The Daily Readings SATURDAY, for April 1, 2017

The Old Testament Lesson

The Old Testament Lesson for today is taken from Jeremiah 23:9-15

Concerning the prophets: My heart is crushed within me, all my bones shake; I have become like a drunkard, like one overcome by wine, because of the LORD and because of his holy words. For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course has been evil, and their might is not right. Both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in my house I have found their wickedness, says the LORD. Therefore their way shall be to them like slippery paths in the darkness, into which they shall be driven and fall; for I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment, says the LORD. In the prophets of Samaria I saw a disgusting thing: they prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray. But in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a more shocking thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from wickedness; all of them have become like Sodom to me, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah. Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: "I am going to make them eat wormwood, and give them poisoned water to drink; for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land."

The Epistle Lesson

The Epistle Lesson for today is taken from Romans 9:1-18

I am speaking the truth in Christ-- I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit-- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, and not all of Abraham's children are his true descendants; but "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you." This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. For this is what the promise said, "About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son." Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's purpose of election might continue, not by works but by his call) she was told, "The elder shall serve the younger." As it is written, "I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau." What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.

The Holy Gospel Lesson

The Holy Gospel is written in John 6:60-71

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil." He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 107:33-34
33  He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,
34  A fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants.

Psalm 108:1-6
1   My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2   Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
3   I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
4   For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5   Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
6   That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

Psalm 108:7-13
7   God has promised in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth.
8   Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.
9   Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
10   Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
11   Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12   Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
13   With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 33 Exultate, justi
1   Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; it is good for the just to sing praises.
2   Praise the LORD with the harp; play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3   Sing for him a new song; sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4   For the word of the LORD is right, and all his works are sure.
5   He loves righteousness and justice; the loving-kindness of the LORD fills the whole earth.
6   By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7   He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin and stores up the depths of the sea.
8   Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9   For he spoke, and it came to pass; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10   The LORD brings the will of the nations to naught; he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11   But the LORD'S will stands fast for ever, and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12   Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD! happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13   The LORD looks down from heaven, and beholds all the people in the world.
14   From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze on all who dwell on the earth.
15   He fashions all the hearts of them and understands all their works.
16   There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17   The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; for all its strength it cannot save.
18   Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear him, on those who wait upon his love,
19   To pluck their lives from death, and to feed them in time of famine.
20   Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
21   Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22   Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, as we have put our trust in you.

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 - April 1, 2017

Psalm 14:1 (NIV) [For the director of music. Of David.] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

Read all of Psalm 14

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Loving the Dark"

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

—John 3:19 (NKJV)

The Pharisees did not doubt Jesus because they merely disagreed with Him. They doubted Jesus because they were hardened against Him.

Doubt is a matter of the mind. Even Christians have moments of doubt. We don’t always understand what God is doing or why He is doing it. Unbelief, in contrast, is a matter of the will. It is a choice we make.

The Pharisees were full of unbelief. They did not reject Jesus for lack of evidence or because He was not consistent with what He said. The fact is that Jesus was the perfect example. Even Pontius Pilate, who had examined countless people, said, “I find no fault in this Man” (Luke 23:4), and “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person” (Matthew 27:24). Judas Iscariot, who spent three concentrated years with Jesus and even betrayed Him said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). So Jesus clearly was a model of everything that He said.

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because it interfered with the way they wanted to live. And that is why people reject Him today. Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:19–20).

People don’t reject Jesus because they have carefully examined the evidence and have determined that it is not convincing enough. They don’t reject Him because they have read through the Scriptures and have found some apparent contradiction. They don’t reject Him because of the so-called hypocrisy of some in the church. They reject Him because He interferes with the way they want to live.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV® Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Devotion by Greg Laurie © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.

Un Dia a la Vez - La pildorita contra el estrés

Aun los jóvenes se cansan, se fatigan [...] pero los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas.
Isaías 40:30-31, NVI 

Muchas veces a lo largo de tu vida, sin importar la edad que tengas, te sentirás con la sensación de que ya no puedes más con las cosas que estás viviendo. Incluso, ni siquiera te motivará la búsqueda de Dios.

Has intentado de todo para hallar la paz y la solución a tus problemas, y ya te has dado cuenta que las pastillas para la depresión no dan resultado. Que las visitas al que se supone que conoce tu futuro ya te desilusionó porque al fin comprendes que te han quitado tu dinero, pues nadie conoce tu futuro sino solo Dios.

Hoy te digo que Dios es el único que basta. Él es el que saca del hoyo tu vida. El que te viste con ropas nuevas y el Dios de las oportunidades.

Hace unos meses escuché una vez más que un joven de veintiún años se había quitado la vida porque no pudo soportar la muerte de su novia. Entró en depresión y, pasado un tiempo, se quitó la vida. ¡Qué dolor para la familia!

Ni tú, ni él, ni ninguno de nosotros se puede aferrar a la vida de otras personas, incluyendo las de nuestras parejas e hijos, nuestros pastores o líderes. No debemos convertir esos seres especiales en la razón para vivir. Es idolatría y Dios la detesta. Debes entender hoy que no puedes poner tu vida y tu confianza en el hombre porque lo más seguro es que te va a fallar.

Dios es el que te ayudará en todas tus necesidades y te dará nuevos comienzos.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - COMMISSIONING ASPECT OF COMMITMENT

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

—Luke 9:23

The personal and trusting relationship between God and His followers now leads the believer to the commissioning aspect of commitment—a task that is characteristic of being His true followers—“and follow me.” This commitment is not to a task but to a person. To be a follower of Jesus is to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is one who follows the teaching of another; one who is like another; one who models after another.

What is the task to which he has called us? The task is none other than the words of what we call “The Great Commission”:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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 28:18–20)

The Christian’s task is nothing short of being a servant of Jesus Christ proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ and helping others become followers of Jesus. Our primary responsibility is neither overthrowing governments nor opposing ideologies but a proactive one of making disciples of all nations.

In the course of our obedience to God’s authority, we may come in conflict with the existing government. We have been called to be good citizens and history has proven that Christians are generally law-abiding and hard working. But when conflicts come, the Christian is ready to choose his commitment to Christ over his or her commitment to local authorities (Acts 4:19–20).

RESPONSE: Today I complete my commitment to follow Jesus in sharing His love with others.

PRAYER: As a true disciple, I give myself, Lord, to the task of world evangelization starting where You place me today.

NIV Devotions for Couples - Holy Habits Under Pressure

Daniel 6:1–28

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Daniel 6:10

Some years ago a major research firm conducted a survey to determine what people would be willing to do for ten million dollars. The results were astounding:

3 percent would put their children up for adoption
7 percent would kill a stranger
16 percent would divorce their spouses
25 percent would leave their families

We all apparently have our selling price. It might be ten million dollars or only a bottle of wine. Our selling price is linked to our identity; the deeper our character, the higher our selling price.

Daniel was a foreigner in a strange land, and there were many officials who wished to define his identity for him. Yet he tenaciously clung to the rituals that helped define his truest self as a child of God. Daniel would not sell himself short, even when the pressure was on. He continued to get down on his knees three times a day, giving thanks to God, even when he knew the penalty for doing so was being torn apart by hungry lions. He knew that without God he was nothing.

When a ship is built, each part has a voice of its own. As seamen walk through the new ship, they can almost hear the creaking whispers: “I am a rivet!” “I am a sheet of steel!” “I am a propeller!” “I am a beam!” For a while these little voices sing their individual songs, proudly independent and fiercely self-protective.

But then a storm blows in on the high seas. The waves toss, the gales hurl and the rains beat. If the parts of the ship tried to withstand the pummeling independent from one another, each would be lost. On the bridge, however, stands the captain. He issues orders that take all of the little voices and bring them together for a larger purpose. By the time the vessel has weathered the storm, sailors sense a new and deeper song echoing from stem to stern: “I am a ship!”

Our Captain calls each of us, especially in marriage, to a greater purpose than furthering ourselves. Answering that call is a top priority for our lives, as Daniel knew. Those who hear the Captain’s call are able to sail true and straight. And those who have that strong sense of service and self-awareness are able to give out of that fullness to the Lord and to others.

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk

• What kind of home life might have created in Daniel the strength of character he displayed for a lifetime, even in adverse conditions?
• What habits of faith and its expressions are routine and meaningless in our lives? Which ritual practices do we do mainly for others?
• What habits might be good to develop to grow our relationship?

Copyright 2015

LHM Daily Devotion - "The Betrayer"

Jesus first mentioned a betrayal when He predicted His sufferings to His...

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"The Betrayer"

April 1, 2017

(Jesus said) "Behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me on the table" (Luke 22:21, ESV).

Read Luke 22:21-23

Jesus first mentioned a betrayal when He predicted His sufferings to His disciples. Now at the Last Supper He staggers His disciples with the words, "Behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me on the table."

Judas must have been dumbstruck. Jesus has just put the secret he has carefully hidden out on the table for all to see. The tables have completely turned, and Judas is at Jesus' mercy. He has the power to betray Judas into the other disciples' hands or, at the very least, He can foil any attempt Judas may make to try to betray Him.

Now that He has Judas' fearful attention, Jesus continues, "The Son of Man goes as it has been determined." No one will force the Son of God to His sufferings-not Judas, not the Jewish leaders, not the Roman governor-but in order to fulfill His Father's will and to save mankind He willingly goes to His death.

But Jesus' focus is not on Himself; it's on Judas, "But woe to that man by whom He is betrayed." Jesus wants it to sink in. Like so many of the sins we contemplate, Judas doesn't understand the full magnitude of what he is about to do. Jesus wants him to understand, so he will confess his sin now and receive Jesus' pardon and forgiveness-before it is too late.

The disciples question among themselves who it is who would do this dastardly act. Jesus could do to Judas that which Judas agreed to do to Him. It is in His power to betray Judas to them. But He shields and protects him instead.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You reached out to Judas with true love and concern, urging him to repent and believe. Destroy my love of worldly things that I may repent and trust in You alone. Amen

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

Devociones de Cuaresma - El extraño pedido de Dios

Devociones de Cuaresma  2017

El extraño pedido de Dios

01 de Abril de 2017

Por la fe, cuando Abrahán fue puesto a prueba, ofreció a Isaac. Hebreos 11:17 (Génesis 22:1-14, RVC)

Tendría unos cinco años cuando vi por primera vez un dibujo en blanco y negro de la historia bíblica de Génesis 22, con el niño Isaac acostado sobre la leña que estaba en el altar de piedras, y Abrahán sosteniendo un cuchillo grande entre sus manos levantadas. Todavía hoy esa imagen está grabada en mi mente y me produce una sensación extraña.

Los sacrificios humanos eran muy comunes en la antigüedad: los usaban los paganos para calmar a sus dioses. Sin embargo, yo no podía concebir que el Dios de la vida pidiera un sacrificio humano. ¿Qué habrá pensado Abrahán? No hay nada en la historia bíblica que nos indique lo que pensaba Abrahán respecto de este extraño pedido de Dios. Sólo se nos indica que, en fe, obedeció.

La fe es necesaria cuando Dios hace cosas extrañas. La historia del sacrificio de Isaac a manos de su padre es una figura y un anticipo del sacrificio del único Hijo de Dios a manos de su Padre. Sin la historia de la cruz en el Calvario, y de Jesús siendo sacrificado en ella, la historia de cuando Dios pone a prueba a Abrahán no tendría sentido.

Cuando Dios prueba nuestra fe, nos cuestionamos por qué lo hace. Sin embargo, tenemos que recordar que nuestros cuestionamientos no son más importantes que la obediencia en la fe. Todas las pruebas por las que pasamos tienen sentido sólo en el sacrificio de Jesús en la cruz. Nada malo nos puede suceder si confiamos en que Dios tiene ya en su mente y en su amor preparado el final de nuestra prueba. La resurrección de Jesús es la garantía.

Gracias, Padre, porque nos pruebas para ejercitar nuestra fe en tu cuidado y providencia. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén

© Copyright 2017 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. ¡Utilice estas devociones en sus boletines! Usado con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados por la Int'l LLL

Our Daily Bread - When Yes Means No

Read: Romans 8:22–28 | Bible in a Year: Judges 13–15; Luke 6:27–49

I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Psalm 120:1

I thanked God for the privilege of serving as my mom’s live-in caregiver during her battle against leukemia. When medicines began to hurt more than help, she decided to stop treatment. “I don’t want to suffer anymore,” she said. “I want to enjoy my last days with family. God knows I’m ready to go home.”

I pleaded with our loving heavenly Father—the Great Physician—confident He could work miracles. But to say yes to my mom’s prayers, He would have to say no to mine. Sobbing, I surrendered, “Your will be done, Lord.”

Soon after, Jesus welcomed my mama into a pain-free eternity.

In this fallen world, we’ll experience suffering until Jesus returns (Rom. 8:22–25). Our sinful nature, limited vision, and fear of pain can distort our ability to pray. Thankfully, “the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (v. 27). He reminds us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (v. 28), even when His yes to someone else means a heartbreaking no for us.

When we accept our small part in His greater purpose, we can echo my mom’s watchword: “God is good, and that’s all there is to it. Whatever He decides, I’m at peace.” With confidence in the Lord’s goodness, we can trust Him to answer every prayer according to His will and for His glory.

Our Daily Bread welcomes writer Xochitl Dixon!

Meet Xochitl and all our authors at odb.org/all-authors.

God’s answers are wiser than our prayers.

By Xochitl Dixon

© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Khi Nhậm Lời Nghĩa Là Từ Chối

Đọc: Rô-ma 8:22-28 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Các quan xét 13-15; Lu-ca 6:27-49

Trong cơn gian truân, con kêu cầu Đức Giê-hô-va, Ngài đã đáp lời con. Thi Thiên 120:1

Tôi cảm tạ Chúa về đặc ân phục vụ khi là người luôn túc trực chăm sóc mẹ tôi trong suốt thời gian bà chống chọi với căn bệnh bạch cầu. Khi thuốc thang bắt đầu gây đau đớn nhiều hơn là chữa lành, mẹ tôi quyết định dừng việc chữa trị lại. Bà nói: “Mẹ không muốn chịu đau đớn thêm nữa. Mẹ muốn vui hưởng những ngày cuối đời bên gia đình. Chúa biết mẹ đã sẵn sàng về nhà.”

Tôi nài xin Cha yêu thương—Vị Bác Sĩ Đại Tài—với lòng tin rằng Ngài có thể làm phép lạ. Nhưng để nhậm lời cầu nguyện của mẹ tôi, Ngài phải nói không với lời cầu nguyện của tôi. Trong tiếng khóc nức nở, tôi thuận phục: “Lạy Chúa, xin ý Ngài được nên!”

Không lâu sau đó, Chúa Jêsus đã tiếp đón mẹ tôi vào cõi vĩnh hằng, không còn đau đớn nữa.

Trong thế giới sa ngã này, chúng ta sẽ phải chịu đau đớn cho tới khi Chúa Jêsus trở lại (Rô-ma 8:22-25). Bản chất tội lỗi, tầm nhìn hạn hẹp và nỗi sợ đau đớn có thể làm méo mó năng lực cầu nguyện của chúng ta. Tạ ơn Chúa, “Thánh Linh theo ý muốn Đức Chúa Trời mà cầu thay cho các thánh đồ” (c.27). Ngài nhắc chúng ta nhớ rằng trong mọi sự, Đức Chúa Trời hành động vì ích lợi của những người yêu mến Ngài (c.28), ngay cả khi việc Ngài nhậm lời cầu nguyện của ai đó lại là sự từ chối đầy đau đớn đối với chúng ta.

Khi chấp nhận vai trò nhỏ bé của mình trong mục đích lớn lao hơn của Ngài, chúng ta có thể lặp lại lời mẹ tôi thường nói: “Chúa tốt lành, và trong sự tốt lành ấy hàm chứa tất cả. Dù Ngài quyết định ra sao thì mẹ cũng bình an.” Với lòng tin nơi sự tốt lành của Chúa, chúng ta có thể tin chắc rằng Ngài nhậm mọi lời cầu xin theo ý muốn của Ngài và vì sự vinh hiển của Ngài.

Lạy Chúa Jêsus! Cảm ơn Ngài là Đấng đáng để chúng con tin cậy khi Ngài sắp đặt ngày tháng cuộc đời chúng con theo chương trình toàn hảo của Ngài, là chương trình cho từng người, từng thế hệ và từng giây phút cho tới khi Ngài trở lại.

Sự đáp lời của Chúa luôn khôn ngoan hơn lời cầu nguyện của chúng ta.

bởi Xochitl E. Dixon

© 2017 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày

Nuestro Pan Diario - Cuando «sí» implica «no»

Leer: Romanos 8:22-28 | La Biblia en un año: Jueces 13–15 Lucas 6:27-49

Al Señor clamé estando en angustia, y él me respondió (Salmo 120:1).

Di gracias a Dios por poder cuidar a mi mamá durante su batalla contra la leucemia. Cuando los medicamentos empezaron a hacer más daño que bien, ella decidió dejar el tratamiento.

«Ya no quiero sufrir más —dijo—. Quiero disfrutar de mis últimos días con mi familia. Dios sabe que estoy lista para irme con Él».

Oré con fervor a nuestro amoroso Padre y poderoso Médico, sabiendo que podía hacer un milagro. Pero, para responder «sí» a mi mamá, Él tendría que decirme «no». Sollozando, me rendí a su voluntad.

Poco después, Jesús recibió a mi mamá en una eternidad libre de dolor.

En este mundo caído, habrá sufrimiento hasta que Cristo vuelva (Romanos 8:22-25). Nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa, nuestra visión limitada y el temor al dolor pueden distorsionar nuestra capacidad para orar. Pero, felizmente, el Espíritu «conforme a la voluntad de Dios intercede por los santos» (v. 27). Dios obra para bien de aquellos que lo aman (v. 28), incluso cuando su «sí» para alguien implique un desgarrador «no» para nosotros.

Podemos hacer eco del lema de mi mamá: «Dios es bueno. Cualquiera que sea su decisión, estoy en paz». Al estar seguros de la bondad del Señor, podemos confiar en que responderá según su voluntad y para su gloria.

Señor, gracias por trazar nuestros días según tu plan perfecto.

Las respuestas de Dios son más sabias que nuestras oraciones.

Por Xochitl Dixon

© 2017 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Ja oder Nein

Lesen: Römer 8,22-28 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Richter 13–15; Lukas 6,27-49

Ich rufe zu dem Herrn in meiner Not und er erhört mich. Psalm 120,1

Ich war Gott dankbar, dass ich meine Mutter im letzten Stadium ihrer Leukämieerkrankung zu Hause pflegen durfte. Als die Medikamente schließlich mehr Beschwerden als Hilfe brachten, wollte sie nicht mehr. „Ich möchte die letzten Tage gern noch mit meiner Familie genießen“, sagte sie. „Gott weiß, dass ich bereit bin heimzugehen.“

Ich bat meinen liebenden himmlischen Vater um ein Wunder. Aber wenn er die Gebete meiner Mutter erhören sollte, musste er meine Bitten abschlagen. Unter Tränen stammelte ich: „Dein Wille, Herr, geschehe.“

Bald darauf nahm Jesus meine Mutter in seine schmerzfreie Ewigkeit auf.

In dieser gefallenen Welt werden wir leiden, bis Jesus wiederkommt (Röm. 8,22-25). Unsere sündige Natur, beschränkte Sicht und die Angst vor Schmerzen können unsere Gebete behindern. Zum Glück vertritt der Geist „die Heiligen, wie es Gott gefällt“ (V.27). Er erinnert uns daran, dass für die, die ihn lieben, alles zum Besten mitwirkt (V.28), selbst wenn sein Ja zu einem anderen für uns ein herzerschütterndes Nein bedeuten mag.

Wenn wir unsere kleine Rolle in seinem großen Plan akzeptieren, können wir mit meiner Mutter mitsprechen: „Gott ist gut und das genügt. Egal, was er will, ich habe Frieden.“ Im Vertrauen auf Gottes Güte können wir gewiss sein, dass er jedes Gebet nach seinem Willen und zu seiner Ehre erhört.

Herr Jesus, hab Dank, dass wir dir völlig vertrauen können. Du leitest unsere Tage nach deinem vollkommenen Plan, der jeden Menschen, jede Generation und jeden Augenblick im Blick hat, bis du wiederkommst.

Gottes Antworten sind weiser als unsere Bitten.

Von Xochitl Dixon

© 2017 Unser Täglich Brot

Notre Pain Quotidien - Quand oui veut dire non

Lisez : Romains 8.22‑28 | La Bible en un an : JUGES 13 – 15 et LUC 6.27‑49

Dans ma détresse c'est l'Éternel que je crie, et il m'exauce. Psaume 120.1

Je suis reconnaissante envers Dieu pour le privilège d’avoir vécu chez ma mère pour lui servir d’aidante naturelle durant son combat contre la leucémie. Lorsque les médicaments ont commencé à lui causer plus de tort que de bien, elle a décidé de cesser ses traitements. « Je ne veux plus souffrir, m’a‑t‑elle dit. Je tiens à profiter de mes derniers jours en compagnie de ma famille. Dieu sait que je suis prête à rentrer à la maison. »

J’ai supplié mon Père bienveillant – le Médecin miraculeux. Reste que pour dire oui aux prières de ma mère, il devait dire non aux miennes. En sanglots, je me suis soumise : « Que ta volonté soit faite, Seigneur ! »

Peu après, Jésus l’a accueillie dans une éternité libre de toute souffrance.

Dans notre monde déchu, nous souffrirons jusqu’au retour de Jésus (RO 8.22‑25). Notre nature inique, notre vision limitée et notre peur de la douleur risquent de nuire à notre capacité de prier. Heureusement, « c’est selon Dieu qu’il [l’Esprit] intercède en faveur des saints » (V. 27). Il nous rappelle qu’en toutes choses, Dieu oeuvre pour le bien de ceux qui l’aiment (V. 28), même si un oui pour l’un signifie un non déchirant pour un autre.

En acceptant de jouer notre modeste rôle dans ses desseins supérieurs, nous pouvons faire écho au mot d’ordre de ma mère : « Dieu est bon, un point, c’est tout. Peu importe ce qu’il décide, je suis en paix. » Convaincus de la bonté du Seigneur, nous pouvons avoir l’assurance qu’il répondra à chacune de nos prières selon sa volonté et pour sa gloire.

Les réponses de Dieu sont plus sages que nos prières.

par Xochitl Dixon

© 2017 Ministères NPQ

Хліб Наш Насущній - Коли “так” означає “ні”

Читати: Римлян 8:22-28 | Біблія за рік: Суддів 13–15 ; Луки 6:27-49

Я кликав до Господа в горі своїм, і Він мене вислухав. — Псалом 119:1

Я була вдячна Богу за привілей послужити моїй матері, що хворіла на лейкемію. Коли ліки почали більше шкодити, ніж допомагати, мама вирішила припинити лікування. “Я не хочу більше мучитись, – сказала вона. – Я хочу останні дні свого життя побути зі своєю родиною. Бог знає, що я готова йти до Нього”. Я молилась, щоб Господь звершив чудо зцілення − була впевнена, що Він може це зробити. Але щоб відповісти “так” на молитви моєї мами, що хотіла на небо, Він був “змушений” сказати “ні” на мої молитви. В сльозах, я скорилась: “Нехай Твоя буде воля, Господи”. І незабаром Ісус вже зустрічав мою маму у вічності, де вже немає болю.

У цьому занапащеному світі всі ми зазнаватимемо страждань, аж поки не повернеться Ісус (Рим. 8:22-25). Наше гріховне єство, наше обмежене бачення і страх болю можуть заважати нам правильно молитись. Але, дякуючи Богу, Дух Святий “з волі Божої заступається за святих” (Рим. 8:27). Він нагадує нам, що все, що трапляється у житті, служить для блага тим, хто люблять Ісуса (Рим. 8:28) – навіть якщо Його відповідь “так” для одних людей означає трагічне “ні” для нас.

Якщо ми охоче приймаємо свою маленьку роль у великих Божих справах, то можемо сказати разом з моєю мамою: “Бог є благий. Це головне. Що б Він не вирішив зробити, я завжди маю в серці мир”.

Господи Ісусе, дякуємо Тобі за те, що Ти вартий довіри. Ти постійно керуєш симфонією життя кожної людини, кожного покоління згідно з Твоїм довершеним планом – аж поки не прийдеш знову.

Божі відповіді завжди мудріші за наші молитви.

Автор Сошіль Діксон

© 2017 Хліб Наш Насущній

Хлеб наш насущный - Когда «да» означает «нет»

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:22-28 | Библия за год: Судей 13-15; Луки 6:27-49

К Господу воззвал я в скорби моей, и Он услышал меня. — Псалом 119:1

Я была благодарна Богу за привилегию быть сиделкой у своей мамы, поддерживая ее в борьбе с лейкемией. Когда лекарства начали вредить больше, чем помогать, она решила прекратить лечение. «Я не хочу больше страдать, – сказала она, – и лучше проведу последние дни с семьей. Бог знает, что я готова пойти домой». Я взывала к Небесному Отцу, великому Целителю, будучи уверена, что Он может совершить чудо. Но, ответив «да» на молитвы моей мамы, Он тем самым ответил бы «нет» на мои. Всхлипнув, я сдалась: «Пусть будет Твоя воля, Господь». Вскоре после этого Спаситель ввел мою маму туда, где больше нет боли.

В этом падшем мире мы будем терпеть скорби вплоть до возвращения Христа (Рим. 8:22-25). Наша греховная природа, ограниченное понимание и страх боли могут повлиять на молитвы. К счастью, Святой Дух «ходатайствует за святых по воле Божией» (Рим. 8:27). Он напоминает нам, что любящим Бога все содействует ко благу (Рим. 8:28), даже если Его «да» означает для нас печальное «нет».

Если мы принимаем свое скромное место в Его великом деле, то тем самым повторяем последние слова моей мамы: «Бог благ. Что бы Он ни решил, у меня в сердце мир». С уверенностью в Господней благости мы можем принять от него любой ответ на молитву, доверяясь Его воле и желая Его славы.

Господь Иисус, благодарю Тебя за верность: Ты исполняешь Свой совершенный замысел, в который входит каждый человек, каждое поколение и каждый миг до Твоего пришествия.

Божьи ответы мудрее наших молитв.

автор: Сошиль Диксон

© 2017 Хлеб Наш Насущный