Standing Strong Through the Storm - SOURCE OF PEACE

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Five Christian students were walking home from an Open Doors seminar in east Africa and passed a young Muslim man walking into the bush with a rope in his hand. He tied the rope around a tree. The students asked, “What are you doing?”

“I want to kill myself,” he replied. “Why?”

“I say my prayers five times a day and I read the Qur’an. I have money, a wife and children, but I have no peace. I want peace. That is my one big wish.”

The students applied what they have learned and witnessed to this man named Keder. They told him that the Qur’an teaches that Jesus is a prophet but He is also the Saviour of everyone who accepts Him as Lord. He is the Prince of Peace. Keder left the rope in the tree and decided to give this Saviour a try. The students took him to church and after prayer Keder said, “I’ve found the peace I was seeking.”

The following day Keder showed up at the seminar. A stranger wearing a Muslim hat scared the teacher at first but he continued. In the afternoon, Keder asked to give his testimony. “Until now, Islam was the only genuine religion for me because it was straightforward. I studied the Qur'an for five years and I did my rituals daily but none of that gave me peace. That is why I decided to kill myself. Then I met five of you Christians yesterday. I used to hate Christians, but when you witnessed and prayed for me, everything changed. Muslims are hurting without the knowledge of the Scriptures, therefore pray for them.” Keder is now secretly studying the Bible and attending church. He is the first Muslim in his area to accept Christ. His Bible study leader says that he attends regularly and arrives early to talk about Jesus before the Bible study starts. Jesus’ peace makes him unafraid and he wants to witness. He is even prepared to die for Jesus.

RESPONSE: Today I will rest in the promises of the Prince of Peace and not be fearful.

PRAYER: Pray for Muslims who are hurting from the lack of knowledge of the scriptures and the source of true peace.

Men of the Bible - Lazarus

His name means: "God Helps"

His work: Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, the family who hosted Jesus in their home when he traveled through Bethany.
His character: Little is known about Lazarus other than that he was one of Jesus' close friends.
His sorrow: Lazarus had a terminal illness and eventually succumbed to it.
His triumph: Very few have had the experience of hearing Jesus' voice from the tomb. Lazarus was such a person.
Key Scriptures: John 11 

A Look at the Man

The story of Lazarus's resurrection is filled with ironies.

We know where Lazarus lived—Bethany—and the names of his two sisters—Mary and Martha—but we have no record of a single word he spoke or even a mention of what he was like. We don't know his occupation, who his parents were, or, if he was married, the names of his wife and children.

If it hadn't been for his special friendship with the Savior, Lazarus's death wouldn't even have merited a footnote in the gospel account. Yet his story is one of the most well-known in all of Scripture.

When word reached Jesus that Lazarus was deathly ill, Jesus seemed unaffected—almost cavalier—about it. Of course, people bringing bad news to Jesus would have been a nonstop event during his waking hours, but Lazarus was his friend—his good friend. Jesus suggested that he and his disciples should visit Bethany—in two days!

Like a wife kindly taking her husband aside to challenge his bad manners, we can imagine the disciples suggesting that Jesus might want to reconsider his decision. "How will this look to the family?" they may have counseled.

"I'm doing this for you," was Jesus' perplexing response.

At the same time, the disciples were not eager to travel west to Bethany. No doubt, they would have to go through Jerusalem where, just a few days before, a handful of Jewish leaders had threatened to stone Jesus. He had said, "My Father and I are one," and these people weren't willing to accommodate a man who claimed to be equal with God.

Two days later the disciples were willing to take their chances. Helping a desperate friend like Lazarus was more urgent than any danger they may have encountered. As they reached the outskirts of Bethany, first Martha and then Mary ran to meet Jesus, reporting the news he already knew. Once again Jesus did not seem eager to help—at least not within Martha and Mary's time frame.

Jesus asked where Lazarus's body was entombed and made his way to the site along with a cadre of curious—and a few cynical—onlookers. At no point in this story, however, did he seem to be in a hurry.

Soon he arrived at the cemetery. Can you envision Jesus standing in front of his friend's burial cave? It had been four days since Lazarus had died. His two sisters, now standing at Jesus' side, were in a quandary. They were hoping for a miracle, but they were just as concerned about how much their decaying brother's body would smell. The people who had come, standing behind Jesus and Lazarus's sisters, completed the picture.

Everyone stopped talking as Jesus lifted his head to the heavens to pray. "Father," he began, "I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you would. But for the benefit of these people standing here, I especially thank you for listening this time."

People shifted nervously in their places, but no one spoke. Those in the back of the crowd craned their necks to see what might happen next.

"Lazarus, come out!" Jesus said in a voice much louder than anyone had ever heard him use. The living God had just spoken. If he hadn't identified his friend by name, every crypt in the entire cemetery would have emptied.

And then Lazarus appeared. In his own time and with only the sound of his voice, the Messiah had brought a corpse to its feet.

The final irony was that the Savior raised Lazarus from the dead with his voice but didn't speak the removal of Lazarus's grave clothes. He certainly could have finished the job, but he didn't. Instead, a man wrapped tightly from head to foot stood there in front of his own burial cave—and in front of everyone. "Take off the grave clothes and let him go," Jesus ordered the gawking crowd.

The last act of this incredible miracle—the unbinding and releasing of the man—was left to his family and friends.

Reflect On: John 11:38–42
Praise God: For his resurrection power.
Offer Thanks: For God’s love for you, for calling you by name and redeeming you from darkness into the light of his glory.
Confess: Your complacency, your willingness to make the best of your “tombs” rather than daily abandoning them and walking into the light.
Ask God: To fill you with the same sense of wonder and gratitude that Lazarus felt as he stood in the mouth of his burial crypt. And ask him to show you others who need your hands to unwrap their “grave clothes.”

Girlfriends in God - Outcomes and Offerings

by Susie Larson

Today’s Truth

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

Friend to Friend

Isn’t it something how we may think we understand a certain truth or concept and then God drives it deeper into our souls? He is profoundly wise in the way that He teaches us the secrets of the Kingdom. He unveils truth to the degree that we’re ready to receive it, believe it, and walk in it.

I’ve recently begun to understand—on a deeper level—that though God cares about my choices, He does not owe me the outcome that I expect to result from my choices. Plain and simple, He is my master. He decides how my life will go. My efforts (in every area of life) are an offering to the Lord. They’re not a factor in an equation that guarantees a certain outcome.

Whatever we do, we must do it as unto God, trusting Him to take our offering and multiply it according to the need of the moment and according to His perfect will in His perfect time. Outcomes are in His hands.

People (including our children, spouses, friends, bosses, etc.), have a free will to choose as they will. And God, in His sovereignty works all things together for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28).

Once the offering (of raising our kids, loving our spouses, serving our bosses, etc.) leaves our hands, we must remember that we cannot control the outcome. But we can rest and trust knowing that God treasures every seed we sow, every offering we bring, and every prayer that we pray.

When we even begin to think that our efforts guarantee a certain outcome in the lives of others, we put ourselves above God, for even He does not exert His will in another’s life without their invitation.

If we view our efforts as a foolproof method or formula, we may become impossibly prideful and even judgmental. For example, if we apply certain parenting principles while raising our children, and none of them go off the deep end, we’ll tend to attribute their success to our investment. We’ll wonder why others don’t just do the formula. The truth is, even our most sincere efforts fall painfully short without the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives.

Our whole lives are an offering. Our choices do matter. And it’s true that what we sow, we grow. But must not discount other’s free will or even the mystery and sovereignty of God. We love our kids, for the glory of God. We bless our husbands, for the glory of God. We respect our bosses for the glory of God.

If we attach an expectation to our efforts, we begin to see God as a means to an end. When in truth, He owes us nothing. But He’s offered us everything.

Please hear me clearly: it matters that we apply godly principles to raising our children. It matters that we honor the authority in our lives and that we love and respect our spouses. But if we tie a string from our efforts to the outcome we expect, we’ll either experience disappointment or we’ll take the credit for something God deserves the glory for.

I’m convinced that if we view our whole lives as an offering to God, and we trust Him to do what only He can do, we’ll actually be surprised by His divine involvement in our lives. With a humble heart and open hands, we’ll lift our arms in praise, knowing and proclaiming that every good gift comes from above.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession (James 1:16-18, NLT).

Let’s Pray

Father in Heaven, I humble myself before You with open hands and an expectant heart. You know the desires of my heart. You know the seeds I’ve sown. I pray You’ll move and multiply in the way that only You can. Take my offering and turn it into a miracle! But in the meantime, I bow low, I open my hands, and I trust that You are God of the harvest. You will perfect that which concerns me. You will make something beautiful of me and of my story. I love You, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

In what ways have you sown seeds but not yet seen the harvest? (i.e. children, marriage, finances, your calling)

Faith calls for engagement and surrender calls for release; and yet we’re called to both of these simultaneously. Write out a prayer of engaged faith, and wholehearted surrender.

More from the Girlfriends

Be sure to check out Susie’s book on how to revolutionize your prayer life: Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God With a Bold and Humble Faith and visit her website at www.susielarson.com.

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Click here to find out more abouthow to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por cambios en la vida

Me has dado a conocer la senda de la vida; me llenarás de alegría en tu presencia, y de dicha eterna a tu derecha. Salmo 16:11

Padre santo, queremos agradecerte este nuevo día y decirte que eres lo más importante para nosotros. Cada día que pasa vemos tu amor incondicional y disfrutamos de tus bendiciones.

Dios mío, gracias porque permites cambios en mi vida y conoces mi necesidad. A veces, tomo decisiones equivocadas, pero tú me guías a toda verdad.

Aunque no entendamos todo lo que nos pasa, sabemos que con tu amor nos cuidarás y nos darás nuevas oportunidades.

Ayúdame a aprender de mis errores y dame la fortaleza para superar las cosas que debo dejar y cambiar.

Entrego el resto de este día en tus manos y descanso en tu Palabra.

En el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.

Verse of the Day - November 18, 2016

John 17:17 (NIV) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Read all of John 17

The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, November 18, 2016

 

Malachi 3:1-12
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. Then I will draw near to you for judgment; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts. For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished. Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, "How shall we return?" Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, "How are we robbing you?" In your tithes and offerings! You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me-- the whole nation of you! Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will count you happy, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

James 5:7-12
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "Yes" be yes and your "No" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Morning Psalms

Psalm 102 Domine, exaudi
1   LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.
2   Incline your ear to me; when I call, make haste to answer me,
3   For my days drift away like smoke, and my bones are hot as burning coals.
4   My heart is smitten like grass and withered, so that I forget to eat my bread.
5   Because of the voice of my groaning I am but skin and bones.
6   I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, like an owl among the ruins.
7   I lie awake and groan; I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house-top.
8   My enemies revile me all day long, and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.
9   For I have eaten ashes for bread and mingled my drink with weeping.
10   Because of your indignation and wrath you have lifted me up and thrown me away.
11   My days pass away like a shadow, and I wither like the grass.
12   But you, O LORD, endure for ever, and your Name from age to age.
13   You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to have mercy upon her; indeed, the appointed time has come.
14   For your servants love her very rubble, and are moved to pity even for her dust.
15   The nations shall fear your Name, O LORD, and all the kings of the earth your glory.
16   For the LORD will build up Zion, and his glory will appear.
17   He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; he will not despise their plea.
18   Let this be written for a future generation, so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD.
19   For the LORD looked down from his holy place on high; from the heavens he beheld the earth;
20   That he might hear the groan of the captive and set free those condemned to die;
21   That they may declare in Zion the Name of the LORD, and his praise in Jerusalem;
22   When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms also, to serve the LORD.
23   He has brought down my strength before my time; he has shortened the number of my days;
24   And I said, "O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; your years endure throughout all generations.
25   In the beginning, O LORD, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
26   They shall perish, but you will endure; they all shall wear out like a garment; as clothing you will change them, and they shall be changed;
27   But you are always the same, and your years will never end.
28   The children of your servants shall continue, and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight."

Evening Psalms

Psalm 107: Part I Confitemini Domino
1   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, and his mercy endures for ever.
2   Let all those whom the LORD has redeemed proclaim that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3   He gathered them out of the lands; from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
4   Some wandered in desert wastes; they found no way to a city where they might dwell.
5   They were hungry and thirsty; their spirits languished within them.
6   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
7   He put their feet on a straight path to go to a city where they might dwell.
8   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
9   For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
10   Some sat in darkness and deep gloom, bound fast in misery and iron;
11   Because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12   So he humbled their spirits with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was none to help.
13   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
14   He led them out of darkness and deep gloom and broke their bonds asunder.
15   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
16   For he shatters the doors of bronze and breaks in two the iron bars.
17   Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; they were afflicted because of their sins.
18   They abhorred all manner of food and drew near to death's door.
19   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
20   He sent forth his word and healed them and saved them from the grave.
21   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
22   Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.
23   Some went down to the sea in ships and plied their trade in deep waters;
24   They beheld the works of the LORD and his wonders in the deep.
25   Then he spoke, and a stormy wind arose, which tossed high the waves of the sea.
26   They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; their hearts melted because of their peril.
27   They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits' end.
28   Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
29   He stilled the storm to a whisper and quieted the waves of the sea.
30   Then were they glad because of the calm, and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for.
31   Let them give thanks to the LORD for his mercy and the wonders he does for his children.
32   Let them exalt him in the congregation of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

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 FRIDAY, November 18, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Psalm 102:1 (NRSV) LORD, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.

I wept when my mother was wheeled into surgery. Later she told me how surprised she was that I had cried so much. You always seem so strong, she said. I didn’t know you cared so much. Her words were a blow. Inside, I often feel fragile as porcelain lace but somehow I had erected an exterior so tough that my own mother didn’t know my aches and fears.

When we embrace a bootstrap philosophy, we make it hard to show weakness. But stoicism is anathema to the life God calls us to live. There is no extra credit for taking our lumps with a brave face, for acting as if the trials of life don’t affect us. We need tender hearts. We need to bare our own pain and help bear the suffering of others.

It is actually impossible to pick yourself off the ground by pulling up your own bootstraps. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, to do as the psalmist does and plead with God to hear our cries. When we stop hiding our faces from the Lord in times of trouble, we can begin to embrace the weak as strong, the poor as mighty, and our God as constant companion.

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Our Daily Bread - Love Without Borders

By Randy Kilgore

Read: Luke 22:39–46 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 8–10; Hebrews 13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

During the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900, missionaries trapped in a home in T’ai Yüan Fu decided their only hope for survival rested on running through the crowd that was calling for their deaths. Aided by weapons they held, they escaped the immediate threat. However, Edith Coombs, noticing that two of her injured Chinese students had not escaped, raced back into danger. She rescued one, but stumbled on her return trip for the second student and was killed.

Meanwhile, missionaries in Hsin Chou district had escaped and were hiding in the countryside, accompanied by their Chinese friend Ho Tsuen Kwei. But he was captured while scouting an escape route for his friends in hiding and was martyred for refusing to reveal their location.

In the lives of Edith Coombs and Tsuen Kwei we see a love that rises above cultural or national character. Their sacrifice reminds us of the greater grace and love of our Savior.

As Jesus awaited His arrest and subsequent execution, He prayed earnestly, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.” But He concluded that request with this resolute example of courage, love, and sacrifice: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His death and resurrection made our eternal lives possible.

Lord, may the world see our love for each other—and the deeds that come from it—as a great testimony to the bond of unity we have in You. May they want to know You too.

Only the light of Christ’s love can eliminate the darkness of hatred.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Amor sin fronteras

Por Randy Kilgore

Leer: Lucas 22:39-46 | La Biblia en un año: Hebreos 13

Nadie tiene mayor amor que este, que uno ponga su vida por sus amigos (Juan 15:13).

Durante el levantamiento de los bóxer en China, en 1900, los misioneros rodeados en una casa en T’ai Yüan Fu decidieron que la única esperanza de sobrevivir era correr entre la multitud que gritaba que murieran. Ayudados por sus armas, escaparon de la amenaza inmediata. Sin embargo, Edith Coombs, al notar que dos de sus alumnos chinos heridos no habían escapado, volvió. Rescató a uno, pero, al regresar por el otro, tropezó y la mataron.

Mientras tanto, los misioneros de Hsin Chou habían escapado y estaban escondidos. Ho Tsuen Kwei, un amigo chino que los acompañaba, fue capturado cuando buscaba un camino para que ellos escaparan, y lo mataron por negarse a revelar dónde estaban.

Edith y Tsuen son ejemplos de un amor que sobrepasa lo cultural y nacional. Su sacrificio nos recuerda la gracia y el amor ilimitados de nuestro Salvador.

Mientras Jesús esperaba que lo arrestaran y ejecutaran, oró con fervor: «Padre, si quieres, pasa de mí esta copa». Pero concluyó ese ruego con una decidida muestra de valentía, amor y sacrificio: «pero no se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya» (Lucas 22:42). Su muerte y resurrección hicieron posible que podamos vivir eternamente.

Señor, que nuestro amor unos por otros sea un testimonio al mundo de la unidad que tenemos en ti, y que deseen conocerte también.

Solo la luz del amor de Cristo puede disipar la oscuridad del odio.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Liebe ohne Grenzen

Von Randy Kilgore

Lesen: Lukas 22,39-46 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 8–10; Hebräer 13

Niemand hat größere Liebe als die, dass er sein Leben lässt für seine Freunde. Johannes 15,13

Während des Boxeraufstands in China im Jahr 1900 wurden Missionare in einem Haus eingeschlossen. Ihre einzige Überlebenschance bestand darin, durch die Menge, die ihren Tod forderte, mitten hindurchzurennen. Mit ausgestreckten Waffen konnten sie der unmittelbaren Gefahr entrinnen. Eine der Missionarinnen, Edith Coombs, stellte jedoch fest, dass zwei ihrer verletzten chinesischen Schüler nicht dabei waren. Sie lief zurück und konnte einen retten. Als sie den zweiten holen wollte, stolperte sie und wurde getötet.

Währenddessen hatten Missionare im Distrikt Hsin Chou fliehen können und versteckten sich auf dem Land. Mit ihnen war ihr chinesischer Freund Ho Tsuen Kwei. Aber bei der Suche nach einem Fluchtweg für seine Freunde wurde er geschnappt und gefoltert, weil er das Versteck nicht verraten wollte.

Im Leben von Edith Coombs und Tsuen Kwei sehen wir eine Liebe, die sich über kulturelle oder nationale Schranken hinwegsetzt. Ihr Opfer erinnert uns an die größere Barmherzigkeit und Liebe unseres Erlösers.

Als Jesus auf seine Verhaftung und spätere Hinrichtung wartete, betete er: „Vater, willst du, so nimm diesen Kelch von mir.“ Aber er schloss seine Bitte mit beispiellosem Mut, Liebe und Opferbereitschaft: „Doch nicht mein, sondern dein Wille geschehe!“ (Luk. 22,42) Sein Tod und seine Auferstehung schenken uns ewiges Leben.

Herr, lass die Welt die Liebe sehen, die wir untereinander haben—und die Taten, die daraus entstehen—als Zeugnis für das Band der Einheit in dir, damit auch sie dich kennen lernen wollen.

Nur das Licht Jesu kann die Finsternis des Hasses erhellen.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Любовь без границ

автор: Рэнди Килгор

Читать сейчас: Луки 22:39-46 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 8-10; 2 Тимофею 2

Нет больше той любви, как если кто положит душу свою за друзей своих. — Иоанна 15:13

Во время Ихэтуаньского восстания в Китае в 1900 г. миссионеры, оказавшиеся в окружении в городе Тай Янь Фу, решили, что единственный шанс спастись для них – это прорываться сквозь толпу. Благодаря оружию в руках, им удалось выйти из опасной зоны. Но Эдит Кумбс, заметив, что двое ее китайских учениц остались позади, решила вернуться. Одну девочку она смогла вывести в безопасное место, но, когда она отправилась за второй, ее убили.

Примерно в то же время миссионеры в области Хсин Чоу прятались в лесу, опекаемые их китайским другом по имени Хо Тсен Квей. Повстанцы захватили его и замучили до смерти, пытаясь выбить из него местонахождение миссионеров.

Эдит Кумбс и Тсен Квей – пример любви, которая выше культуры и национальности. Их жертва напоминает нам о еще большей любви Спасителя.

Ожидая взятия и казни, Иисус молился: «Отче! О, если бы Ты благоволил пронести чашу эту мимо Меня! Впрочем, не Моя воля, но Твоя да будет» (Лк. 22:42). Его смерть и воскресение открыли нам дверь в вечную жизнь.

Господи, пусть мир увидит нашу любовь друг ко другу как величайшее свидетельство единства в Тебе. Пусть окружающие люди тоже захотят познать Тебя.

Только свет Христовой любви может рассеять тьму ненависти.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - L’amour sans frontières

par Randy Kilgore

Lisez : Luc 22.39‑46 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 8 – 10 et Hébreux 13

Il n’y a pas de plus grand amour que de donner sa vie pour ses amis. Jean 1.5

Durant le mouvement des Boxeurs, qui s’est manifesté en Chine en 1900, des missionnaires assiégés dans une maison de T’ai Yüan Fu ont décidé qu’ils n’avaient d’autre chance de survie que de traverser à la course la foule même qui réclamait leur mort. Armes au point, ils sont parvenus à échapper immédiatement à la menace. Par contre, voyant que deux de ses étudiantes chinoises blessées n’avaient pas réussi à s’enfuir, Edith Coombs est retournée sur ses pas à la course et au péril de sa vie. Or, elle est parvenue à en sauver une, mais s’est fait tuer lorsqu’elle a trébuché en retournant chercher la seconde.

Entre‑temps, des missionnaires du district de Hsin Chou ont réussi à fuir et à se cacher en campagne, avec leur ami chinois Ho Tsuen Kwei. Par contre, s’étant fait capturer pendant qu’il cherchait une issue pour ses amis, il est mort en martyr pour avoir refusé de révéler leur cachette.

De la vie d’Edith Coombs et de Ho Tsuen Kwei se dégage un amour qui transcende culture et nationalité. Or, leur sacrifice nous rappelle la grâce et l’amour incommensurables de notre Sauveur, Jésus.

Devant son arrestation et son exécution imminente, il fait une fervente prière : « Père, si tu voulais éloigner de moi cette coupe ! », mais qu’il clôt par un exemple inégalable de courage, d’amour et de sacrifice : « Toutefois, que ma volonté ne se fasse pas, mais la tienne » (LU 22.42). Sa mort et sa résurrection ont rendu possible notre vie éternelle.

Seule la lumière de l’amour de Christ vainc les ténèbres de la haine.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ