The Daily Readings for FRIDAY, January 6, 2017 - The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

First Reading

Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

Psalms

Psalm 72 Deus, judicium
1   Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King's son;
2   That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.
3   That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness.
4   He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5   He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
6   He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
7   In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
10   The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11   All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service.
12   For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper.
13   He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14   He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

Second Reading

Ephesians 3:1-12
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

The Holy Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

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.

Verse of the Day - January 06, 2017

1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) [ Be Holy ] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Read all of 1 Peter 1

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Let Him Choose"

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39, NIV)

When my sons were growing and one of them had a few dollars to spend, I would take him to the toy store. My son would look around, select a toy he wanted, and then ask me what I thought.

At that moment I would have a vision of his closet and all his broken toys. I knew the toy he was considering also would go that way. So I would tell him, "Well, buddy, I don't think that's a good toy to buy. I recommend you get something different."

"But I want this one."

"Why don't you just wait and think about it."

"Why don't you choose for me, Dad?"

I loved it when my sons would say that. Of course, you know what I ended up doing. I usually ended up spending a little more money on them. I liked to get them great toys.

That is God's attitude toward us, illustrated in a simplistic way. When we ask the Lord to choose for us, He will go above and beyond what we can ask or think. Many times we limit God through our unbelief. He wants to do more than we're asking for. So don't be afraid to say, "Not as I will, but as You will."

D. L. Moody said, "Spread out your petition before God, and then say, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me."

We don't always know the will of God in every situation. And then there are times when we know it but don't like it. There are also times when we know the will of God but don't understand it. However, we must never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Un Dia a la Vez - Tus pensamientos se volverán hechos

La mentalidad pecaminosa es muerte, mientras que la mentalidad que proviene del Espíritu es vida y paz. Romanos 8:6

Muchas veces pensé y confesé cosas que se hicieron realidad en mi vida. Cosas buenas y cosas no tan buenas. Y esto lo podemos aplicar de dos maneras: pensamientos que agradan a Dios y que nos recuerdan sus promesas, o pensamientos que por lo contrario nos alejan de Él.

No todos los pensamientos vienen de Dios y no todas las cosas malas vienen del enemigo. No obstante, nosotros decidimos qué clase de pensamientos permitimos que vengan a nuestra mente.

A la mente la he comparado con una pista de un aeropuerto. Todo el día llegan pensamientos positivos y negativos. Entonces, ¿qué pensamientos dejamos que aterricen? ¡La decisión es nuestra!

Hacer el ejercicio de sustituir un pensamiento negativo por uno positivo te va a llevar a descartar con facilidad las cosas que te preocupan y que te roban la paz con mucha naturalidad.

Por eso dice el Manual de Instrucciones que debemos llevar cautivos todos nuestros pensamientos a la obediencia de Cristo.

Girlfriends in God - Are you Living Christ’s Full Power?

by Kelly Balarie

Today’s Truth

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27, NIV)

Friend to Friend

There I was. People zoomed left and right around me, within this glorious city, glowing with foreign sparkle. A huge cathedral stood like a mountain, towering over my small frame. I observed everything, the people, speaking a different language, the hustle and the bustle, moving around me.

Would what I had in me - be enough? Would all that I contained inside me come out - and matter? I wasn't so sure. I'd spent years, learning, studying and practicing "Hola's" and "¿Cómo estás?" within the concrete walls of college, but here? Here in this place where people seem to talk a mile a minute?

What would happen if I unleashed the power within me? The idea scared me.

But still, I spoke - loud and proud. And what came about was a life-changing realization: my words had the ability to move with power, effectiveness and life. God opened my eyes.

Spanish was in me, but until this point, I never let it work through me.

Christ is in me, but often I don't believe He'll work through me.

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

There is power in realizing that the One - in you, wants to work - through you.

The hope of glory, Jesus Christ, is not in us just to hang out. He is in us to be worked out into the world.

Do I allow this?

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms... (Ephesians 1:18-20)

To think, I am empowered with the same strength that raised Jesus from the dead seems incomprehensible. It seems impossible. It seems impractical.

Which is probably why I live incapacitated and ineffective.

What if I really believed? What if I truly believed God wants to pour out His powerful hope onto others with transformational impact? What if I believed people might really see Christ through me? What if I believed I could change the world, in profound ways, like Jesus Christ changed the world?

Consider this for a moment, if you don't think you can tackle something, you often don't try. What a waste. The same goes for faith, if you don't believe it, you'll often never see it.

Today, let's see Christ within us and let Him flow into the world with the power He has already told us we're afforded.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You have put “the hope of glory” in me. May I not be afraid of who You are. May I not be ashamed. May I not be fearful. Instead, may I be strong, confident and sure of Your strength. May I go into the world ready to shine Your light. Equip me and empower me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Matthew 5:15. How does this verse encourage you to shine Jesus Christ brighter and farther?

More from the Girlfriends

Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of “Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.

Seeking God? Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - THREE FOLD PREPARATION

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

In the 1980’s, an Open Doors co-worker visited Pastor Tu in Vietnam—leader of the fastest growing house church network at that time. It was reported to the pastor by a member of his house church that the authorities were threatening to imprison him. Pastor Tu told our colleague, “I know it is coming. I have prepared my people for my imprisonment. I am ready for prison.”

Shortly after that, Pastor Tu did spend three years in prison. When he was released, he found his house church network had grown three hundred per cent in his absence.

I received a Christmas card from him the following year that read: “…God greatly gives our church 20,203 more new believers this year. Hallelujah!”

The pastor’s comment to our colleague reveals three areas of preparation for coming storms:

· Intellectually – “I know it is coming.”

· Practically – “I have prepared my people for my imprisonment.”

· Spiritually – “I am ready for prison.”

1. Preparation intellectually involves:

- understanding what the Bible teaches about persecution

- understanding what is God’s purpose in persecution

2. Preparation practically involves:

- practicing the do’s and dont’s so not to invite persecution unnecessarily

- knowing what programs and forms to undertake so the church can continue
to function under pressure and persecution

- knowing your rights as a citizen (Acts 22 & 25)

3. Preparation spiritually involves:

- engaging in activities that stress the importance of fighting the spiritual
battle

RESPONSE: Today I will prepare intellectually, practically and spiritually for any coming storms.

PRAYER: Pray that Christians in all restricted countries will understand these three aspects of the spiritual battle and preparation.

Men of the Bible - Cain and Abel

Cain

His work: As the first child of Adam and Eve, Cain chose farming as his profession.His character: He failed to be generous and was quick to be defensive and outright violent.
His sorrow: Like his father, Adam, Cain discovered God's severe punishment for his sin.
His triumph: In spite of God's curse on Cain's livelihood, God also promised to protect the man from his enemies.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4

Abel

His work: Cain's younger brother, Abel, was the keeper of flocks.
His character: He was willing to offer the best he had to the Lord.
His sorrow: Brutally murdered at the hand of his brother, Cain.
His triumph: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4 

A Look at the Men

How could two brothers turn out so different?

Adam and Eve's first two children were boys. And, as siblings often do when they grow up, they chose different vocations.

Cain became an agriculturist. Working the soil, planting, and caring for his crops were his greatest delights. Cain's brother, Abel, became a herdsman. Tending, feeding, and protecting livestock became his occupation. Two good choices.

Both of these men knew God, introduced by parents who must have told them many stories of their own encounters with the Creator. Some of these accounts would have been painful recollections of Adam and Eve's sin and corresponding punishment. And others would have included God's mercy and grace—his loving pursuit of his wayward children, their remorse, their sacrifice and restoration to fellowship. The boys must have known these stories very well.

And so Adam and Eve's sons offered the results of their vocations to the Lord. Cain brought fruits, and his younger brother, Abel, brought animals to offer to God.

When one of Abel's flocks or herds delivered her firstborn, that animal was earmarked. This one belongs to the Lord, he thought to himself. It's the most prized and perfect.

But like a man reaching into his pocket for a little loose change to toss into the passing offering plate, Cain only brought "some of the fruits of the soil." This will have to be good enough, he reasoned. The premier crops he wanted to reserve for himself.

The offering might have been good enough for Cain, but his brother had done better. So like the laggard in school who resented the one who prepared for the test and spoiled the curve, Cain became "very angry." This was compounded, of course, because the "teacher"—the Lord himself—looked with favor on Abel's offering but with disfavor on Cain's.

Cain plotted against his faithful and obedient brother. "Let's go out to the field," he told his younger sibling. And there he killed him.

In the moments that followed, Cain heard God pronounce a lifelong sentence on his life. But God also promised his protection on the man. For the remainder of his life, Cain must have wondered why God had not killed him after what he had done to Abel. Instead, his life sentence was to live with the memory of his sin, while never forgetting the mystery—and the bounty—of God's grace and mercy.

Reflect On: Genesis 4
Praise God: Because nothing escapes him. He knows the state of our hearts.
Offer Thanks: That God hasn’t left us in the dark, but speaks clearly to us about what he requires.
Confess: Any patterns of anger that make you more vulnerable to sin.
Ask God: To search your heart and free you from the root causes of your anger.

LHM Daily Devotion - "Back to Normal"

January 6, 2017

And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40, ESV)

Read Luke 2:39-40

Today we take down our Christmas tree, the lights, and all the decorations. Finally, our house is getting back to normal.

Luke's account of that first Christmas is drawing to a close. After completing all the tasks God's Law laid out for them to do, Joseph and Mary left Judea and returned to Nazareth, where they would raise Jesus. We know from Matthew's account the reason the couple first left Bethlehem was because Herod sent soldiers to murder the Christ Child, after the wise men had come to visit. After spending some time in Egypt, they returned to Nazareth.

Luke tells us that in Nazareth Jesus grew physically, experiencing the normal development of a human being. But he also accumulated the knowledge, wisdom and discretion He would show throughout His adult ministry. In our Lenten devotions in March, we will listen to Jesus' own wonderful message of forgiveness, peace, salvation and eternal life, and we will follow Him as He courageously faces bitter opposition and a cross to save us from our sins.

In a sense life was back to normal for Mary and Joseph. They were home now and Joseph could go back to his carpenter's shop. But then again, once the Christ Child was born their lives would never really be the same. This is true for us too. Even though the trappings of Christmas are gone for another year, the Christ Child has come into our homes, and our lives will never be the same either.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world that first Christmas, and coming into our hearts this Christmas. Keep us strong in faith, filled with peace and joy until the day You return to earth. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

Devociones de Adviento - Postrados, adoremos

Viernes 06 de Enero

Mateo 2:1-12

Cuando entraron en la casa, vieron al niño con su madre María y, postrándose ante él, lo adoraron. Luego abrieron sus tesoros y le ofrecieron oro, incienso y mirra. (Mt 2:11, RVC)

Estamos terminando el recorrido. Un recorrido delineado por Dios desde el principio. Ya arribamos. Este es un encuentro lleno de devoción. Postrados ante el niño, rindiéndole adoración.

Desde Edén hasta Belén: Dios ha cumplido su antigua promesa. Desde el lejano oriente hasta la aldea de David: su promesa es para los habitantes de todas las naciones. Desde el lugar en el que transcurren nuestras vidas, quizás tristes y pobres, hasta dar cara a cara con el niño Dios: un Niño que también es para ti.

Hemos visto desfilar a profetas, ángeles y pastores. Hemos observado el gozo de mujeres embarazadas alabando a Dios por su fidelidad. Hemos oído a un anciano regocijarse infinitamente, tomando en sus brazos al Autor de nuestra salvación. Falta alguien en ese escenario singular montado por Dios: ¿acaso eres tú? ¿Seguirás la estrella que guió a los magos, o te quedarás con tu triste historia una navidad más?

Quizás tu viaje no sea corto: ¡estás tan alejado de Dios! Quizás lleves encima navidades vacías, con sabor a poco y nada. Tal vez percibiste que ésta fue destinada a ser TU navidad. ¿Transitarás otro año sin recibir el regalo que Dios quiere darte? No pases de largo. Detente en Belén. Que, al comienzo de este año, Belén sea tu primera parada. No debes traer nada: alcanza con un corazón arrepentido. Él quiere darte todo. Con su pobreza, él te llenará de riquezas. Él puede poner en tu corazón la fe más preciosa, que brilla como el oro. Vamos, te invito. Vayamos a Belén y de rodillas adoremos.

Gracias, Dios, por el Salvador que enviaste a la humanidad. Dirígeme a su pesebre, a su casa, a su iglesia y finalmente a tu cielo. Amén.

© Copyright 2016 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones

Our Daily Bread - Someone to Celebrate

By James Banks

Read: Matthew 2:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 16–17; Matthew 5:27–48

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

Many manger scenes depict the wise men, or magi, visiting Jesus in Bethlehem at the same time as the shepherds. But according to the gospel of Matthew, the only place in Scripture where their story is found, the magi showed up later. Jesus was no longer in the manger in a stable at the inn, but in a house. Matthew 2:11 tells us, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Realizing that the magi’s visit happened later than we may think provides a helpful reminder as we begin a new year. Jesus is always worthy of worship. When the holidays are past and we head back to life’s everyday routines, we still have Someone to celebrate.

Jesus Christ is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1:23), in every season. He has promised to be with us “always” (28:20). Because He is always with us, we can worship Him in our hearts every day and trust that He will show Himself faithful in the years to come. Just as the magi sought Him, may we seek Him too and worship Him wherever we are.

Lord Jesus, just as the magi sought You and bowed before You as the coming King, help me to yield my will to You and to follow where You lead.

When we find Christ we offer our worship.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Alguien por quien celebrar

Por James Banks

Leer: Mateo 2:1-12 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 5:27-48

Venid, adoremos y postrémonos; arrodillémonos delante del Señor nuestro Hacedor (Salmo 95:6).

Muchas escenas del pesebre muestran a los magos de oriente visitando a Jesús en Belén al mismo tiempo que los pastores. Sin embargo, según el Evangelio de Mateo, el único lugar de la Escritura donde se encuentra esta historia, los magos llegaron más tarde. Jesús ya no estaba en el pesebre del establo de una posada, sino en una casa. Mateo 2:11 nos dice: «Y al entrar en la casa, vieron al niño con su madre María, y postrándose, lo adoraron; y abriendo sus tesoros, le ofrecieron presentes: oro, incienso y mirra».

Darse cuenta de que la visita de los magos ocurrió más tarde de lo que se piensa constituye un recordatorio útil al comenzar un nuevo año. Jesús es digno de ser adorado siempre. Una vez que las fiestas han terminado y volvemos a las rutinas diarias, seguimos teniendo a Alguien por quien celebrar.

Jesucristo es Emanuel, «Dios con nosotros» (Mateo 1:23), en todas las épocas del año. Él prometió estar con nosotros «siempre» (28:20). Entonces, como siempre está con nosotros, podemos adorarlo en nuestro corazón todos los días y confiar en que seguirá mostrándonos su fidelidad durante los años que están por delante. Así como los magos lo buscaron, que nosotros también lo hagamos y lo adoremos dondequiera que estemos.

Señor Jesús, te adoro y te entrego mi vida para hacer tu voluntad.

Cuando encontramos a Cristo, le ofrecemos nuestra adoración.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Grund zum Feiern

Von James Banks

Lesen: Matthäus 2,1-12 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Mose 16–17; Matthäus 5,27-48

Kommt, lasst uns anbeten und knien und niederfallen vor dem Herrn, der uns gemacht hat. Psalm 95,6

Viele Krippenszenen zeigen die Weisen aus dem Morgenland, die Jesus in Bethlehem besuchten, gleichzeitig mit den Hirten. Nach dem Matthäusevangelium, der einzigen Stelle in der Bibel, die von ihnen berichtet, kamen sie aber später. Jesus war nicht mehr in einer Krippe im Stall, sondern in einem Haus. In Matthäus 2,11 heißt es, sie „gingen in das Haus und fanden das Kindlein mit Maria, seiner Mutter, und fielen nieder und beteten es an und taten ihre Schätze auf und schenkten ihm Gold, Weihrauch und Myrrhe“.

Die Tatsache, dass die Weisen später kamen, als wir vielleicht meinen, kann uns am Anfang des neuen Jahres zu einer hilfreichen Erkenntnis verhelfen. Jesus hat immer Anbetung verdient. Wenn die Feiertage vorbei sind und wieder die Alltagsroutine beginnt, haben wir immer noch Grund zum Feiern.

Jesus Christus ist in jeder Jahreszeit Immanuel, „Gott mit uns“ (Matth. 1,23). Er hat versprochen, „alle Tage“ bei uns zu sein (28,20). Und deshalb können wir ihn jeden Tag aus ganzem Herzen anbeten und darauf vertrauen, dass er uns auch in den kommenden Jahren treu bleiben wird. Mögen wir ihn suchen, wie die Weisen es taten, und ihn anbeten, egal wo wir sind.

Herr Jesus, so wie die Weisen dich suchten und vor dir als dem kommenden König niederknieten, so will auch ich dir meinen Willen ausliefern und dir folgen, wohin du mich führst.

Wenn wir Jesus gefunden haben, können wir nicht anders, als ihn anbeten.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Повод для праздника

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

Читать сейчас: Матфея 2:1-12 | Библия за год: Бытие 16-17; Матфея 5:27-48

Придите, поклонимся и припадем, преклоним колени пред лицом Господа, Творца нашего. — Псалом 94:6

На многих рождественских картинах волхвы, пришедшие к Младенцу Иисусу в Вифлеем, изображаются рядом с пастухами. Однако согласно Евангелию от Матфея, единственному месту в Писании, где об этом рассказывается, волхвы появились позже. Иисус находился уже не в яслях, а в доме. Матфей пишет: «Войдя в дом, увидели Младенца с Марией, матерью Его, и, пав, поклонились Ему; и, открыв сокровища свои, принесли Ему дары: золото, ладан и смирну» (Мф. 2:11).

Тот факт, что поклонение волхвов произошло позже, чем многие думают, служит хорошим напоминанием в начале нового года. Иисус всегда достоин поклонения. Когда праздники миновали и вновь наступают серые будни, у нас все равно есть чему радоваться и что праздновать.

Иисус Христос – Эммануил, что значит «с нами Бог» (Мф. 1:23). Он с нами в любое время года, «во все дни» (Мф. 28:20). По этой причине мы всегда можем поклоняться Ему в своих сердцах, будучи уверенными, что Он останется верным и в грядущие годы. Так же как искали Его волхвы, будем и мы стремиться к Нему и славить Его в любое время и в любом месте.

Господь Иисус, так же как волхвы нашли Тебя и поклонились Тебе, помоги и мне покорить Тебе свою волю и следовать за Тобой повсюду.

Найдя Христа, принесем Ему поклонение.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Quelqu’un à célébrer

par James Banks

Lisez : Matthieu 2.1‑12 | La Bible en un an : Genèse 16 – 17 et Matthieu 5.27-48

Venez, prosternons‑nous et humilions‑nous, fléchissons le genou devant l’Éternel, notre créateur ! (Psaume 95.6)

De nombreuses scènes de la Nativité illustrent les mages en visite auprès de Jésus à Bethléhem en même temps que les bergers. D’après l’Évangile selon Matthieu, le seul livre biblique où cette histoire nous est racontée, les mages sont pourtant venus auprès de lui ultérieurement. Jésus n’était plus alors dans l’étable d’une auberge, mais dans une maison. Matthieu 2.11 nous indique ceci : « Ils entrèrent dans la maison, virent le petit enfant avec Marie, sa mère, se prosternèrent et l’adorèrent ; ils ouvrirent ensuite leurs trésors, et lui offrirent en présent de l’or, de l’encens et de la myrrhe. »

Alors que nous amorçons une nouvelle année, nous aurions tout intérêt à comprendre que les mages sont arrivés plus tard que nous pourrions le penser. Jésus se montre toujours digne de notre adoration. Lorsque les vacances de Noël sont terminées et que nous reprenons notre routine quotidienne, il nous reste ainsi quelqu’un à célébrer.

Jésus‑Christ est Emmanuel, « Dieu avec nous » (MT 1.23), en toute période de l’année. Il a promis de rester avec nous « jusqu’à la fin du monde » (28.20). Étant donné qu’il est constamment à nos côtés, nous pouvons l’adorer chaque jour en nous‑mêmes, sachant très bien qu’il se montrera fidèle au fil des ans. Comme les mages l’ont fait, recherchons‑le et adorons‑le nous aussi, et cela, où que nous nous trouvions.

En découvrant Christ, nous lui offrons notre adoration.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ