Night Light for Couples - Empty Castles

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.

“This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Luke 12:20

The utter folly of materialism hit home dramatically for me (jcd) during a trip to Britain years ago. As I toured the museums and historical buildings, I was struck by what I called “empty castles.” Standing there in the lonely fog were edifices constructed by proud men who thought they owned them. But where are those men today? All are gone; most are forgotten. The hollow castles they left behind stand as monuments to the vulnerability and impermanence of the men who built them.

I hope to leave more than empty castles behind when I die—something more meaningful than land, machines, stocks, or fame. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless my legacy is a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to have served the God who made me. Nothing else really matters.

Just between us…

• If we died tonight, would our obituaries describe empty pursuits or meaningful lives?
• How would the Lord judge our stewardship of money, time, and belongings?
• What has been our most foolish investment or expenditure in the past few years?
• Do we seek satisfaction in things or in the Lord? Is a change in order?
• How can we encourage each other to pursue what really matters?

Lord, we know that all that is of this earth will eventually turn to dust. How much we long to live like Your children every day—with eternity’s values always in mind. Grant us Your grace and wisdom as we seek to make changes that will glorify You. Amen.

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

The Daily Readings for October 6, 2016

Micah 3:1-8
And I said: Listen, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Should you not know justice?-- you who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin off my people, and the flesh off their bones; who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin off them, break their bones in pieces, and chop them up like meat in a kettle, like flesh in a caldron. Then they will cry to the LORD, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have acted wickedly. Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry "Peace" when they have something to eat, but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths. Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision, and darkness to you, without revelation. The sun shall go down upon the prophets, and the day shall be black over them; the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Acts 24:1-23
Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Your Excellency, because of you we have long enjoyed peace, and reforms have been made for this people because of your foresight. We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude. But, to detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, and so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him." The Jews also joined in the charge by asserting that all this was true. When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: "I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation. As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. They did not find me disputing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd either in the synagogues or throughout the city. Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me. But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets. I have a hope in God-- a hope that they themselves also accept-- that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people. Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation and to offer sacrifices. While I was doing this, they found me in the temple, completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or disturbance. But there were some Jews from Asia-- they ought to be here before you to make an accusation, if they have anything against me. Or let these men here tell what crime they had found when I stood before the council, unless it was this one sentence that I called out while standing before them, 'It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'" But Felix, who was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing with the comment, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case." Then he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody, but to let him have some liberty and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.

Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him-- that she is a sinner." Jesus spoke up and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Teacher," he replied, "Speak." "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt." And Jesus said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 131 Domine, non est
1   O LORD, I am not proud; I have no haughty looks.
2   I do not occupy myself with great matters, or with things that are too hard for me.
3   But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother's breast; my soul is quieted within me.
4   O Israel, wait upon the LORD, from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 132 Memento, Domine
1   LORD, remember David, and all the hardships he endured;
2   How he swore an oath to the LORD and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3   I will not come under the roof of my house, nor climb up into my bed;
4   I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor let my eyelids slumber;
5   Until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6   The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7   Let us go to God's dwelling place; let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
8   Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, you and the ark of your strength.
9   Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy.
10   For your servant David's sake, do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
11   The LORD has sworn an oath to David; in truth, he will not break it:
12   A son, the fruit of your body will I set upon your throne.
13   If your children keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
14   For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired her for his habitation:
15   This shall be my resting-place for ever; here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16   I will surely bless her provisions, and satisfy her poor with bread.
17   I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18   There will I make the horn of David flourish; I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
19   As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; but as for him, his crown will shine."
Psalm 133 Ecce, quam bonum!
1   Oh, how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity!
2   It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down upon the beard,
3   Upon the beard of Aaron, and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4   It is like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5   For there the LORD has ordained the blessing: life for evermore.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
1   Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
2   Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

Psalm 135 Laudate nomen
1   Hallelujah! Praise the Name of the LORD; give praise, you servants of the LORD.
2   You who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.
3   Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praises to his Name, for it is lovely.
4   For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession.
5   For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6   The LORD does whatever pleases him, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the deeps.
7   He brings up rain clouds from the ends of the earth; he sends out lightning with the rain, and brings the winds out of his storehouse.
8   It was he who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn both of man and beast.
9   He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.
10   He overthrew many nations and put mighty kings to death:
11   Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, the king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.
12   He gave their land to be an inheritance, an inheritance for Israel his people.
13   O LORD, your Name is everlasting; your renown, O LORD, endures from age to age.
14   For the LORD gives his people justice and shows compassion to his servants.
15   The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
16   They have mouths, but they cannot speak; eyes have they, but they cannot see.
17   They have ears, but they cannot hear; neither is there any breath in their mouth.
18   Those who make them are like them, and so are all who put their trust in them.
19   Bless the LORD, O house of Israel; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD.
20   Bless the LORD, O house of Levi; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21   Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
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 6, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Scott B. Hayashi

Luke 7:37-38 (NRSV) And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.

For what did this unnamed woman hope? The fact that she receives entrance into the Pharisee’s house at all is a miracle. No one stops her at the door; she is not prevented from standing behind Jesus even though she is a known sinner, recognized as such by the community and the culture in which she lives. She accepts this definition of herself and allows it to form her self-image.

Her actions say that she wants to serve Jesus. Jesus receives her service. His acceptance means that even a sinner like her—even a sinner like you or me—can be a servant of the Lord. Perhaps all she hopes for is that Jesus will notice her. Jesus sees her, sees to the heart of her and beyond. This kind of sight, this willingness of Jesus to see our hearts—broken though they may be—is good news for a sinner like me.

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Girlfriends in God - A New Faith Adventure

by Mary Southerland

 

Today’s Truth

Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 HCSB)

Friend to Friend

Pain and crisis are familiar companions in my life. A close friend recently told me our family should do a reality television show because no one would believe what we deal with on a daily basis.

Can you relate?

The reality is that we live in a broken world. Trials and trouble are a byproduct of that broken world. I have repeatedly pleaded with God for an exemption clause, but there doesn’t seem to be one - this side of Heaven. However, I have discovered an amazing truth that makes it easier to face every shattering moment that lies ahead.

Isaiah 45:3 (NIV) I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

God has gone before us and has hidden a treasure at the heart of every trial. He has stored riches in secret places. That treasure can only be found when we go through the trial. Those riches can only be discovered when we walk straight ahead through our fear.

God has chosen to deposit His joy and His most precious treasures in the deepest sorrows. One of my favorite Laura Story songs is Blessings.

What if your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

I wonder. Are my trials and afflictions and physical pains somehow God’s love and goodness and mercy to me? Does the pain I feel enable me to know Him more and better understand and even feel the pain of others?

Yes.

And I know this. My frail humanity is a constant reminder that this world is not my home. Everything here is temporary. And I am so very glad! The next chapter is stunning! This world is not my home, but Heaven surely is!

Frederick Buechner called it the “stewardship of pain.” “Keep in touch with your pain,” Buechner advised. “Keep in touch with it because it is at those moments of pain where you are most open to the pain of other people – most open to your own deep places. Keep in touch with those sad times because it is then that you are most aware of your own powerlessness, crushed in a way by what is happening to you, but also most aware of God’s power to pull you through it, to be with you in it.”

So here is my daily challenge – to keep my gaze on Him and my glance on my circumstances. And as long as I have breath, I will stay in the fight, leaving everything I have on the playing field of life every single day.

We are waging an eternal battle. The stakes are higher than any battle that has ever been fought or ever will be fought. Eternity hangs in the balance. When others see us walk through the firestorms of this world with a strength and power that cannot be explained in human terms, they want to know how and why.

Jesus. Simply Jesus. He is the “how,” and He is the “why.”

Don’t lose heart, my friend. God is with you. God is not surprised by the circumstances in your life.

Not a single tear you cry goes unnoticed by Him. In fact, He collects each one of those tears in His bottle.

Psalm 56:8 (NLT) You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book.

One day, He will pour those tears back into your life as a refreshing rain of peace and joy. Until then, rest in Him and just be held.

I want to know Him more. I want others to wonder why I am so joyful when there doesn’t seem to be one logical reason why I should be. I want to trust God as never before and step out in faith with no visible safety net below. I want to pray with shameless audacity, knowing God absolutely loves it when I do! Join me in a new faith adventure of trusting God.

Let’s Pray

Father God, I want to become a woman of faith, but I am so weak. I constantly battle fear and my faith seems so small. Please give me a new thirst for Your Word. I choose to focus on You instead of focusing on my circumstances. I turn to You, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

In your journal, write a prayer of commitment to know and serve Jesus more. What would that look like in your life? Recruit an accountability partner who will periodically ask you how you are doing in this new faith adventure.


More from the Girlfriends

What does it mean to trust God? What would your life look like if you were walking by faith and trusting God with your whole heart? The 10-Day Trust Adventure addresses how to make life decisions as you step out in faith and really trust God.

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

Seeking God?

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

Girlfriends in God
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Matthews, NC 28106

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Standing Strong Through the Storm - DISCOVERING JESUS

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2

Camping experiences for me were always positive experiences. There you must live and practice your Christian faith twenty-four hours a day. And that deeply impacts the other campers.

Around the world, Open Doors sponsors camps—especially for discipleship training for young people. Twenty-three-year-old Roton is one of those youths who attended a camp in Bangladesh in early 2011 for young believers from Muslim background (MBB). He said, “To attend this camp, I traveled for seven hours. I walked thirteen kilometers before getting on the bus. It was exhausting, but I wanted to know more about Jesus.”

In a brief encounter with Open Doors during the camp, Roton shared that he felt pressure when he was just a new follower of Christ. “Many times, my Muslim friends would ask me why my family and I became Christians. They wanted to know how much [money] we got for converting. They asked me if the people who converted me stepped on the Koran or ate pork. I lost all my Muslim friends; everyone hated me and my family.”

Roton’s father was the first believer in the family, and boldly shared his faith with others. He read from the Koran, searching for portions that mentioned Jesus. Later on, however, his eye sight deteriorated to the point of blindness. So, he asked young Roton to read to him every day some passages from the Koran that specifically talked about Jesus.

“I just followed what I was told to do. In the beginning, I was reading for my father. But after few days, I realized that I was becoming more curious to find the truth myself. Because of the witness of the Koran, I found myself believing Jesus as the Holy one, the Messiah. I became a Christian soon after; I gave my life fully to Jesus,” Roton testified.

Discrimination soon followed Roton’s new found faith. His religion teacher mistreated him. When the school principal learned of his conversion, he was watched and compelled to recite Muslim prayers. People questioned him about Jesus Christ, but all that Roton knew about Christ he learned from the Koranic passages he read for his father. It was time to learn more. Instead of succumbing to the religious pressure he experienced, Roton—with encouragement from his father—set out on a journey to learn more about his Lord and Savior.

“I am so happy to be in this MBB youth camp. It’s my first. I saw that I am not alone! Many work together for Christ. In this camp, I discovered Jesus in the Old Testament. I will read the Old Testament more—together with the New Testament—so that I am prepared to answer questions people ask me. Someday, I want to study in a Bible school, so that I can help others who are on the same road as I am.”

RESPONSE: Today I will pass on to others all that I have learned and experienced in my relationship with Jesus.

PRAYER: Pray for young believers around the world who are in the process of developing their knowledge and discipleship in following Jesus. Pray too for camp leaders and trainers.

Un Dia a la Vez - ¿Qué declaras sobre ti?

Dios nos ha entregado sus preciosas y magníficas promesas para que [...] lleguen a tener parte en la naturaleza divina. 2 Pedro 1:4

Durante estos devocionales hemos analizado que las palabras tienen poder y nosotros somos el resultado de lo que hablamos y de lo que comemos en cuanto respecta a la salud.

Dios tiene trazado nuestro futuro, pero a veces no vemos esas cosas. A menudo, esto se debe a que estamos desenfocados o a que NO creemos en nosotros mismos para lograrlo. Es posible que pensemos que el éxito es para otros y cometamos el error más común y determinante en la parte espiritual: Hablamos sin pensar y decimos lo peor de nosotros mismos. Entonces, todo lo que declaramos sobre nuestra vida toma valor debido al poder que tienen las palabras.

Recuerda que el enemigo, Satanás, no quiere que tú triunfes. Al contrario, está interesado en tu fracaso. A mí me costó un tiempo entender este principio y mediante la Biblia comprobé que con nuestras palabras podemos declarar bendición o maldición.

Ahora te pregunto: «¿Qué prefieres?». Es hora de soltar todo tu pasado. Si en otra época te ataste con tus palabras, hoy Dios te da la oportunidad de ser libre y hacer lo opuesto.

A fin de alcanzarlo, empieza a declarar lo siguiente: «Soy un hijo de Dios. Soy un vencedor. Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Ninguna arma forjada contra mí prosperará. Soy sano. Soy libre. Soy una nueva criatura».

Verse of the Day - October 06, 2016

Isaiah 26:4 (NIV) Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Read all of Isaiah 26

Our Daily Bread - Praising and Asking

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Read: 2 Chronicles 6:12–21 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 26–27; Philippians 2

The highest heavens . . . cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 2 Chronicles 6:18

Teen Challenge, a ministry to at-risk youth that started in New York City, was born from an unusual commitment to prayer. Its founder, David Wilkerson, sold his television set and spent his TV-watching time (two hours each night) praying. In the months that followed, he not only gained clarity about his new endeavor but he also learned about the balance between praising God and asking Him for help.

King Solomon’s temple dedication prayer shows this balance. Solomon began by highlighting God’s holiness and faithfulness. Then he gave God credit for the success of the project and emphasized God’s greatness, declaring, “The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (2 Chron. 6:18).

After exalting God, Solomon asked Him to pay special attention to everything that happened inside the temple. He asked God to show mercy to the Israelites and to provide for them when they confessed their sin.

Immediately after Solomon’s prayer, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple” (7:1). This incredible response reminds us that the mighty One we praise and speak to when we pray is the same One who listens to and cares about our requests.

How would you describe your conversations with God? What might help you grow closer to Him as you pray?

Read more about talking to God at discoveryseries.org/hp135.

Prayer helps us see things as God sees them.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Loben und bitten

Von Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Lesen: 2.Chronik 6,12-21 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 26–27; Philipper 2

Aller Himmel Himmel können dich nicht fassen; wie sollte es dann dieses Haus tun, das ich gebaut habe? 2.Chronik 6,18

Teen Challenge, eine christliche Arbeit unter gefährdeten Jugendlichen, die in New York begann, wurde durch eine ungewöhnliche Hingabe zum Gebet geboren. Der Gründer, David Wilkinson, verkaufte seinen Fernseher und verbrachte die frei gewordene Zeit (zwei Stunden pro Abend) im Gebet. In den folgenden Monaten erhielt er nicht nur Klarheit über sein neues Vorhaben, sondern lernte auch eine Menge über die richtige Balance zwischen Gott loben und ihn um seine Hilfe bitten.

Das Gebet, das König Salomo zur Einweihung des Tempels sprach, zeigt auch etwas von diesem Gleichgewicht. Zunächst betont Salomo Gottes Heiligkeit und Treue. Dann dankt er ihm für das Gelingen des Projekts und betont seine Größe: „Aller Himmel Himmel können dich nicht fassen; wie sollte es dann dieses Haus tun, das ich gebaut habe?“ (2.Chron. 6,18).

Nach dem Lob bittet Salomo Gott, besondere Aufmerksamkeit auf alles zu legen, was im Tempel geschieht. Er bittet um Gnade für die Israeliten und Gottes Zuwendung, wenn sie ihre Sünden bekennen.

Unmittelbar nach Salomos Gebet „fiel Feuer vom Himmel und verzehrte das Brandopfer und die Schlachtopfer und die Herrlichkeit des Herrn erfüllte das Haus“ (7,1). Diese gewaltige Reaktion führt uns vor Augen, dass der eine, den wir loben und mit dem wir reden, wenn wir beten, derselbe ist, der hört und sich unserer Bitten annimmt.

Wie würdest du dein Reden mit Gott beschreiben? Was könnte dir helfen, ihm im Gebet näher zu kommen?

Beten bringt Gott nicht dazu, die Dinge so zu sehen, wie wir, sondern hilft uns, sie so zu sehen, wie Gott sie sieht.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Хвала и прошение

автор: Дженифер Бенсон Шульдт

Читать сейчас: 2 Паралипоменон 6:12-21 | Библия за год: Исаия 26-27; 2 Коринфянам 8

...Небеса небес не вмещают Тебя, тем менее храм этот, который построил я. — 2 Паралипоменон 6:18

Служение «Вызов» среди проблемных подростков Нью-Йорка началось с необычного молитвенного посвящения. Его основатель Дэвид Вилкерсон продал свой телевизор и посвятил время, которое прежде проводил за просмотром телепрограмм (два часа каждый вечер), молитве. В последующие месяцы он не только обрел ясность по поводу своего нового служения, но также понял правильное соотношение между прославлением Бога и прошениями о помощи.

Молитва царя Соломона по случаю освящения храма также отражает это соотношение. Соломон начал с провозглашения Божьей святости и верности. Затем он воздал славу Богу за успех строительства и указал на Божье величие, сказав: «Небо и небеса небес не вмещают Тебя, тем менее храм этот, который построил я» (2 Пар. 6:18). После прославления Бога Соломон стал просить Его обращать особое внимание на все, что будет происходить на этом месте. Он попросил Бога проявить милость к израильтянам и оказать им помощь, когда они покаются в своих грехах.

После этой молитвы «сошел огонь с неба и поглотил всесожжение и жертвы, и слава Господня наполнила дом» (2 Пар. 7:1). Этот удивительный ответ напоминает, что всемогущий Бог, Которого мы славим и к Которому обращаемся во время молитвы, слышит нас и отвечает на прошения.

Как бы вы описали свое общение с Богом? Что помогает вам приближаться к Нему во время молитвы?

Узнайте больше об общении с Богом в брошюре «Помолимся».

Молитва не открывает Богу наш взгляд; она открывает нам взгляд Божий.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

 

 

Notre Pain Quotidien - Louer et demander

par Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Lisez : 2 Chroniques 6.12‑21 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 26 – 27 et Philippiens 2 

[Les] cieux des cieux ne peuvent te contenir : combien moins cette maison que j’ai bâtie ! ( 2 Chroniques 6.18)

Défi jeunesse, un ministère auprès des jeunes à risque, est né à New York grâce à un engagement à prier exceptionnel. David Wilkerson a vendu son téléviseur et a consacré le temps qu’il regardait la télévision (deux heures chaque soir) à prier. Durant les mois qui ont suivi, il en est venu non seulement à se représenter clairement ce que Dieu attendait de lui, mais encore il a atteint l’équilibre entre louer Dieu et solliciter son aide.

Par sa prière de dédicace du Temple, le roi Salomon atteste d’ailleurs le même équilibre. Il a commencé par souligner la sainteté et la fidélité de Dieu. Puis il a attribué à Dieu tout le mérite de la réussite du projet et a insisté sur la grandeur de Dieu : « [Les] cieux des cieux ne peuvent te contenir : combien moins cette maison que j’ai bâtie ! » (2 CH 6.18)

Après avoir exalté Dieu, Salomon lui a demandé de prêter une attention toute particulière à ce qui se passait dans le Temple, ainsi que d’user de miséricorde envers les Israélites et de leur pardonner les péchés qu’ils lui confessaient.

Aussitôt sa prière achevée, « le feu descendit du ciel et consuma l’holocauste et les sacrifices, et la gloire de l’Éternel remplit la maison » (7.1). Cet exaucement remarquable nous rappelle d’ailleurs que le Tout‑Puissant que nous louons et à qui nous adressons nos prières est celui‑là même qui tend l’oreille à nos requêtes.

La prière aide à voir les choses comme Dieu les voit, non l’inverse.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ