Standing Strong Through the Storm - REMEMBER

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14

Joshua led the Israeli army in the fight against their long-time enemies, the Amalekites. Moses went up to the top of the nearby hill. As long as his hands were held up, the Israelis were winning. When he grew tired of holding up his hands, he sat on a rock and Aaron and Hur each held up one of Moses’ arms till sunset when Joshua finally overcame the enemy.

The Lord instructs this event to be “remembered.” It was to be written down—the first time in scripture—as a permanent reminder. God’s people are explicitly called to remember both God’s deliverance and His judgment of the wicked.

The Bible records a number of events that people remembered. After Jacob’s dream at Bethel, he used the stone pillow on which he slept as a pillar of remembrance. After the Israelis finally crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, they took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan and set them up as a memorial about which they were to tell their children. Memorials help us to remember what God has done and enable us to trust Him for the future.

Esdras is a church leader in southern Mexico. He is also a lawyer and therefore is able to stand up for the rights of many indigenous people who are persecuted for their Christian faith.

He will always remember a significant event when God’s protection was evident. He says, “I was visiting in Mitziton, an area where more than half of the community are Christians. The authorities wanted to turn two hundred Christians out of their homes and drive them out of the town. I intervened and was able to prevent them from having to leave. After this, I was publicly threatened with death. That day I was not able to return to my hometown and we spent the night in the home of a Christian. It was outside the town and there were no houses nearby.

“At about eleven o’clock in the evening, a strange sensation came over me. Something seemed wrong, but I didn’t know what the matter was. At a quarter to twelve, two trucks turned up with twelve men. They were heavily armed with guns. I was completely alone with Marilene and our little baby. That day, we happened not to have any connection to the radio or mobile phone. I couldn’t phone anyone and there was no chance of calling for help. The attackers came closer and closer. They called out, ‘Now we’ve got him. He can’t get away now. Now we’re going to shoot him dead.’

“Suddenly something unexpected happened. The gardener, an old man who lived in the grounds, turned on the lights around the house. I hadn’t asked him to do anything. When the attackers saw all those lighted lamps, they cried, ‘Where have all those guards come from?’

“They slunk off and we were spared. Maybe they saw angels, who had come to guard us.” Esdras now travels the world and remembers publicly God’s great deliverance.

RESPONSE: Today I will commit to remember the acts of God in my life and record them for the future.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for remembrance days we have of Your blessings and Your deliverance.

NIV Devotions for Men - Word Choice

Proverbs 15:1–15

Recommended Reading: Psalm 34:13–14; James 3:1–12

The ability to master our mouths, watch our words and tame our tongues demonstrates a level of spiritual and emotional maturity. The opposite is true as well. An inability to control our speech shows immaturity, and it can inflict great harm on our relationships.

Solomon addresses the importance of controlling our words by contrasting positive and negative speech. In each case, the effects end up as opposites: peacefulness or wrath, knowledge or folly, healing or a crushed spirit. In other words, when we fail to control our tongue, we don’t just fail to give, or be, a blessing. We also cause a wound that can rupture a relationship.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, states that he asks audiences whether they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about or to anyone. Invariably, a few people answer “yes,” but most call out “no!” He responds, “Those who can’t answer ‘yes’ have a serious problem. If you can’t go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you’re addicted to alcohol. If you can’t last 24 hours without smoking, you’re addicted to nicotine. And if you can’t make it 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you’ve lost control of your tongue.”

How can you tell whether your tongue is under control? You won’t say anything about an individual that you can’t say directly to that person. You resist the urge to exaggerate. You consciously examine your thoughts and remove gossip and rumors from your conversations. You keep in confidence a personal matter that someone else shares with you. Further, you learn to speak positive words. Appropriate words communicate affirmation, comfort and healing.

When was the last time you said something to another person that you instantly regretted? Maybe it was something intended as a joke that was instead taken as an offense, or perhaps it was a sharp word spoken in anger that you wish you could have taken back. Think of a specific situation, and then challenge yourself to rectify the hurt. While you may not be able to take back the words themselves, you can humbly submit yourself to that person and begin to rebuild the relationship.

To Take Away

• Do you think most men struggle with controlling their words? Why or why not?
• How would others evaluate your speech? Would they say that your words more frequently heal or wound?
• What steps can you take to gain tighter control over your tongue?

Girlfriends in God - When Mercy Meets Messy

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ (John 8:10, NIV)

Friend to Friend

A four-year-old girl was overheard reciting the Lord’s Prayer, “and forgive us our trash baskets, as we forgive those who pass trash against us.” When I first heard that story, I smiled. Then I thought of a conversation I had had recently with a girlfriend.

She is a Christian friend. But though she has “emptied her trash basket” of sin before the Lord in sincere repentance, she has not emptied it of self-condemnation. Not completely. She holds the trash basket lid on tightly.

She is haunted by shame. Haunted by mistakes that are no longer remembered by a holy God. Haunted by sins that have been cast as far as the east is from the west.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. (Psalm 103:11-13)

These memories haunt her regularly like a spine-chilling horror film monster. As much as she would like to move forward in forgiveness, she just can’t find the courage to scare the monster away.

In the New Testament book of John, chapter 8, we meet a woman caught in the act of adultery. The legalistic teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought her before Jesus. They publicly humiliated her in front of all the town’s people, saying to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” (John 8:4-5)

Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger as they continued to question him. Finally, “He straightened up and said to them, ‘“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground” (John 8:7-8).

The crowd eventually thinned to nothing. The older, wiser men cleared first. Then the younger ones trickled away. When the adulterous woman and Jesus were the only ones remaining:

“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:10-12).

My sister, do you see that our holy Lord delights to show us mercy? He does not condemn us as we deserve. The woman in this story was guilty when she was brought to face Jesus, but as she left His presence, her guilt was forgiven. Her trash basket was empty.

When we turn to face Jesus with repentant hearts, our guilt is forgiven as well.

TOSS YOUR TRASH

This account of the adulterous woman teaches us about forgiveness and about judging and condemning others. But what does this lesson teach us about judging ourselves?

While my friend's trash basket contained junk from other people, the lingering condemnation came from memories of decisions she'd made, things she'd done, and brokenness she has experienced because of her own choices. In her heart, she accepts the forgiveness of Jesus, but she can’t bear to forgive herself.

So many women won’t forgive themselves.

I know that self-loathing. I’ve lived it. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that forgiving yourself is easy. It’s hard—and, in a lot of ways, it should be! But I can testify that it wasn’t until I prayerfully allowed the stubborn, strong, and unconditional love of Jesus to pry my fingers off the lid of my trash basket and empty the condemning contents, that I experienced true freedom and complete forgiveness.

Is there something that you have not been able to forgive yourself for?

My friend, we need to stop beating ourselves up for sins of our past.

We need to stop allowing guilt and shame to chain us to unproductive living.

Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human, endured an excruciating death, and then defied the grave in His resurrection so that we could be restored to a place of complete healing.

Complete healing.

Second Corinthians 5:21 states that “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” If you are in Christ, the Bible says that your guilt was paid for on the cross of Calvary. Jesus carried the sins of the world on His shoulders so that you would not have to carry them on yours.

If you are holding on to un-confessed sin, the time has come for you to release your grip. God’s Word promises that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

None of us are perfect, just perfectly forgiven in Christ.

Take your hand off the lid and allow the Lord to empty your trash basket of every last condemning voice once and for all. Embrace the freedom that Jesus intends for you to live in.

Let’s Pray

Holy Father, Your mercy defies logic. I don’t deserve it, and I don’t understand how You could possibly forgive me for all that I have done. Please take my trash basket and empty it. Forgive me today and help me to forgive myself, and others, so I can live freely in Your amazing grace.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Recite, write, and memorize these verse: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Prayerfully share this with a friend who might need to read this message.

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen’s book Broken Into Beautiful. Every step of forgiveness begins with the heart of God. If you’d like to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God’s beauty, get your copy today. To order the book go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen’s web store.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more abouthow to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

http://www.girlfriendsingod.com

Un Dia a la Vez - Jamás los conocí

«No todo el que me dice: “Señor, Señor”, entrará en el reino de los cielos, sino solo el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre». Mateo 7:21

Vamos llegando al final de nuestros veintiún días de aprendizaje, o solo de repaso, a fin de poder tener muy presente las cosas que nos alejan de Dios. De seguro que ahora todos estamos con el mismo deseo: Hacer su voluntad.

Cuando analizo las siguientes palabras del Señor: «Jamás los conocí» (Mateo 7:23), solo digo: ¡Qué terrible!! A veces nos creemos muy sabios, muy espirituales, y que tenemos el cielo ganado. Incluso, hay quienes dicen tener a Jesús, pero nunca le han entregado su vida, a pesar de que hacen y dicen cosas en su nombre, pero es en vano.

Por eso la lectura de estas palabras del Señor nos pone a pensar y a reflexionar en lo que hacemos o dejamos de hacer en nuestra vida cristiana. Aunque muchos digan «Señor, Señor», o por más cosas que hagan en la tierra en su nombre, no todos estarán en su presencia. Y aquí quiero que prestes mayor atención. La salvación, o sea, la vida eterna, es un regalo inmerecido que recibimos por la gracia de Dios. Así que mi llamado es a que seamos honestos, transparentes y sinceros delante de Dios, ya que a Él no lo podemos engañar. Él conoce nuestro corazón.

Verse of the Day - November 10, 2016

Job 37:5-6 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’

Read all of Job 37

Martin Luther, Father of Protestantism

Born on this date, November 10th, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther, known as the Father of Protestantism. Luther had studied to become a lawyer before becoming an Augustinian monk in 1505, and was ordained a priest in 1507. While continuing his studies in pursuit of a Doctor of Theology degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the theology and practices of the church. His challenge of 95 theological issues in 1517, intended to spark debate to reform the church, eventually led to a separation instead. The term "Lutheran" was the name applied to Luther and his followers. Although intended as an insult, it quickly became a badge of honor.

On October 31, 1517, Luther posted a challenge on the church door at Wittenberg University to debate 95 theological issues. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.

What started as an academic debate escalated to a religious war, fueled by fiery temperaments and violent language on both sides. As a result, there was not a reformation of the church but a separation. "Lutheran" was a name applied to Luther and his followers as an insult but adopted as a badge of honor by them instead.

Luther died at the age of 63 on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, Germany

The Daily Readings for November 10, 2016

Joel 2:21-27
Do not fear, O soil; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! Do not fear, you animals of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit, the fig tree and vine give their full yield. O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the LORD your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

James 1:1-15
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away. Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God" for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.

Luke 15:1-2, 15:11-32
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe-- the best one-- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate. "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

Morning Psalms

Psalm 23 Dominus regit me
1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2   He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
3   He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4   Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5   You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6   Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 27 Dominus illuminatio
1   The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2   When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, it was they, my foes and my adversaries, who stumbled and fell.
3   Though an army should encamp against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid;
4   And though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
5   One thing have I asked of the LORD; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life;
6   To behold the fair beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
7   For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock.
8   Even now he lifts up my head above my enemies round about me.
9   Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
10   Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
11   You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." Your face, LORD, will I seek.
12   Hide not your face from me, nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13   You have been my helper; cast me not away; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
14   Though my father and my mother forsake me, the LORD will sustain me.
15   Show me your way, O LORD; lead me on a level path, because of my enemies.
16   Deliver me not into the hand of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, and also those who speak malice.
17   What if I had not believed that I should see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
18   O tarry and await the LORD'S pleasure; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart; wait patiently for the LORD.

Psalm 83 Deus, quis similis?
1   O God, do not be silent; do not keep still nor hold your peace, O God;
2   For your enemies are in tumult, and those who hate you have lifted up their heads.
3   They take secret counsel against your people and plot against those whom you protect.
4   They have said, "Come, let us wipe them out from among the nations; let the name of Israel be remembered no more."
5   They have conspired together; they have made an alliance against you:
6   The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; the Moabites and the Hagarenes;
7   Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines and those who dwell in Tyre.
8   The Assyrians also have joined them, and have come to help the people of Lot.
9   Do to them as you did to Midian, to Sisera, and to Jabin at the river of Kishon:
10   They were destroyed at Endor; they became like dung upon the ground.
11   Make their leaders like Oreb and Zeëb, and all their commanders like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12   Who said, "Let us take for ourselves the fields of God as our possession."
13   O my God, make them like whirling dust and like chaff before the wind;
14   Like fire that burns down a forest, like the flame that sets mountains ablaze.
15   Drive them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm;
16   Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, that they may seek your Name.
17   Let them be disgraced and terrified for ever; let them be put to confusion and perish.
18   Let them know that you, whose Name is YAHWEH, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 85 Benedixisti, Domine
1   You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2   You have forgiven the iniquity of your people and blotted out all their sins.
3   You have withdrawn all your fury and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4   Restore us then, O God our Savior; let your anger depart from us.
5   Will you be displeased with us for ever? will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6   Will you not give us life again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7   Show us your mercy, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
8   I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9   Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
10   Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11   Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12   The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.
13   Righteousness shall go before him, and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

Psalm 86 Inclina, Domine
1   Bow down your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and in misery.
2   Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; save your servant who puts his trust in you.
3   Be merciful to me, O LORD, for you are my God; I call upon you all the day long.
4   Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
5   For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, and great is your love toward all who call upon you.
6   Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7   In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, for you will answer me.
8   Among the gods there is none like you, O LORD, nor anything like your works.
9   All the nations you have made will come and worship you, O LORD, and glorify your Name.
10   For you are great; you do wondrous things; and you alone are God.
11   Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.
12   I will thank you, O LORD my God, with all my heart, and glorify your Name for evermore.
13   For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the nethermost Pit.
14   The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent men seeks my life; they have not set you before their eyes.
15   But you, O LORD, are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16   Turn to me and have mercy upon me; give your strength to your servant; and save the child of your handmaid.
17   Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed; because you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

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 November 10, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Luke 15:31-32 (NRSV) Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours…was lost and has been found.”

The message of today’s parable—that God is always ready to embrace us, even when we have strayed—is a lovely and reassuring story. But even as a child I felt badly for the good son—I could relate.

With one sister who was a rebel and another who was often sick, I didn’t require the same amount of attention. Despite my many blessings as an adult, I sometimes still resent the perception of favoritism. Maybe some of you have felt this way too. It doesn’t seem fair.

I am learning—slowly, in fits and starts—that my idea of fair is perhaps not God’s. I think about the parable of the workers in the vineyard: All are paid the same amount, even though some have worked full days and others only a few hours.

The question is not whether I deserve more than another, but whether I receive what I need. In that blessed equation, I am rich indeed. And on the days when I can be my best self, I can celebrate and rejoice with my family. On the other days, I bid your prayers.

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Our Daily Bread - A New Purpose

By Bill Crowder

Read: Mark 1:16–22 | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 48–49; Hebrews 7

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17

Jacob Davis was a tailor with a problem. It was the height of the Gold Rush in the 1800s American West and the gold miners’ work pants kept wearing out. His solution? Davis went to a local dry goods company owned by Levi Strauss, purchased tent cloth, and made work pants from that heavy, sturdy material—and blue jeans were born. Today, denim jeans in a variety of forms (including Levi’s) are among the most popular clothing items in the world, and all because tent material was given a new purpose.

Simon and his friends were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Then Jesus arrived and called them to follow Him. He gave them a new purpose. No longer would they fish for fish. As Jesus told them, “Come, follow me, . . . and I will send you out to fish for people” (Mark 1:17).

With this new purpose set for their lives, these men were taught and trained by Jesus so that, after His ascension, they could be used by God to capture the hearts of people with the message of the cross and resurrection of Christ. Today, we follow in their steps as we share the good news of Christ’s love and salvation.

May our lives both declare and exhibit this love that can change the lives, purposes, and eternal destinies of others.

Help me, Lord, to represent You well so that others might be drawn to Your love and salvation.

With our new life in Christ we have been given a new purpose.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Un nuevo propósito

Por Bill Crowder

Leer: Marcos 1:16-22 | La Biblia en un año: Hebreos 7

… dijo Jesús: Venid en pos de mí, y haré que seáis pescadores de hombres (Marcos 1:17).

Jacob Davis era sastre y tenía un problema. La fiebre del oro estaba en su apogeo en el Oeste norteamericano del siglo xix, y los pantalones para trabajar de los mineros se desgastaban permanentemente. ¿Cómo lo solucionó? Fue a una compañía local de productos textiles cuyo dueño era Levi Strauss y compró tela para tiendas. Con ese material pesado y fuerte, fabricó los pantalones…y así nacieron los vaqueros o jeans. En la actualidad, estos pantalones (incluidos los Levis) están entre las prendas más populares del mundo; todo porque a la lona de carpas se le dio un nuevo propósito.

Simón y sus amigos eran pescadores en el mar de Galilea. Entonces, llegó Jesús y los llamó para que lo siguieran; y les dio un nuevo propósito. Ya no pescarían peces; Jesús les dijo: «Venid en pos de mí, y haré que seáis pescadores de hombres» (Marcos 1:17).

Con este nuevo propósito en sus vidas, Jesús capacitó a estos hombres para que, después de su ascensión, Dios pudiera utilizarlos para cautivar los corazones de las personas con el mensaje de la cruz y su resurrección. Hoy seguimos los pasos de ellos cuando compartimos la buena noticia del amor y la salvación que Cristo ofrece.

Señor, ayúdame a declarar y demostrar este amor que cambia la vida, el propósito y el destino eterno de las personas.

Con la nueva vida en Cristo, se nos ha dado un nuevo propósito.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ein neuer Zweck

Von Bill Crowder

Lesen: Markus 1,16-22 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jeremia 48–49; Hebräer 7

Und Jesus sprach zu ihnen: Folgt mir nach; ich will euch zu Menschenfischern machen. Markus 1,17

Jacob Davis war Schneider und hatte ein Problem. Er lebte im 19. Jahrhundert auf der Höhe des Goldrausches im Westen Amerikas. Die Goldschürfer trugen Hosen, die schnell kaputtgingen. Also ging Davis ins nächste Kaufhaus, das einem Levi Strauss gehörte, kaufte Zeltplanen und fertigte aus dem schweren, robusten Stoff Arbeitshosen an—die Bluejeans war geboren. Heute gehören Denim-Jeans in allen möglichen Varianten (einschließlich Levi‘s) zu den beliebtesten Kleidungsstücken auf der Welt und das nur, weil Zeltplanen einen neuen Verwendungszweck bekamen.

Simon und seine Freunde waren Fischer am See Genezareth. Dann kam Jesus und rief sie auf, ihm zu folgen. Er gab ihnen einen neuen „Verwendungszweck“. Sie sollten nicht mehr Fische fischen, sondern, wie Jesus sagte: „Folgt mir nach; ich will euch zu Menschenfischern machen“ (Mark. 1,17).

Mit diesem neuen Lebenszweck wurden sie von Jesus ausgebildet und trainiert, damit sie nach seiner Himmelfahrt von Gott dazu gebraucht werden konnten, Menschenherzen mit der Botschaft von Kreuz und Auferstehung Jesu zu erreichen. Wenn wir heute die gute Nachricht von Jesu Liebe und Erlösung verbreiten, folgen wir in ihren Fußstapfen.

Möge unser Leben diese Liebe ausstrahlen, die Menschenleben, Lebenszweck und das ewige Schicksal anderer verändern kann.

Hilf mir, Herr, dich so auszustrahlen, dass andere zu deiner Liebe und Erlösung hingezogen werden.

Mit dem neuen Leben in Christus haben wir auch einen neuen Lebenszweck erhalten.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Новое применение

автор: Билл Краудер

Читать сейчас: Марка 1:16-22 | Библия за год: Иеремия 48-49; 2 Фессалоникийцам 3

И сказал им Иисус: «Идите за Мной, и Я сделаю, что вы будете ловцами людей». — Марка 1:17

У портного Джейкоба Дэвиса возникло затруднение. Был разгар золотой лихорадки на Американском Западе. Штаны старателей не выдерживали напряженной работы и рвались слишком быстро. Поразмыслив, Дэвис обратился в местную галантерейную компанию, принадлежавшую Леви Штраусу, закупил партию холста для палаток и начал шить рабочие штаны из этого грубого и крепкого материала. Так появились первые джинсы. Сегодня это один из самых популярных во всем мире видов одежды. А началось все с того, что тканям для тентов нашли новое применение.

Симон и его друзья были рыбаками на Галилейском море. Однажды к ним подошел Иисус и призвал следовать за Собой. Их рыбацкой жизни нашлось новое применение. «Идите за Мной, и Я сделаю, что вы будете ловцами людей», – сказал им Господь (Мк. 1:17).

Обретя новую цель, они прошли школу веры под руководством Спасителя и, когда Он вознесся, стали Божьим орудием в достижении сердец людей вестью о кресте и воскресении Господа. Сегодня мы идем по их следам, распространяя в мире Благую весть о спасении во Христе и Его любви.

Пусть вся наша жизнь станет свидетельством о благодати, изменяющей судьбы и сердца.

Помоги мне, Господь, хорошо представлять Тебя в мире, чтобы и другие были привлечены Твоим спасением и Твоей любовью.

С новой жизнью во Христе мы получили новую цель.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Notre Pain Quotidien - Une nouvelle destinée

par Bill Crowder

Lisez : Marc 1.16‑22 | La Bible en un an : Jérémie 48 – 49 et Hébreux 7

Jésus leur dit : Suivez‑moi, et je vous ferai pêcheurs d’hommes. (Marc 1.17)

Le tailleur Jacob Davis avait un problème à régler : la Ruée vers l’or des années 1800 battait son plein dans l’Ouest américain et les pantalons des chercheurs d’or s’usaient trop vite. Sa solution ? Davis s’est rendu dans un commerce local de nourriture sèche que Levi Strauss possédait, y a acheté du tissu pour fabriquer des tentes et a fait des pantalons de travail de cette étoffe pesante et résistante. Le jeans est ainsi né. De nos jours, le jeans de denim sous diverses formes (y compris les Levi’s) compte parmi les vêtements les plus prisés, et cela, simplement parce que l’on a eu l’idée un jour de donner une nouvelle utilité au tissu servant à la confection de tentes.

Simon et ses amis étaient pêcheurs sur la mer de Galilée. À son arrivée auprès d’eux, Jésus leur a demandé de le suivre. Il leur a donné du même coup une nouvelle utilité (destinée), car ils allaient désormais pêcher des hommes plutôt que des poissons : « Suivez‑moi, et je vous ferai pêcheurs d’hommes » (MC 1.17).

En raison de cette nouvelle destinée qu’était la leur, Jésus a enseigné à ces hommes et les a formés de manière à ce qu’après son ascension, Dieu puisse les utiliser pour gagner le coeur des gens au moyen du message de la croix et de la résurrection de Christ. Aujourd’hui, nous suivons leur exemple en propageant la bonne nouvelle de l’amour et du salut de Christ.

Puisse notre vie déclarer et manifester cet amour, capable de transformer des vies et des destinées pour l’éternité.

Avec une nouvelle vie en Christ vient une nouvelle destinée.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ