The Daily Readings SUNDAY, November 27, 2016 - First Sunday of Advent

First Reading
from the Old Testament

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! (Isaiah 2:1-5, NRSV)

This is the Word of the Lord

Responsorial Psalm

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."

Second Reading
from the Epistles

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:11-14, NRSV)

This is the Word of the Lord

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.

It's Noah's Day All over Again, You'd Better Get Into The Ark - Sunday Sermon for November 27, 2016 - First Sunday of Advent

The Holy Gospel
according to St Matthew, the 24th Chapter

Glory to You, O Lord

"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (Matthew 24:36-44, NRSV)

This is the Gospel of the Lord

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus who is the King. Amen

It's Noah's Day All over Again, You'd Better Get Into The Ark

As Christians we must understand that this life we are in is like a race. It’s not a "rat race" but the "Christian race." We must also understand that we don’t compete against each other, but against the evil obstacles that hinder us, both physically and spiritually.

And as we look at the spiritual condition of our world, it is obvious - brothers and sisters - that “The finish line is before us,” and as the great baseball pitcher Satchel Paige once said, "Never look back because someone might be gaining on you."

When we consider this Christian race, our eyes must be fixed upon Jesus because He is the Captain and Completer of our faith. So many today are lost because they have not found refuge in the safety of Jesus.

The saddest part about is that they don’t see their end coming. They have become comfortable in sin. They don’t see the signs of the times, because their vision is clouded by the world. But I’ve come to tell you today that “It’s Noah’s Time All Over Again, You’d Better Get In The Ark.”

Now, if you’ve studied your Bible, you know that thousands of years ago a preacher Noah named lived among sinful people. Noah preacher preached for more than one hundred years to wicked folk about the coming punishment by God. Yet, not one person in the whole world besides this preacher’s family was obedient to God.

As a preacher, I can imagine Noah’s frustration. It’s frustrating to preach over and over, week after week, Sunday after Sunday, about the wages of sin:

... About loving one another as God loves them...
... About being committed and dedicated to kingdom building...
... About the need to lay aside hatred and jealousy and disobedience. Yet see the same behavior continue in some people. It’s almost like what the preacher says goes in one ear and comes out the other.

No doubt Brother Noah was very sad and for sure, God was greatly displeased. But a real preacher will not stop preaching just because some folk don’t listen. That’s the difference between those who are sent and those who just got up and went!

For 120 years preacher Noah preached and at the the command of God, with the help of his family, built a large boat as God had instructed him. Sinners laughed at Noah and his family because of what he preached, because of the godly way his family lived, and because of the ark they built. But someone has said, “He who laughs last, laughs best!” For we know from the bible record that God flooded all the earth and drowned every person except this preacher and his family.

It was a terrible time because almost all people on earth died in that flood. Only the preacher and his family survived. Yes, the same flood water which destroyed the ungodly world, saved Noah and his family. These eight souls were separated by that water from the wicked world because they were in the ark!

Well... sadly, today many people still refuse to obey God. Preachers of righteousness are laughed at and God is greatly displeased. But I want you to know that God’s punishment is coming again, although this time God it won’t be water, it’ll be fire!

The Bible - in 2 Peter 3, beginning at verse 9 - says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heart?"

In other words, the Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think He is! In fact, God is patient, because He wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.

. . . And the day of the Lord’s return will surprise some people like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a loud noise, and the heat will melt the whole universe. Then the earth and everything on it will be seen for what they are.
. . . But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule. But my brothers and sisters, you’ll never see it, unless you get in the ark! I’m talking about “It’s Noah’s Time All Over Again, You’d Better Get in The Ark!”

Jesus, in this parable, is painting for his disciples (and for us) a comparison of the condition of humanity in Noah’s day and the condition of mankind in our day. And what Jesus is telling us is that: this last generation is like the one of Noah’s day. It’s pleasure-oriented and self-gratifying.

All some people know today is eating and drinking. In other words, outside of their physical wants and desires they have nothing else!

There is no God component to their lives!

And then He talks about marriage and giving in marriage. He’s talking about the fact that some people are only concerned about flesh and fleshly lusts and desires. To sum it up, they were eating and drinking, when they should have been repenting and praying.

. . . And the saddest part about it was that “they had no idea what was about to happen!” They didn’t realize that destruction was just around the corner. And so, Jesus - here - is trying to warn His disciples (and us) that “It’s time to get right. . . and do it now!” Because a time is coming when God will separate the lost and the saved.

The record says that two will be in the field or at work at the time of Christ’s return. One will be taken and the other left. I can imagine that when God destroyed the world the first time, that’s the way it was. Some didn’t even pay attention to all of the rain that was falling. They probably said, “Well it’s been raining for a few days. It’ll stop afterwhile.”

. . . But when the rain reached biblical proportions, when folks started seeing their neighbor’s houses break loose from there foundations and sink; when they saw their neighbor’s cattle and pets swimming for their lives; when they witnessed their own material things being washed away in the flood . . . everyone of them came running, trying to get into the ship! But I heard Noah say, “I hear you knocking, but you can’t come in! God’s got the key and the door is locked!”

You see, in the time before the flood, people built cities but they forgot the God that made them! The decendants of Cain had cattle, riches, and farms, but they had no approval of God upon their lives! They were rich in goods, but they were barren and poor as far as God’s power was concerned!

Not only that, but the decendants of Cain had invented many kinds of instruments. They had all kinds of music, but the Spirit of God was not in that music! They were artists in wood and stone. They were skillful with iron and brass, but they had failed God and cared nothing about serving Him! The children of Cain followed in the footsteps of their father. They also became murderers! Cain had set the example before them and they followed that example. The judgement of God multiplied ten times!

Now you may say, “Well Pastor... that was in the bible days. Surely man has not become that wicked today.” But I want you to know that although we have come through some dark ages, and civilization has advanced in this generation. . . people have departed from the faith, just like in Noah’s day!

We have modernized our cities, houses, lands, highways, and church houses. Some have even tried to modernize the old-time religion. As a society we’ve moved, but the direction is still downward!

– Men still build cities but they forget Christ!
– We have more cattle, lands, property and money than ever before, but the men are dried up in their souls!
– We have better musical instruments today, polished and expensive. Folk can play beautiful music on these instruments. But the sad part about is, they don’t use them for God and the church. “As it was in the days (before the flood) so it is now!

I’m gonna leave you alone in a minute, but in the days before the flood man made his own religion to suit himself! In the days before the flood people strayed away from the Lord!

They prospered and made good wages. They had a high standard of living, but they were too busy to hear Noah preach the message of judgement!

They thought a message of judgement was old and out of date. They were busy; but being so busy caused them to lose their souls. They were drunk on the cares of this world.

My brothers and sisters, isn’t it strange that people usually leave God when all is going well? In our day people are prospering as never before! Men and women spend their lifetime eating and drinking. It seems that’s all they’re living for! The main thing about them is their stomach!

All the time men are building more and more fine restaurants. They build more and more fine homes. All the time people are working shorter hours. They are getting more and more of the luxuries of life. But instead of spending that leisure time reading the Bible, praying or going to church, the average person spends it for themselves, to satisfy the lust of the flesh!

The places of amusement are full day and night. People are drunken on the pleasures of the world. People today have time to travel and go on vacations. But they have no time for God! They would rather hear a man-made sermon that makes tickles their ear and makes them feel good, but has no warnings of judgement!

They go to ball games, wrestling matches, carnivals, circuses, concerts, roadhouses, and nightclubs, but they don’t go to church! And if they do go to church, it’s on Sunday morning for a few minutes to hear a sermon that tells them they’re fine people.

. . . But I need to tell you that prosperity does not prove that a nation is religious. Prosperity, many times, makes people forget God!

The people in Noah’s day may have been living a high life, but violence increased in the earth in the days before the flood. The whole earth was filled with violence! The people grew weaker and wiser! They were full of hatred, envy, lust and pride! Men forgot God and became as wicked as men could be! They robbed and killed until God had to do something, or the whole world would have been affected by this wickedness. And so God had to destroy the world. But for one righteous man... God saved him and his entire family. He put them in a ship!

I’m almost finished here, but you know... because Noah believed God, God saved his family! And he’s not the only one the bible record talks about:
– Abraham believed God. And God gave his seed the land of promise!
– Rahab beleived God. And God saved her household!
– The Cananite woman believed God. And Christ healed her daughter!
– Because four men believed God, Christ healed their paralyzed friend!

Saints, God’s Word is true: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house!" Yes. . . Noah and his family were saved by an ark, a ship which God commanded him to build.

That ark was a picture of Christ. There are three (3) arks mentioned in the Word of God. Each was a place of refuge, shelter, and safety.

Noah’s ark secured those who were in it from the vengeance and violent wrath of an angry God: That is the Ark of Christ, our Substitute.

The ark of bulrushes protected God’s chosen one, Moses, from the murderous designs of a wicked ruler, Pharoah: That ark is Christ, into whom we had been placed by our loving Father from eternity.

The ark of the covenant sheltered the two tables of God’s holy law, and being covered with blood, was the place of atonement, mercy, and acceptance with God for sinners: That ark is Christ our Mercy-seat.

Put it all together saints and you’ll discover that from the beginning there has been but one place of refuge for sinners, only one way of salvation. And that is Christ! If you want to be saved, you’d better get in the ark! “It’s Noah’s Time All Over Again, It’s Time To Get In The Ark!”

I’m going to my seat, but I have to ask you a question: Are you in the Ark?

– There’s safety in the ark!
– There’s salvation in the ark!
– There’s peace in the ark!
– There’s joy in the ark!
– There’s love in the ark!

I hear the Lord saying:
“All Aboard!!!”
“All Aboard!!!” “It’s Time To Get Into The Ark!”

No wonder those old saints sang: “Tis the old, ship of zion. Tis the old ship of zion! It has landed many a thousand!” Tell your neighbor, you’d better get on board! Now slap three people a high five and tell them, “I got my ticket and I’m ready to sail!”

“It’s Noah’s Time All Over Again, You’d Better Get In The Ark!”

EPILOGUE

The Door is open for all who will to enter in and be saved! If you perish, it’ll be because you despise the Ark and refuse to enter in.

Are you in the Ark?
If you’re in it’s because the Lord put you in:
In election - In redemption - In regeneration.
. . . And if you ask Him so, the Lord will put you in and keep you in! In the Ark, all is safe!

As there was but one ark in the days of Noah, there is but one way of salvation for poor, helpless, guilty sinners. The whole world was drowned under the flood of God’s wrath, except for those eight happy souls in the ark. Even so, the whole world shall be destroyed in the everlasting wrath of almighty God, except those happy, blessed men and women who are in Christ. Christ alone is the Savior of men. "There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved." If you would be saved, you must come into the Ark, Christ Jesus!

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. Sermon shared by William Wilmore, Jr

The Daily Meditation for SUNDAY, November 27, 2016 - First Sunday of Advent

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Psalm 122:7 (NRSV) Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers.

These words of the psalmist echoed through my visit to Jerusalem. The highlight of our trip was to be a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest spots in all of Christendom. According to tradition, the church contains the site where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb.

A long line of tourists waited at the church. My friend and I had stood for quite a while when the pushing began. People vied for position, muttering and jutting hips and elbows. I staked my spot, determined not to let anyone or anything delay my time to see these sacred spots.

This isn’t the way. The thought, unbidden, persisted. This isn’t the way.

I stepped out of the line and out of the church—I still have not seen the chapel or Rock of Calvary. But I couldn’t receive them with an angry heart, couldn’t walk on sacred ground as if elbowing through the line for a big-screen TV on Black Friday.

To see Jesus, I needed peace within my walls and quietness in my heart, the same as Jerusalem needed it in biblical times, and we all need still today.

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Our Daily Bread - The Red Hackle

By David Roper

Read: Psalm 92:12–15 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 30–32; 1 Peter 4

They will still bear fruit in old age. Psalm 92:14

Several years ago I stumbled across a bit of fishing lore in a second-century ad work by the Greek writer Aelian. “Between Boroca and Thessalonica runs a river called the Astracus, and in it there are fish with spotted skins [trout].” He then describes a “snare for the fish, by which they get the better of them. They fastened crimson red wool round a hook and attached two feathers. Then they would throw their snare, and the fish, attracted by the color, comes up, thinking to get a mouthful” (On the Nature of Animals). 

Fishermen still use this lure today. It is called the Red Hackle. First used over 2,200 years ago, it remains a snare for trout by which we “get the better of them.”

When I read that ancient work I thought: Not all old things are passé—especially people. If through contented and cheerful old age we show others the fullness and deepness of God, we’ll be useful to the end of our days. Old age does not have to focus on declining health, pining over what once was. It can also be full of tranquility and mirth and courage and kindness, the fruit of those who have grown old with God.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord . . . shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (Ps. 92:13–14 nkjv).

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout our lives. Help us finish our lives well in service to You and to remember that old age does not mean uselessness.

As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - La pluma roja

Por david h. roper

Leer: Salmo 92:12-15 | La Biblia en un año: 1 Pedro 4

Aun en la vejez fructificarán… (Salmo 92:14).

Una vez, encontré un dicho popular sobre la pesca en una obra del siglo II a.C. del escritor griego Eliano: «Entre Berea y Tesalónica corre un río llamado Astreo. […] hay en él peces [truchas] de un color moteado». Luego, describe un «cebo para los peces, […] que apela a una inteligente astucia. Cubren el anzuelo con lana purpúrea y encajan en la lana dos plumas […]. Sueltan los pescadores el engaño, y el pez, atraído y excitado por el color, […] imaginando […] un prodigioso banquete, abre la boca ampliamente» (Historia de los animales).

Hoy, los pescadores siguen usando este cebo llamado pluma roja. Descrito por primera vez hace más de 2.200 años, sigue utilizándose como un ardid para atrapar truchas.

Cuando leí esa obra, pensé: No todo lo viejo está pasado de moda; en especial, las personas. Si con una vejez de satisfacción y alegría mostramos a los demás la plenitud de Dios, seremos útiles hasta el final. En lugar de enfocarnos en problemas de salud y en el pasado, podemos disfrutar la paz y el ánimo de haber envejecido con el Señor. «Plantados en la casa del Señor, en los atrios de nuestro Dios florecerán. Aun en la vejez fructificarán; estarán vigorosos y verdes» (Salmo 92:13-14).

Señor, gracias porque vejez no significa inutilidad.

A medida que los años se van acumulando, la fidelidad de Dios sigue aumentando.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Geködert

Von David Roper

Lesen: Psalm 92,13-16 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Hesekiel 30–32; 1.Petrus 4

Und wenn sie auch alt werden, werden sie dennoch blühen. Psalm 92,15

Vor ein paar Jahren stolperte ich über eine Anleitung zum Fischen von Claudius Aelianus, einem griechischen Autor aus dem zweiten Jahrhundert vor Christus. Dort hieß es: „Zwischen Boroca und Thessalonica fließt der Astracus und in ihm gibt es Fische mit gepunkteter Haut (Forellen).“ Weiter schrieb er von einem „Köder für die Fische, mit dem sie überlistet werden. Sie wickelten rote Wolle um einen Haken und machten zwei Federn daran fest. Dann warfen sie den Köder aus und die Fische kamen, von der Farbe angelockt, weil sie meinten, es gäbe etwas zu Fressen“ (Vom Wesen der Tiere).

Noch heute benutzen Angler ähnliche Köder. Schon vor über 2200 Jahren verwendet, sind sie für Forellen noch immer eine Falle, mit der sie überlistet werden.

Als ich das las, dachte ich: Nicht alles Alte ist veraltet—und das gilt auch für Menschen. Wenn wir im Alter zufrieden und fröhlich sind und anderen damit etwas von der Tiefe und dem Reichtum Gottes vorleben, sind wir bis zum Ende unserer Tage brauchbar. Im Alter muss es nicht nur um Vergangenes oder die abnehmende Gesundheit gehen. Es kann auch voll Ruhe, Heiterkeit, Mut und Freundlichkeit sein—die Frucht aller, die mit Gott alt werden.

„Die gepflanzt sind im Hause des Herrn . . . werden dennoch blühen, fruchtbar und frisch sein“ (Ps. 92,14-15).

Herr, hab Dank für deine Treue in unserem ganzen Leben. Hilf uns, dir bis ans Ende zu dienen und nicht zu vergessen, dass alt nicht unbrauchbar heißt.

Mit zunehmenden Jahren wächst auch Gottes Treue.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Красные перья

автор: Дэвид Роупер

Читать сейчас: Псалом 91:13-16 | Библия за год: Иезекииль 30-32; Евреям 3

Они и в старости плодовиты, сочны и свежи. — Псалом 91:15

Несколько лет назад я наткнулся на интересный прием в рыбной ловле, описанный еще во II в. до Р. Х. греческим писателем Элианом. «Между Борокой и Фессалоникой течет река, называемая Астрак, и в ней водится рыба с пятнистой кожей [форель]», – пишет он. Затем Элиан описывает «снасть для ловли, с помощью которой рыболовы удят лучшую рыбу. Они обматывают крючок красной шерстью и привязывают два перышка. Потом бросают снасть в реку, и рыба, привлеченная ярким цветом, подплывает в надежде на поживу» («О природе животных»).

Современные рыбаки пользуются той же хитростью. Появившись более 2 200 лет назад, эта приманка остается самой эффективной, с помощью которой и теперь «удят лучшую рыбу».

Читая древний труд, я подумал: «Не все старое плохо, особенно люди». Если мы отражаем полноту и глубину Божью, то будем полезны в Его деле до конца дней. В пожилом возрасте не нужно сосредотачиваться на болезнях, жалея об ушедших днях. Лучше наполнить зрелые годы спокойствием и радостью, усердием и добротой – плодами, которые приносят те, кто состарился с Богом.

«Насажденные в доме Господнем, они цветут во дворах Бога нашего; они и в старости плодовиты, сочны и свежи» (Пс. 91:14-15).

Господи, благодарим Тебя за верность в течение всей нашей жизни. Помоги завершить земной путь в служении Тебе, помня, что старость вовсе не значит бесполезность.

По мере прибавления лет умножается Божья верность.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - La plume rouge

par David Roper

Lisez : Psaume 92.13‑16 | La Bible en un an : Ézéchiel 30 – 32 et 1 Pierre 4

Ils portent encore des fruits dans la vieillesse. (Psaume 92.15)

Il y a plusieurs années, je suis tombé sur un appât de pêche dans un ouvrage datant de l’auteur grec du IIe siècle av. J.‑C. nommé Élien le Sophiste : « Entre Broca et Thessalonique coule un fleuve nommé Astacus, où vivent des poissons à la peau mouchetée [truite]. » Élien y décrit « un appât de pêche par lequel venir à bout d’eux. Il suffit d’attacher deux plumes à un hameçon au moyen d’une laine écarlate. Puis on jette l’appât à l’eau, et le poisson, attiré par sa couleur, se rue sur lui en pensant faire un festin » (De la nature des animaux ; traduction libre).

Or, certains pêcheurs utilisent encore cet appât de nos jours, que l’on appelle la plume rouge. Utilisée en premier lieu il y a plus de 2200 ans, elle demeure toujours un appât à truites par lequel « avoir le dessus sur elles ».

À la lecture de cet ancien ouvrage, je me suis dit : Tout ce qui a de l’âge n’est pas forcément dépassé, surtout pas les aînés. Si au fil de la vieillesse nous démontrons la plénitude et la profondeur de Dieu, nous lui serons utiles jusqu’à la fin de nos jours. Nul besoin d’axer la vieillesse sur une santé déclinante en fixant le regard sur ce que nous étions auparavant. La vieillesse peut aussi être remplie de quiétude, de gaieté, de courage, de bonté dans le cas de ceux qui vieillissent avec Dieu.

« Plantés dans la maison de l’Éternel, ils […] portent encore des fruits dans la vieillesse, ils sont pleins de sève et verdoyants » (PS 92.14,15).

Au fil des ans, la fidélité de Dieu continue de se multiplier.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

NIV Devotions for Couples - Loving Those You Love

2 Samuel 9:1–13

“I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.” 2 Samuel 9:7

Many years after his friend Jonathan died, King David reached out to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. David restored to Mephibosheth the land that had belonged to his grandfather, King Saul, and David welcomed Mephibosheth to his royal table. Why? Because David loved Jonathan and wanted to do something kind to a member of Saul’s household “for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1).

Sometimes, I don’t want to extend myself on behalf of anyone else, even my husband. But when we entered into marriage, we committed not just to love each other but also to behave lovingly toward the people we each love. This doesn’t mean we necessarily have to like everyone our spouse likes. The Bible, after all, doesn’t say whether or not David liked Mephibosheth. What it says is that David and Jonathan had a special love for each other (see 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:17; 2 Samuel 1:26); and because David loved Jonathan, he extended kindness to Mephibosheth.

One of the most powerful ways my husband loves me is by loving my sister. To be completely honest, my sister and I don’t get along that well. We don’t have much in common (except our faces, which are almost identical). When we’re together, we seem to regress to childhood, circa 1985, when I was nine and she was sixteen. She tells me what to do, and I bristle. We get tetchy. We pick at each other like hens.

I think Griff and Leanne like each other well enough, though I doubt they would have sought each other out and become friends had not marriage made them siblings-in-law. And it doesn’t really matter how much they like each other. What matters is that they extend themselves to one another.

On Wednesday nights, when I have church commitments, Griff eats dinner with Leanne and her family. Griff also volunteers to babysit for my nephew. When I am out of town on business, Leanne calls Griff and checks on him. And though Griff and Leanne do have affection for one another, they make these gestures, I think, less out of affection for one another and more out of love for me. Griff understands that eating dinner with Leanne and her family knits Leanne and me together, even though I am not at the dinner table.

When two people marry, they don’t become involved with just one other person. Spouses come with a constellation of families and friends. We can ignore those relationships. We can view them as a threat to our relationship with our spouse and fight them. Or we can lovingly insert ourselves into those relationships and help grow them.

We don’t have to develop intimate friendships with all of our spouse’s relatives and close friends. But, as David understood, we can best honor, love and serve our spouse by making loving overtures to the people they love.

Lauren Winner

Let’s Talk

• Who are the people (besides each other and our children) we love best in the world? How have we extended ourselves in love to people in each other’s world?
• Why is it sometimes difficult to love the other people who came with this marriage? Is there someone one of us finds difficult to love? What would happen if we imagined God showing up in our relationships with difficult people?
• Is there a cherished friend or relative whom we wished had a better relationship with one of us?

God's Sheepdogs: Goodness & Mercy

Our moods may shift, but God's doesn't. Our minds may change, but God's doesn't. Our devotion may falter, but God's never does. Even if we are faithless, he is faithful, for he cannot betray himself (2 Tim. 2:13). He is a sure God. And because he is a sure God, we can state confidently, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

And what follows the word surely? "Goodness and mercy." If the Lord is the shepherd who leads the flock, goodness and mercy are the two sheepdogs that guard the rear of the flock. Goodness and mercy. Not goodness alone, for we are sinners in need of mercy. Not mercy alone, for we are fragile, in need of goodness. We need them both. As one man wrote, "Goodness to supply every want. Mercy to forgive every sin. Goodness to provide. Mercy to pardon."

Goodness and mercy -- the celestial escort of God's flock. If that duo doesn't reinforce your faith, try this phrase: "all the days of my life."

What a huge statement. Look at the size of it! Goodness and mercy follow the child of God each and every day! Think of the days that lie ahead. What do you see? Days at home with only toddlers? God will be at your side. Days in a dead-end job? He will walk you through. Days of loneliness? He will take your hand. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me -- not some, not most, not nearly all -- but all the days of my life.

And what will he do during those days? (Here is my favorite word.) He will "follow" you.

What a surprising way to describe God! We're accustomed to a God who remains in one place. A God who sits enthroned in the heavens and rules and ordains. David, however, envisions a mobile and active God. Dare we do the same? Dare we envision a God who follows us? Who pursues us? Who chases us? Who tracks us down and wins us over? Who follows us with "goodness and mercy" all the days of our lives?

Isn't this the kind of God described in the Bible? A God who follows us? You have to go no farther than the third chapter of the first book before you find God in the role of a seeker. Adam and Eve are hiding in the bushes, partly to cover their bodies, partly to cover their sin. But does God wait for them to come to him? No, the words ring in the garden: "Where are you?" (Gen. 3:9). With that question God began a quest for the heart of humanity that continues up to and through the moment you read these words.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY TODAY TO THE PERSECUTED CHURCH?

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:11

Today we share a message composed by Steve Haas for prayer for the persecuted church: 

To the angel of the church of the despised, incarcerated, separated, raped, and martyred; the persecuted church. These are the words of him who knows your patient endurance, understands your distress, and like you has been faithful to the shedding of his own precious blood.

You say you are isolated, cut off, that no one acknowledges your state. I see the terrors you face: the raids of your house churches in Laos, Indonesia, and China; the assault and murder of your leadership in Iran, India, and Chechnya…

I register every tear that is cried, record each longing conceived, hear each desperate plea confessed. I identify intimately with your plight. I have not forgotten you. Nor have many others who, although unfamiliar with the gravity of your suffering, draw hope and strength from your noble sacrifices for me. I have revealed your plight to your brothers and sisters in Christ and have called thousands of churches to pray for you and to serve you.

You say you are afraid. Recognize what you have that cannot be taken away. I have given you new life, an irrepressible joy, and an ever-present Spirit. Your transforming faith in me cannot be crushed but instead shines like a lighthouse, drawing those who sincerely search for the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

You say you are losing hope. Know that these afflictions are not the final word, that I am sovereign and just. In time, I will repay. Although these tribulations threaten to overwhelm you, I have prepared an eternal place of peace for you, a permanent sanctuary of refreshment and true freedom that begins the moment you recognize me as Lord and serve me as King. I am with you always.

Beware of those who come from outside your fellowship, who masquerade as teachers of the church but elevate personal comfort over godly obedience. Many travel from long distances and present themselves as spiritual masters of the faith, proclaiming that temporal health and security are your due. Do not listen to them. Theirs is a false teaching, only shackling you to the unrequited masters of greed and disquiet. In the midst of your suffering, I will prove to be your only true peace and anchor…

I delight in your resourcefulness with little, your dignity in suffering, your joyful endurance in the midst of adversity. It is these things that give witness to a power above all earthly kingdoms, a source of strength stronger than the might of any human power.

Remain faithful, and I will raise you up in victory. Patiently endure, for I will not tarry long.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I reaffirm my commitment to be faithful and patiently endure until Jesus comes.

PRAYER: Pray that the persecuted church will understand the deep reality of patient endurance.

1. Steve Haas, “What Would Jesus Say Today to the Church Enduring Persecution?” Christianity Today (October, 1999), http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/1999/october25/9tc073.html.

Un Dia a la Vez - Preocupación por la edad

Los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas; volarán como las águilas: correrán y no se fatigarán, caminarán y no se cansarán. Isaías 40:31

¿Sabías que muchos de los planes de los seres humanos se desechan sin siquiera intentar realizarlos y, a menudo, es por la edad?

Mientras escribía este libro, recordé infinidades de dichos que desde pequeña escuchaba en casa y en la escuela. Por ejemplo, «loro viejo no aprende a hablar», o «ya está muy viejo para estudiar», o «ya pasaron los años y no hice lo que quería».

En semanas anteriores hablábamos de que todo tiene su tiempo, como dice la Biblia. Con todo, en ninguna parte menciona que después de ciertos años ya no puedes servir al Señor, ni que por tu edad el amor ya no es para ti. Por lo tanto, si tienes enterrados tus sueños, Dios quiere resucitarlos en este día, de modo que la preocupación por los años no sea el pretexto para dejar de vivirlos.

Una de mis oraciones es que Dios me conceda la linda oportunidad de estar siempre activa. No quisiera dejar nunca la radio, porque desde allí puedo llegar a ustedes y hablarles de lo que me da Dios.

El más hermoso ejemplo de vitalidad lo tengo en mi madre que ha sido muy disciplinada en el ejercicio y el deporte. A pesar de su edad, trabaja en el Ministerio Casa sobre la Roca, en Bogotá, Colombia, y hoy es, además, un instrumento de Dios en el deporte. Admiro su disciplina, su fuerza, su entrega y su servicio a los demás.

Recuerda, los años jamás deben impedirte realizar tus sueños. Dios te quiere demostrar que nunca es tarde y que tu tiempo no es el suyo.

Verse of the Day - November 26, 2016

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Read all of Hebrews 12

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