victory over Goliath, “Jonathan’s soul connected with David’s soul, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1). Although Jonathan was King Saul’s son, he protected David from his father’s jealousy and anger. In response, Saul in his fury even “threw a spear at [Jonathan] to kill him” (1 Sam. 20:33). Jonathan shunned the weapon and was very upset because of the unfair treatment of his friend (v. 34).
David’s friendship with Jonathan and Newton’s with Cooper gave them vitality to support each other in the love of God and in serving Him. And how can you support your friend today?
What role does friendship play in your life? How can you show God’s love to your friends and strengthen them in faith?
Lord Jesus, help me to enjoy friendship and communication with You.
“Where is the road that the light dwells on? And the darkness – where is its place..?” — Job 38:19
William Shatner played Captain Kirk in the TV series “Star Trek”, but he was not ready for a real space flight. He called his eleven-minute suborbital flight “the most impressive experience imaginable.” After exiting the capsule, Shatner enthused: “Seeing the blue disappear and looking at the total blackness is a little bit unbelievable… Where the blue from below changes to the black above… it’s a very beautiful and subtle color and you go through it in an instant.”
Our planet is a blue dot surrounded by complete darkness. It is a little uncomfortable to realize this. Shatner said that the moment the blue sky turned black, it was a flight to death. “One moment – and there it is, death! That’s what I saw. It was very exciting. Something incredible.”
Shatner’s impressive flight allows you to look at life from the perspective of the universe. We are small objects in the universe, but we are loved by the One who created the light and separated it from the darkness (Gen. 1:3-4). Heavenly Father knows the abode of darkness and the paths that lead to it (Job 38:19-20). He “founded the earth… when all the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God raised a joyful cry” (vv. 4-7).
Let us entrust our little lives to God, who holds the whole universe in His hands.
What comes to mind when you think of the vastness of space? What does the night sky say about God?
Heavenly Father, You rule this world and everything beyond it. I trust in Your strong love.
![«Ибо [только] Я знаю намерения, какие имею о вас, говорит Господь, намерения во благо, а не на зло, чтобы дать вам будущность и надежду». (Иеремия 29:11)](https://glory.com.ua/wp-content/gallery/bible-verse-of-the-day/15747633_1375106259175442_6251451304579120409_n.jpg?t=1560167062 "«Ибо [только] Я знаю намерения, какие имею о вас, говорит Господь, намерения во благо, а не на зло, чтобы дать вам будущность и надежду». (Иеремия 29:11)")