Unser Täglich Brot - Gute Arznei

Von Lawrence Darmani

Lesen: Epheser 4,25-32 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 23–25; Philipper 1

Ein fröhliches Herz tut dem Leibe wohl. Sprüche 17,22

Rücksichtsloses Fahren, Wutausbrüche und wüste Beschimpfungen von Taxi- und Minibusfahrern sind in unserer Hauptstadt Accra Quellen ständiger Konflikte. Ein Unfall, dessen Zeuge ich wurde, ging jedoch anders aus. Ein Bus stieß beinahe mit einem rücksichtslosen Taxifahrer zusammen. Ich erwartete, dass der Busfahrer wütend würde und den anderen beschimpfen würde. Stattdessen grinste er den schuldbewusst dreinschauenden Taxifahrer an. Und sein Lächeln wirkte Wunder. Der Taxifahrer hob entschuldigend die Hand, lächelte zurück und fuhr davon. Die Spannung hatte sich aufgelöst.

Lächeln hat faszinierende Auswirkungen auf unsere Gehirntätigkeit. Forscher haben festgestellt, dass unser Gehirn, wenn wir lächeln, chemische Stoffe freisetzt, sogenannte Endorphine, die auf unsere Physiologie tatsächlich eine entspannende Wirkung ausüben. Ein Lächeln kann also nicht nur eine spannungsgeladene Situation entspannen, sondern auch die Spannung in uns. Unsere Gefühle haben auf uns selbst genauso eine Wirkung wie auf andere. Die Bibel sagt: „Alle Bitterkeit und Grimm und Zorn und Geschrei und Lästerung seien fern von euch samt aller Bosheit. Seid aber untereinander freundlich und herzlich“ (Eph. 4,31-32).

Wenn Zorn oder Spannungen oder Bitterkeit unser Verhältnis zu Gott oder anderen trüben, hilft es, sich daran zu erinnern: „Ein fröhliches Herz tut dem Leibe wohl.“

Wann warst du wütend auf einen anderen oder hast dich gestritten? Was hast du selbst dabei empfunden? Welche Auswirkungen hatte das auf dein Leben?

Freude finden wir, wenn wir lernen, in der Liebe Jesu zu leben.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Хорошая медицина

автор: Лоуренс Дармани

Читать сейчас: Ефесянам 4:25-32 | Библия за год: Исаия 23-25; 2 Коринфянам 7

Веселое сердце благотворно, как врачевание, а унылый дух сушит кости. — Притчи 17:22

Агрессивное вождение, вспышки гнева и нецензурная брань среди водителей такси являются причиной аварий и драк на дорогах в нашем городе Аккра (Гана). Но один из таких случаев, свидетелем которого я оказался, принял неожиданный оборот. Такси едва не врезалось в автобус. Я ожидал, что водитель автобуса выскочит и начнет кричать на таксиста. Однако вместо этого он широко улыбнулся насупившемуся виновнику. И улыбка сотворила чудо: таксист, подняв руки, извинился, улыбнулся в ответ и дал задний ход. Инцидент был исчерпан.

Улыбка производит благотворное действие на биохимию мозга. Исследователи обнаружили, что, когда мы улыбаемся, в организме вырабатываются эндорфины, оказывающие 
расслабляющий психологический эффект. Улыбка не только гасит напряженную обстановку между людьми, она также снимает напряжение внутри нас. Библия учит: «Всякое раздражение, и ярость, и гнев, и крик, и злоречие со всякой злобой да будут удалены от вас; но будьте друг к другу добры» (Еф. 4:31-32).

Когда гнев или раздражение поставят под угрозу наши отношения с Богом или окружающими, вспомним, что «веселое сердце благотворно, как врачевание». Это будет полезно всем, включая нас самих.

Вспомните, как вы спорили и ссорились с кем-либо. Как вы себя чувствовали? Какие стороны вашей жизни пострадали от этого?

Мы обретаем радость, когда учимся жить в любви Христа.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Un bon remède

par Lawrence Darmani

Lisez : Éphésiens 4.25‑32 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 23 – 25 et Philippiens 1

Un coeur joyeux est un bon remède. Proverbes 17.22

La conduite dangereuse, l’emportement et les propos orduriers de certains chauffeurs de taxi et de fourgonnette suscitent d’incessantes querelles dans nos rues d’Accra, au Ghana. Un tel incident dont j’ai été le témoin a toutefois pris une tournure différente. Un chauffeur de taxi imprudent a failli emboutir un autocar. Je m’attendais à ce que le chauffeur de l’autocar se fâche et invective le fautif, mais il s’en est abstenu. Au lieu de cela, il a détendu son visage crispé pour sourire de toutes ses dents au chauffard qui semblait se sentir coupable. Or, ce sourire a accompli des miracles. D’un signe de la main, le chauffard s’est excusé, a rendu son sourire à l’autre et s’est éloigné de l’autocar – dissipant ainsi la tension.

Le sourire produit un effet fascinant sur le cerveau. Des chercheurs ont découvert que, « lorsque l’on sourit, le cerveau libère des endorphines, qui créent un effet physiologique relaxant ». Un sourire peut non seulement désamorcer une situation stressante, mais aussi dissiper la tension en nous. Nos émotions nous affectent, de même que les autres, d’où l’exhortation : « Que toute amertume, toute animosité, toute colère, toute clameur, toute calomnie, et toute espèce de méchanceté, disparaissent du milieu de vous. Soyez bons les uns envers les autres, compatissants » (ÉP 4.31,32).

Si la colère, la tension ou l’amertume menacent notre relation avec le Seigneur et les autres, il serait utile de nous rappeler qu’un « coeur joyeux est un bon remède » apportant joie et bien‑être.

Nous trouvons la joie en apprenant à manifester l’amour de Jésus.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Night Light for Couples - Hitting the Jackpot

Night Light for Couples, the couples' devotional from Focus on the Family ministry founder Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, brings spouses together each evening, helping them stay connected with each other and their Lord.

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

Do you ever dream of winning the lottery? It may interest you to know that about a third of all lottery winners go bankrupt within five years and that another quarter of these instant millionaires wind up selling their remaining payments at a discounted rate to pay off debts. People who are reckless with ordinary paychecks are just as reckless with bigger ones.

Rather than fantasize about hitting the jackpot, we should strive to be better stewards of what we have. Handle credit cards—if you must use them at all—with great care, and do everything you can to stay out of debt, one of the foremost marriage destroyers. Make purchases with cash when possible. Establish a family budget and stick to it.

Remember to give at least 10 percent of your earnings to the Lord—after all, everything is His, anyway.

Above all, make sure you spend less than you earn each month. It takes discipline, but this simple formula will go a long way toward establishing a worry‐free atmosphere in your home.

Just between us…

• Most people around the world would consider the average American income a jackpot. Do you?
• Are we saving money instead of falling into debt?
• Would we benefit from establishing a family budget or revising the one we have?
• Are we tithing?

Heavenly Father, You bless us with so much. Even when money is tight, we know You care for us. But we often fail to be responsible and to honor You with how we manage money. Help us to know and live by Your wisdom. Amen.

• From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

St. Francis

by Archbishop Fulton Sheen

If St. Francis had been sent to a Siberian labor camp, or to a leper colony, or to a Wall Street brokerage firm, would he be any less a St. Francis? But how many mortals there are in the world who are one kind of character in need, another kind of character in plenty, who grumble amidst the uncomfortable, and who become possessed by possessions. St. Francis remains the same in all circumstances; the non-St. Francis types, like a chameleon, take on the color of the leaf on which they rest.

The Daily Readings for October 4, 2016

Micah 1:1-9
The word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. Hear, you peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and all that is in it; and let the Lord GOD be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. For lo, the LORD is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. Then the mountains will melt under him and the valleys will burst open, like wax near the fire, like waters poured down a steep place. All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem? Therefore I will make Samaria a heap in the open country, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour down her stones into the valley, and uncover her foundations. All her images shall be beaten to pieces, all her wages shall be burned with fire, and all her idols I will lay waste; for as the wages of a prostitute she gathered them, and as the wages of a prostitute they shall again be used. For this I will lament and wail; I will go barefoot and naked; I will make lamentation like the jackals, and mourning like the ostriches. For her wound is incurable. It has come to Judah; it has reached to the gate of my people, to Jerusalem.

Acts 23:12-24
In the morning the Jews joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who joined in this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the council must notify the tribune to bring him down to you, on the pretext that you want to make a more thorough examination of his case. And we are ready to do away with him before he arrives." Now the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush; so he went and gained entrance to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him." So he took him, brought him to the tribune, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you; he has something to tell you." The tribune took him by the hand, drew him aside privately, and asked, "What is it that you have to report to me?" He answered, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more thoroughly into his case. But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him. They have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. They are ready now and are waiting for your consent." So the tribune dismissed the young man, ordering him, "Tell no one that you have informed me of this." Then he summoned two of the centurions and said, "Get ready to leave by nine o'clock tonight for Caesarea with two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Felix the governor."

Luke 7:1-17
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us." And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and the slave does it." When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!" This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 120 Ad Dominum
1   When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD; I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2   Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips and from the deceitful tongue.
3   What shall be done to you, and what more besides, O you deceitful tongue?
4   The sharpened arrows of a warrior, along with hot glowing coals.
5   How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6   Too long have I had to live among the enemies of peace.
7   I am on the side of peace, but when I speak of it, they are for war.

Psalm 121 Levavi oculos
1   I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?
2   My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
3   He will not let your foot be moved and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4   Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5   The LORD himself watches over you; the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6   So that the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7   The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; it is he who shall keep you safe.
8   The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 122 Lætatus sum
1   I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2   Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3   Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself;
4   To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, the assembly of Israel, to praise the Name of the LORD.
5   For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6   Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
7   Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.
8   For my brethren and companions' sake, I pray for your prosperity.
9   Because of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek to do you good."

Psalm 123 Ad te levavi oculos meos
1   To you I lift up my eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens.
2   As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3   So our eyes look to the LORD our God, until he show us his mercy.
4   Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5   Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, and of the derision of the proud.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 124 Nisi quia Dominus
1   If the LORD had not been on our side, let Israel now say;
2   If the LORD had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us;
3   Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us;
4   Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us;
5   Then would the raging waters have gone right over us.
6   Blessed be the LORD! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7   We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8   Our help is in the Name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 125 Qui confidunt
1   Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2   The hills stand about Jerusalem; so does the LORD stand round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.
3   The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to the just, so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4   Show your goodness, O LORD, to those who are good and to those who are true of heart.
5   As for those who turn aside to crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; but peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 126 In convertendo
1   When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
2   Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3   Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
4   The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.
5   Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses of the Negev.
6   Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
7   Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Psalm 127 Nisi Dominus
1   Unless the LORD builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it.
2   Unless the LORD watches over the city, in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3   It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4   Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5   Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
6   Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

The Daily Meditation for October 4, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Scott B. Hayashi

Psalm 123:1 (NRSV) To you I lift up my eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens.

What do you do when you pray? Do you keep your eyes open? Do you bow your head? Do you look up to the sky or to a mountain? Do you lift your hands? Do you press your head to the floor?

I used to always pray with my eyes closed, my head tilted downward. One day I asked myself why I did this. The answer was that this attitude of prayer was simply how I saw most everyone else pray. But as I reflected, I felt that closing my eyes seemed to shut the world out and focus inwardly on the conversation I was having with God.

I decided to keep my eyes open the next time I was in a group setting for prayer. At first this was uncomfortable. Keeping my eyes open felt like I was not really praying. Over time I got used to it and discovered that seeing people, seeing nature, or seeing my surroundings enhanced my prayer. Opening my eyes and praying about what I was seeing helped me to see God’s handiwork in all people and things.

How will you pray today?

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The Liturgical Calendar: Francis of Assisi

Today the church remembers Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1126.

One of the boldest and most spirited figures in history, it is a shame that Francis is sometimes dismissed as simply a quiet bird-watcher. Actually he was an outspoken and controversial social activist. He was one of the greatest preachers of all time. His concern with poverty and ecology give him a strikingly modern quality. Although he was a wealthy cloth merchant's son, he gave all he had to help the poor and was contented with only the barest necessities for himself. He vigorously opposed the abuse of political power, particularly when it was wielded by the Bishop of Rome.

Francis was effective in initiating sweeping social and economic reforms. He was a popular singer, often called "God's Troubadour." His most famous hymn, "Canticle to Brother Sun", has stood the test of time. Francis founded one of the strongest and most dynamic religious orders in Christendom.

Most high, almighty, and good Lord: Grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world, that, after the example of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in all your creatures, with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Girlfriends in God - Help For a Heart That Worries

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

Friend to Friend

The prophet Isaiah said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor is his ear to dull to hear.” (Isaiah 59:1) Though I know in my heart this is true, I still sometimes go back and forth between doubt and worry as if God’s arms are short and his ears are dull. My friend Erica does too.

She came to my door with a package to deliver and a story to share. I signed for the package and we began to catch up. Her kids are grown. Mine are teens. Her daughter just got married. My oldest just went to college. Mama to mama we shared and cared.

“My daughter and her new husband might be moving to Chicago. I have to be honest, Gwen,” she said seriously, “I’m not doing well trusting God with this. I’m struggling with anxiousness and worry.” I listened and nodded with understanding, knowing full well the strain of worry and anxiety.

Then she perked up and shared a story that went something like this…

God impressed a message on my heart this morning that challenged and convicted me! I just have to tell you about it. I ride motorcycles. Have for years. I love the feeling of being out in the open air. It’s exciting and invigorating. When I ride, I feel vulnerable and alert. It’s risky and requires balance, it’s much more difficult than driving my car, but I ride because it energizes me and makes me feel alive.

This morning I rode my bike to work while it was still dark. I don’t usually do that because the headlight is small, so the light is dim. As I was riding, I began to thank God for allowing me to ride my bike to work. I thanked him for allowing me to feel alive and energized along the way. And as I did, He spoke to my heart. I sensed He was saying, “Erica! This is what I want my relationship with you to be like: exciting, risky, and energizing, like riding your motorcycle! But instead you take your car with me. You want to feel safe. You want to see with brighter headlights. You grasp for more control, by worrying and fretting about things you can do nothing about. In doing so, you miss out on a faith that is alive and energizing… a faith that trusts me and takes risks.

She shared that story with tears and conviction in her eyes. We were both moved and challenged. It left me with a fresh longing for deeper faith.

I want to ride.

I want to take risks with the star-breathing, mountain moving, speak-through-a-burning-bush, unpredictable, and unsearchable All-mighty One!

God does not call us to a safe faith. He does not promise that we will have a clear view of all that lies ahead. He does not promise us simplicity. Instead, He invites us to embrace a vibrant faith that trusts Him. A faith that is alive and energized, in spite of the unsteady unknowns. His arms are not too short to save and His ears are not dull to hear. He is powerful, capable, compassionate, merciful, holy, just, and faithful.

These truths should hush our noisy doubts and calm the anxieties that seek to unnerve us.

God is sovereign and His ways are mysterious.

And in the center of all of my questions this one resounds: who better to trust than God? Myself? Hardly. My paycheck? My medical chart? My emotions? I might as well chase the wind.

In contemplating this, I journey back to what the Bible has to say on such things.

“Live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Is the Lord calling you to trust Him with something or someone today?

Decide to ride.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Please quiet my anxious heart. Give me courage to step out in faith, beyond what I can see or attempt to control. I bring these heart burdens to You now ______________.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

READ Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Consider what your day would look like if you believe this to be true. Spend a few moments in responsive prayer.

More from the Girlfriends

SPECIAL OFFER: If today’s message is where you are and you need more practical help, we have a resource called Trusting God. For a limited time, Gwen is offering a 35% OFF discount on the Trusting God book from her site when you use the coupon code: ALIVE35. Click here to get yours now.

Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the new book, I Want I ALL, who wants to help you think big thoughts about God – and inspire you toward His grace and truth.

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Un Dia a la Vez - Poder transformador de la Palabra

La palabra de Dios es viva y poderosa, y más cortante que cualquier espada de dos filos. Hebreos 4:12

A manera de testimonio te puedo dar fe de que no soy ni la mitad de lo que fui antes de conocer la Palabra de Dios.

Como a muchos, me gusta decir que la Biblia es el Manual de Instrucciones porque eso es en realidad: Un manual que te muestra con hechos que la Palabra de Dios tiene mucho poder para sanar, liberar y transformar.

Una vez que hablamos de la Palabra, la leemos o la enseñamos, no volverá vacía. Por eso se compara con una espada de dos filos, pues corta y transforma.

Cada día podemos acudir a esta guía y nos mostrará cómo cambiar esas esferas de la vida que necesitan la intervención de Dios, al igual que lo fue con grandes hombres y mujeres de la Biblia.

Otra cosa que debemos tener muy presente es que la Palabra de Dios nunca pierde poder ni vigencia. En fin, todo pasará, pero la Palabra no pasará.

Confíale tu vida a Dios y pon en sus manos todo lo que necesite cambio.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11

When I think of God’s grace in an individual’s life, the story of Ruth comes to mind. And not just because Ruth was the name of my own dear mother. Ruth from the Bible was a widowed but faithful daughter-in-law whom God in His grace blessed with a new country, new husband and family. She is one of the few women (and a Gentile at that) mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus.

God’s grace is also the key principle in so many people’s faith stories. My co-teacher in Standing Strong Through the Storm (SSTS) seminars, Jim Cunningham, was teaching in Sri Lanka and learned first-hand of this amazing example. Names used are not their real names.

Arjuna, a young married man with a family, was part of a team of Christians running an orphanage in a rural village of Sri Lanka. One of the girls from the orphanage was sexually abused by a boy in the village. The police investigated and she identified the boy. The police then arrested the boy.

But the villagers rose-up-in-arms saying Arjuna sexually assaulted the girl and she just blamed the village boy to protect Arjuna. The villagers found and forced another girl to say she too was assaulted by Arjuna.

Arjuna was ultimately sentenced to fifteen years in jail where he subsequently led a number of other prisoners to Christ. One of those men who accepted Christ was Menika. After his release from prison, Menika went to seminary and became a church-planting pastor in a small rural town of Sri Lanka.

Arjuna continued in his prison ministry. He led another criminal to Christ who had committed a capital offence and was on death row. His name was Chandra. Before he was put to death, Chandra said to Arjuna, “I’d like to give the deed to my house to someone in ministry...” It just so happened Chandra’s house was in the same small rural town where Menika was beginning to plant a church.

Chandra gave his house to the “church-planting” former prisoner, Menika, redeemed by God’s grace through Arjuna’s being falsely accused and sent to prison. Amazing grace!

After six and a half years Arjuna was released from prison but because of the false charge against him was unable to work with children. He now has an ongoing ministry in the prisons of Sri Lanka.

Jim said to me, “This is not how most of us would have written the script, but—as in the life of Ruth—I rejoice in God’s amazing grace and provision for all involved!”

RESPONSE: I will praise God today for His amazing grace and provision in these lives mentioned and in my own life.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord that Your amazing grace is so real, so available and so free.

Verse of the Day - October 04, 2016

Proverbs 27:1 (NIV) Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Read all of Proverbs 27

Our Daily Bread - Setting Prisoners Free

By Bill Crowder

Read: Psalm 146 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 20–22; Ephesians 6

The Lord sets prisoners free. Psalm 146:7

When my wife and I visited the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force near Savannah, Georgia, we were especially moved by the prisoner-of-war exhibit, with its re-creation of a German prisoner-of-war camp’s barracks. Marlene’s dad, Jim, served in the Eighth Air Force, the “Mighty Eighth,” as they flew missions over Europe during World War II. During the war, the Eighth Air Force suffered over 47,000 injuries and more than 26,000 deaths. Jim was one of those shot down and held as a prisoner of war. As we walked through the exhibit, we recalled Jim telling about the absolute joy he and his fellow prisoners felt the day they were set free.

God’s care for the oppressed and liberation of the imprisoned are declared in Psalm 146. The psalmist describes the one who “upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry,” who “sets prisoners free” (v. 7). All of this is cause for celebration and praise. But the greatest freedom of all is freedom from our guilt and shame. No wonder Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are set free from the prison of sin to know His joy and love and the freedom that only forgiveness can bring.

To read more about what Christ did to set us free, read The Mockery and Majesty of the Cross at discoveryseries.org/hp081.

The prison of sin cannot withstand the power of Christ’s forgiveness.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Freispruch

Von Bill Crowder

Lesen: Psalm 146 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 20–22; Epheser 6

Der Herr macht die Gefangenen frei. Psalm 146,7

Als ich mit meiner Frau das Luftwaffenmuseum in Savannah in Georgia besuchte, waren wir besonders berührt  von der Ausstellung über die Kriegsgefangenen, in der  eine Baracke aus einem deutschen Gefangenenlager nachgebaut war. Marlenes Vater hatte zum Geschwader Acht gehört, das durch seinen Einsatz über Europa im Zweiten Weltkrieg besonders berühmt geworden ist. Geschwader Acht erlitt während des Krieges 47‘000 Abschüsse und über 26‘000 Tote. Marlenes Vater war einer von den vielen, die abgeschossen und gefangen genommen wurden. Beim Gang durch die Ausstellung erinnerten wir uns an die riesige Freude von Jim und seinen Mitgefangenen am Tag ihrer Befreiung.

Wie Gott sich um die Bedrängten kümmert und die Gefangenen befreit, wird in Psalm 146 geschildert. Der Psalmist schreibt von dem, der „Recht schafft denen, die Gewalt leiden, der die Hungrigen speiset“ und „die Gefangenen frei“ macht (V.7). Das ist Grund zur Freude und zum Loben. Die größte Befreiung ist aber die von Schuld und Schande. Kein Wunder, dass Jesus gesagt hat: „Wenn euch nun der Sohn freimacht, so seid ihr wirklich frei“ (Joh. 8,36).

Durch Jesu Opfer sind wir aus dem Gefängnis der Sünde befreit und können seine Freude und Liebe erfahren sowie die Freiheit, die nur die Vergebung bringt.

Mehr darüber, was Jesus getan hat, um uns frei zu machen, auf unsertaeglichbrot.org/ds/hohn-und-herrlichkeit-von-golgatha/.

Das Gefängnis der Sünde kann der Macht der Vergebung durch Jesus nicht standhalten.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Освобождение узников

автор: Билл Краудер

Читать сейчас: Псалом 145 | Библия за год: Исаия 20-22; 2 Коринфянам 6

Господь освобождает узников. — Псалом 145:7

Посетив с женой музей авиационного подразделения «Могучая восьмерка» в штате Джорджия, мы были тронуты реконструкцией немецкого лагеря для военнопленных. Джим, отец Марлин, служил в составе этого подразделения и летал на боевые задания во время Второй мировой войны. «Могучая восьмерка» тогда потеряла 26 000 человек убитыми и 47 000 ранеными. Самолет Джима подбили, и он оказался в плену. Осматривая реконструкцию, мы вспоминали, как Джим рассказывал о непередаваемой радости, которую он испытал вместе с другими узниками, когда их наконец освободили.

Псалом 145 показывает, как Бог заботится об угнетенных и заключенных. Псалмопевец говорит о Том, Кто творит суд обиженным, дает хлеб алчущим и «освобождает узников» (Пс. 145:7). Все это – повод для празднования и благодарности. Но наивысшая свобода – это свобода от греха и осуждения за него. Поэтому Иисус сказал: «Если Сын освободит вас, то истинно свободны будете» (Ин. 8:36).

Благодаря жертве Христа, мы освобождены из греховного плена и наделены свободой, которую может дать только прощение.

Чтобы узнать больше о том, как Христос освободил нас, прочитайте брошюру «Унижение и величие Голгофы».

Темница греха не устоит против Христова прощения.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Délivrer les captifs

par Bill Crowder

Lisez : Psaume 146 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 20 – 22 et Éphésiens 6

[L’Éternel] délivre les captifs. (Psaume 146.7)

Lorsque ma femme et moi avons visité le National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force près de Savannah, en Géorgie, l’exposition sur les prisonniers de guerre nous a particulièrement émus, avec sa reconstitution des baraquements d’un camp de prisonniers en Allemagne. Le père de Marlene, Jim, a servi dans l’Eighth Air Force, la « Mighty Eighth » (le Puissant huitième escadron), qui effectuait des missions aériennes au‑dessus de l’Europe durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. L’Eighth Air Force a alors dénombré 47 000 blessés et 26 000 morts dans ses rangs. Or, Jim comptait parmi ceux dont l’avion s’est fait abattre et que l’on a faits prisonniers. En parcourant l’exposition, nous nous sommes rappelé Jim en train de nous raconter la joie absolue que lui et ses compagnons de captivité avaient éprouvée le jour de leur libération.

Le Psaume 146 décrit les soins que Dieu consacre aux opprimés et la libération qu’il accorde aux captifs. Le psalmiste présente ainsi celui qui « fait droit aux opprimés » et qui « délivre les captifs » (V. 7). Or, tout cela est un sujet de célébration et de louange. Reste que la plus grande liberté de toutes est celle que nous procure la délivrance de la culpabilité et de la honte. Il n’y a donc rien d’étonnant à ce que Jésus ait dit : « Si donc le Fils vous affranchit, vous serez réellement libres » (JN 8.36).

Le sacrifice de Christ nous délivre de la prison du péché, nous faisant connaître sa joie, son amour et son pardon libérateur.

La prison du péché ne peut retenir le pouvoir du pardon divin.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ