Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Unser Täglich Brot - Nur einen Steinwurf entfernt

Lesen: Johannes 7,53–8,11 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 7–8; Epheser 2

Von Randy Kilgore

Wer unter euch ohne Sünde ist, der werfe den ersten Stein auf sie. (Johannes 8,7)

Eine Gruppe frommer Führer brachte eine Frau, die sie beim Ehebruch ertappt hatten, zu Jesus. Sie konnten nicht wissen, dass die Frau damit nur noch einen Steinwurf von Gottes Gnade entfernt war. Ihre Absicht war, Jesus zu diskreditieren. Wenn er sagte, sie sollten die Frau gehen lassen, konnten sie behaupten, er würde das Gesetz des Mose brechen. Wenn er sie hingegen zum Tode verurteilte, würden die Menschen, die ihm in Scharen folgten, seine Worte der Gnade nicht mehr ernst nehmen.

Aber Jesus drehte den Spieß um. Statt ihnen direkt zu antworten, sagt die Bibel, begann er auf die Erde zu schreiben. Als sie nicht locker ließen, forderte er die auf, die noch nie gesündigt hatten, den ersten Stein zu werfen. Dann schrieb er weiter. Als er wieder aufsah, waren alle Ankläger verschwunden.

Der Einzige, der einen Stein hätte werfen können—der Einzige ohne Sünde—sah zu der Frau auf und begnadigte sie. „So verdamme ich dich auch nicht“, sagte er, „geh hin und sündige hinfort nicht mehr“ (Joh. 8,11).

Ob du heute Vergebung brauchst, weil du andere verurteilt hast, oder die Zusicherung brauchst, dass keine Sünde so groß ist, dass Gott sie nicht vergeben kann—du darfst wissen: Heute wirft keiner einen Stein. Geh und lass dich von Gottes Gnade verändern.

Vater, reinige mich von meinen „Vor“-Urteilen und befreie mich von den Fesseln der Sünde.
Lass mich deine Gnade schmecken und verändere du mein Leben. Erzähle uns, wie Gott dir gnädig war, auf unsertaeglichbrot.org

Wir dienen einem Herrn, der uns gern vergibt.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Благодать вместо камня

Читать сейчас: Иоанна 8:1-11 | Библия за год: Исаия 7-8; 2 Коринфянам 1

автор: Рэнди Килгор

Кто из вас без греха, первый брось в нее камень.Иоанна 8:7

Ведя к Иисусу женщину, застигнутую в прелюбодеянии, иудеи и подумать не могли, что тащат свою жертву к источнику благодати. Их планы были просты: дискредитировать Назорея. Если бы Он сказал, что женщину нужно отпустить, они бы обвинили Его в нарушении Моисеева закона. А если бы одобрил жестокий приговор, это подорвало бы Его учение о милости и прощении.

Но Христос обратил их оружие против них самих. Вначале, не давая ответа, Он писал пальцем на земле. Когда же иудеи продолжали допытываться, Он, подняв голову, сказал: «Кто из вас без греха, первый брось на нее камень» (Ин. 8:7), а затем снова продолжил что-то писать. Когда Он поднял голову во второй раз, ни одного из обвинителей уже не было.

Единственный, кто мог бросить камень на объявленных условиях, единственный безгрешный, смотрел на женщину с жалостью. «Я не осуждаю тебя; иди и впредь не греши», – сказал Он (Ин. 8:11).

Нуждаетесь вы сегодня в прощении за осуждение других, или вам нужно убеждение, что Его благодать может покрыть любые грехи, ободритесь: никто сегодня не бросает камни. Идите ко Христу и доверьтесь Божьей милости.

Отче, преобрази мою осуждающую природу и освободи от оков греха. Дай мне вкусить Твоей милости и помоги жить преображенной жизнью.

Мы служим Спасителю, готовому прощать.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - À un jet de pierre


par Randy Kilgore

Que celui de vous qui est sans péché jette le premier la pierre contre elle. (Jean 8:7)

En amenant de force une femme adultère à Jésus, les chefs religieux ne pouvaient savoir qu’ils l’amenaient ainsi à s’approcher à un jet de pierre de la grâce. Ils espéraient discréditer le Seigneur. Si Jésus leur disait de laisser aller cette femme, ils pourraient prétendre qu’il transgressait la loi mosaïque. Par contre, s’il la condamnait à mort, la multitude qui le suivait perdrait foi en ses paroles empreintes de miséricorde et de grâce.

Jésus a cependant retourné la situation contre ses accusateurs. La Bible dit que plutôt que de leur répondre directement, il s’est mis à écrire sur le sol. Comme les chefs religieux continuaient de mettre sa parole en doute, il a invité quiconque n’ayant jamais péché à jeter la première pierre à la femme, puis il a recommencé à écrire au sol. Lorsqu’il a relevé les yeux, tous ses détracteurs étaient partis.

La seule personne qui aurait pu jeter une pierre – Jésus, le seul innocent – a regardé la femme et lui a accordé sa miséricorde en lui affirmant : « Je ne te condamne pas non plus ; va, et ne pèche plus » (JN 8.11).

Qu’aujourd’hui vous ayez besoin d’être pardonné pour avoir jugé les autres ou que vous désiriez avoir l’assurance qu’aucun péché n’est hors d’atteinte de la grâce divine, puisez un encouragement en ceci : il n’y a personne aujourd’hui pour jeter des pierres ; alors, allez et soyez transformé par la miséricorde de Dieu.

Nous servons un Sauveur qui est toujours prêt à pardonner.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Commentary: Secrets of a Pew Whisperer: Let the Children Pick the Seat

By

I was raised Lutheran. We were very distinctly “middle of the congregation” people.

In the church where I was raised, the baptismal font—a large, blocky, modernist affair—was in the middle of the central aisle and the pews retreated a bit around it so a procession could go past. We almost always sat on the right side, just up from the font.

This wasn’t a choice based on any sort of theological insights around baptism, it was just what we did. I haven’t been back to that church in years, but I suspect my parents still sit in the exact same seat.  There’s no label on it—but there might as well be.

On occasion I’d be at the very front with the junior choir. We got the first few pews so we could file to the sanctuary steps quickly when it was our turn to sing. But we all knew we were in foreign territory: everybody knows you don’t sit in the first few pews.

When I started going to church on my own, I unconsciously and unreflectingly replicated this pattern with only a few exceptions. During my wild rebellious college years, sometimes I would radically break with all known tradition and sit on the left-hand side of the nave.

Once I became a father and the chief child-wrangler, two new factors introduced themselves into how I would pick a seat: 1) can I get out quickly if the baby starts squealing, and 2) is there enough room for me to swing the baby carrier?

You see, I’d discovered that if the baby got fussy during church. If all else failed, I could put her in the car carrier and then swing it gently to put her to sleep. I imagine there are some parishes from my wife’s early ministry where I may be remembered as the guy swinging the baby carrier in the back of the church. Hey—it worked!

As my girls outgrew the baby carrier, and I started having both of them in the service to deal with, I gave them more freedom. They had no choice in whether they came to church or not, but I tried to allow them more freedom in regulating their environments once we got there.

I don’t remember how this happened, but at one point, I allowed my girls to pick where we sat. To my surprise, shock, and chagrin, my younger daughter—probably about three at the time?—joyfully ran up to the very first pew on the left, directly in front of the pulpit and in full sight of the sanctuary. 

I was rattled. Didn’t she realize that you weren’t supposed to do that? Didn’t she know that people just don’t sit there? Worse, from my perspective, didn’t she know that this placement meant that every single member of the congregation could see us and what we were doing and if they were behaving and if I was being a “good” parent or not?  She seemed to not be taking into account any of the crucial church seating factors! You know—whether it provided anonymity and an easy escape route!

Actually, she didn’t care about any of that stuff. She wanted to see and hear and smell everything that was going on. She wanted to immerse herself—and the rest of us—in the full-bodied experience of church. And, I found that it was a lot easier to take care of them if they could actually see and hear and smell what was going on! They behaved better in the front than stuck in the middle behind ranks of pews and walls of tall standing people.

Since then, I’ve made this a habit. I always let the girls go into the sanctuary first. I always let them pick the pew. Sometimes we do actually sit in the middle of the right side (as God intended). But frequently in new places they’ll insist on the front pews so they can get as close to the chancel action as possible. Of course, that makes it tricky come communion time since if we—the visitors and strangers—are the first ones, I have to figure out the flow of communion on very little evidence. But again, that doesn’t seem to bother them.

I have my habits and my patterns. I have my comfortable places—literally. I have my own criteria for selecting a seat in church. But giving my children the freedom to pick where they want to sit has helped me see the limitations in mine. And, it has helped them see—everything. Church done the way we like it has lots of things to see and hear and smell. And they want to be in the middle of it. They want to be able to access the action and motion and pageantry. And we should let them.

We do best if we hinder not the little children—if we don’t let our own concerns and baggage and anxieties and habits constrain their engagement with the holy and the sacred in the place of worship.

Girlfriends in God - When You Feel Discouraged


Today’s Truth

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Have you ever gone through a period of discouragement? Perhaps you’re in one right now. Believe me, I’ve been right there with you. I’ve hidden in the cave with Elijah, under the gourd plant with Jonah, and in the dessert with Moses.

Discouragement comes when there is a gap between what you expect and what you experience—when there is a gap between what you hoped would happen and what actually does happen.

Discouragement can destroy your passion and undermine your purpose. It can take root because of what others say or didn’t say—a mom who said too much or a dad who said too little. Unmet expectations can become the breeding ground for discouragement to multiply and take root.

We certainly see that in Moses’s life. When Moses was forty years old, he expected to be the deliverer for his people. But what he experienced was rejection and regret. Forty years later, when God called him to lead the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt, Moses argued:

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exod. 4:10).

This statement that came out of Moses’s stuttering lips was simply not true. As Stephen reminded us: “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22). Moses had defined himself by his failure and was held hostage by a constant state of discouragement. Oh friend, we need to be so careful to not do the same.

Discouragement causes many a believer to pull up a lawn chair in cul-de-sac Christianity and refuse to venture out to the adventurous faith. They mumble the words “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” over their hopes and dreams. They fill the gap between what they hope for and what they experience with the false belief that dreams aren’t worth the effort.

What we tend to see as a permanent condition, God sees as a temporary situation. What you see as one of your greatest setbacks might be one of God’s incredible setups for marvelous miracles to occur. If you are meeting resistance in your hopes and dreams, then you’re most likely on the right track. The devil wouldn’t mess with you if you weren’t a menace to his plans and a valuable asset to God.

What the devil really wants to do is to steal your confidence, and the best time to rob you blind is during a season of disappointment. Guard your heart. Don’t be caught unaware and allow him to hold you back, trip you up or slow you down. The circumstances are, well, just circumstantial—collateral damage in the real battle to take away your confidence in Christ.

So don’t let the devil win. You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus!

Let go of debilitating discouragement and take hold of your next assignment!

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I’ll admit that sometimes I get so discouraged I feel like I can’t go on. When things don’t go the way I thought they would, I just want to quit. Help me to remember that my greatest setbacks might be one of Your incredible setups for marvelous miracles to occur. Give me the God-confidence that I need to keep moving forward in Your will.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read 1 Kings 19:1-18

What did God say to Elijah when he was hiding because of discouragement? (Verses 9 and 13)

Did you notice that God allowed Elijah to rest for a bit? But then it was time to get up and get going.

What did God tell Elijah to let him know that he was not alone?

How can you protect your confidence during a time of discouragement?

Today’s devotion came from my latest book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. Let’s take hold of all that Jesus has already taken hold of for us and placed in us! Check it out at www.takeholdthebook.com where you can download a free chapter and watch a video book trailer. While you’re there, check out the Take Hold necklace, and companion Identity in Christ laminated scripture cards. The book also comes with a Bible study guide. Make sure and sign up for my weekly blog.

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Night Light for Couples - Leaving “Victim” Behind


“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example.” 1 Peter 2:21

Politically correct notions in the culture today would lead us to believe that we all have reasons to be angry about the biases arrayed against us. The supposed discrimination extends to girls, boys, the elderly, homosexuals, drug addicts, alcoholics, atheists, those who are overweight, balding, short, undereducated, women (representing 51.2 percent of the population), and now, white men. There’s hardly a person alive who doesn’t have a claim against an oppressor in one context or another. I (jcd) call it “the victimization of everyone.”

Unquestionably, there are disadvantaged people among us who need legal protection and special consideration, including some racial minorities. But the idea that the majority is exploited and disrespected is terribly destructive—first, because the belief that “they’re out to get me” paralyzes us and leads to hopelessness and despair; second, because it divides people into separate and competing self‐interest groups and pits them against each other.

The Scripture gives us a better way. It tells us to thank God every day for His blessings and to focus our attention not on ourselves, but on those who are less fortunate. Not once does it support or sanction the curse of victimization. Do not yield to it.

Just between us…
  • Do we usually blame someone or something for our circumstances?
  • How does playing the role of a victim make us tend to give up?
  • What does God promise us for our earthly struggles?
Lord, forgive us for our quickness to shift into “victim thinking.” Show us which hard things we can change and which we should accept as Your loving best for us. And grant us Your grace and joy in both circumstances. Amen.
  • From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
    Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - Estancamiento general


Ensancha el sitio de tu tienda, y las cortinas de tus habitaciones sean extendidas; no seas escasa; alarga tus cuerdas, y refuerza tus estacas. Isaías 54:2, RV-60

¿Estás viviendo una etapa en la cual te hayas estancado? ¿Te parece que no te encuentras en ninguna parte y a veces sientes que se te une el cielo con la tierra? ¿Que te agobian los problemas familiares o la falta de trabajo? ¿Que tratas de servir en la iglesia pero como que tampoco te llena?

Quiero decirte que es válido sentirte de esa manera. Lo que no es válido es quedarse en esa condición.

Siempre he visto que nuestra vida está llena de ciclos que deben cerrarse. Así que le debemos dar oportunidad a Dios para tener nuevos comienzos cuando no cerramos esos círculos de relaciones inconclusas o proyectos que empezaron, pero que nunca terminaron. Hasta en el servicio a Dios tenemos ciclos y eso nos lleva a nuevas etapas.

Dios muchas veces permite que nos sintamos así, porque quiere sacarnos de nuestra zona de comodidad y llevarnos a otras experiencias. La pregunta que cabe es la siguiente: ¿Qué pasa si nos provoca estas molestias? Lo más probable es que nos quedemos quietos y no tomemos ninguna decisión de crecer.

Por lo tanto, realiza cambios radicales que vayan de la mano de nuestro Dios y verás que tendrás la garantía de una vida llena de éxito.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - NORTH KOREA TESTIMONY – PART 2


Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

At the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town in October 2010, North Korean Gyeong Ju Son shared her moving life story. Here is the conclusion.

While staying at the Korean Consulate in Beijing, waiting to go to South Korea, her life was dramatically and irrevocably changed when Jesus came to her in a dream. She says:

“He had tears in His eyes. He walked towards me and asked ‘Gyeong Ju, how much longer are you going to keep me waiting? Walk with me. Yes, you have lost your earthly father, but I am your heavenly Father and whatever has happened to you, was because I love you.’”

Praying to God for the very first time, she gave Him her heart, soul, mind and strength, asking that she would be used at His will. A deep love for the lost people of North Korea and the need to bring the love of Jesus to them has subsequently become her life purpose. She continues:

“I look back over my short life and I see God’s hand everywhere. Six years in North Korea, eleven in China and now in South Korea. Everything I suffered; all the sadness and grief, all that I have experienced and learned; I want to give it all to God and use my life for His Kingdom. In this way I also hope to bring honor to my father.”

Now a student, the intention of this young and vibrant follower of Christ is to go to university to study political science and diplomacy, and then work for the rights of the voiceless in North Korea. She concluded:

“Brothers and sisters here in this place, I humbly ask you to pray that the same light of God’s grace and mercy that reached my father and my mother and now me, will one day soon dawn upon the people of North Korea, my people!”

RESPONSE: Today I will continue to believe that God takes terrible situations and turns them into good.

PRAYER: Lord, we pray that you will call many youths like Gyeong Ju to minister among the needy people of North Korea.

Verse of the Day - September 28, 2016


1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 2

The Daily Readings for September 28, 2016


Hosea 4:11-19
whoredom. Wine and new wine take away the understanding. My people consult a piece of wood, and their divining rod gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have played the whore, forsaking their God. They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and make offerings upon the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is good. Therefore your daughters play the whore, and your daughters-in-law commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery; for the men themselves go aside with whores, and sacrifice with temple prostitutes; thus a people without understanding comes to ruin. Though you play the whore, O Israel, do not let Judah become guilty. Do not enter into Gilgal, or go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear, "As the LORD lives." Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the LORD now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture? Ephraim is joined to idols-- let him alone. When their drinking is ended, they indulge in sexual orgies; they love lewdness more than their glory. A wind has wrapped them in its wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their altars.

Acts 21:15-26
After these days we got ready and started to go up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came along and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay. When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly. The next day Paul went with us to visit James; and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard it, they praised God. Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and they are all zealous for the law. They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. So do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. Join these men, go through the rite of purification with them, and pay for the shaving of their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself observe and guard the law. But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication." Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself, he entered the temple with them, making public the completion of the days of purification when the sacrifice would be made for each of them.

Luke 5:27-39
After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance." Then they said to him, "John's disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink. Jesus said to them, "You cannot make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, 'The old is good.'"

Morning Psalms

Psalm 101 Misericordiam et judicium
1   I will sing of mercy and justice; to you, O LORD, will I sing praises.
2   I will strive to follow a blameless course; oh, when will you come to me? I will walk with sincerity of heart within my house.
3   I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the doers of evil deeds; they shall not remain with me.
4   A crooked heart shall be far from me; I will not know evil.
5   Those who in secret slander their neighbors I will destroy; those who have a haughty look and a proud heart I cannot abide.
6   My eyes are upon the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me, and only those who lead a blameless life shall be my servants.
7   Those who act deceitfully shall not dwell in my house, and those who tell lies shall not continue in my sight.
8   I will soon destroy all the wicked in the land, that I may root out all evildoers from the city of the LORD.


Psalm 109 Deus, laudem
1   Hold not your tongue, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the wicked, the mouth of the deceitful, is opened against me.
2   They speak to me with a lying tongue; they encompass me with hateful words and fight against me without a cause.
3   Despite my love, they accuse me; but as for me, I pray for them.
4   They repay evil for good, and hatred for my love.
5   Set a wicked man against him, and let an accuser stand at his right hand.
6   When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his appeal be in vain.
7   Let his days be few, and let another take his office.
8   Let his children be fatherless, and his wife become a widow.
9   Let his children be waifs and beggars; let them be driven from the ruins of their homes.
10   Let the creditor seize everything he has; let strangers plunder his gains.
11   Let there be no one to show him kindness, and none to pity his fatherless children.
12   Let his descendants be destroyed, and his name be blotted out in the next generation.
13   Let the wickedness of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and his mother's sin not be blotted out;
14   Let their sin be always before the LORD; but let him root out their names from the earth;
15   Because he did not remember to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy and sought to kill the brokenhearted.
16   He loved cursing, let it come upon him; he took no delight in blessing, let it depart from him.
17   He put on cursing like a garment, let it soak into his body like water and into his bones like oil;
18   Let it be to him like the cloak which he wraps around himself, and like the belt that he wears continually.
19   Let this be the recompense from the LORD to my accusers, and to those who speak evil against me.
20   But you, O Lord my God, oh, deal with me according to your Name; for your tender mercy's sake, deliver me.
21   For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
22   I have faded away like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like a locust.
23   My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh is wasted and gaunt.
24   I have become a reproach to them; they see and shake their heads.
25   Help me, O LORD my God; save me for your mercy's sake.
26   Let them know that this is your hand, that you, O LORD, have done it.
27   They may curse, but you will bless; let those who rise up against me be put to shame, and your servant will rejoice.
28   Let my accusers be clothed with disgrace and wrap themselves in their shame as in a cloak.
29   I will give great thanks to the LORD with my mouth; in the midst of the multitude will I praise him;
30   Because he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save his life from those who would condemn him.


Evening Psalms

Psalm 119:121-128 Ayin Feci judicium
121   I have done what is just and right; do not deliver me to my oppressors.
122   Be surety for your servant's good; let not the proud oppress me.
123   My eyes have failed from watching for your salvation and for your righteous promise.
124   Deal with your servant according to your loving-kindness and teach me your statutes.
125   I am your servant; grant me understanding, that I may know your decrees.
126   It is time for you to act, O LORD, for they have broken your law.
127   Truly, I love your commandments more than gold and precious stones.
128   I hold all your commandments to be right for me; all paths of falsehood I abhor.


Psalm 119:129-136 Pe Mirabilia
129   Your decrees are wonderful; therefore I obey them with all my heart.
130   When your word goes forth it gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
131   I open my mouth and pant; I long for your commandments.
132   Turn to me in mercy, as you always do to those who love your Name.
133   Steady my footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134   Rescue me from those who oppress me, and I will keep your commandments.
135   Let your countenance shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes.
136   My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.


Psalm 119:137-144 Sadhe Justus es, Domine
137   You are righteous, O LORD, and upright are your judgments.
138   You have issued your decrees with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139   My indignation has consumed me, because my enemies forget your words.
140   Your word has been tested to the uttermost, and your servant holds it dear.
141   I am small and of little account, yet I do not forget your commandments.
142   Your justice is an everlasting justice and your law is the truth.
143   Trouble and distress have come upon me, yet your commandments are my delight.
144   The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; grant me understanding, that I may live.


New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

The Daily Meditation for September 28, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Jonathan Melton

Luke 5:27-28 (NRSV) After this [Jesus] went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him.

Surrendering the presumption to know whom God will call or in whom God will act is surely one of the most difficult things about being a Christian. But Jesus’ call of Levi reminds us that we cannot fathom the reach of God’s saving grace.

Levi is a puppet of the Roman Empire, having exchanged his birthright as a son of Israel for the opportunity to cheat his people through a sordid blend of idolatry and treason. And yet Jesus calls Levi into service—and Levi surrenders his old life. The surprise is less that Levi leaves his position and more that Jesus will have him.

Is there anything more fundamental to the witness of the gospels than the idea that Jesus speaks new life and possibilities to those who don’t deserve it? Jesus comes to raise the dead! I struggle on a daily basis to name my deadness, fearful that I might be disqualified from participation in the kingdom. But what if, as Levi’s calling suggests, accepting one’s deadness is God’s first gift to the saints?

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Our Daily Bread - Praying For You Today


By David McCasland

The Spirit himself intercedes for us . . . . [Christ Jesus] is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:26, 34)

When we face a perplexing situation or a tough problem, we often ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. It’s a great encouragement to know that others who care are holding us up to God in prayer. But what if you don’t have close Christian friends? Perhaps you live where the gospel of Christ is opposed. Who will pray for you?

Romans 8, one of the great, triumphant chapters of the Bible, declares, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. . . . The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Rom. 8:26–27). The Holy Spirit is praying for you today.

In addition, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (v. 34). The living Lord Jesus Christ is praying for you today.

Think of it! The Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ mention your name and your needs to God the Father, who hears and acts on your behalf.

No matter where you are or how confusing your situation, you do not face life alone. The Spirit and the Son are praying for you today!

Dear God, I bow in humble thanks for the prayers spoken by the Holy Spirit and by Your Son today—for me. What an amazing truth!

The Holy Spirit and Jesus are always praying for you.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Er betet für dich

Lesen: Römer 8,22-34 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 5–6; Epheser 1

Von David McCasland

Der Geist selbst vertritt uns . . . [Christus Jesus], der zur Rechten Gottes ist und uns vertritt. (Römer 8,26.34)

Wenn wir vor Problemen oder einer schwierigen Situation stehen, bitten wir oft unsere Geschwister im Glauben, für uns zu beten. Es ist eine große Ermutigung zu wissen, dass andere uns im Gebet zu Gott bringen. Aber was ist, wenn wir keine gläubigen Freunde haben? Vielleicht lebst du in einem Umfeld, wo man das Evangelium ablehnt. Wer betet dann für dich?

Römer 8, eines der gewaltigsten, beeindruckendsten Kapitel der Bibel, erklärt: „Wir wissen nicht, was wir beten sollen, wie sich’s gebührt; sondern der Geist selbst vertritt uns mit unaussprechlichem Seufzen . . . denn er vertritt die Heiligen, wie es Gott gefällt“ (Röm. 8,26-27). Der Heilige Geist betet heute für dich.

Und weiter: „Christus Jesus ist hier, der gestorben ist, ja vielmehr, der auch auferweckt ist, der zur Rechten Gottes ist und uns vertritt“ (V.34). Der lebendige Herr Jesus Christus betet heute für dich.

Stell dir das vor! Der Heilige Geist und der Herr Jesus Christus sagen Gott dem Vater heute deinen Namen und was du brauchst und er hört und hilft.

Egal, wo du bist und was dein Problem ist, du bist nicht allein. Der Geist und der Sohn beten heute für dich!

Lieber Gott, ich beuge mich vor dir und danke dir für die Gebete, die der Heilige Geist und dein Sohn heute vor dich bringen—für mich. Und ich kann nur staunen!

Der Heilige Geist und Jesus beten immer für dich.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Молитва за вас

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:22-34 | Библия за год: Исаия 5-6; 1 Коринфянам 16

автор: Дэвид Маккасланд

Сам Дух ходатайствует за нас... Христос Иисус... ходатайствует за нас. Римлянам 8:26, 34

Попадая в сложные ситуации, мы часто просим братьев и сестер во Христе молиться за нас. Очень утешительно знать, что кто-то переживает и ходатайствует за нас перед Небесным Отцом. Но что, если таких близких друзей нет? Что, если вы одиноки и живете во враждебном окружении? Кто помолится за вас?

В главе 8 Послания к римлянам, одном из самых возвышенных текстов Библии, Павел пишет: «Мы не знаем, о чем молиться, как должно, но Сам Дух ходатайствует за нас воздыханиями неизреченными... Он ходатайствует за святых по [воле] Божьей» (Рим. 8:26-27). Оказывается, сегодня Святой Дух вознес вас и вашу нужду в молитве перед Богом!

Более того, Христос также присоединяется к этой молитве. Он «умер, но и воскрес: Он и одесную Бога, Он и ходатайствует за нас» (Рим. 8:34). Божий Сын, находящийся по правую сторону престола величия на высоте, также просит Отца за вас!

Только подумайте! Святой Дух и Господь Иисус Христос называют ваше имя и приносят ваши нужды к Богу Отцу, Который слушает их и, конечно же, отвечает.

Неважно, где вы находитесь и какие трудности испытываете, вы не одиноки. Святой Дух и Божий Сын молятся за вас.

Боже, я смиренно склоняюсь и благодарю за молитвы, возносимые Святым Духом и Твоим Сыном за меня. Какая удивительная истина!

Святой Дух и Иисус Христос всегда молятся за вас.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - On prie pour vous aujourd’hui


par David McCasland

[L’Esprit] nous aide dans notre faiblesse […] et [Christ] intercède pour nous ! (Romains 8.26,34)

Devant une situation qui nous laisse perplexes ou un problème grave, nous demandons souvent à nos frères et soeurs en Christ de prier pour nous. Il est très encourageant de savoir que des gens qui se soucient de nous nous élèvent à Dieu en prière. Que faire, par contre, si vous n’avez pas d’amis chrétiens intimes ? Il se peut que vous viviez dans un endroit où l’on s’oppose à l’Évangile de Christ. Qui priera alors pour vous ?

Romains 8, l’un des grands chapitres empreints de victoire de la Bible, déclare : « [Nous] ne savons pas ce qu’il convient de demander dans nos prières. Mais l’Esprit lui‑même intercède […] parce que c’est selon Dieu qu’il intercède en faveur des saints » (RO 8.26,27). Il prie donc pour vous aujourd’hui.

De plus, « Christ est mort ; bien plus, il est ressuscité, il est à la droite de Dieu, et il intercède pour nous ! » (V. 34) C’est donc dire que le Seigneur Jésus‑Christ, qui est vivant, prie pour vous aujourd’hui.

Réfléchissez‑y un instant ! Le Saint‑Esprit et le Seigneur Jésus‑Christ mentionnent votre nom et vos besoins à Dieu le Père, qui les entend et agit en votre faveur.

Peu importe où vous vous trouvez et à quel point vous êtes dans la confusion, sachez que vous n’avez pas à affronter la vie seul. L’Esprit et le Fils prient pour vous aujourd’hui !

Le Saint‑Esprit et Jésus prient continuellement pour vous.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ