Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, June 7, 2018

Feeding the Five Thousand
Matthew 14:13-21

The Daily Readings
THURSDAY, June 7, 2018

Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3
Judgment and the Future Belong to God
3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for he has appointed a time for every matter, and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to human beings that God is testing them to show that they are but animals. 19 For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and humans have no advantage over the animals; for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knows whether the human spirit goes upward and the spirit of animals goes downward to the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that all should enjoy their work, for that is their lot; who can bring them to see what will be after them? 4:1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed—with no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power—with no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead, who have already died, more fortunate than the living, who are still alive; 3 but better than both is the one who has not yet been, and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

The Epistle
Galatians 3:1-14
Law or Faith
3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? 4 Did you experience so much for nothing?—if it really was for nothing. 5 Well then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” 7 so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.” 9 For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed. 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” 12 But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Gospel
Matthew 14:13-21
Feeding the Five Thousand
14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
(The disciples) replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, June 7, 2018


Father, I believe there is so much that I can do with my Life and right now I find myself in a state of question. I know that with Your assistance, absolutely anything is possible. Father help me to maintain a positive attitude and increase my confidence so that I can clearly feel You and hear You when You speak to my heart, knowing that You are working through me to fulfill Your Divine Purpose. I ask this through Jesus Christ's Most Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face.
Amen

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, June 7, 2018


1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 10

Listen to 1 Corinthians 10

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - What Is My Purpose in Life, and How Can I Be Certain of It?


What Is My Purpose in Life, and How Can I Be Certain of It?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

”Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This is the essence of our purpose. We are to honor God and advance his kingdom through who we are and in everything we do.

Through our cooperation with God’s Spirit who is at work within us, we can grow to the point that what we want aligns with what God wants—our passions and purposes are his passions and purposes; we think, speak, act and relate in a Christlike way. We will never be perfect or without struggle in this life, but we can be inwardly connected to Jesus (see John 15:1-8). We listen for the Spirit’s guidance. We cultivate our gifts. We live our lives pursuing God’s kingdom interests (see 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1).

But often this isn’t enough for us. We want to know our specific, individual purpose with certainty. We want the mystery solved. We want to find a unique purpose that focuses our energies and convinces us that our life counts.

Perhaps our feverish search for the specific is misguided. Maybe our need for certainty reflects our addiction to control and what Eugene Peterson calls “insiders’ pride.” God wants us to trust him, and sometimes knowing too much leads to trusting too little. Maybe letting go of the pressure to find our purpose—and instead following hard after God each new day—will center us squarely in the target.
Father, I believe there is so much that I can do with my Life and right now I find myself in a state of question. I know that with Your assistance, absolutely anything is possible. Father help me to maintain a positive attitude and increase my confidence so that I can clearly feel You and hear You when You speak to my heart, knowing that You are working through me to fulfill Your Divine Purpose. I ask this through Jesus Christ's Most Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face. Amen.
In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion taken from NIV Essentials Study Bible.
Sometimes knowing too much leads to trusting too little.

Un dia a la Vez - Activos, no pasivos


Activos, no pasivos

¿Por qué voy a inquietarme? ¿Por qué me voy a angustiar? En Dios pondré mi esperanza [...] ¡Él es mi Salvador y mi Dios!
~ Salmo 42:5 (NVI)

La pasividad no es una amiga para ninguno de nosotros. ¿Sabías que la pereza y la falta de motivación logran carcomerte por dentro? Los que vivimos en Estados Unidos sabemos que aunque aquí se trabaja fuerte, se vive el fenómeno de la tristeza y la soledad. No todos tienen sus familiares acá y se pueden sentir algunas de estas cosas que, llevadas al extremo, son nocivas.

En esos casos, no vas a tener tiempo para pensar mucho, más aun si se está en circunstancias que afectan tu vida como un divorcio, una separación, una pérdida de un ser querido o un trabajo. En estas situaciones, casi al instante dejamos de luchar para salir adelante. Entonces surge el sentimiento humano que es más a dejarse morir, sentirse derrotado, abandonado, y esto no ayuda para nada en la crisis. Claro está, todos los que hemos experimentado algún tipo de pérdida sabemos que se vivirá un luto y eso es normal. Lo que no debemos permitir es quedarnos estancados en esa etapa.

La actividad y la ocupación nos ayudarán a sentirnos útiles e importantes de nuevo. Si lo analizamos, Dios nos dice siempre en sus promesas que nos esforcemos y seamos valientes. También nos dice que en el mundo tendremos aflicción, pero que estemos tranquilos porque Él ha vencido al mundo. Además, nos afirma que no viviremos prueba más pesada de la que no podamos soportar. Por lo tanto, al leer el Manual de Instrucciones encontramos que Dios no nos abandonará.

¡Ponte en acción y sigue adelante!

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Sabías que la pereza y la falta de motivación logran carcomerte por dentro?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - MEMORIZING GOD’S WORD


MEMORIZING GOD’S WORD

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

When China’s best-known pastor, Wang Ming-dao, was finally released from prison, he stated, “In these past twenty years, I have not had a copy of the Bible. Happily between the ages of twenty-one to twenty-four, I spent my time at home doing the housework and studying the scriptures. I memorized many passages. These passages in my heart came out one by one and strengthened me. Had it not been for those words of God, then not only I, but many others, would also have been defeated.”

Pastor Lamb in southern China was in prison for many years at that same time. “I understood then why I had memorized so much of God’s Word while in Bible school,” he says. “I kept my sanity only by repeating Bible verses over and over.”

The best way the church can prepare for trials and persecution is by seriously studying and learning the Word of God. Christians need an overview of the whole Bible. Understanding God’s outline for mankind in the Bible aids in memorization as well.

What is the right attitude to bring to Bible study? Some read and study the Bible with the intent to get something from it to teach to others. But first, we should approach the Bible with the desire to see the goodness and loving-kindness of God and understand how “wide and long and high and deep” is His love for us (Ephesians 3:17-19). Let His love show you His supply for your own need and then you are better able to meet the needs of others.

Second, approach the Bible with humility. Study the Bible to discover what God has said. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform.

In restricted countries where Bibles are in short supply, pastors are often in a quandary as to which of the many spiritually needy he should share these precious books with. Progress in Bible memorization is one method they can use for determining who will receive the available Bibles. One house church group in Vietnam decided to give them to the believers who were most determined to use them. The criterion used was memory work. So Bibles were shared only with those who recited flawlessly Psalm 119—all 176 verses!

Open Doors is committed to provide God’s Word to those for whom it is not available. “It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes....” (Romans 1:16)

RESPONSE: Today I will memorize a new verse from God’s Word, the Bible.

PRAYER: Pray for the Christians in restricted countries where there is a shortage of God’s Word.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

NIV Devotionals for Men - A Majority of One


A Majority of One

Numbers 13:26–33
Recommended Reading: Psalm 18:1–50; Philippians 4:12–13

Have you ever met a man like Caleb? Oh, they’re out there all right. All you have to do is look around.

Think of your neighbor down the street who has taken it upon himself to replace his entire kitchen. He’s done the homework, learned from others and bravely undertaken the demolition with a seeming fearlessness that you admire. Think of a boss you once had who was wildly optimistic in the face of competition and adversity. He strategized with an enthusiasm that inspired you and your coworkers. Think of the disabled young girl in your community who refuses to let her physical disabilities keep her from a normal life with her friends.

All of these people face obstacles with a courage that defies the circumstances they face. Their drive seems to gather momentum despite adversity. Do they always succeed? No, but they don’t let fear stop them in their tracks before moving ahead.

Caleb faced similar pressure to despair after his spy mission in Canaan. Ten of his fellow spies panicked when they saw the size of some of the people living in Canaan—enemies the Israelites would need to defeat in order to claim the promised land. “There’s no way we can beat them,” the other spies assessed. “They’re too powerful.”

Caleb’s scouting report reflected a different perspective. He wasn’t impressed by the size of the Anakites—he was bowled over by the power of the One who had held back the waters of the Red Sea. He didn’t fear the fighting force of the Amalekites—it paled in comparison to the artillery of the One who had brought Egypt to its knees. He brushed aside doubts that God would protect the Israelites—this wasn’t any more of a challenge for God than the manna, quail and water he had provided in the desert.

Caleb surveyed the obstacles in front of him and concluded that nothing else was a match for God’s power.

Have you reached the same conclusion regarding the obstacles in your life? Perhaps the financial crisis that seems hopeless? The coworkers who are hostile to your Christian faith? The medical crisis that is turning your world upside down? The destructive habit no one else knows about?

Instead of allowing the problem at hand to overwhelm you, think about the Resource at your disposal. Make a mental list of past situations in which God protected you, provided for you and cared for you. Refuse to be intimidated by your spiritual enemies—no matter how enormous they seem. Remind yourself of the One who is on your team. And be the guy in your neighborhood whose optimism in the face of adversity inspires others.

To Take Away
  • What problems or obstacles are overwhelming you right now?
  • How can you show the same boldness Caleb displayed in dealing with your own troubles?
  • Make a list of instances in which you sensed God’s protection, provision or care. When you pray, ask God to remind you of these blessings whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed.
What problems or obstacles are overwhelming you right now?

Girlfriends in God - Do I Really Have To?


Do I Really Have To?

Today’s Truth

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
~ James 4:17 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Case in point…

My husband asked if I could run to pick up his dry cleaning while he was on a conference call for work. Sure. So I drove across town, paid, grabbed what they gave me, and then headed home.

“Are my suit pants cleaned too?” Brad asked when I brought the dry cleaning in the house.

“I’m sure they are, honey. I remember seeing them in the bag when I dropped them off.”

I checked. No suit pants.

“There are only shirts here, Brad, but I do remember there being a dark pair of pants in there last week when you gave me the bag!”

“I definitely had pants in there,” he replied. “Can you please call the dry cleaners and find out where they are?”

Sure.

“Hello, mister dry cleaner man. When I dropped my husband’s clothes off last Wednesday there was a pair of suit pants in the bag. I just picked up his laundry a little bit ago and the pants are not with his order. Can you please check on those?”

“Mrs. Smith, our records show that we took in 18 shirts, but no pants. I’m sorry.” He said matter-of-factly.

“Sir,” I responded as my pulse began to rise, “My husband and I both remember there being a pair of his suit pants in the bag when I dropped it off on Wednesday. There must be a mistake and we need to figure this out. Are there any pants around your store that are unaccounted for? The missing suit pants are navy with a thin blue pinstripe.”

“Ma’am,” he began with an abrasive, defensive edge, “we don’t have pants just ‘lying around.’ We only took in 18 shirts. Beyond that, I don’t know what to tell you. People think they drop things off all the time, but we very rarely ever lose anything.”

Really?

I was more than agitated at this point. “Well, sir, what I know is this: my husband and I both remember his suit pants being in the bag that I dropped off to you last Wednesday. He can’t wear a suit without pants. This is pretty important. Can you please take my number and call us if and when you find them?”

“Yep. I have your number.” Then he finished with this smug gem, “I don’t expect them to show up, but will call you if they do.”

“Great. Thanks.” Click.

I was in a tizzy. Brad and I began to discuss the fact that we both knew his pants were in the bag… and then a thought came to my mind … which took me to the garage. And there, on the floor behind my drivers seat were his navy, pinstriped suit pants. Still dirty and blending in with the dark floor carpet of my car. Ugh! I walked back in the house and updated Brad.

“Do you think you should call and let the dry cleaner know that you found them?” He asked.

Inside I knew I should, but didn’t want to.

“No. I don’t want to. I don’t like him.” I replied childishly.

Almost instantly the Word of God convicted me. “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17)

Doggone it. I have to call him back.

I reluctantly dialed the number again.

“Hello! Dry cleaning company, how can I help you?”

“Hi. We talked a few minutes ago about my husband’s suit pants, and I am calling back to let you know that I found them in the back floor of my car. They must’ve fallen out of the bag. I’m sorry.”

His voice softened. “Well, thanks for calling back. Most people wouldn’t do that. I appreciate it. Have a good day.”

My brow was still furrowed when I hung up. No halo hovered above my head and my grumpy ‘tude still had a grip on me. Taking that step of obedience meant swallowing my pride and I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to do it. But I know it was required in response to my love for Christ.

Why is it sometimes hard for me to do the right thing?

Why is it hard to WANT to do the right thing sometimes?

I ponder the questions, yet know the answer: because on my own, I’m stubborn and self-seeking. Thankfully, by grace God’s Spirit works within to lead, correct, and guide.

Obedience to God is a battle that can only be won by surrendering. It’s a constant battle: my will versus God’s will. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey Him. (John 14:15, 21, 23) Even when and if we don’t want to.

Where does this find you today? Is there anything that you know you should do, but haven’t done?

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Thank you for loving me even when I’m less than lovable. Please lead me in Your ways, refine my stubborn heart, and help me do the good You call me to do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read John 14. This is a conversation Jesus had with His disciples on the night He was betrayed. Jesus made many bold statements here. Which verses stood out to you today? What is your personal takeaway or challenge? Post your response or a prayer on my blog wall where we meet to encourage and pray for each other regularly.


More from the Girlfriends

Did today’s message resonate with you? If so, let Gwen come along side of you in your journey. I WANT IT ALL is a book filled with relatable stories, Scriptural depth, and practical points for personal application. And it has a Bible Study guide included in the back! Order yours today from Amazon, or get a signed copy from her website.

SPECIAL OFFER: Gwen is offering a 20% OFF discount on the I Want It ALL book from her site when you use the coupon code: 20OFFClick here to get yours now.

Stay up with Gwen on her blog, and connect with her on Facebook & Instagram.

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

http://girlfriendsingod.com/events/
Sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Case in point…

LHM Devotion - June 7, 2018 - Kept Promises

https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/default.asp?date=20180607

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Kept Promises"

Jun. 7, 2018

(Jesus said) "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

We live in a land of opportunity, but no nation, not even ours, can give our hearts happiness or our souls rest.

When it comes to these things, we are on our own. We have to carry our own burdens; we are still yoked to our own sorrows and shortcomings. We still must navigate our own rivers of disappointment alone.

Unless ... that's a big word ... unless we hear the invitation which comes from the Son of God.

This is what He said: "Come to Me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Did you listen carefully? Jesus makes a promise that no country can. Now, the Statue of Liberty may extend an invitation to the poor and huddled masses, but that's all it can do. It can't guarantee anything after people pass through the golden door.

But God's Son, Jesus Christ, goes way beyond giving an invitation. He makes a commitment: "Come to Me, and I will give you rest." And that isn't the end of His promise. In the next verses He says that if we get hitched up to Him, we will find our burdens are light. Jesus is promising that our rivers of disappointments can be reduced to manageable and fordable creeks.

Yes, I know it sounds impossible. But I'm telling you the truth. No, Jesus is telling you the truth.

Jesus is inviting everyone who is weary, which means all of us, to come to Him. Now I'm going to make a distinction here. Jesus is not talking about being "tired." You know tired, the bodily exhaustion that comes from having watched a two-year-old for an entire day and night when he has the flu. Tiredness is a bodily condition. Now, Jesus can help with tiredness, but in this passage from the Bible, He's making an invitation to those who are weary.

Weariness is a condition of the heart, the conscience, and the soul.

Weariness comes to most of us through worry. And Jesus is promising to take our worry, put it into perspective, and give us rest. And if you're wondering how this looks in reality, this may help: I know one couple who found Jesus' promise was true.

They were talking, and I mean that they were not arguing, but talking about their financial difficulties, and the wife sort of sighed, "I hope the day is going to come when we'll be rich and not have to juggle our money around this way."

Her husband, smilingly, took her hands in his and said, "Darling, we have the Lord; we have each other; we have our health; we have two beautiful children, and our house is a happy one. We are rich, maybe, someday, we'll have money!"

That's what happens when you have been given Jesus as your Savior from sin, death, and devil. It is what happens when you have learned from Him; when you have been yoked to Him, when He walks daily with you. You find you can deal with the burdens which once had been so distracting, so disastrous, and so discouraging.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, pains and problems are part and parcel of life in this sinful world. I give thanks for the Redeemer who has rescued my soul for eternity. May I also rejoice in His ongoing companionship which helps with the living of each day. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
We live in a land of opportunity, but no nation, not even ours, can give our hearts happiness or our souls rest.

CPTLN Devocional de 7 de Junio de 2018 - No sabía


ALIMENTO DIARIO

No sabía

07 de Junio de 2018

Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, pero la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.
~ Romanos 6:23 (RVC)

La paga del pecado es muerte. Esta sentencia de Dios suena dura para algunas personas.

¿Qué cree usted? ¿Es demasiado dura? Si así lo cree, lo siguiente puede que le ayude. La Comisión para la Seguridad de Productos al Consumidor del gobierno de los EE.UU. ha implementando un programa que prohíbe la venta de cualquier objeto que no cumpla con los niveles de plomo establecidos por el gobierno.

Si está pensando qué tiene que ver eso con usted, déjeme preguntarle: ¿Alguna vez hizo una venta en su garaje o donó cosas a alguien? ¿Sabe si esas cosas cumplían con los niveles de plomo aceptados por el gobierno?

Si no sabía nada de esto, le informo que hay un libro de 24 páginas donde se detalla todo lo que está prohibido, y también hay una página de Internet que dice qué es ilegal. Y si lo descubren vendiendo algo que está en esa lista, le pueden poner una multa.

¿De cuánto es la multa? Puede llegar a los $100,000 por infracción. En una entrevista realizada a Inez Tenenbaum, la entonces Directora de la CPSC, dijo: "Quienes revenden artículos para niños que han sido retirados del mercado, no sólo están quebrantando la ley, sino que también están poniendo en peligro la vida de los niños."

Se trata de un asunto serio, por lo que el gobierno tomó medidas serias. No quieren su dinero; lo que quieren es que usted haga lo correcto.

Así fue con el Señor. Él no quería que Adán y Eva pecaran, sólo quería que estuvieran agradecidos por lo que Él había hecho. Quería que hicieran lo correcto. Pero ellos no lo hicieron, y usted ya sabe el resto de la historia.

De la misma forma, espero que también sepa la historia del Salvador, porque después que la muerte entrara al mundo, las cosas era oscuras, muy oscuras. Tan oscuras, que el Señor tuvo misericordia de sus hijos desesperados y sin esperanza, y decidió enviar a su Hijo a rescatarnos.

El Padre permitió que Jesús naciera, lo vio sufrir, morir y resucitar. Y todo eso lo hizo por nosotros, para que podamos ser perdonados y salvados. Esa es la gracia de Dios en acción.

ORACIÓN: Amado Señor, me arrepiento de todos mis pecados y te doy gracias porque Jesús ha pagado por ellos. Perdóname, y concédeme que pueda ser menos prejuicioso y más agradecido por tu misericordia y gracia. En su nombre. Amén.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL.
La paga del pecado es muerte. Esta sentencia de Dios suena dura para algunas personas.

Хлеб наш насущный - И в истине

https://russian-odb.org/2018/06/07/%d0%b8-%d0%b2-%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b5/

И в истине

Читать сейчас: Софонии 1:1-6; 2:1-3 | Библия за год: 2 Паралипоменон 28-29; Иоанна 17

Господь, Бог... будет милостив по любви Своей, будет торжествовать о тебе с ликованием.Софонии 3:17

Несколько лет назад меня пригласили на свадьбу, где жених и невеста были из разных стран. Такое смешение культур может выглядеть красиво, но в тот раз во время бракосочетания христианские традиции смешались с ритуалами поклонения множеству странных божеств.

Пророк Софония сурово осуждал смешение других религий с верой в единого Бога (это называется синкретизм). Жители Иудеи поклонялись истинному Богу, но также просили помощи у языческого бога Молоха (Соф. 1:5). Софония осуждал такое принятие чужой религии и культуры (Соф. 1:8) и предупреждал, что за это Бог выселит иудеев из их страны.

Но Бог никогда не переставал любить Свой народ. Его суд должен был показать людям, как они в Нем нуждаются. Поэтому Софония побуждал иудеев: «Взыщите Господа... взыщите правду, взыщите смиренномудрие» (Соф. 2:3). Если они сделают это, Бог обещал прощение и восстановление: «В то время приведу вас и тогда же соберу вас» (Соф. 3:20).

Легко осуждать примеры очевидного синкретизма, как на той необычной свадьбе. Но на самом деле мы все склонны смешивать Божью истину с небиблейскими проявлениями своей культуры. Поэтому нам нужно водительство Святого Духа, чтобы проверять свои убеждения в свете Божьего Слова и твердо стоять за истину. Небесный Отец с готовностью принимает тех, кто поклоняется Ему в духе и истине (см. Ин. 4:23-24).
Когда я в беде, куда я обращаюсь? Трудности показывают, на что я надеюсь. Полностью ли я полагаюсь на Бога? Что еще мне нужно доверить Ему?
Бог всегда готов простить и восстановить.


© 2018 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Несколько лет назад меня пригласили на свадьбу, где жених и невеста были из разных стран. Такое смешение культур может выглядеть красиво, но в тот раз во время бракосочетания христианские традиции смешались с ритуалами поклонения множеству странных божеств.