Thursday, December 1, 2016
The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, December 2, 2016
First Reading: Isaiah 3:8-15
For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. The look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves. Tell the innocent how fortunate they are, for they shall eat the fruit of their labors. Woe to the guilty! How unfortunate they are, for what their hands have done shall be done to them. My people-- children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths. The LORD rises to argue his case; he stands to judge the peoples. The LORD enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor? says the Lord GOD of hosts.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrong or exploit a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Gospel: Luke 20:41-21:4
Then he said to them, "How can they say that the Messiah is David's son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."' David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?" In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Morning Psalms
Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O LORD, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 17 Exaudi, Domine
1 Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD; give heed to my cry; listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; I have heeded the words of your lips.
5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9 From the wicked who assault me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their heart to pity, and their mouth speaks proud things.
11 They press me hard, now they surround me, watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12 Like a lion, greedy for its prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O LORD; confront them and bring them down; deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14 Deliver me, O LORD, by your hand from those whose portion in life is this world;
15 Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, who are well supplied with children and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 22 Deus, Deus meu
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?
2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are the Holy One, enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
4 Our forefathers put their trust in you; they trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried out to you and were delivered; they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
6 But as for me, I am a worm and no man, scorned by all and despised by the people.
7 All who see me laugh me to scorn; they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
8 He trusted in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, if he delights in him.
9 Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
10 I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.
12 Many young bulls encircle me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
13 They open wide their jaws at me, like a ravening and a roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; my heart within my breast is melting wax.
15 My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
16 Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
17 They stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
18 Be not far away, O LORD; you are my strength; hasten to help me.
19 Save me from the sword, my life from the power of the dog.
20 Save me from the lion's mouth, my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
21 I will declare your Name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
22 Praise the LORD, you that fear him; stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory.
23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither does he hide his face from them; but when they cry to him he hears them.
24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.
25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the LORD shall praise him: "May your heart live for ever!"
26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations bow before him.
27 For kingship belongs to the LORD; he rules over the nations.
28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; all who go down to the dust fall before him.
29 My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; they shall be known as the LORD'S for ever.
30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn the saving deeds that he has done.
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, December 2, 2016
From Forward Day By Day
Written by Hugo Olaiz
Luke 21:1-3 (NRSV) He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”
A while ago I watched a video about the “Jungle,” a shantytown in Calais, France, built and inhabited by thousands of migrants. The video features David, a young man from Eritrea. With a hammer, a handsaw, and discarded plywood, David was building a church. “You need quality time with yourself,” David says, in broken English. “Your God House can be anywhere.”
I have visited many impressive churches over the years, yet none of them move me as much as the plywood structure David was building in France’s poorest shantytown. Truly I tell you, this poor migrant has put in more than all of them!
Last February, French authorities took possession of and began to raze the Calais Jungle—not just the church but also the mosques, the theater, the library. I can still hear David’s words floating over piles of debris and through the clouds of smoke: “Your God House can be anywhere.”
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 Hugo Olaiz
Luke 21:1-3 (NRSV) He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.”
A while ago I watched a video about the “Jungle,” a shantytown in Calais, France, built and inhabited by thousands of migrants. The video features David, a young man from Eritrea. With a hammer, a handsaw, and discarded plywood, David was building a church. “You need quality time with yourself,” David says, in broken English. “Your God House can be anywhere.”
I have visited many impressive churches over the years, yet none of them move me as much as the plywood structure David was building in France’s poorest shantytown. Truly I tell you, this poor migrant has put in more than all of them!
Last February, French authorities took possession of and began to raze the Calais Jungle—not just the church but also the mosques, the theater, the library. I can still hear David’s words floating over piles of debris and through the clouds of smoke: “Your God House can be anywhere.”
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 - Quiet Conversations
By James Banks
Read: Psalm 116:5–9 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 42–44; 1 John 1
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2
Do you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes when I’m working on a project—usually under the hood of a car—I find it helpful to think aloud, working through my options on the best way to make the repair. If someone catches me in my “conversation” it can be a little embarrassing—even though talking to ourselves is something most of us do every day.
The psalmists often talked to themselves in the Psalms. The author of Psalm 116 is no exception. In verse 7 he writes, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Reminding himself of God’s kindness and faithfulness in the past is a practical comfort and help to him in the present. We see “conversations” like this frequently in the Psalms. In Psalm 103:1 David tells himself, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” And in Psalm 62:5 he affirms, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. We can follow the example of the psalmist and spend some time naming the many ways God has been good to us. As we do, we’ll be encouraged. The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future.
Dear Lord, please help me to stay in touch with Your heart today by reminding myself of Your faithfulness and love.
Reminding ourselves about God's goodness can keep us filled with His peace.
© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Nuestro Pan Diario - Conversaciones tranquilas
Por jb
Leer: Salmo 116:5-9 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Juan 1
Bendice, alma mía, al Señor, y no olvides ninguno de sus beneficios (Salmo 103:2).
¿T e hablas a veces interiormente? En ocasiones, mientras trabajo en algún proyecto (por lo general, debajo del capot de un automóvil), me resulta útil pensar en voz alta para evaluar qué hacer para mejorarlo. Si alguien me descubre en mi «conversación», me da un poco de vergüenza; aunque la mayoría de la gente habla sola en algún momento del día.
En Salmos, los escritores solían hablarse a sí mismos. El autor del Salmo 116 no es la excepción. En el v. 7, escribe: «Vuelve, oh alma mía, a tu reposo, porque el Señor te ha hecho bien». Recordarse a sí mismo la bondad y la fidelidad de Dios en el pasado le resultaba de ayuda y consuelo en el presente. Con frecuencia, vemos «conversaciones» similares en los Salmos. Así, David se dice a sí mismo en el Salmo 103:1: «Bendice, alma mía, al Señor, y bendiga todo mi ser su santo nombre». Y en 62:5, afirma: «Alma mía, en Dios solamente reposa, porque de él es mi esperanza».
Es bueno recordarnos la fidelidad de Dios y la esperanza que tenemos en Él. Podemos seguir el ejemplo del salmista y pasar un tiempo mencionando las numerosas maneras en que el Señor ha sido bueno con nosotros. Hacerlo nos incentivará. El mismo Dios que ha sido fiel en el pasado seguirá amándonos en el futuro.
Señor, quiero mantener mi corazón en contacto contigo.
Recordar la bondad de Dios puede mantenernos llenos de su paz.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Unser Täglich Brot - Stille Gespräche
Von James Banks
Lesen: Psalm 116,5-9 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 42–44; 1.Johannes 1
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, und vergiss nicht, was er dir Gutes getan hat. Psalm 103,2
Redest du manchmal mit dir selbst? Wenn ich mit einer speziellen Sache beschäftigt bin—meist unter einer Motorhaube—dann finde ich es hilfreich, laut zu überlegen, wie ich am besten vorgehen könnte. Wenn jemand mich dabei ertappt, ist das manchmal etwas peinlich—obwohl wir eigentlich alle Tag für Tag mit uns selbst reden.
Die Psalmendichter in den Psalmen reden oft mit sich selbst. Der Verfasser von Psalm 116 ist da keine Ausnahme. In Vers 7 schreibt er: „Sei nun wieder zufrieden, meine Seele; denn der Herr tut dir Gutes.“ Sich an Gottes Güte und Treue in der Vergangenheit zu erinnern, ist auf ganz praktische Weise Trost und Hilfe für die Gegenwart. Solche „Selbstgespräche“ finden wir häufig in den Psalmen. In Psalm 103 ruft David sich selbst auf: „Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, und was in mir ist, seinen heiligen Namen!“ Und in Psalm 62,6 sagt er sich: „Aber sei nur stille zu Gott, meine Seele; denn er ist meine Hoffnung.“
Es ist gut, wenn wir uns an Gottes Treue und an die Hoffnung, die wir in ihm haben, erinnern. Wir können dem Beispiel des Psalmisten folgen und einmal aufzählen, auf wie viele Weise Gott gut zu uns war. Das wird uns Mut machen. Derselbe Gott, der in der Vergangenheit treu war, wird uns auch in Zukunft seine Liebe erweisen.
Lieber Herr, hilf mir heute, in deiner Nähe zu bleiben und mich an deine Liebe und Treue zu erinnern.
Der Gedanke an Gottes Güte kann uns mit seinem Frieden erfüllen.
© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot
Хлеб наш насущный - Тихие беседы
автор: Джеймс Бэнкс
Читать сейчас: Псалом 114:5-9 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 42-44; Евреям 8
Благослови, душа моя, Господа и не забывай всех благодеяний Его. — Псалом 102:2
Вы когда-нибудь разговаривали сами с собой? Порой, когда я чем-нибудь занимаюсь (скажем, копаюсь в машине), мне нравится думать вслух, прорабатывать варианты ремонта. Правда, если кто-нибудь застает меня за таким «разговором», появляется чувство неловкости. Однако я знаю, что большинство из нас точно так же разговаривают сами с собой.
Псалмопевцы часто обращались к самим себе в своих произведениях. Автор Псалма 114 – не исключение. В стихе 7 он пишет: «Возвратись, душа моя, в покой твой, ибо Господь облагодетельствовал тебя». Напоминая себе о Божьей благости и верности в прошлом, он обретал утешение в настоящем. Подобные «беседы» мы встречаем во многих псалмах. В Псалме 102:1 Давид говорит: «Благослови, душа моя, Господа, и вся внутренность моя – святое имя Его». А в Псалме 61:6 восклицает: «Только в Боге успокаивайся, душа моя! Ибо на Него надежда моя».
Нам также полезно напоминать себе о Божьей верности и надежде, которую мы имеем в Нем. Мы можем следовать примеру псалмопевца и проводить время, перечисляя многие проявления Божьей доброты к нам и через это получая ободрение. Тот же Бог, Который был верен в прошлом, будет любить нас и в будущем.
Дорогой Господь, помоги мне поддерживать связь с Тобой, напоминая себе о Твоей верности и любви.
Напоминая себе о Божьей благости, мы исполнимся Его миром.
© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Notre Pain Quotidien - Des conversations intimes
par James Banks
Lisez : Psaume 116.5‑9 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 42 – 44 et 1 Jean 1
Mon âme, bénis l’Éternel ! Que tout ce qui est en moi bénisse son saint nom ! Psaume 103.1
Vous arrive-t‑il de vous parler à
vous‑même ? Parfois, quand je travaille à un projet – généralement sous
le capot d’une voiture ‑, je trouve utile de me parler à voix haute pour
passer en revue mes options quant au meilleur moyen d’effectuer une
certaine réparation. Si quelqu’un me surprend en pleine « conversation
», il peut arriver que j’en éprouve un léger embarras – même si la
plupart d’entre nous se parlent à eux‑mêmes tous les jours.
Les psalmistes se sont souvent parlé à
eux‑mêmes. L’auteur du Psaume 116 n’y fait d’ailleurs pas exception.
Dans le verset 7, il écrit : « Mon âme, retourne à ton repos, car
l’Éternel t’a fait du bien. » Se remémorer la bonté et la fidélité
passées de Dieu constitue pour lui une source pratique de consolation et
d’aide présentes. Or, ces « conversations » ponctuent souvent le livre
des Psaumes. Dans le Psaume 103.1, David se dit d’ailleurs : « Mon âme,
bénis l’Éternel ! Que tout ce qui est en moi bénisse son saint nom ! »
Et dans le Psaume 62.6, il affirme ceci : « Oui, mon âme, confie‑toi en
Dieu ! Car de lui vient mon espérance. »
Il est bien de nous rappeler la fidélité
de Dieu et l’espoir que nous avons en lui, en nous inspirant de
l’exemple du psalmiste qui s’emploie à nommer les nombreuses façons dont
Dieu use de bonté envers nous. Ce faisant, nous en tirerons un
encouragement. Le même Dieu qui s’est montré fidèle par le passé
continuera à l’avenir de nous prodiguer son amour.
Nous remémorer la bonté de Dieu peut nous garder dans la paix.
© 2016 Ministères NPQ
Standing Strong Through the Storm - DISCIPLESHIP FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH
“…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
Another related function of the church is discipleship. Once we have seen a friend or loved-one come to Christ we have a responsibility to see that they grow in the Lord. In some cultures, if a person saves another’s life, that person becomes responsible for the one saved. This is a good concept for the Christian. If we lead someone else into new life in Christ, we are responsible to see that person learns what the Bible teaches about the Christian life.
The Bible is so important to Christian growth that many Christians want to immediately give a Bible to anyone they may lead to the Lord. In some countries, like China or North Korea, faithful Christians have carried on for years without Bibles, but it was very difficult. They had to depend on Scripture verses that one of their members memorized at some earlier time, or perhaps heard on a Christian radio broadcast. The almost desperate hunger for the Bible among Christians who have been cut off from it for an extended period, dramatically illustrates just how important the Bible is to the Christian life.
If formal training centers have been closed, it is especially imperative that local churches take very seriously their responsibilities to teach (2 Timothy 2:2). This teaching may have to be done on a one-to-one basis whenever a mature Christian and a young Christian can get together.
There are many examples in the Bible of leaders being trained in this way. Besides the clear example of Christ teaching His disciples, we see Barnabas teaching Mark (Acts 12:25; 15:39), Priscilla and Aquila helping Apollos (Acts 18:24-26), and Paul training Timothy (Acts 16:1-3). Paul gives us the most detailed approach to “disciple” a young believer. He taught first by example (I Corinthians 4:16), then he openly gave himself to his disciples, living with them and sharing all he had (Acts 20:34). His relationship with them was not just "student/ teacher." Rather, he became very personally involved with them (I Timothy 1:1-2). He gave them responsibilities while they were still in training, and kept in close touch with them even after they had become leaders themselves (I & II Timothy and Titus).
In a prison in Sudan, a pastor quietly discipled a young believer from Muslim background as they were forced to work together. After his release, the young Christian became a dynamic witness for Christ.
RESPONSE: Discipleship is another function of the church and is crucial in the life of a follower of Jesus.
PRAYER: Pray for those in difficult circumstances—such as prison—trying to disciple new believers.
Girlfriends in God - Do I Really Have To?
by Gwen Smith
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17 NIV)
Friend to Friend
Sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Case in point…
My husband asked if I could run to pick up his dry cleaning while he was on a conference call for work. Sure. So I drove across town, paid, grabbed what they gave me, and then headed home.
“Are my suit pants cleaned too?” Brad asked when I brought the dry cleaning in the house.
“I’m sure they are, honey. I remember seeing them in the bag when I dropped them off.”
I checked. No suit pants.
“There are only shirts here, Brad, but I do remember there being a dark pair of pants in there last week when you gave me the bag!”
“I definitely had pants in there,” he replied. “Can you please call the dry cleaners and find out where they are?”
Sure.
“Hello, mister dry cleaner man. When I dropped my husband’s clothes off last Wednesday there was a pair of suit pants in the bag. I just picked up his laundry a little bit ago and the pants are not with his order. Can you please check on those?”
“Mrs. Smith, our records show that we took in 18 shirts, but no pants. I’m sorry.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Sir,” I responded as my pulse began to rise, “My husband and I both remember there being a pair of his suit pants in the bag when I dropped it off on Wednesday. There must be a mistake and we need to figure this out. Are there any pants around your store that are unaccounted for? The missing suit pants are navy with a thin blue pinstripe.”
“Ma’am,” he began with an abrasive, defensive edge, “we don’t have pants just ‘lying around.’ We only took in 18 shirts. Beyond that, I don’t know what to tell you. People think they drop things off all the time, but we very rarely ever lose anything.”
Really?
I was more than agitated at this point. “Well, sir, what I know is this: my husband and I both remember his suit pants being in the bag that I dropped off to you last Wednesday. He can’t wear a suit without pants. This is pretty important. Can you please take my number and call us if and when you find them?”
“Yep. I have your number.” Then he finished with this smug gem, “I don’t expect them to show up, but will call you if they do.”
“Great. Thanks.” Click.
I was in a tizzy. Brad and I began to discuss the fact that we both knew his pants were in the bag… and then a thought came to my mind … which took me to the garage. And there, on the floor behind my drivers seat were his navy, pinstriped suit pants. Still dirty and blending in with the dark floor carpet of my car. Ugh! I walked back in the house and updated Brad.
“Do you think you should call and let the dry cleaner know that you found them?” He asked.
Inside I knew I should, but didn’t want to.
“No. I don’t want to. I don’t like him.” I replied childishly.
Almost instantly the Word of God convicted me. “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17)
Doggone it. I have to call him back.
I reluctantly dialed the number again.
“Hello! Dry cleaning company, how can I help you?”
“Hi. We talked a few minutes ago about my husband’s suit pants, and I am calling back to let you know that I found them in the back floor of my car. They must’ve fallen out of the bag. I’m sorry.”
His voice softened. “Well, thanks for calling back. Most people wouldn’t do that. I appreciate it. Have a good day.”
My brow was still furrowed when I hung up. No halo hovered above my head and my grumpy ‘tude still had a grip on me. Taking that step of obedience meant swallowing my pride and I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to do it. But I know it was required in response to my love for Christ.
Why is it sometimes hard for me to do the right thing?
Why is it hard to WANT to do the right thing sometimes?
I ponder the questions, yet know the answer: because on my own, I’m stubborn and self-seeking. Thankfully, by grace God’s Spirit works within to lead, correct, and guide.
Obedience is a constant battle: my will versus God’s will. It’s a battle that can only be won by surrendering. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey Him. (John 14:15, 21,23) Even when and if we don’t want to.
Where does this find you today? Is there anything that you know you should do, but haven’t done?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank you for loving me even when I’m less than lovable. Please lead me in Your ways, refine my stubborn heart, and help me do the good You call me to do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read John 14. This is a conversation Jesus had with His disciples on the night He was betrayed. Jesus made many bold statements here. Which verses stood out to you today? What is your personal takeaway or challenge? Post your response or a prayer on my blog wall where we meet to encourage and pray for each other regularly.
More from the Girlfriends
Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the new book, I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required! You will love that it’s easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS. (Get a FREE Downloadable “I Want It All” COLORING and JOURNAL book that’s the perfect companion to the book when you sign up to receive her blog!)
NIV Devotions for Men - A Scar Shaped Like Your Picture
Isaiah 49:8–18
Recommended Reading: Psalm 13:1–6; John 20:24–28; Romans 8:35–39
For whatever reason, from the time they’re little boys guys like to show off their scars. A polite conversation with any average group of guys can suddenly turn into some bizarre, male-bonding ritual. First someone tells a story about crashing his mountain bike and the resulting scar on his knee. Then another guy regales the group about the scar left from his shoulder surgery. Another points out the scar on his hand and tells about his hunting-knife accident. Before you know it, the whole group is showing off their scars and relating the incidents behind the wounds.
Today’s passage tells us that God likes to do this as well—not to one-up anyone else with another great story but to reassure us of his devotion to his people.
In truth, there is something interesting about scars: They follow us wherever we go, and the stories behind them remind us of significant people and events in our lives.
The people of Israel had certainly wandered all over the place—both physically and spiritually. After the nation had faced devastation, occupation and deportation by King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian armies, the people of Israel wondered, “God, have you forgotten us?” God answered through the prophet Isaiah: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15–16).
Did you know that God bears a scar on his hand in the shape of your picture? Of course, because God is a spirit, he doesn’t have a literal hand. But you’re so present on God’s mind that it’s as though he has engraved your image on the palms of his hands.
Perhaps the fury of whatever storm you’re facing dims God’s voice and blurs his presence. You might ask, “God, have you forgotten me?” How can he be present in the midst of your turmoil? But regardless of the storm’s intensity, you remain in the forefront of God’s thoughts. He’s thinking of you, sustaining you, comforting you, giving you strength. He doesn’t mentally check out. Whatever challenge you’re facing isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you. The worst that could happen would be for God to forget about you.
But he hasn’t yet, and he never will.
To Take Away
Recommended Reading: Psalm 13:1–6; John 20:24–28; Romans 8:35–39
For whatever reason, from the time they’re little boys guys like to show off their scars. A polite conversation with any average group of guys can suddenly turn into some bizarre, male-bonding ritual. First someone tells a story about crashing his mountain bike and the resulting scar on his knee. Then another guy regales the group about the scar left from his shoulder surgery. Another points out the scar on his hand and tells about his hunting-knife accident. Before you know it, the whole group is showing off their scars and relating the incidents behind the wounds.
Today’s passage tells us that God likes to do this as well—not to one-up anyone else with another great story but to reassure us of his devotion to his people.
In truth, there is something interesting about scars: They follow us wherever we go, and the stories behind them remind us of significant people and events in our lives.
The people of Israel had certainly wandered all over the place—both physically and spiritually. After the nation had faced devastation, occupation and deportation by King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian armies, the people of Israel wondered, “God, have you forgotten us?” God answered through the prophet Isaiah: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15–16).
Did you know that God bears a scar on his hand in the shape of your picture? Of course, because God is a spirit, he doesn’t have a literal hand. But you’re so present on God’s mind that it’s as though he has engraved your image on the palms of his hands.
Perhaps the fury of whatever storm you’re facing dims God’s voice and blurs his presence. You might ask, “God, have you forgotten me?” How can he be present in the midst of your turmoil? But regardless of the storm’s intensity, you remain in the forefront of God’s thoughts. He’s thinking of you, sustaining you, comforting you, giving you strength. He doesn’t mentally check out. Whatever challenge you’re facing isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you. The worst that could happen would be for God to forget about you.
But he hasn’t yet, and he never will.
To Take Away
- Do you find it hard to accept that God knows your needs and cares for you to the extent that you’re always on his mind? Why?
- What events in your life have caused you to ask, “God, have you forgotten me?”
- How can you foster a deeper and more constant trust in the reality that God is always present with you?
Un Dia a la Vez - Oración por restitución
A ti clamo, oh Dios, porque tú me respondes; inclina a mí tu oído, y escucha mi oración. Salmo 17:6
Padre santo, ¡qué bonito es poderte buscar cuando te necesitamos y saber que escuchas nuestras peticiones!
Bendecimos tu santo nombre y te reconocemos como el Dios Todopoderoso.
Ahora, te pedimos perdón por nuestros pecados y por las malas decisiones que tomamos. También por las promesas que te hicimos y nunca cumplimos. Por habernos dejado llevar por las cosas del mundo y no darte el primer lugar. Te agradecemos por tu ternura y amor, porque nos guardaste en medio de nuestra necedad.
Señor, este año está a punto de terminar. Hemos llegado al último mes y queremos aprovecharlo al máximo. Por eso, te pedimos que pongas en nosotros tanto el querer como el hacer y podamos cumplir con esas metas que nos habíamos trazado desde el año pasado.
Dios mío, en ti confía mi corazón, en ti espera mi alma y mi ser descansa en ti, así que puedo ser feliz porque sé que estás obrando en mi vida y estás mostrando tu perfecta voluntad.
Te amo y bendigo.
Amén y amén.
Verse of the Day - December 01, 2016
John 1:1-2, 14 (NIV) [ The Word Became Flesh ] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Read all of John 1
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, December 1, 2016
Isaiah 2:12-22
For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up and high; against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan; against all the high mountains, and against all the lofty hills; against every high tower, and against every fortified wall; against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft. The haughtiness of people shall be humbled, and the pride of everyone shall be brought low; and the LORD alone will be exalted on that day. The idols shall utterly pass away. Enter the caves of the rocks and the holes of the ground, from the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth. On that day people will throw away to the moles and to the bats their idols of silver and their idols of gold, which they made for themselves to worship, to enter the caverns of the rocks and the clefts in the crags, from the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth. Turn away from mortals, who have only breath in their nostrils, for of what account are they?
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain. But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us-- just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Luke 20:27-40
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive." Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." For they no longer dared to ask him another question.
Morning Psalms
Psalm 18 Part I Diligam te, Domine.
1 I love you, O LORD my strength, O LORD my stronghold, my crag, and my haven.
2 My God, my rock in whom I put my trust, my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge; you are worthy of praise.
3 I will call upon the LORD, and so shall I be saved from my enemies.
4 The breakers of death rolled over me, and the torrents of oblivion made me afraid.
5 The cords of hell entangled me, and the snares of death were set for me.
6 I called upon the LORD in my distress and cried out to my God for help.
7 He heard my voice from his heavenly dwelling; my cry of anguish came to his ears.
8 The earth reeled and rocked; the roots of the mountains shook; they reeled because of his anger.
9 Smoke rose from his nostrils and a consuming fire out of his mouth; hot burning coals blazed forth from him.
10 He parted the heavens and came down with a storm cloud under his feet.
11 He mounted on cherubim and flew; he swooped on the wings of the wind.
12 He wrapped darkness about him; he made dark waters and thick clouds his pavilion.
13 From the brightness of his presence, through the clouds, burst hailstones and coals of fire.
14 The LORD thundered out of heaven; the Most High uttered his voice.
15 He loosed his arrows and scattered them; he hurled thunderbolts and routed them.
16 The beds of the seas were uncovered, and the foundations of the world laid bare, at your battle cry, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
17 He reached down from on high and grasped me; he drew me out of great waters.
18 He delivered me from my strong enemies and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster; but the LORD was my support.
20 He brought me out into an open place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Evening Psalms
Psalm 18:Part II Et retribuet mihi
21 The LORD rewarded me because of my righteous dealing; because my hands were clean he rewarded me;
22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not offended against my God;
23 For all his judgments are before my eyes, and his decrees I have not put away from me;
24 For I have been blameless with him and have kept myself from iniquity;
25 Therefore the LORD rewarded me according to my righteous dealing, because of the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
26 With the faithful you show yourself faithful, O God; with the forthright you show yourself forthright.
27 With the pure you show yourself pure, but with the crooked you are wily.
28 You will save a lowly people, but you will humble the haughty eyes.
29 You, O LORD, are my lamp; my God, you make my darkness bright.
30 With you I will break down an enclosure; with the help of my God I will scale any wall.
31 As for God, his ways are perfect; the words of the LORD are tried in the fire; he is a shield to all who trust in him.
32 For who is God, but the LORD? who is the Rock, except our God?
33 It is God who girds me about with strength and makes my way secure.
34 He makes me sure-footed like a deer and lets me stand firm on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle and my arms for bending even a bow of bronze.
36 You have given me your shield of victory; your right hand also sustains me; your loving care makes me great.
37 You lengthen my stride beneath me, and my ankles do not give way.
38 I pursue my enemies and overtake them; I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.
39 I strike them down, and they cannot rise; they fall defeated at my feet.
40 You have girded me with strength for the battle; you have cast down my adversaries beneath me; you have put my enemies to flight.
41 I destroy those who hate me; they cry out, but there is none to help them; they cry to the LORD, but he does not answer.
42 I beat them small like dust before the wind; I trample them like mud in the streets.
43 You deliver me from the strife of the peoples; you put me at the head of the nations.
44 A people I have not known shall serve me; no sooner shall they hear than they shall obey me; strangers will cringe before me.
45 The foreign peoples will lose heart; they shall come trembling out of their strongholds.
46 The LORD lives! Blessed is my Rock! Exalted is the God of my salvation!
47 He is the God who gave me victory and cast down the peoples beneath me.
48 You rescued me from the fury of my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you saved me from my deadly foe.
49 Therefore will I extol you among the nations, O LORD, and sing praises to your Name.
50 He multiplies the victories of his king; he shows loving-kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants for ever.
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, December 1, 2016
From Forward Day By Day
Written by Hugo Olaiz
Psalm 18:37-38 (NRSV) You lengthen my stride beneath me, and my ankles do not give way. I pursue my enemies and overtake them; I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.
Twelve years ago, when my doctor recommended I add vigorous cardiovascular activity to my life, we adopted a beagle mix named Patches. Her entire attitude echoes the psalmist’s gratitude—God is generous and life is good.
Patches wags her tail with gusto every time we return home. Whether running on the grassy field across the street or exploring the nearby forest, Patches offers me a daily opportunity to see how God lengthens her stride. Her enemies (squirrels and deer) provide further opportunities to run and exercise.
Patches is an old dog now. She’s going deaf, and sometimes she loses her balance. Despite her limping, Patches insists on running. If she loses her balance and falls, she just gets back up on her four legs and keeps moving. Her optimism and hope for the future are unshakable.
Why is it hard for us to be as happy as our canine companions? What life lessons can we learn from their cheerfulness, innocence, and loyalty?
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 Hugo Olaiz
Psalm 18:37-38 (NRSV) You lengthen my stride beneath me, and my ankles do not give way. I pursue my enemies and overtake them; I will not turn back till I have destroyed them.
Twelve years ago, when my doctor recommended I add vigorous cardiovascular activity to my life, we adopted a beagle mix named Patches. Her entire attitude echoes the psalmist’s gratitude—God is generous and life is good.
Patches wags her tail with gusto every time we return home. Whether running on the grassy field across the street or exploring the nearby forest, Patches offers me a daily opportunity to see how God lengthens her stride. Her enemies (squirrels and deer) provide further opportunities to run and exercise.
Patches is an old dog now. She’s going deaf, and sometimes she loses her balance. Despite her limping, Patches insists on running. If she loses her balance and falls, she just gets back up on her four legs and keeps moving. Her optimism and hope for the future are unshakable.
Why is it hard for us to be as happy as our canine companions? What life lessons can we learn from their cheerfulness, innocence, and loyalty?
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 - The View from 400 Miles
Read: John 1:1–14 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 40–41; 2 Peter 3
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9
“My perspective on earth changed dramatically the very first time I went into space,” says Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. From four hundred miles above the earth, all looked peaceful and beautiful to him. Yet Bolden recalled later that as he passed over the Middle East, he was “shaken into reality” when he considered the ongoing conflict there. During an interview with film producer Jared Leto, Bolden spoke of that moment as a time when he saw the earth with a sense of how it ought to be—and then sensed a challenge to do all he could to make it better.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was not the way God intended it. Into this moral and spiritual darkness Jesus came bringing life and light to all (John 1:4). Even though the world didn’t recognize Him, “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12).
When life is not the way it ought to be we are deeply saddened—when families break up, children go hungry, and the world wages war. But God promises that through faith in Christ anyone can begin to move in a new direction.
The Christmas season reminds us that Jesus, the Savior, gives the gift of life and light to everyone who will receive and follow Him.
Father in heaven, may we share the light and life of Jesus with others today.
Share the hope of Christmas with your family and friends. Visit us at ourdailybread.org/GiftofGrace for outreach resources.
God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.
© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries
Nuestro Pan Diario - La vista a 640 kilómetros
Leer: Juan 1:1-14 | La Biblia en un año: 2 Pedro 3
Aquella luz verdadera, que alumbra a todo hombre, venía a este mundo (Juan 1:9).
«Mi perspectiva de la Tierra cambió drásticamente la primera vez que fui al espacio», dice el astronauta Charles F. Bolden Jr. Para él, todo parecía tranquilo y hermoso visto a 640 kilómetros de distancia. Sin embargo, agregó que, cuando pasó sobre Oriente Medio, «la realidad lo sacudió» al considerar el conflicto actual en esa región. En una entrevista con un productor cinematográfico, declaró que, en ese momento, cuando vio la Tierra como esta debería ser, se sintió desafiado a hacer todo lo posible para mejorarla.
Cuando Jesús nació en Belén, el mundo no estaba como Dios pretendía. Jesús vino a traer vida y luz a todos en medio de esta oscuridad moral y espiritual (Juan 1:4). Aunque el mundo no lo reconoció, «a todos los que le recibieron, a los que creen en su nombre, les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios» (v. 12).
Nos entristece profundamente cuando la vida no es como debería serlo;
cuando las familias se destruyen, los niños padecen hambre y el mundo
está en guerra. Pero Dios promete que, mediante la fe en Cristo, toda
persona puede comenzar a andar un camino nuevo.
La época navideña nos recuerda que Jesús, el Salvador, regala vida y luz a todos los que lo reciben y lo siguen.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
La época navideña nos recuerda que Jesús, el Salvador, regala vida y luz a todos los que lo reciben y lo siguen.
Señor, ayúdame a testificar hoy de la luz y la vida que Jesús ofrece.
No somos lo que Dios quiere que seamos, pero Él está obrando para que lleguemos a serlo.
© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Unser Täglich Brot - Von oben
Von David McCasland
Lesen: Johannes 1,1-14 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 40–41; 2.Petrus 3
Das war das wahre Licht, das alle Menschen erleuchtet, die in diese Welt kommen. Johannes 1,9
„Meine Sicht von der Erde hat sich dramatisch verändert, seit ich das erste Mal im Weltraum war“, sagt Charles Frank Bolden Jr., Astronaut des Space Shuttle. Aus einer Entfernung von über 600 Kilometern über der Erde sah alles friedlich und schön aus. Doch als er über den Nahen Osten flog—erinnerte er sich später—und an den anhaltenden Konflikt dort dachte, wurde er „in die Realität zurückgeholt“. In einem Fernsehinterview sagte er, das sei der Moment gewesen, in dem er die Erde betrachtet hatte, wie sie eigentlich sein sollte—und er verspürte die Verpflichtung, alles dafür zu tun, um sie besser zu machen.
Als Jesus in Bethlehem geboren wurde, war die Welt auch nicht so, wie Gott sie wollte. In die moralische und geistliche Dunkelheit kam Jesus, um Licht und Leben zu bringen (Joh. 1,4). Auch wenn die Welt ihn nicht erkannte, gab er allen, „die ihn aufnahmen, die Macht, Gottes Kinder zu werden, denen, die an seinen Namen glauben“ (V.12).
Wenn das Leben nicht so ist, wie es sein sollte, sind wir traurig—wenn Familien zerbrechen, Kinder hungern und die Welt Krieg führt. Aber Gott hat versprochen, dass jeder durch den Glauben an Jesus eine neue Richtung einschlagen kann.
Weihnachten erinnert uns daran, dass Jesus, der Erlöser, jedem Licht und Leben schenken will, der ihn annimmt und ihm folgt.
Himmlischer Vater, lass uns heute Jesu Licht und Leben mit anderen teilen.Teile deine Weihnachtshoffnung mit deiner Familie und Freunden.
Wir sind nicht so, wie wir sein sollten, aber Gott arbeitet an uns, damit wir so werden, wie er uns haben möchte.
© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot
Хлеб наш насущный - Вид с высоты
автор: Дэвид Маккасланд
Читать сейчас: Иоанна 1:1-14 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 40-41; Евреям 7
Был Свет истинный, Который просвещает всякого человека, приходящего в мир. — Иоанна 1:9
«Мой взгляд на нашу планету драматическим образом изменился, когда я впервые оказался в космосе», – говорит астронавт Чарльз Болден. С высоты 600 км все предстало перед ним мирным и прекрасным. Однако позже Болден вспоминал, что, когда он пролетал над Ближним Востоком, его «потрясла действительность»: он вспомнил о продолжающемся там конфликте. Во время интервью с продюсером Джаредом Лето Болден сказал, что из космоса он увидел Землю такой, какой она должна быть, а затем ощутил желание сделать все возможное, чтобы планета стала лучше.
Когда Иисус родился в Вифлееме, мир был не таким, каким его задумал Бог. Божий Сын пришел в нравственную и духовную тьму, чтобы принести жизнь и свет (Ин. 1:4). И пусть мир не узнал Его, «тем, которые приняли Его, верующим во имя Его, [Он] дал власть быть детьми Божьими» (Ин. 1:12).
Когда жизнь идет не так, как следует, это, конечно же, огорчает нас: рушатся семьи, голодают дети, мир сотрясают войны. Но Бог обещает, что через веру в Иисуса Христа всякий может начать двигаться в ином направлении.
Рождественская пора напоминает, что Спаситель принес дар жизни и света каждому, кто примет Его и последует за Ним.
Отче Небесный, помоги нам разделить с другими свет и жизнь Иисуса Христа.
Мы не таковы, как должны быть, но Бог трудится над нашим преображением.
© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Notre Pain Quotidien - La vue à distance de 460 km
par David McCasland
Lisez : Jean 1.1‑14 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 40 – 41 et 2 Pierre 3
Cette lumière était la véritable lumière, qui, en venant dans le monde, éclaire tout homme. (Jean 1:9)
Ma perspective de la terre a changé du
tout au tout la première fois que je suis allé dans l’espace », a
déclaré l’astronaute Charles Frank Bolden Jr, de la navette spatiale
américaine. À distance de 460 km de la Terre, tout y semblait paisible
et magnifique. Après avoir survolé le Moyen‑Orient, Bolden s’est
toutefois rappelé s’être senti « brusquement ramené à la réalité » par
le souvenir du conflit qui ne cessait de ravager cette région du monde.
Lors d’une entrevue accordée au cinéaste Jared Leto, Bolden a dit avoir
alors vu la Terre telle qu’à son avis elle devrait être, puis s’être
senti poussé à faire tout en son pouvoir afin d’améliorer le sort du
monde.
Lorsque Jésus est né, à Bethléhem, le
monde n’était pas tel qu’il l’avait voulu. Dans toutes ces ténèbres
morales et spirituelles, Jésus est venu apporter la vie et la lumière à
tous (JN 1.4). Même si le monde ne l’a pas reconnue, « à tous ceux qui
l’ont reçue, à ceux qui croient en son nom, elle a donné le pouvoir de
devenir enfants de Dieu » (V. 12).
Quand la vie ne se déroule pas comme elle
le devrait, nous en éprouvons une grande tristesse – une famille
éclate, des enfants souffrent de malnutrition et la guerre sévit un peu
partout dans le monde. Reste que Dieu promet que, par la foi en Christ,
il est permis à n’importe qui de donner une nouvelle direction à sa vie.
Noël nous rappelle que Jésus, le Sauveur, accorde le don de la vie et de la lumière à quiconque le recevra et suivra Christ.
Nul n’est tel qu’il doit être, mais Dieu transforme chacun à son gré.
© 2016 Ministères NPQ
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