The Daily Readings for MONDAY, February 5, 2018

Rivers of Living Water
John 7:37-39

Daily Readings

Genesis 25:19-34

These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger." When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!" (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." Esau said, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Hebrews 13:1-16

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings; for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food, which have not benefited those who observe them. We have an altar from which those who officiate in the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us then go to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

John 7:37-52

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, "This is really the prophet." Others said, "This is the Messiah." But some asked, "Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?" So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why did you not arrest him?" The police answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this!" Then the Pharisees replied, "Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law-- they are accursed." Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, "Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?" They replied, "Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee."

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.
"Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'"

Prayer of the Day for MONDAY, February 5, 2018

Lord, I lift the flag of praise high and declare you are my king. I walk boldly forward into kingdom lands and trust in you as my fortress. I stand strong rooted in the goodness of your love and draw near to you. I ride triumphantly upon your grace and thank you that the battle has already been won. You are my king, my fortress, my strength and my redeemer. Lord, I lift your name high above all others and worship you!

Amen

Verse of the Day for MONDAY, February 5, 2018

Joshua 6:20 (NIV) When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

Read all of Joshua 6

Listen to Joshua 6

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

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - Victory Cry

Victory Cry

When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

~ Joshua 6:20 (NIV)

Picture yourself at your niece’s final soccer game of the season. If they win, they will be in the playoffs. The team has been behind the entire game, and they look exhausted. But just in the last few minutes they’ve tied the score. Now the seconds are ticking away. The game is almost over. The parents are white-knuckled. The fans are holding their breath. Your niece makes a great move and takes the ball down the field. You’re shouting at the top of your lungs, “Go, go!” She makes an incredible pass across the field. You know this is it . . . just one goal away from victory.

The Israelites had waited 40 years to shout the victory cry. Now they’re at the goal. For six days they had followed God’s commands and had marched silently around Jericho, with only the sounds of trumpets blown by the priests. Now it was the seventh day. Imagine the suspense . . . would God himself appear to tear down the walls? Would the inhabitants of Jericho surrender without a fight? Would the Israelites make the right play? Then God gave the go-ahead: Sound the trumpets; shout for victory, and the walls of the city will collapse. Just as God promised, “the trumpets sounded, the army shouted,” and victory was theirs. The Israelites conquered the city of Jericho, finally claiming their rightful place in the promised land.

The Israelites must have felt so relieved to claim a victory after so many years of waiting and preparing. Can you relate? Have you been feeling that you are in a holding pattern, that your circumstances are not changing? Do you long to have resolution, to have even a small victory? God is working even while you are waiting. Think of this time of waiting as a process that will eventually culminate in a victory. In the meantime, remain faithful and know that God is there with you, preparing you for the battles, goals and victories to come.

Lord, I lift the flag of praise high and declare you are my king. I walk boldly forward into kingdom lands and trust in you as my fortress. I stand strong rooted in the goodness of your love and draw near to you. I ride triumphantly upon your grace and thank you that the battle has already been won. You are my king, my fortress, my strength and my redeemer. Lord, I lift your name high above all others and worship you! Amen

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Do you long to have resolution, to have even a small victory?

Un dia a la Vez - El beneficio del dolor

El beneficio del dolor

Enjugará Dios toda lágrima de los ojos de ellos; y ya no habrá muerte, ni habrá más llanto, ni clamor, ni dolor; porque las primeras cosas pasaron.

~ Apocalipsis 21:4 (RV-60)

¿Cómo vamos a poder decir tal cosa? ¿Que el dolor tiene una parte positiva en nuestras vidas?

¡Sí! No hay nada más poderoso en nuestro caminar con Cristo que haber experimentado, aunque sea una vez, el dolor a través de una prueba.

Dios permite que nos prueben y sabe a la perfección la capacidad que tenemos para resistir. Es más, su Palabra dice que no permitirá algo que tú y yo no podamos tolerar para salir triunfantes, pues Él nos ayudará durante la situación que estemos viviendo y después de esta (véase 1 Corintios 10:13).

En el dolor nos volvemos más sensibles. En medio del dolor conocemos a Dios de una manera más personal. Al atravesar momentos desesperados de dolor, tenemos grandes experiencias con Él.

Muchas veces, Dios permite esas situaciones en nuestras vidas porque estamos alejados de Él, porque quizá nuestro corazón esté corrupto o porque solo necesitamos que nos moldee a fin de pasar a otro nivel en nuestra vida.

No hay un momento en el que tú y yo demos más frutos que después de pasar una gran tribulación.
Sin duda, el crecimiento duele. 

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¿Cómo vamos a poder decir tal cosa?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - FREEDOM IN CHRIST

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

~ Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Claiming one’s freedom in Christ is central to the faith and fighting fear. For example, in China when authorities threaten house church leaders with the confiscation of their property, they reply, “If you want this farm, you need to talk to Jesus, as I have given it to Him. But if you do take it, I am free to trust God for my daily bread.”

When Chinese Christians are threatened with torture, they claim they are “free to trust God for healing.”

When they are imprisoned, they proclaim that they are then “free to share their faith with other prisoners.”

When Chinese believers are told they will be killed, they state that then they are “free to be with Jesus.”

The country of Bulgaria is plagued by a prevailing spirit of fear. Even many Christians suffer from it. It’s a country that was occupied by the Turks for five centuries (1396-1878) followed by several wars. After 1946, it was ruled with an iron hand by the Communists. This long story of repression and sufferings passed on for generations from the parents to the children has left durable marks in their spirits which results in a deep anguish. It acts like a spiritual yoke and creates, as a consequence, the fear of taking any initiative. In families, this anguish has been passed on through generations like a legacy. It has become a vicious circle from which it is difficult to escape. A popular Bulgarian proverb says, “Fear has big eyes!”

Our co-workers were thus surprised when they delivered Bibles to Bulgarian Pastor Simeon Popov. He appeared radiant and serene. The absence of anguish could be explained as much by the action of the Holy Spirit, who releases us from yokes, as by the influence of his study time in Germany. According to the pastor, he not only studied theology, but he also learned to claim his freedom in Christ.

So this draws me to a significant conclusion and principle: If you are a Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit, and have lost your fear of death, you are unstoppable until God calls you home to heaven!

RESPONSE: Today I will claim my freedom in Christ and live in the power He gives me.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for freedom from fear that comes only from You.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Today I will claim my freedom in Christ and live in the power He gives me.

Women of the Bible - Leah

Leah

Her name means: "Impatient" or "Wild Cow"

Her character: Capable of both strong and enduring love, she was a faithful mother and wife. Manipulated by her father, she became jealous of her sister, with whom, it seems, she never reconciled. 
Her sorrow: That she lacked her sister's beauty, and that her love for her husband was one-sided.
Her joy: That she bore Jacob six sons and one daughter.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 29-35; Ruth 4:11

Her Story

We buried my sister Rachel today. But she is still alive. I catch glimpses of her in Jacob's broken heart, in dark-eyed Joseph and squalling little Benjamin, his favorite sons. Rachel's sons. I can hear my beautiful, determined sister weeping loudly for the children she might have had, stubbornly refusing to be comforted. Yet who takes note of my tears? Should they flood the desert, no one would notice.

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, and then Gad and Asher by my maid—these are the children God has given me and I have given my beloved Jacob. And still he loves her best. Should my husband and I live another hundred years, I will never be his only wife.

Contrary to what Leah may have felt, God had taken note of her sorrow. Knowing well that Jacob's heart was too cramped a space to harbor both Rachel and Leah, he made Leah a mother, not once, but seven times, extending her influence in Jacob's household.

With the birth of each child the unhappy Leah hoped to secure her husband's affection. But each time her disappointment grew. She felt the old curse asserting itself: "Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you" (Genesis 3:16).

Perhaps Jacob still resented Leah for tricking him on their wedding night, disguising herself as his beloved Rachel. Surely Leah's love had been passionate enough to deceive him until morning. She felt both glad and guilty for her part; though, truth to tell, she had little choice but to obey her father, Laban, in the matter. And she thanked God each day for enabling her to bear Jacob's children. Still, children often caused a mother untold sorrow.

Dinah, her only daughter, had been raped by a local prince on their return to Jacob's homeland. Leah hardly knew how to comfort her. To make matters worse, her sons Levi and Simeon avenged their sister by savagely murdering a town-full of people. Then Reuben disgraced himself by sleeping with his father's concubine Bilhah. 

Hadn't God promised to protect us if we returned to this land of promise? How, then, could such things happen? Leah wondered. True, God had watched over them as they faced Esau and his four hundred men. But Leah's joy at the brothers' friendly reunion was eclipsed by her sorrow at once again being proved the lesser-loved wife. Jacob had made it plain enough by placing Rachel and her children last in their long caravan, giving them the best chance of escape should Esau prove violent.

But Jacob's love could not prevent Rachel from dying in childbirth. Leah, not Rachel, was destined to be his first and last wife. Alongside her husband, the father of Israel, she would be revered as a mother of Israel. In fact, the promise of a Savior was carried not through Rachel's Joseph but through Leah's Judah, whose descendants would include David, Israel's great king, and Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. In the end, Jacob was laid to rest in the cave of Machpelah, next to his first wife, Leah, rather than his favorite wife, Rachel, who was buried somewhere near Ephrath.

The two sisters, Rachel and Leah, remind us that life is fraught with sorrow and peril, much of it caused by sin and selfishness. Both women suffered—each in her own way—the curse of Eve after she was expelled from her garden paradise. While Rachel experienced great pain in giving birth to children, Leah experienced the anguish of loving a man who seemed indifferent to her. Yet both women became mothers in Israel, leaving their homeland to play essential roles in the story of God's great plan for his people.

Her Promise

The Lord noticed Leah's misery. He looked down and saw a woman who was lonely and sad because her husband loved his other wife better than he loved her. So, to ease her sorrow, to provide her comfort, God gave her children—beautiful, intelligent, strong children, one of whom would establish the lineage of the priests of Israel and another who was an ancestor of Jesus himself.

This same God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Leah is our God. He sees our miseries, no matter how small or how large. He knows our circumstances, our feelings, our hurts. And, just as in Leah's life, he is willing to step in and create something beautiful in and through us.

This devotional is drawn from Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. Used with permission.

Girlfriends in God - Leaving an Imprint, Part Two

Leaving an Imprint, Part Two

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

~ James 2:26 (ESV)

Friend to Friend

In part one of this message we looked at our valuable purpose as image bearers of God to be an imprint of Christ to the world around us. We also examined the Biblical truth that validates this discussion. {Click here to read Part One.}

Today we will consider what is required of us to be an imprint, and we’ll discuss our call to “rep the house” as well by taking action.

What does that mean? Read on.

Ever since our kids were little, Brad and I have taught them that the Lord is the head of our home, and every Smith needs to rep the house well. The rules are simple:

Love God.
Love others.
Use your manners.
Use kind words.
Wear clean underwear.
Say please.
Say thank you.
Say you’re sorry.
Be a helper.
Get the door for people.
Work hard.

Go out of your way to make other people feel special.

And our kids know that Brad and I are always around to give them a “Good job, kid!” We expect them to rep the house. We reward them when they do and hold them accountable when they don’t.

The Bible tells us that all of humanity is made in the image of God. If we profess Christ, however, we are not only fashioned in His image, we are commissioned to be His representatives to the world. It says that the way we live makes a difference and should make an impact on His behalf.

To leave an imprint of Christ, we can’t just believe in Jesus, we also need to behave like Jesus. Live like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Serve like Jesus.

James challenged us this way…

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? … For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:14-20, 26 ESV)

I simply cannot be an imprint of Christ to the world if I don’t do things on His behalf to bless and serve others. You can’t either.

I leave His imprint when I get beyond myself by caring for the needs of others. I leave His imprint when I forgive quickly instead of holding that grudge. I leave His imprint when I serve my family without grumbling and without expecting anything in return.

As children of the holy, loving King of Kings, you and I need to recognize our value in the big picture of God’s kingdom—“the eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chron. 16:9 NLT). And we need to rep the house ... trusting that He will strengthen us to be the imprints that authenticate and validate the reality of His grace.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Help me to not just believe in You - but to behave like You. Teach me to better reflect You, Lord. Show me practical ways to “rep the house” so that those around me might wonder about the hope I have in You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

What is one practical way you can rep the house today? {Visit my blog to tell me your answer!} Pray that God will open your eyes to the opportunities He presents.

CLICK to TWEET: To leave an imprint of Christ, we can’t just believe in Jesus, we also need to behave like Jesus. @GwenSmithMusic

More from the Girlfriends

You’re Invited: I WANT IT ALL Online Bible Study with Gwen Smith
This study will help you:

* Step into the renewal and rest that is best for your weary, stressed-out heart so that you won't be shaken by the swirling pace of this fast-moving world.

* Quiet feelings of loneliness, fear, and doubt by accepting the Biblical truth that even when you feel unseen, anxious, and afraid, God is present, peace-giving, and compassionate.

* Learn practical prayer points that will clear away heart clutter, calm concerns, and bolster believing.

JOIN US March 5 - April 9 as we study "I WANT IT ALL” by Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith. Sign up today for FREE: https://gwensmith.net/iwia2018

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

LHM Devotion - February 5, 2018 "Ready, Willing, and Able"

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Ready, Willing, and Able"

Feb. 5, 2018

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

~ Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)

According to Dallas Fire-Rescue Captain, Charles Hyles, the day started out like any other.

He had to keep pushing his three children to get ready for school. Then, when they were dressed and fed, he dropped one of his kids off at the Italy, Texas, grade school and two more at the local high school. After that, he went to his uncle's store which was a hang-out for retired fire-fighters.

It was while Hyles was at the store the day dropped its mask of normalcy.

Right before 8 a.m. one of the store's employees arrived and reported there had been a shooting at the high school, and children were running all over the place. Fearing for the well-being of his two boys, Hyles got back in his truck and raced back to the school.

Entering the building, he came across a 15-year-old girl whose gunshot wounds were being treated by staff.

Kneeling over the wounded teen, he asked if there were any other casualties. He breathed a sigh of relief when he was told the girl was the only victim. At that moment, he knew his boys were safe. With that piece of information, Hyles devoted himself completely to caring for the girl.

Looking up at him, the unnamed girl said, "I don't want to die. Don't let me die."

Hyles gave her all the assurances he could. He stayed with her and got her on to the emergency helicopter. He gave her a kiss on the head and said he would see her at the hospital. It was his way of assuring her that she was going to pull through.

It took Hyles a while to get to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He reports, "I walked in the room, she started crying and said, 'You didn't let me die.' And I said, 'No, baby. God didn't let you die.'"

Hyles then added, "I didn't do anything different. There's over 1,800 firefighters in Dallas, (and an) ungodly amount of volunteer firefighters. Every one of them would've done the same thing. I'm not the hero. I'm just the piece of the puzzle that God put in place to do this."

There are, my friends, some powerful theological truths in those last two paragraphs. The first thing we ought to note is Hyles' recognition that the Lord is our real preserver.

How did Luther say it? The Lord "richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me."

God is in control. That is what Hyles said to the crying young girl. But there's more. Hyles also said, "I'm just the piece of the puzzle that God put in place to do this."

My friends, I wonder how many times the Lord places us into situations where we, like Hyles, are a "piece of the puzzle"? How many times does the Lord drop us into a location where we may be the only ones who can make a witness; the only ones who know the Savior and can tell of the wonders of His love? It may not be often, but I pray, when the time comes we will, like Hyles, be ready.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me the right vision, the right attitude, and the right words to point people to the Savior who alone can make a saving difference in the souls of sinners. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue Captain, Charles Hyles, the day started out like any other...

Devocional del CPTLN de 05 de Febrero de 2018 "No somos un número"

ALIMENTO DIARIO

"No somos un número"

5 de Febrero de 2018

No temas, Jacob, porque yo te redimí; yo te di tu nombre, Israel, y tú me perteneces.

~ Isaías 43:1b (RVC)

El encuestador del censo estaba apurado, por lo que apresuró a la dueña de casa. En forma cortante le preguntó a la mujer acerca del número de hijos en el hogar. Ella empezó: "Bueno, veamos. Está Janet, Daniel... y Clara... y Silvia".

Perdiendo la paciencia, el encuestador interrumpió: "¡No se moleste con los nombres! Por favor, señora, ¡tan sólo deme el número de hijos que tiene!" Su comentario fue desatinado. La madre, indignada, replicó: "Mis hijos no son números. Mis hijos tienen nombre".

La realidad es que, en estos días, con frecuencia no somos más que un número.

Por ejemplo, por más que firme un cheque con mi nombre, quien lo recibe quiere el número de mi permiso de conducir. Cuando presento mi declaración de impuestos, el gobierno quiere el número de mi seguro social. Cuando voy al hospital, me preguntan el número de mi póliza de seguro.

A veces me canso de ser tan sólo un número.

Lo antes mencionado no es más que un largo preámbulo para finalmente afirmar que estoy feliz que la persona más importante en mi vida me considera más que un número; para el Señor, yo soy una persona real, con nombre y apellido.

Yo soy una persona real, con pecados reales, que necesita a un Salvador real. Sabiendo eso, el Padre celestial envió a su Hijo a este mundo para salvarme a mí y a usted.

Por lo cual esta persona real, yo, y esa personal real, usted, debemos dar gracias a un Dios muy especial y único.

ORACIÓN: Gracias, Padre, por escogernos como hijos tuyos. Gracias por enviar a tu Hijo a cargar con la culpa de nuestros pecados y obtener así el perdón para nosotros. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

De una devoción escrita originalmente para "By the Way"

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.

Notre Pain Quotidien - À l’écoute de sa voix

À l’écoute de sa voix

Lisez : Jean 10.25-30
La Bible en un an : Exode 36 – 38 ; Matthieu 23.1-22

Mes brebis entendent ma voix ; je les connais, et elles me suivent. (V. 27)

Je suis dur d’oreille, « sourd d’une oreille et incapable d’entendre de l’autre », comme disait mon père. Je porte donc un appareil auditif.

La plupart du temps, cet appareil fonctionne bien, sauf dans des endroits où il y a beaucoup de bruits environnants. Là, mon appareil capte toutes les voix de la pièce, si bien que je n’entends pas la personne que j’ai devant moi.

Ainsi en est‑il de notre culture : la cacophonie ambiante risque de couvrir la douce voix de Dieu. Le poète T. S. Eliot a d’ailleurs dit : « Où trouvera‑t‑on la Parole, où la Parole résonnera‑t‑elle ? Pas ici, où il n’y a pas assez de silence. »

Heureusement, mon appareil auditif est muni d’un dispositif me permettant d’éliminer les sons ambiants pour capter uniquement les voix que je veux entendre. De même, malgré les voix qui nous entourent, si nous calmons notre âme et nous tendons l’oreille, nous entendrons le « murmure doux et léger » de Dieu (1 R 19.11,12).

Il nous parle tous les jours, nous appelant à venir à lui au sein de notre agitation, de nos désirs ardents, de notre tristesse la plus profonde, ainsi que de l’incomplétude et de l’insatisfaction de nos plus grandes joies.

Dieu nous parle toutefois surtout par sa Parole (1 TH 2.13). En lisant son livre, vous entendrez sa voix. Il vous aime plus que vous ne le saurez jamais, et il désire que vous entendiez ce qu’il a à vous dire.

Dieu nous parle par la Bible quand nous prenons le temps de l’écouter.

par David H. Roper

© 2018 Ministères NPQ
Je suis dur d’oreille, « sourd d’une oreille et incapable d’entendre de l’autre ».