Night Light for Couples - The Greatest Gift

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.

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap… yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24

Although the battle for healthy self‐confidence is most often fought by women, many men also struggle with the issue. Unlike a woman, a man derives his sense of worth primarily from the reputation he earns in his job or profession. He draws emotional satisfaction from achieving in business, becoming financially independent, developing a highly respected skill, being the “boss,” or being loved and appreciated by his patients, clients, or business associates. When his career fails, however, look out.

His confidence often falters, and he becomes vulnerable. Depression, anger, and withdrawal are just some of his potential responses. Wives, here’s something to remember: More than anything, your man needs your respect. Compliment him on the qualities you most admire in him. Avoid comments that debase or embarrass him—especially in the eyes of others. As much as is reasonably possible, understand and support his career, but also create such an affirming atmosphere at home that he will be happy to leave career concerns at the office.

The better you understand your differences, the more you’ll appreciate the gift that is your mate.

Just between us…

• (wife) What achievement are you proudest of?
• (wife) Are you satisfied with the current state of your career?
• (wife) How can I help you with your career?
• (wife) How can I show more respect for you and what you do?

(wife) Father, thank You for my husband—for the energy, skills, and ambitions you’ve placed in him. Help him to know that You love him no matter how he performs, and please help me show him the honor and respect I feel. Amen.

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

Girlfriends in God - From a Nobody to a Somebody

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity’  (Luke 13:12).

Friend to Friend

Have you ever wondered if God even knows your name? Have you doubted His concern about what you are going through? Have you felt totally alone and worthless? I have. I can really relate to the woman described in Luke 13. Oh, our problems may not be exactly the same, but the feelings and emotions are – and so is the answer.

Jesus knew this woman. He knew she had been sick for 18 long years and that she had tried everything to be healed. He knew – but He looked past her pain and saw who she really was. He could have called her by name, but instead He said, “Woman.” Jesus included her whole identity in that name – her past, present and future. He knew every detail of her life, and He loved her. And just as He loved this broken woman, He loves you.

This woman had been assigned an identity by the relentless illness that plagued her body. Anyone who knew her identified her by that illness. I imagine she felt unwanted and unloved - like a nobody. But when Jesus saw her, He looked at her through different eyes and called her to Himself. With one word from Him, everything changed. All of a sudden, she was somebody.

There she stood, sick and in pain to the point that she was completely doubled over. Imagine what she felt when she realized that Jesus was talking to her. He was calling her - an outcast. And when she heard His voice, she heard the voice of love.

Many of us feel unwanted and unloved, but we can rest in the fact that God knows us and loves us just as we are - right where we are, in the midst of our mess. One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Your identity was established before the world began, in the heart and mind of God. Before you were wanted or not wanted by human hearts, before you were planned or not planned by human minds, you were wanted and planned in the heart and mind of God.

Created by God … for God. Wow!

You are valuable simply because God created you. You can judge a product’s worth and value by looking at the one who made it.

Years ago, I had a garage sale to get rid of our old stuff so we could buy some new stuff. We especially needed a new sofa. Our old one was truly pathetic. I made just enough money from the garage sale to buy a new sofa, and headed for the furniture outlet.

I walked in with a certain amount of money to spend and a definite idea of what I wanted. Avoiding the salesmen, I began my search and narrowed the choice down to two sofas. Both were in my price range - cheap - and both would work in my living room. I saw a salesman making a beeline for me, sensing a sale in the air. Before he could say a word, I whirled around and asked, “If I were your wife, which one of these would you tell me to buy?” Without the slightest hesitation he pointed to one of the sofas. Curious, I said, “Why did you choose that one?” “Easy,” he said. “That one is a trusted brand name and is a quality piece of furniture. The other one is just a cheap imitation. You should always check the label.”

Take a look at your label found in Psalm 139:13-16: For You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

Grab hold of the truth that God knows you, loves you, and is for you. And that is all you need to face whatever life brings your way.

Let’s Pray

Father, I thank You for loving me just as I am. Right now, I accept Your love as the priceless gift it is. Teach me to understand the truth that my worth and value rest in You alone – not in the eyes of man. Today, I choose to step out in faith to become the woman You created me to be.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Matthew 10:30. How does this verse help you understand how special you are to God? Record your thoughts in your journal.

More from the Girlfriends

Have you ever wondered why you were even born? Do feelings of insecurity and doubt plague your life? Mary’s MP3 download, In His Eyes, drives home the truth that our identity was established before the world began - in the mind and heart of God! This message will lead you to understand how valuable you are, to seek and find God's unique design for your life, and to grasp the concept of seeing yourself through the eyes of 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 abouthow to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

http://www.girlfriendsingod.com

Un Dia a la Vez - Tesoros en el cielo

Porque donde esté tu tesoro, allí estará también tu corazón. Mateo 6:21

¡Es increíble cómo a nuestro Dios le interesa que seamos personas equilibradas y rectas en la vida! Por eso le agradezco mucho que nos dejara la Biblia. A través de su lectura he podido conocer los principios de vida y la manera más fácil de ser feliz.

Hoy en día, se escucha muy a menudo esta frase bíblica: «No os hagáis tesoros en la tierra» (Mateo 6:19, rv-60). Eso significa que nuestro ídolo no debe ser el dinero y que no debemos apegarnos a las riquezas.

Fíjense que no se trata de que Dios no esté de acuerdo en que seamos prósperos. Lo que Él no quiere es que ese sea nuestro tesoro y nuestra vida. Así que ten en cuenta que cuando partamos de este mundo, no nos llevaremos nada en lo absoluto. Por lo tanto, es más importante pensar en nuestra vida eterna.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STEADFAST TO THE END

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Christians in northern Nigeria have suffered severely from physical attacks resulting in destruction of Christian churches, houses and shops. Hundreds of believers have been badly injured, many macheted to death, some burnt alive and even more shot dead.

Despite all that has happened in northern Nigeria, the Body of Christ is not discouraged, declaring instead they are willing to continue carrying the cross. One Christian articulated their commitment: “We will be steadfast to the end.”

Another leader declared, “They destroyed our church buildings, houses and business centers, but the good Lord is comforting us. The Christians are growing in strength and total submission to God. Our challenge now is how to rebuild our churches and continue with the fellowship to encourage each other.”

The affected families of pastors and church members have gone through unimaginable hardship after all they laboured for, all their lives, was destroyed within minutes. Many families were left unattended while some were able to move to refugee camps. Others are living under trees with their children, gazing at their destroyed houses and life belongings, shedding tears and calling for help in this desperate situation.

A lady who was crying inconsolably told Open Doors, “I have nowhere to go. All I have laboured for is gone, I cannot afford to feed my children, and life is difficult. I almost gave up, but I will continue to wait on God to come to my rescue.”

“It is difficult to fathom the scale of destruction, but we have accepted it in good faith,” said one pastor’s wife who had lost her home. “It is nothing short of the fulfilment of the Gospel. We love these Muslims even though they hate us. They are not our enemies. We are only against the person behind their actions. We so much pray that they change their ways and accept Christ, so that we will rejoice together when we get to heaven.”

The believers in the affected areas are now confronted with the challenge of how to rebuild their churches and lives, while facing the call of sharing love and total forgiveness.

A pastor who lost his church building commented, “We are always ready to pay the price for our faith. This added strength to our faith, no going back. We are going to encourage our people to see this from God’s perspective. We want the world to know that what has happened in northern Nigeria…is even beyond politics. It is purely religious, and we need your prayers.

“Christ was rejected here on earth to the point that they crucified him on the cross for our sins; therefore, no amount of sacrifice for Christ would be too much. All we can do now is pray for the aggressors, because they do not know what they are doing. We will be steadfast to the end.”

RESPONSE: Today I will receive God’s restorative help in being strong, firm and steadfast.

PRAYER: Pray for brothers and sisters in northern Nigeria facing constant challenges to their faith.

Verse of the Day - November 02, 2016

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Read all of 1 Peter 2

The Daily Readings for November 2, 2016

Ecclesiasticus 43:23-33
By his plan he stilled the deep and planted islands in it. Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers, and we marvel at what we hear. In it are strange and marvelous creatures, all kinds of living things, and huge sea-monsters. Because of him each of his messengers succeeds, and by his word all things hold together. We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: "He is the all." Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works. Awesome is the Lord and very great, and marvelous is his power. Glorify the Lord and exalt him as much as you can, for he surpasses even that. When you exalt him, summon all your strength, and do not grow weary, for you cannot praise him enough. Who has seen him and can describe him? Or who can extol him as he is? Many things greater than these lie hidden, for I have seen but few of his works. For the Lord has made all things, and to the godly he has given wisdom.

Revelation 16:1-11
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God." So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and a foul and painful sore came on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image. The second angel poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing in the sea died. The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, "You are just, O Holy One, who are and were, for you have judged these things; because they shed the blood of saints and prophets, you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!" And I heard the altar respond, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just!" The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch them with fire; they were scorched by the fierce heat, but they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness; people gnawed their tongues in agony, and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and they did not repent of their deeds.

Luke 13:10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 72 Deus, judicium
1   Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King's son;
2   That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice.
3   That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness.
4   He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5   He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
6   He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
7   In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
8   He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9   His foes shall bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust.
10   The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.
11   All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service.
12   For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper.
13   He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy.
14   He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight.
15   Long may he live! and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; may prayer be made for him always, and may they bless him all the day long.
16   May there be abundance of grain on the earth, growing thick even on the hilltops; may its fruit flourish like Lebanon, and its grain like grass upon the earth.
17   May his Name remain for ever and be established as long as the sun endures; may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
18   Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds!
19   And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 119: Yodh Manus tuæ fecerunt me
73   Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74   Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I trust in your word.
75   I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76   Let your loving-kindness be my comfort, as you have promised to your servant.
77   Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, for your law is my delight.
78   Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; but I will meditate on your commandments.
79   Let those who fear you turn to me, and also those who know your decrees.
80   Let my heart be sound in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

Psalm 119: Kaph Defecit in salutare
81   My soul has longed for your salvation; I have put my hope in your word.
82   My eyes have failed from watching for your promise, and I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83   I have become like a leather flask in the smoke, but I have not forgotten your statutes.
84   How much longer must I wait? when will you give judgment against those who persecute me?
85   The proud have dug pits for me; they do not keep your law.
86   All your commandments are true; help me, for they persecute me with lies.
87   They had almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your commandments.
88   In your loving-kindness, revive me, that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.

Psalm 119: Lamedh In æternum, Domine
89   O LORD, your word is everlasting; it stands firm in the heavens.
90   Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; you established the earth, and it abides.
91   By your decree these continue to this day, for all things are your servants.
92   If my delight had not been in your law, I should have perished in my affliction.
93   I will never forget your commandments, because by them you give me life.
94   I am yours; oh, that you would save me! for I study your commandments.
95   Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, I will apply my mind to your decrees.
96   I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment has no bounds.

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 Liturgical Calendar: All Faithful Departed (All Souls's Day)

All Souls' Day by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Today the church remembers Commemoration of All Faithful Departed.

If we have trouble thinking of dear old Aunt Polly or Uncle John as being "saints," now is the appropriate time to remember them formally. There are countless departed souls who were faithful Christians but who could hardly be regarded as exemplary saints. We like to remember them and to give thanks to God publicly for them.

This occasion, sometimes called All Souls's Day, is a twin feast of All Saints's Day. It has been observed in the Eastern Church from very early times and was introduced into Western Europe in the tenth century. The sixteenth-century English Reformers cut this festival out of the church year because they did not like to distinguish between "all saints" and "all souls." The New Testament makes no such distinction but, rather, refers to all Christians as saints, stressing the fact that salvation is a gift from God and that none of us earns a special place in his kingdom by our good deeds. This is a good time to remember the unspectacular children of God: those whose Christian witness may have been weak or faltering, but who are still very dear and important to God and to us.

O God, who has brought us near to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of the just, made perfect: Grant us during our pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and to become partakers of their joy. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers; Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Daily Meditation for November 2, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Luke 13:14 (NRSV) The leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.”

The policeman stood at the door, talking quietly with my husband, a priest. Our friends, there to celebrate his birthday, quieted. The officer asked my husband to come and offer last rites to an older gentleman who had been found dead.

A year later the church organist took her final breaths as her family wept, their priest prayed, and a child lost her mother. Four years in a row, on my husband’s birthday, someone died, and the families needed pastoral care.

Sabbath time doesn’t always come when we want it, on our convenient schedules. This is not to undermine the importance of sabbath, of following God’s example and instruction to set aside time for prayer, reflection, and refreshment.

But the needs of people must come before law and tradition. Jesus models this time and again by healing on the sabbath and breaking bread with sinners. When law butts against the deepest needs of the human spirit, love and mercy should always win.

Subscribe to Forward Day By Day

Join more than a half million readers worldwide who use Forward Day by Day as a resource for daily prayer and Bible study.

Our Daily Bread - Watchful and Alert

By Lawrence Darmani

Read: Genesis 3:1–7 | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 27–29; Titus 3

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13

My desk sits close to a window that opens into our neighborhood. From that vantage point I’m privileged to watch birds perch on the trees nearby. Some come to the window to eat insects trapped in the screen.

The birds check their immediate surroundings for any danger, listening attentively as they look about them. Only when they are satisfied that there is no danger do they settle down to feed. Even then, they pause every few seconds to scan the area.

The vigilance these birds demonstrate reminds me that the Bible teaches us to practice vigilance as Christians. Our world is full of temptations, and we need to remain constantly alert and not forget about the dangers. Like Adam and Eve, we easily get entangled in attractions that make the things of this world seem “good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom” (Gen. 3:6).

“Be on your guard,” Paul admonished, “stand firm in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13). And Peter cautioned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

As we work for our own daily bread, are we alert to what could start consuming us? Are we watching for any hint of self-confidence or willfulness that could leave us wishing we had trusted our God?

Lord, keep us from the secret sins and selfish reactions we’re so naturally inclined toward. By Your grace, turn our temptations into moments of growth in Christlikeness.

The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Auf der Hut

Von Lawrence Darmani

Lesen: 1.Mose 3,1-7 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jeremia 27–29; Titus 3

Wachet, steht im Glauben, seid mutig und seid stark. 1.Korinther 16,13

Mein Schreibtisch steht an einem Fenster mit Blick in die Nachbarschaft. Von dort aus kann ich auch die Vögel beobachten, die in den nahegelegenen Bäumen sitzen. Manche kommen sogar ans Fenster, um Mücken aufzupicken, die an der Scheibe kleben.

Die Vögel überprüfen ihre unmittelbare Umgebung immer auf mögliche Gefahren und horchen aufmerksam auf alle Geräusche. Erst wenn sie sicher sind, dass keine Gefahr droht, lassen sie sich zum Fressen nieder. Aber selbst dann schauen sie sich alle paar Sekunden um.

Die Wachsamkeit dieser Vögel erinnert mich daran, dass die Bibel auch uns Christen zur Wachsamkeit aufruft. Unsere Welt ist voller Anfechtungen und wir müssen ständig auf der Hut sein. Wie Adam und Eva lassen wir uns leicht von allem verlocken, was „gut zu essen wäre und . . . eine Lust für die Augen wäre und verlockend, weil [es] klug machte“ (1.Mose 3,6).

„Wachet“, mahnt Paulus, „steht im Glauben“ (1.Kor. 16,13). Und Petrus ruft uns zu: „Seid nüchtern und wacht; denn euer Widersacher, der Teufel, geht umher wie ein brüllender Löwe und sucht, wen er verschlinge“ (1.Petr. 5,8).

Sehen wir bei der täglichen Arbeit, was uns allzu sehr vereinnahmen will? Erkennen wir, wo wir eigenmächtig handeln oder uns allzu sehr auf uns selbst verlassen, wo wir uns später vielleicht wünschten, wir hätten Gott mehr vertraut?

Herr, bewahre uns vor den heimlichen Sünden und selbstsüchtigen Taten, die uns oft so naheliegen. Lass durch deine Gnade unsere Anfechtungen zu einer Zeit werden, in der wir wachsen und dir ähnlicher werden.

Der beste Weg, vor der Versuchung zu fliehen, ist, in die Arme Gottes zu laufen.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Настороже

автор: Лоуренс Дармани

Читать сейчас: Бытие 3:1-7 | Библия за год: Иеремия 27-29; Колоссянам 4

Бодрствуйте, стойте в вере. — 1 Коринфянам 16:13

Мой рабочий стол расположен у окна, выходящего на улицу. Благодаря этому мне представляется роскошная возможность наблюдать за птицами, гнездящимися на деревьях. Некоторые из них прилетают, чтобы полакомиться насекомыми, застрявшими в москитной сетке.

Но вначале птицы тщательно исследуют окружающую среду на предмет опасности, внимательно прислушиваются и осматриваются. Только убедившись, что им ничто не угрожает, они принимаются за еду. Через каждые несколько секунд они прерываются и вновь внимательно оглядывают местность.

Птичья бдительность напоминает мне библейское учение о бодрствовании христиан. Мир полон искушений, и мы должны всегда быть настороже, помня об опасности. Подобно Адаму и Еве, мы можем быстро поддаться искушению, увидев то, что «хорошо для пищи и... приятно для глаз и вожделенно, потому что дает знание» (Быт. 3:6).

«Бодрствуйте, стойте в вере», – убеждает Павел коринфян (1 Кор. 16:13). Ему вторит Петр: «Трезвитесь, бодрствуйте, потому что противник ваш, дьявол, ходит, как рыкающий лев, ища кого поглотить» (1 Пет. 5:8).

Добывая насущный хлеб, помним ли мы о возможных опасностях? Следим ли за признаками угрозы, в том числе исходящей от нас самих, чтобы не жалеть впоследствии, когда будет уже поздно?

Господи, сохрани нас от тайных грехов и плотских побуждений, к которым мы так склонны. Своей благодатью обрати наши искушения в возможности для роста в уподоблении Христу.

Лучший способ спастись от искушения – устремиться к Богу.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Attentif et vigilant

par Lawrence Darmani

Lisez : Genèse 3.1‑7 | La Bible en un an : Jérémie 27 – 29 et Tite 3

Veillez, demeurez fermes dans la foi. 1 Corinthiens 16.13

Mon bureau est près d’une fenêtre qui donne sur notre quartier. Par elle, j’ai le privilège d’observer les oiseaux perchés dans les arbres à proximité. Certains viennent même manger les insectes pris dans la moustiquaire.

Les oiseaux tendent l’oreille pour vérifier qu’aucun danger ne les menace dans leur entourage immédiat. Et ce n’est que lorsqu’ils ont la certitude d’être en sécurité qu’ils viennent se poser pour se nourrir. Même alors, ils s’interrompent toutes les quelques secondes pour scruter les environs.

La vigilance dont ces oiseaux font preuve me rappelle que la Bible nous enseigne à s’en inspirer. Notre monde abonde en tentations, si bien qu’il nous faut constamment rester à l’affût des dangers qui nous guettent. Comme Adam et Ève, nous nous laissons facilement prendre au piège des attraits du monde qui nous le font voir comme étant « bon à manger et agréable à la vue, et […] précieux pour ouvrir l’intelligence » (GE 3.6).

Paul nous fait donc la mise en garde suivante : « Veillez, demeurez fermes dans la foi » (1 CO 16.13), et Pierre, celle‑ci : « Soyez sobres, veillez. Votre adversaire, le diable, rôde comme un lion rugissant, cherchant qui il dévorera » (1 PI 5.8).

Tandis que nous gagnons notre propre pain quotidien, guettons‑nous ce qui risque de nous consumer ? Cherchons‑nous sans cesse à discerner tout soupçon de suffisance ou d’entêtement susceptible de nous amener à regretter de ne pas avoir fait confiance à Dieu ?

Se réfugier en Dieu est le meilleur moyen d’échapper à la tentation.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ