Thursday, November 24, 2016
The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, November 25, 2016
Zechariah 14:1-11
See, a day is coming for the LORD, when the plunder taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses looted and the women raped; half the city shall go into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley; so that one half of the Mount shall withdraw northward, and the other half southward. And you shall flee by the valley of the LORD's mountain, for the valley between the mountains shall reach to Azal; and you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there shall not be either cold or frost. And there shall be continuous day (it is known to the LORD), not day and not night, for at evening time there shall be light. On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea; it shall continue in summer as in winter. And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one. The whole land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king's wine presses. And it shall be inhabited, for never again shall it be doomed to destruction; Jerusalem shall abide in security.
Romans 15:7-13
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name" and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people" and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him" and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 19:28-40
After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
Morning Psalms
Psalm 140 Eripe me, Domine
1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,
2 Who devise evil in their hearts and stir up strife all day long.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adder's poison is under their lips.
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who are determined to trip me up.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me and stretched out a net of cords; they have set traps for me along the path.
6 I have said to the LORD, "You are my God; listen, O LORD, to my supplication.
7 O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD, nor let their evil plans prosper.
9 Let not those who surround me lift up their heads; let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.
10 Let hot burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again."
11 A slanderer shall not be established on the earth, and evil shall hunt down the lawless.
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor and render justice to the needy.
13 Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, and the upright shall continue in your sight.
Psalm 142 Voce mea ad Dominum
1 I cry to the LORD with my voice; to the LORD I make loud supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before him and tell him all my trouble.
3 When my spirit languishes within me, you know my path; in the way wherein I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4 I look to my right hand and find no one who knows me; I have no place to flee to, and no one cares for me.
5 I cry out to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
6 Listen to my cry for help, for I have been brought very low; save me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your Name; when you have dealt bountifully with me, the righteous will gather around me.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 141 Domine, clamavi
1 O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; hear my voice when I cry to you.
2 Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD, and guard the door of my lips; let not my heart incline to any evil thing.
4 Let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers, nor eat of their choice foods.
5 Let the righteous smite me in friendly rebuke; let not the oil of the unrighteous anoint my head; for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.
6 Let their rulers be overthrown in stony places, that they may know my words are true.
7 As when a plowman turns over the earth in furrows, let their bones be scattered at the mouth of the grave.
8 But my eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; in you I take refuge; do not strip me of my life.
9 Protect me from the snare which they have laid for me and from the traps of the evildoers.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I myself escape.
Psalm 143 Domine, exaudi
1 LORD, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; answer me in your righteousness.
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified.
3 For my enemy has sought my life; he has crushed me to the ground; he has made me live in dark places like those who are long dead.
4 My spirit faints within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5 I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds; I consider the works of your hands.
6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.
7 O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you; show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD, for I flee to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Revive me, O LORD, for your Name's sake; for your righteousness' sake, bring me out of trouble.
12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies and bring all my foes to naught, for truly I am your servant.
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 25, 2016
From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson
Luke 19:39-40 (NRSV) Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Stones play a starring role in some of the biggest stories of the Bible: Moses writes the ten commandments on two slabs of stone; the twelve tribes of Israel build a stone altar of sacrifice on the River Jordan. The stone the builders reject becomes the chief cornerstone, and Peter is the rock upon which Jesus builds the church. Christ saves an adulterous woman from being stoned, and in the greatest story of all time, the stone sealing Jesus’ tomb is rolled away to reveal the empty grave, announcing Easter to a waiting world.
In this passage of Luke, the growing dissension between Jesus and the Pharisees is evident. Even here, though, Jesus’ unearthly power extends to the stones, that what is hard can be made flesh, what is mute can cry out, and what is inanimate can become life. If Jesus can do that with stones, what can he do with us?
“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study
Written by Richelle Thompson
Luke 19:39-40 (NRSV) Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Stones play a starring role in some of the biggest stories of the Bible: Moses writes the ten commandments on two slabs of stone; the twelve tribes of Israel build a stone altar of sacrifice on the River Jordan. The stone the builders reject becomes the chief cornerstone, and Peter is the rock upon which Jesus builds the church. Christ saves an adulterous woman from being stoned, and in the greatest story of all time, the stone sealing Jesus’ tomb is rolled away to reveal the empty grave, announcing Easter to a waiting world.
In this passage of Luke, the growing dissension between Jesus and the Pharisees is evident. Even here, though, Jesus’ unearthly power extends to the stones, that what is hard can be made flesh, what is mute can cry out, and what is inanimate can become life. If Jesus can do that with stones, what can he do with us?
“A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study
Our Daily Bread - Best Deal Ever!
Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10–19 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 24–26; 1 Peter 2
As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners? Ecclesiastes 5:11
How much is enough? We might ask this simple question on a day that many developed countries increasingly devote to shopping. I speak of Black Friday, the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, in which many stores open early and offer cut-price deals; a day that has spread from the States to other nations. Some shoppers have limited resources and are trying to purchase something at a price they can afford. But sadly, for others greed is the motivation, and violence erupts as they fight for bargains.
The wisdom of the Old Testament writer known as “the Teacher” (Eccl. 1:1) provides an antidote to the frenzy of consumerism we may face in the shops—and in our hearts. He points out that those who love money never will have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. And yet, they will die with nothing: “As everyone comes, so they depart” (5:15). The apostle Paul echoes the Teacher in his letter to Timothy, when he says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and that we should strive for “godliness with contentment” (1 Tim. 6:6–10).
Whether we live in a place of plenty or not, we all can seek unhealthy ways of filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts. But when we look to the Lord for our sense of peace and well-being, He will fill us with His goodness and love.
“You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.” Augustine, The Confessions
True contentment does not depend on anything in this world.
© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Nuestro Pan Diario - ¡La mejor oferta!
Por Amy Boucher Pye
Leer: Eclesiastés 5:10-20 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Pedro 2
Cuando aumentan los bienes, también aumentan los que los consumen. ¿Qué bien, pues, tendrá su dueño…? (Eclesiastés 5:11).
¿Cuánto es suficiente? Esta pregunta podría hacerse en una época cuando muchos países desarrollados se dedican cada vez más a comprar cosas. Me refiero al Viernes Negro, en la semana siguiente a la fiesta de Acción de Gracias en Estados Unidos, cuando las tiendas abren temprano con grandes ofertas; costumbre que se ha extendido a otros países. Algunos compran porque tienen recursos limitados y tratan de aprovechar los precios bajos, pero, lamentablemente, a otros los motiva la codicia, y las peleas por las ofertas se vuelven violentas.
La sabiduría del escritor de Eclesiastés, en el Antiguo Testamento, conocido como «el Predicador» (1:1), ofrece un antídoto para el frenesí del consumismo que enfrentamos en las tiendas… y en nuestro corazón. Señala que quienes aman el dinero nunca tendrán suficiente y que sus posesiones los dominarán. Sin embargo, morirán sin nada: «Como salió del vientre de su madre, desnudo, así vuelve» (5:15)
En su carta a Timoteo, el apóstol Pablo hace eco del Predicador
cuando afirma que el amor al dinero es la raíz de todos los males, y que
debemos procurar «la piedad acompañada de contentamiento» (1 Timoteo 6:6-10).
No busquemos llenar el vacío de nuestro corazón con métodos perjudiciales, sino miremos al Señor para tener paz y bienestar.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
No busquemos llenar el vacío de nuestro corazón con métodos perjudiciales, sino miremos al Señor para tener paz y bienestar.
Señor, tenerte a ti es suficiente.
La satisfacción verdadera no depende de nada que este mundo ofrezca.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Unser Täglich Brot - Ein gutes Geschäft!
Von Amy Boucher Pye
Lesen: Prediger 5,10-20 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 24–26; 1.Petrus 2
Wo viele Güter sind, da sind viele, die sie aufessen; und was hat ihr Besitzer mehr davon als das Nachsehen? (Prediger 5,10)
W ie viel ist genug? Diese Frage kann sich an einem Tag stellen, der viele Länder der westlichen Welt in einen Kaufrausch versetzt, dem „schwarzen Freitag“ nach dem amerikanischen Thanksgiving, an dem die Läden früher öffnen und die Preise heruntersetzen; ein Tag, der sich von Amerika in andere Länder ausbreitet. Manche haben nur wenig Geld und suchen nach Angeboten, die sie sich leisten können. Andere jedoch treibt die reine Habgier und beim Kampf um die Schnäppchen kann es auch zu Gewaltanwendung kommen.
Der alttestamentliche Schreiber, der als „Prediger“ bekannt ist (Pred. 1,1), hat ein Gegenmittel gegen den Konsumrausch, dem wir in den Läden—und in unserem Herzen—begegnen. Er hat erkannt, dass die, die das Geld lieben, nie genug haben und sich von ihrem Besitz beherrschen lassen. Trotzdem können auch sie beim Tod nichts mitnehmen: „ . . . dass er dahinfährt, wie er gekommen ist“ (5,15). Der Apostel Paulus greift den Gedanken in seinem Brief an Timotheus auf, wenn er schreibt, dass die „Geldgier eine Wurzel alles Übels“ ist und die Frömmigkeit „ein großer Gewinn für den, der sich genügen lässt“ (1.Tim. 6,6-10).
Ob wir im Überfluss leben oder nicht, wir alle können versuchen, die von Gott gewirkte Leere in unserem Herzen auf ungesunde Weise zu füllen. Doch wenn wir Frieden und Wohlergehen bei ihm suchen, wird er uns mit seiner Güte und Liebe erfüllen.
Du, Herr, hast uns zu dir hin geschaffen, und unser Herz ist unruhig, bis es Ruhe findet in dir.—Augustinus
Wahre Zufriedenheit ist von nichts abhängig.
© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot
Хлеб наш насущный - Лучшая сделка
автор: Эми Бушер Пай
Читать сейчас: Екклесиаст 5:10-19 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 24-26; Евреям 1
Умножается имущество – умножаются и потребляющие его. И какое благо для владеющего им? — Екклесиаст 5:10
Сколько нужно, чтобы больше не хотелось? Вопрос как раз уместный в день, когда многие развитые страны испытывают наплыв покупателей в магазинах. Речь идет о «черной пятнице», которая наступает после Дня благодарения. Многие магазины открываются в этот день раньше и предлагают баснословные скидки. Одни покупатели, у которых доход невысок, стараются закупиться необходимыми товарами, чтобы сэкономить на скидках. А другие бегут в магазины просто из жадности, хотя им всего хватает.
Мудрость ветхозаветного автора, известного под именем «проповедник» (Еккл. 1:1), представляет собой противоядие от потребительского отношения, которое часто встречается в магазинах и в сердцах. Он указывает, что люди, любящие деньги, никогда не накопят достаточно. Богатство завладеет ими. А когда придет смерть, они так и уйдут в мир иной ни с чем: «Каким пришел он, таким и отходит» (Еккл. 5:15). Апостол Павел повторяет те же мысли в Первом послании к Тимофею, говоря, что сребролюбие – корень всех зол, а человеку Божьему следует быть «благочестивым и довольным» (1 Тим. 6:6-10).
Живем ли мы в изобилии или в нужде, у всех нас есть склонность заполнять чем-то нездоровым пустоту в душе. Но, обращаясь к Господу в поисках мира и спокойствия, мы найдем в Нем источник благости и любви.
«Ты создал нас для Себя, и не знает покоя сердце наше, пока не успокоится в Тебе». — Августин «Исповедь»
Настоящее счастье не зависит ни от чего в этом мире.
© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Notre Pain Quotidien - Une occasion en or !
par Amy Boucher Pye
Lisez : Ecclésiaste 5.9‑19 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 24 – 26 et 1 Pierre 2
Quand le bien abonde, ceux qui le mangent abondent ; et quel avantage en revient‑il à son possesseur ? (Ecclésiaste 5.10)
Combien suffirait-il ? Nous aurions
peut‑être avantage à nous poser cette simple question par une journée où
de nombreux pays développés se consacrent toujours plus aux emplettes.
Je parle ici du Vendredi noir, le lendemain de la fête de l’Action de
grâces américaine, où les magasins sont nombreux à ouvrir tôt et à
réduire leurs prix ; une journée qui s’est d’ailleurs étendue à d’autres
nations. Certaines personnes aux moyens limités tentent alors d’acheter
une chose qu’elles ne pourraient se permettre sans les grands soldes.
Malheureusement, d’autres, mues par la cupidité, font éclater la
violence en s’arrachant littéralement les aubaines.
Or, par sa sagesse, l’auteur
vétérotestamentaire connu sous le nom d’« Ecclésiaste » (EC 1.1) nous
procure l’antidote à la frénésie de cette consommation outrancière que
nous devons parfois affronter dans les magasins – et dans notre coeur.
Il fait remarquer que ceux qui sont attachés à l’argent n’en auront
jamais assez et se laisseront dominer par leurs biens. Et pourtant,
chacun mourra dépossédé de tout : « Il s’en va comme il était venu »
(5.15). Paul fait aussi écho à l’Ecclésiaste en disant que l’amour de
l’argent est la racine de tous les maux, alors que « la piété avec le
contentement » est « une grande source de gain » (1 TI 6.6‑10).
Riches ou pauvres, nous risquons de
choisir de mauvais moyens pour combler notre vide en forme de Dieu ;
mais si nous puisons paix et bien-être en Dieu, il le comblera de sa
bonté et de son amour.
Le vrai contentement ne dépend de rien qui soit issu de ce monde.
© 2016 Ministères NPQ
Happy Thanksgiving
In
homes across America, friends and family will soon gather around
beautifully decorated tables filled with warm, scrumptious food to give
thanks. It’s Thanksgiving Day. However, this day will be nothing like
holidays of the past for many people.
Lonely but committed soldiers covered in the dust of battle will patrol foreign borders, fighting for our freedom while their families back home long for word of their safety. The homeless will make their way to the nearest soup kitchen, hoping for a warm meal and a smiling face as so many celebrate this day of abundance. An empty place at the table will be a painful reminder of the loved one lost. A worried husband and dad will sit at the head of the table, wondering how he is going to tell his family that he just lost his job. The list of wounded hearts and unmet needs is brutal.
We convince ourselves that life will be better when we have more money, when we find the right mate, when we get the kids raised or build the right house. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we buy a nicer car, when we get that promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we retire.
We keep trying to find joy, contentment and peace in lifeless places and useless things. Jesus Christ is life. He is Joy and He is Love.
We can give thanks when it seems like there is nothing for which to be thankful because Jesus Christ took our place on the cross. It always comes back to the cross.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver rolled down his window and shouted, "I always park here. You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat. You took my place." The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place." The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.
Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."
Yes, we live in a broken world. Life is filled with pain, challenges, dark times and trials. But today can still be a day of celebration because praise and thanksgiving have little to do with the Thanksgiving holiday and everything to do with our inner attitude toward God.
It really doesn’t matter how much we lose here, my friend. I have read the Book, and we win! We just need to take the time to remember … and give thanks.
Let’s Pray
Father, we come to You today, praising You for meeting our needs this year in ways that we may or may not have understood at the time. Looking back, we see Your hand of mercy and love. We recognize Your presence and your power, and we celebrate You. Today, we celebrate life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Dear Lord,
We come with hearts of gratitude today to bless Your name and to ask that Your hand of blessing would be upon us. THANK YOU, Father, for loving us with an eternal love that stands firm, even when we are unlovable. THANK YOU for being faithful, righteous, holy and just, yet willing to see us, Your children, through divine eyes of compassion, mercy, forgiveness and grace. THANK YOU for being a God of restoration and renewal in the midst of a broken, pain-filled world. THANK YOU for providing for our needs, directing our paths, and establishing our steps.
We acknowledge Your sovereignty, Lord, and freshly submit to Your will today. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our children, grandchildren, marriages, families, and loved ones. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our country, president, governors, senators, representatives, and local officials. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our communities, churches, schools, work places, decisions, and opportunities. Please FILL US with the presence of Your joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, and self control today. HELP US to see as You see and to love as You love. HELP US to serve others humbly for the sake of Your name. HELP US to be light that shines in the darkness. HELP US to follow Your ways and continually seek Your leading.
You are our hope and our strength, Lord. We give you THANKS in all of this and ask for the fullness of Your BLESSING in all these things, according to the power of Jesus Christ who is at work within us through Your Holy Spirit.
Amen
Lonely but committed soldiers covered in the dust of battle will patrol foreign borders, fighting for our freedom while their families back home long for word of their safety. The homeless will make their way to the nearest soup kitchen, hoping for a warm meal and a smiling face as so many celebrate this day of abundance. An empty place at the table will be a painful reminder of the loved one lost. A worried husband and dad will sit at the head of the table, wondering how he is going to tell his family that he just lost his job. The list of wounded hearts and unmet needs is brutal.
We convince ourselves that life will be better when we have more money, when we find the right mate, when we get the kids raised or build the right house. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we buy a nicer car, when we get that promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we retire.
We keep trying to find joy, contentment and peace in lifeless places and useless things. Jesus Christ is life. He is Joy and He is Love.
We can give thanks when it seems like there is nothing for which to be thankful because Jesus Christ took our place on the cross. It always comes back to the cross.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver rolled down his window and shouted, "I always park here. You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat. You took my place." The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place." The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.
Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, "I took your place."
Yes, we live in a broken world. Life is filled with pain, challenges, dark times and trials. But today can still be a day of celebration because praise and thanksgiving have little to do with the Thanksgiving holiday and everything to do with our inner attitude toward God.
It really doesn’t matter how much we lose here, my friend. I have read the Book, and we win! We just need to take the time to remember … and give thanks.
Let’s Pray
Father, we come to You today, praising You for meeting our needs this year in ways that we may or may not have understood at the time. Looking back, we see Your hand of mercy and love. We recognize Your presence and your power, and we celebrate You. Today, we celebrate life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Dear Lord,
We come with hearts of gratitude today to bless Your name and to ask that Your hand of blessing would be upon us. THANK YOU, Father, for loving us with an eternal love that stands firm, even when we are unlovable. THANK YOU for being faithful, righteous, holy and just, yet willing to see us, Your children, through divine eyes of compassion, mercy, forgiveness and grace. THANK YOU for being a God of restoration and renewal in the midst of a broken, pain-filled world. THANK YOU for providing for our needs, directing our paths, and establishing our steps.
We acknowledge Your sovereignty, Lord, and freshly submit to Your will today. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our children, grandchildren, marriages, families, and loved ones. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our country, president, governors, senators, representatives, and local officials. We ask Your BLESSING and GUIDANCE over our communities, churches, schools, work places, decisions, and opportunities. Please FILL US with the presence of Your joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, and self control today. HELP US to see as You see and to love as You love. HELP US to serve others humbly for the sake of Your name. HELP US to be light that shines in the darkness. HELP US to follow Your ways and continually seek Your leading.
You are our hope and our strength, Lord. We give you THANKS in all of this and ask for the fullness of Your BLESSING in all these things, according to the power of Jesus Christ who is at work within us through Your Holy Spirit.
Amen
Standing Strong Through the Storm - ASHAMED OF JESUS
Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of
them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy
angels. Luke 9:26
Young believers in the Lord in Muslim cultures often struggle with the issue of publicly declaring their new faith in Jesus. Shadiya is the youngest of five children in a Muslim family. At the age of eighteen she came in contact with a group of young people in the church of Pastor Jamil. During the summer of 2011, the church was visited by a group of other young Christians. During that time Shadiya decided to follow Jesus.
One day she forgot to hide her Bible and her younger brother found it. He asked his father about this striking book with a large cross prominent on the cover. Father was shocked. He soon found out that Shadiya brought the book into their house.
Initially dumbfounded by the hostile attitude of her father, Shadiya stood firm for what she believed. She admitted that she had become a Christian, that she received the Bible from some friends and that she no longer is a Muslim. Her father interpreted this as denying her identity. This, in his opinion, was a betrayal of the entire family and the Muslim community. In other words, the shame for the family was unbearable. So in her father’s eyes there was only one option; force Shadiya to deny her faith in Christ. “If you refuse to deny your new faith, you are no longer welcome in our home!” he yelled at her. Shadiya still held on to faith in Jesus.
The situation deteriorated even more after her father went to the mosque and shared the “apostasy” of his daughter with the local imam. They decided she had to deny her Christian faith openly and confess the Islamic faith in public. If she refused to do so, she would have to pay with her life. She would be stoned by the Muslim community.
She asked her apostate brother-in-law, Amir, for advice. He suggested that she do what they asked of her and remain a secret follower of Jesus. In her heart she could remain a believer in Christ, although she would openly deny her faith to save her life. Shadiya was not really convinced that this was the right thing to do and was full of doubt. In the end she followed the advice of Amir.
The prospect of becoming a martyr at the age of eighteen was now over but Shadiya remained doubtful about her decision. She and Amir asked Pastor Jamil what he thought about it.
“This could have been an opportunity for the whole family or the entire village to see God working in the life of an eighteen-year-old girl,” he replied. “It is a great challenge to deal with our fear; still we should rely on Jesus, rather than basing our choices on fear.”
The situation for Shadiya now seems less tense but the risk of escalation remains.
RESPONSE: Today I will not allow fear to control me…especially regarding the public declaration of my faith.
PRAYER: Pray for Shadiya and the people surrounding her. Ask our Father to further His kingdom through her and fellow-believers who are cautiously trying to help her to grow in faith.
Young believers in the Lord in Muslim cultures often struggle with the issue of publicly declaring their new faith in Jesus. Shadiya is the youngest of five children in a Muslim family. At the age of eighteen she came in contact with a group of young people in the church of Pastor Jamil. During the summer of 2011, the church was visited by a group of other young Christians. During that time Shadiya decided to follow Jesus.
One day she forgot to hide her Bible and her younger brother found it. He asked his father about this striking book with a large cross prominent on the cover. Father was shocked. He soon found out that Shadiya brought the book into their house.
Initially dumbfounded by the hostile attitude of her father, Shadiya stood firm for what she believed. She admitted that she had become a Christian, that she received the Bible from some friends and that she no longer is a Muslim. Her father interpreted this as denying her identity. This, in his opinion, was a betrayal of the entire family and the Muslim community. In other words, the shame for the family was unbearable. So in her father’s eyes there was only one option; force Shadiya to deny her faith in Christ. “If you refuse to deny your new faith, you are no longer welcome in our home!” he yelled at her. Shadiya still held on to faith in Jesus.
The situation deteriorated even more after her father went to the mosque and shared the “apostasy” of his daughter with the local imam. They decided she had to deny her Christian faith openly and confess the Islamic faith in public. If she refused to do so, she would have to pay with her life. She would be stoned by the Muslim community.
She asked her apostate brother-in-law, Amir, for advice. He suggested that she do what they asked of her and remain a secret follower of Jesus. In her heart she could remain a believer in Christ, although she would openly deny her faith to save her life. Shadiya was not really convinced that this was the right thing to do and was full of doubt. In the end she followed the advice of Amir.
The prospect of becoming a martyr at the age of eighteen was now over but Shadiya remained doubtful about her decision. She and Amir asked Pastor Jamil what he thought about it.
“This could have been an opportunity for the whole family or the entire village to see God working in the life of an eighteen-year-old girl,” he replied. “It is a great challenge to deal with our fear; still we should rely on Jesus, rather than basing our choices on fear.”
The situation for Shadiya now seems less tense but the risk of escalation remains.
RESPONSE: Today I will not allow fear to control me…especially regarding the public declaration of my faith.
PRAYER: Pray for Shadiya and the people surrounding her. Ask our Father to further His kingdom through her and fellow-believers who are cautiously trying to help her to grow in faith.
Verse of the Day - November 24, 2016
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) [ Spiritual Fullness in Christ ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Read all of Colossians 2
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
NIV Devotions for Men - Nehemiah: Sword and Trowel
Nehemiah 1—6, 8 and 13
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
That must have been a special day after all you’d been through. Or was feasting more common for those of you in charge of the great restoration projects in Judah?
It was a very special day for all of us, and an unusual occurrence for us as well. Feasting was not common; on the contrary, I foreswore my governor’s allotment of food from the public treasury, and other privileges as well, and devoted myself to the work.
So, it couldn’t be said that you took advantage of this opportunity for your own benefit?
Well, I wish that couldn’t have been said of me, but unfortunately it was. Not true, of course, but my enemies spread all kinds of stories about me. If I had stopped working to refute every libelous accusation thrown up in the wind, we never would have finished the job—which was obviously my opponents’ intention. When the pagans tried to get me to engage in “dialogue” with them about the accusations, I simply sent the message that I was too busy to stop and debate.
How did you get the community of Judeans to trust you, then, if you didn’t refute the libelous accusations point by point?
I rolled up my sleeves and worked alongside them. I didn’t sit on a platform in the shade and direct the activities from afar. For the 52 days that we raised the wall, I didn’t even so much as change my clothes. None of us did. We worked with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other, ready to defend ourselves at any moment if it came to that.
How did you and your company finish the project so quickly?
The first week after I arrived I set out to do a complete survey of the site. The whole wall lay in piles of charred ruins and dusty rubble. The people didn’t know where to start. But when I told them how God had moved the king to be generous and favorable to me, and of our plan to restore the city, they perked up. Each man and his family worked diligently on the section of the wall that was closest to their own residence. They really put their hearts into it. It wasn’t necessary for me to micromanage the construction process.
So you functioned as both architect and building supervisor, governor and military leader?
Yes, we experienced so many obstacles along the way that to bring this project to completion I had to literally keep my hands in it, just as God’s hand was upon me.
Back to the Future
Find out more by reading Nehemiah 1—6, 8 and 13.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
That must have been a special day after all you’d been through. Or was feasting more common for those of you in charge of the great restoration projects in Judah?
It was a very special day for all of us, and an unusual occurrence for us as well. Feasting was not common; on the contrary, I foreswore my governor’s allotment of food from the public treasury, and other privileges as well, and devoted myself to the work.
So, it couldn’t be said that you took advantage of this opportunity for your own benefit?
Well, I wish that couldn’t have been said of me, but unfortunately it was. Not true, of course, but my enemies spread all kinds of stories about me. If I had stopped working to refute every libelous accusation thrown up in the wind, we never would have finished the job—which was obviously my opponents’ intention. When the pagans tried to get me to engage in “dialogue” with them about the accusations, I simply sent the message that I was too busy to stop and debate.
How did you get the community of Judeans to trust you, then, if you didn’t refute the libelous accusations point by point?
I rolled up my sleeves and worked alongside them. I didn’t sit on a platform in the shade and direct the activities from afar. For the 52 days that we raised the wall, I didn’t even so much as change my clothes. None of us did. We worked with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other, ready to defend ourselves at any moment if it came to that.
How did you and your company finish the project so quickly?
The first week after I arrived I set out to do a complete survey of the site. The whole wall lay in piles of charred ruins and dusty rubble. The people didn’t know where to start. But when I told them how God had moved the king to be generous and favorable to me, and of our plan to restore the city, they perked up. Each man and his family worked diligently on the section of the wall that was closest to their own residence. They really put their hearts into it. It wasn’t necessary for me to micromanage the construction process.
So you functioned as both architect and building supervisor, governor and military leader?
Yes, we experienced so many obstacles along the way that to bring this project to completion I had to literally keep my hands in it, just as God’s hand was upon me.
Back to the Future
- Do you sometimes feel, as Nehemiah did, that no sooner is one problem solved than another raises its menacing head? What sustains you in such times?
- When have you seen God bring a project to completion that had looked impossible all along the way? What projects are you facing right now that you need God’s help to accomplish?
- How can you become a man who truly relies on the power of God?
Find out more by reading Nehemiah 1—6, 8 and 13.
Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por cambios en el matrimonio
Dios, nuestro Dios, nos bendecirá. Dios nos bendecirá, y le temerán todos los confines de la tierra. Salmo 67:6-7
Amante Dios, me presento delante de ti porque solo tú puedes ayudarme.
Te pido perdón por mis faltas, mis pensamientos y mis actitudes que me han apartado de tu voluntad respecto al matrimonio.
Reconozco que te he fallado al romper ese pacto de amor incondicional en mi matrimonio y destruyendo mi familia.
Ahora solo puedo acudir a ti para pedirte una nueva oportunidad. Ayúdame, Señor, a recuperar el amor y a mi familia.
Te prometo, mi Dios, que pondré todo de mi parte y seré obediente a ti. Dejaré a un lado la crítica a mi cónyuge y empezaré por cambiar yo.
Muéstrame, Señor, mis errores y guíame para hacer tu voluntad.
Bendice a mi familia.
En el nombre de Jesús, amén y amén.
The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, November 24, 2016 - Thanksgiving Day
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
When you have come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, "Today I declare to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our ancestors to give us." When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the LORD your God, you shall make this response before the LORD your God: "A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our ancestors; the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O LORD, have given me." You shall set it down before the LORD your God and bow down before the LORD your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house.
Psalm 100 Jubilate Deo
1 Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
2 Know this: The LORD himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
John 6:25-35
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
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 THURSDAY, November 24, 2016 - Thanksgiving Day
From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson
John 6:35 (NRSV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Her lips had not touched a chalice for forty years. On her annual visits from Germany to a small town in Kentucky, she sometimes came to church, but she stayed in the pew while others went forward for Holy Communion. When she lost a child four decades ago, a priest criticized and belittled her instead of offering solace and comfort. And for her, the eucharist had become a symbol of betrayal and deep wounds.
But on this day, she rose. No one could hear the trembling of her heart or see the steel it took to hold out her hands to receive the bread. In this moment, she offered grace to a church that had forsaken her, and she received it from a Savior who had never left her.
After the service, I took her hand and squeezed. It was time, she answered, in halting English and from a broken heart that had started to heal. It was time.
Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study
Written by Richelle Thompson
John 6:35 (NRSV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Her lips had not touched a chalice for forty years. On her annual visits from Germany to a small town in Kentucky, she sometimes came to church, but she stayed in the pew while others went forward for Holy Communion. When she lost a child four decades ago, a priest criticized and belittled her instead of offering solace and comfort. And for her, the eucharist had become a symbol of betrayal and deep wounds.
But on this day, she rose. No one could hear the trembling of her heart or see the steel it took to hold out her hands to receive the bread. In this moment, she offered grace to a church that had forsaken her, and she received it from a Savior who had never left her.
After the service, I took her hand and squeezed. It was time, she answered, in halting English and from a broken heart that had started to heal. It was time.
Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study
Our Daily Bread - Game of Thanks
By Joe Stowell
Read: Colossians 3:12–17 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 22–23; 1 Peter 1
Whatever you do, . . . do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
Every autumn we throw a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast on campus at Cornerstone University. Our students love it! Last year a group of students played a game at their table. They challenged each other to name something they were thankful for—in three seconds or less—without repeating what someone else had said. Anyone who hesitated was out of the game.
There are all kinds of things that students might gripe about—tests, deadlines, rules, and a host of other college-type complaints. But these students had chosen to be thankful. And my guess is that they all felt a lot better after the game than they would have if they had chosen to complain.
While there will always be things to complain about, if we look carefully there are always blessings to be thankful for. When Paul describes our newness in Christ, “thankfulness” is the only characteristic mentioned more than once. In fact it is mentioned three times. “Be thankful,” he says in Colossians 3:15. Sing to God “with gratitude in your hearts” (v. 16). And whatever you do, be sure to be “giving thanks to God the Father” (v. 17). Paul’s instruction to be thankful is astonishing when we consider that he wrote this letter from prison!
Today, let’s make the choice to have an attitude of thankfulness.
Lord, teach me the liberating joy of being thankful! Help me to find the blessings that are locked up in the things I complain about and to regularly express my gratitude to You and others.
Choose the attitude of gratitude.
© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Nuestro Pan Diario - Juego de gratitud
Por Joe Stowell
Leer: Colosenses 3:12-17 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Pedro 1
… hacedlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias a Dios Padre por medio de él (Colosenses 3:17).
T odos los años, hacemos una exquisita fiesta de Acción de Gracias en la Universidad Cornerstone. ¡A los alumnos les encanta! El año pasado, hicieron un juego mientras celebraban: en tres segundos o menos, cada uno debía mencionar un motivo de agradecimiento, sin repetir lo dicho por otra persona. El que vacilaba, era descalificado.
Los estudiantes tienen toda clase de cosas para quejarse: exámenes, fechas de entrega, normas y cientos de temas más. Sin embargo, estos decidieron ser agradecidos. Y estoy seguro de que todos se sintieron mucho mejor después del juego que si hubiesen elegido quejarse.
Aunque siempre hay de qué quejarse, si prestamos atención, también hay siempre bendiciones por las cuales dar gracias. Cuando Pablo describe la nueva vida en Cristo, la gratitud es la única característica que se menciona tres veces. En Colosenses 3:15-17 (RVC), afirma: «sean agradecidos»; canten a Dios «con gratitud de corazón»; y, en todo lo que hagan, asegúrense de dar «gracias a Dios el Padre». ¡Es asombroso pensar que Pablo escribió desde la prisión esta instrucción a ser agradecidos!
Decidamos hoy tener una actitud de agradecimiento.
Señor, ayúdame a ser agradecido, a descubrir las bendiciones que no veo por mis quejas, y a expresar constantemente mi gratitud a ti y a los demás.
Escoge tener una actitud de agradecimiento.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Unser Täglich Brot - Dankspiel
Von Joe Stowell
Lesen: Kolosser 3,12-17 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 22–23; 1.Petrus 1
Alles, was ihr tut, . . . das tut alles im Namen des Herrn Jesus und dankt Gott, dem Vater, durch ihn. (Kolosser 3,17)
In der Hochschule, an der ich arbeite, ziehen wir jeden Herbst an Thanksgiving ein riesiges Fest auf. Die Studenten sind jedes Mal begeistert! Letztes Jahr machten ein paar von ihnen an ihrem Tisch ein Spiel. Jeder musste etwas nennen, wofür er oder sie dankbar war—und zwar in nicht mehr als drei Sekunden. Es durfte nicht schon einmal genannt worden sein. Wer zu lange brauchte, flog raus.
Es gibt alle möglichen Dinge, über die Studenten jammern könnten—Prüfungen, Termine, Regeln und vieles mehr. Aber diese Studenten hatten beschlossen, dankbar zu sein. Ich bin sicher, sie fühlten sich nach dem Spiel alle viel besser, als wenn sie sich die Ohren voll gejammert hätten.
Sicher, es gibt immer Dinge, über die wir uns beschweren könnten. Aber wenn wir genau hinsehen, gibt es auch genug, wofür wir danken können. Bei seiner Schilderung des neuen Wesens in Christus ist „dankbar“ das einzige Wort, das Paulus zweimal erwähnt, ja, eigentlich sogar dreimal. „Seid dankbar“, sagt er in Kolosser 3,15. „Singt Gott dankbar in euren Herzen“ (V.16). Und was ihr auch tut, achtet darauf, dass ihr „dankt Gott, dem Vater“ (V.17). Wenn wir bedenken, dass Paulus den Brief aus dem Gefängnis schrieb, ist das schon erstaunlich!
Auch wir wollen heute ganz bewusst in einer Haltung der Dankbarkeit leben.
Herr, lass mich erfahren, wie befreiend es ist, dankbar zu sein! Hilf mir, auch in den Dingen, über die ich mich beschwere, das Schöne zu erkennen und dir und anderen regelmäßig Danke zu sagen.
Nimm dir heute vor, dankbar zu sein.
© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot
Хлеб наш насущный - Игра в благодарность
автор: Джозеф Стоуэлл
Читать сейчас: Колоссянам 3:12-17 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 22-23; Филимону
И всё, что вы делаете... всё делайте во имя Господа Иисуса Христа, благодаря через Него Бога Отца. — Колоссянам 3:17
Каждую осень мы в Краеугольном университете проводим изумительный праздник на День благодарения. Студенты в восторге от него. В прошлом году за одним из столов устроили игру: участники по очереди перечисляли, за что они благодарны. На раздумья давалось всего три секунды. Замешкавшиеся выбывали.
А ведь было много такого, на что они могли поворчать: экзамены, сроки, правила и множество других поводов для жалоб. Но ребята решили лучше подумать о благодарности. И мне кажется, что все они почувствовали себя намного лучше, чем если бы принялись роптать и выражать недовольство.
Конечно, при желании всегда можно найти на что пожаловаться. Но, с другой стороны, если присмотреться, то всегда найдутся и благословения. Описывая нашу новую жизнь во Христе, апостол Павел несколько раз говорит о благодарности Богу. «Вразумляйте друг друга псалмами, славословием... в благодати воспевая в сердцах ваших Господу» (Кол. 3:16). «Всё делайте во имя Господа Иисуса Христа, благодаря через Него Бога Отца» (Кол. 3:17). Эти призывы к благодарности особенно впечатляют, если вспомнить, что Послание к колоссянам он написал из заключения!
Давайте и мы будем благодарными.
Господь, научи меня быть благодарным. Помоги видеть благословения, скрытые в том, на что мне хочется жаловаться, и всегда выражать свою благодарность перед Тобой и людьми.
Будьте благодарными.
© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Notre Pain Quotidien - Le jeu des mercis
par Joe Stowell
Lisez : Colossiens 3.12‑17 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 22 – 23 et 1 Pierre 1
Et quoi que vous fassiez, en parole ou en
oeuvre, faites tout au nom du Seigneur Jésus, en rendant par lui des
actions de grâces à Dieu le Père. (Colossiens 3.17)
Chaque automne, nous donnons un festin
à l’occasion de l’Action de grâces sur le campus de l’Université
Cornerstone. L’année dernière, les collégiens ont joué à un jeu
consistant à se mettre les uns les autres au défi de nommer une chose
pour laquelle chacun était reconnaissant sans jamais répéter ce qu’un
autre avait énoncé. Quiconque hésitait était éliminé.
Il y a bien sûr toutes sortes de choses
dont les étudiants pourraient se plaindre – examens, dates de tombée,
règlements et tout un éventail d’autres sujets sur lesquels râler –,
mais ces collégiens avaient choisi de témoigner plutôt de leur
gratitude. Or, je devine qu’ils se sont tous sentis beaucoup mieux après
ce jeu que s’ils avaient choisi de se plaindre.
Bien que nous aurons toujours des griefs à
formuler, nous devons reconnaître qu’en y regardant de plus près, nous
aurons également toujours des bénédictions pour lesquelles nous montrer
reconnaissants. Dans la description paulinienne de notre nouveauté en
Christ, la « reconnaissance » est la seule qualité qui est mentionnée
plus d’une fois. En fait, elle l’est à trois reprises. « Et soyez
reconnaissants », nous dit Paul dans Colossiens 3.15. Puis il nous
incite à chanter à Dieu « dans [notre] coeur en vertu de la
grâce » (V. 16) et, quoi que nous fassions, à tout faire au nom de Jésus
« en rendant par lui des actions de grâces à Dieu le Père » (V. 17).
Aujourd’hui, optons donc pour une attitude reconnaissante.
Optons donc pour une attitude reconnaissante.
© 2016 Ministères NPQ
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