God's Glory Church

“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

“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