Sunday, September 25, 2016

Unser Täglich Brot - Ruhe für die Seele

Lesen: Matthäus 11,25-30 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 1–2; Galater 5

Von Joe Stowell

Seid stille und erkennet, dass ich Gott bin! (Psalmen 46,11)

Ich saß in einem Konzert, aber meine Gedanken wollten zu einem Problem wandern, das sich nicht abschütteln ließ. Zum Glück war die Ablenkung nur von kurzer Dauer, denn nun setzte ein Männerchor ein und die Worte des Liedes, das sie sangen, sprachen direkt zu meiner Seele. Tränen stiegen mir in die Augen, als mir wieder neu bewusst wurde, dass nur Gott wahren Frieden schenken kann:

Stille, mein Wille! Dein Jesus hilft siegen; Trage geduldig das Leiden, die Not; Gott ist’s, der alles zum Besten will fügen, der dir getreu bleibt in Schmerzen und Tod.

Als Jesus die unbußfertigen Städte rügte, in denen er die meisten Wunder getan hatte (Matth. 11,20-24), hatte er immer noch Worte des Trostes für die, die zu ihm kommen wollten. „Kommt her zu mir, alle, die ihr mühselig und beladen seid“, sagte er. „Lernt von mir; denn ich bin sanftmütig und von Herzen demütig; so werdet ihr Ruhe finden für eure Seelen“ (V.28-29).

Die Aussage ist verblüffend! Direkt nach dem harten Tadel an die Adresse jener, die ihn ablehnten, lud Jesus alle ein, zu ihm zu kommen, um den Frieden zu finden, nach dem wir alle uns sehnen. Jesus ist der Einzige, der unsere müde, ruhelose Seele zur Ruhe bringen kann.

Herr, ich komme jetzt zu dir, weil ich Ruhe brauche für mein Herz. Hilf mir, dir zu vertrauen und auf deine Liebe zu bauen.

Wenn wir unsere Gedanken auf Jesus richten, bringt er unser Denken zur Ruhe.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Успокоение души

Читать сейчас: Матфея 11:25-30 | Библия за год: Исаия 1-2; 1 Коринфянам 15:1-28

автор: Джозеф Стоуэлл

«Остановитесь и познайте, что Я – Бог».Псалом 45:11

Шел концерт, а я сидел, погруженный в собственные мысли. Был вопрос, который не давал покоя. Однако до моего слуха через пелену грустных мыслей донеслись слова прекрасного гимна. Мужская группа пела «Не унывай». Слезы полились из глаз, а душа впитывала слова о Божьем неизменном присутствии и Его блаженном мире: 

Не унывай! Господь всегда с тобой. Неси свой крест, в страданьях не ропщи. В руках Творца и ты, и жребий твой. Он верен нам, общенья с Ним ищи. Не унывай! Земное все пройдет; На небесах нас дом Отцовский ждет.

Обличая города, в которых не приняли Его свидетельства, несмотря на многие чудеса (Мф. 11:20-24), Спаситель, вопреки общему печальному положению, нашел слова утешения для обращающихся к Нему. Он сказал: «Придите ко Мне все труждающиеся и обремененные... научитесь от Меня, ибо Я кроток и смирен сердцем, и найдете покой душам вашим» (Мф. 11:28-29).

Удивительные слова! После сурового упрека в адрес непокаявшихся Господь обратился ко всем с призывом прийти к Нему и обрести мир. Иисус Христос – единственный, Кто может успокоить наши усталые, обеспокоенные души.

Я прихожу к Тебе, Господь, с нуждой о душевном мире. Помоги мне довериться Тебе и не сомневаться в Твоей любви.

Размышляя о Христе, мы обретаем Его мир.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Apaiser son âme

Lisez : Matthieu 11.25-30 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 1 – 2 et Galates 5

par Joe Stowell

Arrêtez, et sachez que je suis Dieu. (Psaume 46.11)

Tandis que j’attendais le début d’un concert, mon esprit est retourné à un problème harcelant. Heureusement, cette distraction n’a pas tardé à se dissiper alors qu’un magnifique cantique se traçait un chemin jusqu’au fond de mon être. Une chorale masculine chantait a cappella « Be Still, My Soul » (Sois apaisée, mon âme). Des larmes me sont montées aux yeux pendant que j’écoutais les paroles de cette chanson et que je sentais m’envahir la paix reposante que seul Dieu peut donner : 

Quel repos céleste ! Mon fardeau n’est plus, libre par le sang du Calvaire, tous mes ennemis, Jésus les a vaincus, gloire et louange à Dieu notre Père ! 

Lorsque Jésus a dénoncé l’incrédulité des villes où il avait accompli le plus de miracles (MT 11.20‑24), il a malgré tout réservé des paroles de réconfort à ceux qui viendraient à lui : « Venez à moi, vous tous qui êtes fatigués et chargés […] recevez mes instructions, car je suis doux et humble de coeur ; et vous trouverez le repos pour vos âmes » (V. 28,29).

Cette déclaration est frappante ! Immédiatement après avoir adressé des paroles percutantes à ceux qui le rejetaient, Jésus a invité tout le monde à s’approcher de lui afin de trouver la paix que nous désirons tous. Jésus est le seul à pouvoir apaiser notre âme fatiguée.

Gardons l’esprit fixé sur Jésus, et il nous gardera l’esprit en paix.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Night Light for Couples - Attitude Control


“Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:5

One morning, the late Bishop Fulton Sheen entered a greasy spoon for breakfast. “Bring me some ham and eggs and a few kind words for the day,” he said.

The waitress returned fifteen minutes later and set the food before him. “There,” she said. “What about the kind words?” he asked. She looked him over and replied, “I’d advise you not to eat them eggs!” Sometimes the first few events of the day make it clear it’s going to be a “downer.” No matter what you do, you can’t stop life’s bad turns: the car that rear‐ends yours on the way to work; the traffic jam that causes you to miss an important appointment. Yet you can choose your reaction to such irritating events.

We can live happily despite the ups and downs of everyday living, but to do so takes a great measure of dependence on Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said it best: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12–13).

Just between us…
  • Am I generally cheerful and optimistic—or gloomy and pessimistic?
  • How do I usually react when I’m disappointed or discouraged?
  • How do my mood swings affect you and our marriage? How can we respond more positively to difficult events?
Dear Father, we invite You to be at work in us—individually and in our relationship—to grow in us the same attitude as Jesus Christ. We don’t want to be ruled by circumstances or moods but by Your Spirit. Amen.
  • From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
    Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Daily Readings for September 25, 2016 - 19th Sunday after Pentecost


First Reading
Amos 6:1, 4-7

Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts! Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments of music; who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.

Psalm 146 Lauda, anima mea
1   Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
2   Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, for there is no help in them.
3   When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish.
4   Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the LORD their God;
5   Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps his promise for ever;
6   Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger.
7   The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
8   The LORD loves the righteous; the LORD cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.
9   The LORD shall reign for ever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!


Second Reading
1 Timothy 6:6-19

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time-- he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Holy Gospel
Luke 16:19-31

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Continuous Reading Track

Jeremiah 32:1-3, 32:6-15
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah was confined in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah, where King Zedekiah of Judah had confined him. Zedekiah had said, "Why do you prophesy and say: Thus says the LORD: I am going to give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it; Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came to me: Hanamel son of your uncle Shallum is going to come to you and say, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours." Then my cousin Hanamel came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the LORD, and said to me, "Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. And I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver. I signed the deed, sealed it, got witnesses, and weighed the money on scales. Then I took the sealed deed of purchase, containing the terms and conditions, and the open copy; and I gave the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel, in the presence of the witnesses who signed the deed of purchase, and in the presence of all the Judeans who were sitting in the court of the guard. In their presence I charged Baruch, saying, Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, in order that they may last for a long time. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
1   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
2   He shall say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust."
3   He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter and from the deadly pestilence.
4   He shall cover you with his pinions, and you shall find refuge under his wings; his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
5   You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6   Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
14   Because he is bound to me in love, therefore will I deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
15   He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I am with him in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him to honor.
16   With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.


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.

“When Life on Earth Ends – What’s Next?”

Luke 16:19-31
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

This is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Jesus helps us understand that there is life beyond this earthly life.

In our gospel lesson today, Jesus pulls back the curtain to help us catch a glimpse of life on the other side of death. This story is unique to the Gospel of Luke. The target of Jesus’ story is the self-righteous Pharisees (Luke 16:14). The Pharisees were “lovers of money” and sought to justify their own behavior, but God knows their hearts (Luke 16:14-15).

One of the Bible studies I enjoy doing is to take the high school youth group to the cemetery. While there, they look at the names, dates, and epitaphs on the tombstones. We then talk about the “dash” and study the promises of God and the resurrection of Jesus.

Perhaps you have heard the story about the message one man left on his tombstone. It said, “Consider, young man, as you walk by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you soon shall be, so prepare, young man to follow me.” That sounded very profound, but one fellow took a knife and scratched a response that read, “To follow you is not my intent; until I know which way you went!” There are only two directions you can go after death.

Act I
Jesus introduces us to a rich man, one who is extremely wealthy. He lives in a home with a gate to keep others away from him. His clothes were made of the finest purple. The process to get purple dye from shell fish was very expensive. The color was usually reserved for royalty. He had the very best.

His linen was produced from the flax that grew along the Nile River. It was white, very soft, and kept him cool in the warm weather. It was very expensive.

In contrast to the rich man, Lazarus was in need of everything. He had no home. His health was failing. He was an outcast. His only food is what was thrown out. His only companions were the stray dogs, who came and licked his oozing sores that covered his body. The rich man ignored his plight.

Rev. George Truett was a well known Texas preacher. He was invited to dinner in the home of a very wealthy oil man. After the meal, the host led him to a place where they could get a good view of the surrounding area. Pointing to the oil wells dotting the landscape, he boasted, “twenty-five years ago I had nothing; now as far as you can see, it’s all mine.” Looking in the opposite direction at the sprawling fields of grain, he said “That’s all mine.” Turning east toward huge herds of cattle, he bragged, “They are all mine.” Then pointing to the west and beautiful forests, he exclaimed, “That’s all mine.”

The man paused and expected Dr. Truett to compliment him on his great success. Truett, however, placing one hand on the man’s shoulder and pointing heavenward with the other simply said, “How much to you have in that direction?”

Notice that Jesus does not condemn the rich man for the money he had but for the compassion he did not have. He was guilty for a long time and failed to believe what his O.T. scriptures had said about the two choices beyond this earthly life. The rich man was condemned for his sin of omission, for what had not been doing. Blessed by God he failed to give God credit. He failed to care with acts of kindness and charity. His money bought lots of things but there are things that money can not buy.

Act II - A contrast in death.
While there was an obvious contrast in how the rich man and Lazarus lived, there was also a difference in their deaths. When Lazarus died, no one offered a proper burial or even a memorial service. He was simply carried by angels to heaven.

When the rich man died, the family provided a fantastic funeral. The family, as was the custom, hired professional mourners, purchased costly spices and used an elaborate tomb for burial. No doubt the whole town turned out for the funeral and listened to the countless eulogies offered. But he learned too late …… in hell, where he was in torment. He called to Abraham; he begged for just a drop of water to cool his tongue. Imagine the agony, the fire, an eternity without hope.

Jesus uses the words of Abraham to explain that it was absolutely impossible for Lazarus to come and help him now. There is a great chasm between heaven and hell that is fixed so that no one can cross over to the other side. The lost and redeemed are separated forever. There are no exit signs in hell. It is a place reserved for Satan, his demons and all who reject Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. It is a place of everlasting punishment.

I remember a long time ago, attending a seminar with the famous researcher and author, Dr. Elizabeth Kuebler-Ross. Her research and interview with terminally ill patients and families gave us the book “Death & Dying” During the question and answer period, someone asks, “You have told us about all the patients you interviewed over the years and you stated “They all saw or experienced good or light beyond death.” Did any of your research interview patients who saw evil or torment beyond death? Her answer was interesting, “Yes, but we discounted those because they were not real.”

In other words, Dr. Kuebler-Ross rejected the words of God in the Bible because she had no personal faith in Jesus, his death on the cross and his resurrection. Therefore she created her own illusion of life beyond death. She was an intellectual fool.

Act III
The rich man tries one more plea. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his family members. He did not want his brothers to join him in hell. He now knows the ultimate need for repentance and faith in God verses self. He wanted Lazarus to return – listen to his request --- “Father Abraham, if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”

Jesus makes God’s message plain. Abraham said, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead!" In other words, they have everything they need. They have their Bibles. They can listen to believers explain the way to heaven.

A recent poll reveals that 89% of Americans believe in heaven while only 73% believe in hell. But when asked where they think they will spend eternity, 3 out of 4 think they will go to heaven. At cocktail party’s, you will often hear a dime store philosopher sagely say, “Heaven and Hell are shaped by what you make out of life.” OR, “I believe that heaven and hell are right here on earth.” Amazingly almost everybody I’ve ever seen, swallows this balderdash and baloney and nod their heads in agreement. I pray you are not one of those folks.

Both Lazarus and the rich man survived their earthly funerals. Eternity awaits.

Listen to the words of Paul to the Christian church in Galatia. “All who rely upon observing the law, (the commandments) are under a curse, for it is written “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law. Clearly no one is justified before God by the Law.” Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by hanging on the cross. For “God forgave us all our sins, he canceled the written code with its regulations, that stood opposed to us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Col. 2:14)

In an interview with Fidel Castro, he was asked if he spends time pondering his own death. Here’s how he answered that question: “I have never thought much about that because I don’t attach much importance to what happens after I die.” That sounds like the rich man in our gospel lesson.

Paul wrote: “Brothers we do not want you to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep in the Lord, or grieve like the rest of humanity who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave.” (1 Thes. 4:16) “By faith we have peace with God through Jesus Christ” for there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved and experience eternal life in heaven. Yes, I know there is a hell because Jesus says so and God’s scriptures don’t lie. Yes, there is a heaven and God has provided us a way to arrive there safely.

God has done everything necessary to open the doors to heaven for you. His creation is his handiwork. He places believers near you to encourage you. He places believers near those who are spiritually lost and searching. God has placed an enormous stop sign on the road to hell and the sign is in the shape of a cross. God does not and has not offered a Plan B – which humans can invent. The road to heaven is prepared by the blood of Christ. Heaven is a free gift if … you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

Sermon shared by Clarence Eisberg
September 2007

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for September 25, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Jonathan Melton

1 Timothy 6:10-12 (NRSV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

The beautiful paradox of life as a disciple of Jesus is evident in instructions like Paul’s to Timothy, where “the good fight” is realized in the pursuit of gentleness. What kind of fight is won by gentleness?

Paul’s logic raises uncomfortable questions for us: To what extent is violence forgetting or forsaking the nearness of the Lord? Is impatience a sin against God’s presence? What are we to make of Paul’s contention that the love of money is violence toward oneself?

Paul exposes our ambitions as desperate attempts to live lives that do not need to trust God. To discover contentment, a deep trusting in God, is to realize each day what theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jean Vanier have written—the heart and call of the community of faith is to forgive and be forgiven.


Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BODY


If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26

It is a beautiful picture when the church of Jesus Christ operates as the Bible teaches for the benefit of the body.

On January 21st 2007, Dimitri from Uzbekistan was arrested and subsequently sentenced to four years in a labor camp because of his “illegal religious activities.” The labor camp in which he is being held is 850 kilometers from where his wife Marina and their three daughters live. They are allowed to visit him just a few times a year.

Marina is grateful for all the prayers for them and for all the encouragement which they have received through letters and cards.

“We’ve really experienced God’s faithfulness. He’s protected and blessed us, and He’s always been close when we’ve needed Him. We want to thank God, because He doesn’t leave us on our own. He helps us through tough times.

“I’ve visited Dimitri a few times and also taken the children with me a few times. His health is good and he’s even trying to encourage others. They have to get up early in the morning to start work. Often he doesn’t have the strength to pray, but then he senses that others are praying for him. He finds his strength in the Lord Jesus, tries not to become oppressed by the circumstances, and he thinks a lot about us. This helps him to survive.

“His Bible was confiscated by the guards and now he is writing out Bible texts from memory in a little notebook. In this way he has his own handwritten Word of God. He’d like to have his Bible back, but permission is still being refused.

“We’re thankful for the many friends who are supporting us and writing to us at this difficult time. I’d also like to thank everyone for their many prayers. Now I’m coming to understand what the Bible means when it says, ‘we are one body,’ because ‘if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.’”

RESPONSE: Today I will not just think about myself, but function as a vital member of the body of Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, bless prisoners like Dimitri who today may be feeling lonely. May they experience the blessing of realizing they are part of Your body.

Verse of the Day - September 25, 2016


1 John 2:1 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Read all of 1 John 2

Our Daily Bread - Words That Matter


By Tim Gustafson

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes . . . this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. (1 John 1:1)

Early in my days of working as an editor for Our Daily Bread, I selected the cover verse for each month’s devotional. After a while, I began to wonder if it made a difference.

Not long after that, a reader wrote and described how she had prayed for her son for more than twenty years, yet he wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Then one day he stopped by to visit her, and he read the verse on the cover of the booklet that sat on her table. The Spirit used those words to convict him, and he gave his life to Jesus at that very moment.

I don’t recall the verse or the woman’s name. But I’ll never forget the clarity of God’s message to me that day. He had chosen to answer a woman’s prayers through a verse selected nearly a year earlier. From a place beyond time, He brought the wonder of His presence to my work and His words.

John the disciple called Jesus “the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). He wanted everyone to know what that meant. “We proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us,” he wrote of Jesus (v. 2). “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us” (v. 3).

There is nothing magical in putting words on a page. But there is life-changing power in the words of Scripture because they point us to the Word of life—Jesus.

Thank You, Father, that Your Word is living and powerful!

Words that point us to Christ are always words that matter.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Worte, die wirken

Lesen: 1.Johannes 1,1-4 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hoheslied 6–8; Galater 4

Von Tim Gustafson

Was von Anfang an war, was wir gehört haben, was wir gesehen haben mit unseren Augen . . . vom Wort des Lebens . . . das verkündigen wir. (1.Johannes 1,1-3)

Als ich für Unser Täglich Brot zu arbeiten begann, war ich dafür zuständig, den Vers für die Titelseite auszuwählen.  Nach einer Weile fragte ich mich, ob das überhaupt wichtig war.

Kurz darauf schrieb eine Leserin, dass sie schon seit über zwanzig Jahren für ihren Sohn gebetet hätte. Aber er wollte nichts von Jesus wissen. Dann sah er eines Tages bei einem Besuch das Heftchen bei ihr liegen und las den Vers auf dem Titel. Der Heilige Geist sprach durch die Worte zu ihm und noch im selben Moment übergab er sein Leben Jesus.

An den Vers oder den Namen der Frau kann ich mich nicht mehr erinnern. Aber ich werde nie vergessen, wie deutlich Gott an jenem Tag zu mir sprach. Mit einem Vers, der fast ein Jahr vorher ausgewählt worden war, hatte er die Gebete einer Frau erhört und ließ mich erfahren, dass er in meiner Arbeit und in seinem Wort gegenwärtig ist.

Der Jünger Johannes nannte Jesus das „Wort des Lebens“ (1.Joh. 1,1). Er wollte, dass jedermann versteht, was das bedeutet. „Wir . . . verkündigen euch das Leben, das ewig ist“, schrieb er, „das beim Vater war und uns erschienen ist—, was wir gesehen und gehört haben, das verkündigen wir auch euch, damit auch ihr mit uns Gemeinschaft habt“ (V.2-3).

Es ist nichts Magisches dabei, Worte auf ein Blatt zu schreiben. Aber in den Worten der Bibel steckt eine Kraft, die Leben verändert, weil sie uns auf das Wort des Lebens hinweisen—Jesus.

Worte, die uns auf Jesus hinweisen, haben immer Wirkung.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Нужные слова

Читать сейчас: 1 Иоанна 1:1-4 | Библия за год: Песнь песней 6-8; 1 Коринфянам 14:21-40

автор: Тим Густафсон

О том, что было от начала, что мы слышали, что видели своими очами... о Слове жизни... возвещаем вам...1 Иоанна 1:1-2

Давным-давно, когда я еще работал редактором книги «Хлеб Наш Насущный», в мои обязанности входил подбор библейского стиха для каждого нового выпуска. Через некоторое время я стал задумываться, имеет ли это хоть какое значение.

Одна из наших читательниц написала письмо, в котором рассказывала, как молилась о своем сыне более двадцати лет, но тот не хотел иметь ничего общего со Христом. Однажды он приехал в гости и прочитал стих на обложке нашей книги. Бог употребил эти слова, чтобы обличить его, и он в тот же день обратился к Спасителю.

Я не помню ни того стиха, ни имени той женщины. Но я никогда не забуду то, что Господь открыл мне в тот день. Он решил ответить на молитву женщины через стих, который я выбрал для обложки год назад. С места, находящегося вне времени, Он совершил чудо через мой скромный труд и Свое великое Слово.

Апостол Иоанн назвал Иисуса Христа «Словом жизни» (1 Ин. 1:1). Он хотел, чтобы все понимали, что это значит. «Мы видели, и свидетельствуем, и возвещаем вам эту вечную жизнь, которая была у Отца и явилась нам», – писал он (1 Ин. 1:2). «О том, что мы видели и слышали, возвещаем вам, чтобы и вы имели общение с нами» (1 Ин. 1:3).

Нет ничего сверхъестественного в том, чтобы поместить несколько слов на странице. Но в словах Писания есть преображающая сила, потому что они указывают на Слово жизни – Иисуса Христа.

Слова, указывающие на Христа, важны всегда.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Des paroles qui ont du poids


par Tim Gustafson

Ce qui était dès le commencement, ce que nous avons entendu, ce que nous avons vu de nos yeux […] concernant la parole de vie. (1 Jean 1.1)

À mes débuts dans l’équipe de la rédaction du Notre Pain Quotidien, je choisissais le verset de la couverture des méditations de chaque mois. Après quelque temps, je me suis mis à me demander si cela était utile. Peu après, une lectrice m’a écrit qu’elle avait prié pour son fils pendant plus de vingt ans, sans qu’il s’intéresse à Jésus. Puis un jour, il était passé lui rendre visite chez elle et avait lu le verset apparaissant sur la couverture du NPQ posé sur la table. Or, l’Esprit s’était servi de ce verset pour le convaincre, si bien qu’il a donné sa vie à Jésus à l’instant même.

Je ne me rappelle ni le verset ni le nom de cette femme ; mais je n’oublierai jamais avec quelle clarté Dieu m’a parlé ce jour‑là. Il avait choisi d’exaucer les prières d’une femme par un verset choisi près d’un an auparavant. Avant même le début des temps, il a illuminé mon travail et ses paroles de sa merveilleuse présence.

Jean a appelé Jésus « la parole de vie » (1 JN 1.1) et voulait que tous sachent pourquoi : « [Nous] vous annonçons la vie éternelle, qui était auprès du Père et qui nous a été manifestée », a‑t‑il écrit au sujet de Jésus (V. 2). « [Ce] que nous avons vu et entendu, nous vous l’annonçons, à vous aussi, afin que vous aussi vous soyez en communion avec nous » (V. 3).

Il n’y a aucune magie dans le fait de coucher des mots par écrit, mais les paroles scripturaires ont le pouvoir de transformer notre vie, car elles nous tournent vers Jésus, la parole de vie.

Les paroles qui nous tournent vers Christ ont toujours du poids.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ