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

Today’s Truth

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!)

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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

• 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

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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?

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Our Daily Bread - The View from 400 Miles

By David McCaslan

 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

Por david c. mccasland

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.

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