God's Glory Church

“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

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him: ‘The Lord is with you, brave man!'” – Judges 6:12

I was appointed to undergo a medical examination. Although I didn’t have any health problems recently, I was still scared. Memories of an unexpected diagnosis that had been given to me in the distant past appeared in my memory. I knew God was with me and I just had to trust Him. However, I was still afraid.

I was saddened by fear and lack of faith. If God is always there, why am I so worried? One morning I remembered the story of Gideon.

The angel called him a “valiant man” (Judg. 6:12) and ordered him to fight the Midianites. However, fear gripped Gideon. God promised him His presence and victory, but he sought confirmation again and again (vv. 16-23, 36-40).

And the Lord did not condemn Gideon for his fear. He understood everything. In the evening before the battle, God once again assured Gideon of victory and even told him what he must do to get rid of fear (Judg. 7:10-11).

The Lord understood my feelings. His reminder gave me courage. My heart was filled with peace and understanding that He was with me, no matter what the outcome. The medical examination went well: no health problems were found.

We have a God who understands our fears and reassures us with His Word and Spirit (Ps. 22:4; John 14:16-17). Let us worship Him with thanksgiving, as Gideon did (Judg. 7:15).

What fears and anxieties do you feel? How does knowing that God is with you and wants to help you help you?

Dear God, thank you for not judging my fears, but instead always assuring me of Your presence. If I am afraid, help me to turn to You and learn to trust You.

Author: Karen Huang

“Not even His brothers believed in Him.” — John 7:5

The Barker family Christmas video was perfect. Three shepherds in wide robes (younger sons) were sitting around a fire on a green lawn. Suddenly, an angel came down from the top of the hill – their older sister, who looked beautiful, except that the pink sneakers did not match the general picture. The background music became more intense, the shepherds looked at the sky in amazement. A path that stretched through the lawn led them to the baby – their little brother, who was lying in a barn of modern design. Now the older sister played the role of Maria.

Then there were “additional materials” that were not included in the main film. Children complained: “I’m cold!” “I want to go to the toilet!” “Go home!” The mother asked several times: “Children, get together!” The reality was far from perfect.

We tend to think of the Christmas story as a well-edited movie. However, the real life of Jesus was far from that. Envious Herod tried to kill the Baby (Mt. 2:13). Mary and Joseph did not understand Him (Luke 2:41-50). The world hated Him (John 7:7). For some time, “even His brothers did not believe in Him” ​​(v. 5). Jesus’ ministry ended with a terrible death. However, He endured all this to glorify His Father and save us.

The video of the Barker family ends with the words of Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14:6). This is the reality we can live in. Forever.

Have you tried to imagine your life as ideal? How can you better realize your need for the perfect power of Jesus?

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to provide me with a way for eternal reconciliation with you.

Author: Tim Gustavson

Merry Christmas everyone!

Jesus is the Light and therefore, by letting Him into our lives, we receive this light. And with light comes real life.

We all need peace and we all need happiness. But where to look for them when the war is around? In fact, happiness can be found even in dark times if you remember to turn to the Light.
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great Light, and over those who sit in the edge of the shadow of death, the Light will shine on them! You will multiply this people, You will increase their joy. They will rejoice before Your face, as they rejoice in the harvest, as they rejoice in the time when they divide the spoil! For You have broken the yoke of his burden, and the rod from his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the days of Midian. Because every military boot that hums loudly, and clothes stained with blood, all this will become a fire, for food for fire! For a Child was born to us, a Son given to us, and the power is on His shoulders, and they will call His name: Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, Father of eternity, Prince of peace.” (Is.9:1-5)

“My Word … does not return to Me empty, but it will do what I desired.” — Isaiah 55:11

On Christmas Eve 1968, Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to orbit the moon. After flying around the planet ten times, they sent a series of pictures of the Moon and Earth to the control center. And during the live broadcast, they took turns reading the first chapter of the book of Genesis. Later, during his fortieth birthday celebration, Bormann said: “We were told that on Christmas Eve we would have the largest audience ever. The only mandate from NASA was to do something about it.” The Bible verses read by the astronauts, even today, sow seeds of truth in the hearts of people who listen to that historical record.

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah: “Incline your ear and come to Me, listen, and your soul will live” (Is. 55:3). The Lord reveals to us His plan of salvation and calls us to leave sin and accept His mercy and forgiveness (vv. 6-7). He proclaims the divine authority of His thoughts and ways, which are incomparably higher than our understanding (vv. 8-9). At the same time, God gives us the opportunity to proclaim the words of the Holy Scriptures, which point to Jesus Christ and help His people to grow spiritually (vv. 10-13).

The Holy Spirit helps us to share the Gospel, while God the Father fulfills all that He has promised according to His perfect design.

Who will you share God’s Word with today? Who first shared the Scriptures with you?

Almighty Creator and Sustainer of the world, please grant us opportunities to proclaim Your wisdom every day.

Author: Sosheel Dixon

“My mouth will tell your truth.” — Psalm 70:15

The whale, which the scientists called “Grandma”, obviously understands what role it plays in the life of the “grandson”. The kitten’s mother recently died, and the orphaned cub is not yet old enough to survive without protection and care. Grandma, who is over eighty years old, came to help. She teaches the kitten everything necessary for survival. And she, instead of eating it herself, brings the salmon to him, so that the cub could not only eat, but also learn what kind of fish is useful and where to find it.

We have also been honored and privileged to pass on to the next generation our knowledge of the wonderful works and character of God. The old psalmist asked God to let him tell about God’s power and might to the next generation (Ps. 70:18). He really wanted to announce God’s “truth” and “salvation”, which every person should know about for a happy life (v. 15).

Even if we do not yet have the gray hairs of old age (v. 18), we can still tell about how God has shown His love and faithfulness in our lives. Therefore, we can contribute to the spiritual development of other people. Our words can become the most important thing that our interlocutor needs to know so that he can live and prosper in Jesus Christ even in the midst of troubles (v. 20).

Who helped you develop your relationship with God? Who can you help with this today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom you have given me through those who have gone before me. Help me in Your power and love to do the same for others.

Author: Kirsten Holmberg

“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.

By Ann Sitas

“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.

Author: James Banks

“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.

Author: Tim Gustavson

“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.

By Our Daily Bread Ministries