The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, May 24, 2018

The Daily Readings

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018

Old Testament

Proverbs 7
The False Attractions of Adultery
1 My child, keep my words
    and store up my commandments with you;
2 keep my commandments and live,
    keep my teachings as the apple of your eye;
3 bind them on your fingers,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
    and call insight your intimate friend,
5 that they may keep you from the loose woman,
    from the adulteress with her smooth words.
6 For at the window of my house
    I looked out through my lattice,
7 and I saw among the simple ones,
    I observed among the youths,
    a young man without sense,
8 passing along the street near her corner,
    taking the road to her house
9 in the twilight, in the evening,
    at the time of night and darkness.
10 Then a woman comes toward him,
    decked out like a prostitute, wily of heart.
11 She is loud and wayward;
    her feet do not stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
    and at every corner she lies in wait.
13 She seizes him and kisses him,
    and with impudent face she says to him:
14 “I had to offer sacrifices,
    and today I have paid my vows;
15 so now I have come out to meet you,
    to seek you eagerly, and I have found you!
16 I have decked my couch with coverings,
    colored spreads of Egyptian linen;
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,
    aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
    let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
    he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took a bag of money with him;
    he will not come home until full moon.”
21 With much seductive speech she persuades him;
    with her smooth talk she compels him.
22 Right away he follows her,
    and goes like an ox to the slaughter,
   or bounds like a stag toward the trap
23  until an arrow pierces its entrails.
   He is like a bird rushing into a snare,
    not knowing that it will cost him his life.
24 And now, my children, listen to me,
    and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Do not let your hearts turn aside to her ways;
    do not stray into her paths.
26 For many are those she has laid low,
    and numerous are her victims.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
    going down to the chambers of death.

The Epistle

1 John 5:13-21
Epilogue
5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. 16 If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one—to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal. 18 We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them. 19 We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

The Gospel

Matthew 11:25-30
Jesus Thanks His Father
11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, May 24, 2018

You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new, So here I come to ask You God if You'll renew me too? Forgive the many errors, that I made yesterday, And let me try again dear God, to walk closer in Thy way. But Father, I am well aware, I can't make it on my own. So take my hand and hold it tight, for I can't walk alone.

Amen

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, May 24, 2018

Romans 12:10 (NIV) Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Read all of Romans 12

Listen to Romans 12

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

Morning Devotions with Chaplain Kenny - Overwhelming Obstacles

Overwhelming Obstacles

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.

~ Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV)

Have you ever faced what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, something that was so big and so overwhelming that you wished you just could turn and run away? Maybe you’re facing something like that right now: an incurable illness, a prodigal child, or a marriage that is unraveling. Maybe you think it will never get fixed.

If you have ever faced something like this, you have a general idea of how the nation of Israel felt as they stood before the massive, ancient city of Jericho, the city God said they were supposed to conquer. His battle plan was one of the most unorthodox ever envisioned in human history. They were to march around the city once for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to march around it seven times, blow trumpets, and shout. It was a plan designed by God to show His power.

Sometimes God will allow a Jericho in our lives, something big and scary. It might be a problem. It might be a challenge. It might even be an opportunity. But all you know is that it’s massive, and there is no way you can deal with it in your own strength. For many, the greatest difficulty is getting to the place where they are willing to admit they need God. It’s that place where they are willing to admit the thing they’re facing is too big for them and that if God doesn’t come through, then they won’t get through it.

That is not a bad place to be. God has a plan for you, but He won’t force His plan in your life. You can botch or sabotage the plan, or you can cooperate with the plan. That is up to you. God will not force His purpose in your life.

O Lord, we call upon You in our time of sorrow, That You give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life's hardships. Keep us ever in Your watch, til we can walk again with light hearts and renewed spirits. With faith in your Son, In whose great Name I pray, Amen.

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny

Seeking God?
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.
When you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God.

Un dia a la Vez - Dios nos ayuda

Dios nos ayuda

El Señor mismo marchará al frente de ti y estará contigo; nunca te dejará ni te abandonará. No temas ni te desanimes.

~ Deuteronomio 31:8 (NVI)

Hoy vamos a pedirle a Dios que nos ayude a ser mujeres y hombres sencillos que vivamos nuestra vida de acuerdo con su voluntad.

Sabemos que no podemos esperar más de los demás cuando no caminamos una milla extra. También sabemos que hay excepciones en esto de las oportunidades, ya que no le vas a dar la oportunidad a una persona que representa un peligro para ti o los tuyos y que hay situaciones en las que debemos soltarnos en las manos de Dios.

Si eres víctima de maltratos, violaciones, ofensas o chantajes, o a tus hijos los maltratan y sufren el abuso que pone en peligro sus vidas, es urgente que vayas en busca de ayuda.

Rompe el silencio y sal de ese círculo dañino porque Dios no te quiere ver de ese modo. Ante todo, tú eres un hijo de Dios. Por eso es tan importante tener un consejero o una persona que te escuche y te pueda ayudar a salir adelante en cualquier situación.

La buena noticia es que, en medio de cualquier tribulación, Dios nos ayudará.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Hoy vamos a pedirle a Dios que nos ayude a ser mujeres y hombres sencillos que vivamos nuestra vida de acuerdo con su voluntad.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - NEVER SHAKEN

NEVER SHAKEN

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

~ Psalm 62:2 (NIV)

In December 1999, a Muslim mob attacked the Doulos Bible School on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia. One of the main aims of this Bible School is to evangelize among the 30-million-strong Sundanese, the largest unreached people group in the world, who live in west Java. One student died and forty-four other students were wounded. About eighty percent of the buildings were destroyed. Domingus is a young student who was injured. He shares his personal story of the events that fatal evening:

That night I was asleep in bed so I didn't know what was happening. Suddenly a friend woke me up and shouted that we were being attacked. The building was already burning and I did not know where to run to. I knew if I ran to the main gate I would be killed. I ran to the back of the campus where my friend lived. I prayed “Lord, if I die, I know I will go to heaven.”

Suddenly the crowds arrived and they shouted to kill me. They grabbed me and blindfolded me. The Lord spoke to me “Don't be afraid, I will be with you.” They hit me with a big stick and I lost consciousness. I felt my spirit leave my body. Through a sequence of events I was brought to a place where people were singing and worshipping God. I saw a very bright light and I closed my eyes and bowed down. A voice said “Your time has not come yet; it is time to go back!”

I regained consciousness and realized where I was. I tried to look at my watch but I discovered my neck was very badly cut. I saw all the blood. I prayed that the Lord would send someone to take me to hospital. I thanked the Lord that I could be persecuted for the gospel and that through this I could meet Him.

When the police arrived they asked, “Where did you find this corpse?” They took me to hospital. I tried to open my eyes and I still saw the angels around me. The doctors said I would be paralyzed but as you can see I am not.

Upon the conclusion of his testimony, Domingus was asked the obvious question: “What now? They will come back to finish the job and kill you. What do you want to do with your life Domingus?” He replied with great conviction, “I just want to serve Jesus.”

RESPONSE: Today I reaffirm my faith in God as my only protector who does not allow me to be shaken.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord, that only in You can I find safety and protection. You have promised that You will always be with me.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

NIV Devotionals for Men - Living in the Present

Living in the Present

Exodus 16:11–21
Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 8:16–18; Matthew 6:31–34; John 6:48–51

When you were a kid, did you ever wish you could see into the future? Most kids wonder what will happen to them as the years pass by and they grow older. Where will they go to school? Will they go to college? What about a career? Will they get married and have a family?

This kind of thinking doesn’t end when a person reaches adulthood. Singles wonder whether there’s a spouse for them out there somewhere. Parents dream about what their kids will grow up to be. College freshmen wonder about their eventual career path; older workers prepare for—or worry about—their retirement years.

Human nature compels us to look ahead with wonder. Dreams of the future make the drudgery of work today worthwhile. Anticipation of future events gets us up in the morning and forces us to plan for tomorrow. It’s what separates a man from his best friend, his dog.

The Israelites in today’s story were no different from us today. Faced with an uncertain future and an immediate need for food and water, they started grumbling. While they’d labored hard during their years of slavery, at least in Egypt they’d always had plenty of food and water. Now here they were, out in the desert, and they and their kids were hungry and thirsty. Put yourself in their place, and try to look at the situation from their perspective. Chances are you’d have had a few pointed questions for Moses as well.

God heard them, and responded by promising to provide for them. Those of us who attended Sunday school know the story well—each morning, flakes of bread appeared on the ground; in the evening, quail covered the camp. But they couldn’t hoard what they gathered, and they couldn’t store it. Moses instructed the Israelites to gather only what they needed for the day—no more, no less. Tough to do when you’re thinking about what the kids will eat for breakfast!

Why was limiting what they gathered important to God? Because the Israelites needed to understand what we all need to learn—that we can sustain a relationship with God only in the present.

Our past is nothing more than the story of how we got to where we are, and dwelling on it causes us to become stagnant and unsatisfied. We can’t find God by worrying or dreaming about the future, either, because that just makes us want to control whatever lies ahead.

Yes, we have concerns and hopes and dreams for the future. But this story tells us that we can live out our relationship with God only in the here and now. God longs for us to trust him every hour and every minute of today.

To Take Away

• What worries about the future do you need to place in God’s hands?
• What hinders you from developing your relationship with God today?
• Consider the fact that the present, while fleeting, is the testing ground for your faithfulness to God and his plan for your life. Then pray for the wisdom to make the right decisions and place your plans and concerns for the future in God’s good hands.

When you were a kid, did you ever wish you could see into the future?

Girlfriends in God - If You’ve Messed Up, You’re in Good Company

If You’ve Messed Up, You’re in Good Company

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him”.

~ 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

Many women are living in silent defeat, comparing themselves to other women who likewise are living in silent defeat. I was one of them. I’m not a good mother. I’m not a good wife. I’m not a good Christian. I’m not a good witness. I’m not a good housekeeper. I’m not a good decorator. I’m not a good cook. I’m not a good…

One by one the petals fall from the beautiful flower God created us to be. Like ticker tape, our fragmented pieces of confidence scatter over the streets as the parade passes by.

Unfortunately, I wasted many precious years held captive by the Enemy’s lies before I held up my chained hands to God and said, “I’m ready for You to cut me loose.”

Consider this:
Jacob was a liar.
Moses was a stutterer.
David was an adulterer.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Esther was an orphan.
Balaam’s donkey was…well, a donkey.

And yet God used each one of them to further His kingdom. You’re in good company. See, God doesn’t call us because we are particularly gifted or talented. He uses us because we are obedient and dependent upon Him. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Gideon is another one of God’s chosen leaders who argued that he wasn’t good enough. One day he was threshing wheat in a winepress when an angel of the Lord came to him. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior,” the angel announced (Judges 6:12). Now, first of all, you don’t thresh wheat in a winepress. You thresh wheat in an open field by throwing it up in the air. The wind blows the chaff away and the grain falls to the ground. So what was Gideon doing in the winepress? He was so terrified of his enemies, the Midianites, that he was hiding. And yet, when the angel of the Lord came to him, he addressed Gideon as “mighty warrior.” No wonder Gideon said, “Pardon me” (6:13,15).

As soon as God called Gideon to greater things, Gideon began making excuses, allowing his insecurities and inadequacies to set limitations in his life. Gideon argued, “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (6:15).

But God looked beyond Gideon’s insecurities. He knew who Gideon could be if he trusted in God’s power to work through him. Author Renee Swope wrote: “God wasn’t limited by Gideon’s limitations, and He’s not limited by ours either. He didn’t want Gideon to depend on his own strength. God wanted Gideon to depend on His strength. God was going to conquer the Midianites, but He invited Gideon to join Him.”

What about women in the Bible? When you turn the pages from the Old Testament to the New Testament, you can tell something is going to be different for women. In the Old Testament lineages, women were rarely mentioned. However, in Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, five women are listed in the lineage of Jesus. Of course, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is there—a teenage girl from Bethlehem. But who are the other four?

Tamar, who had an incestuous encounter with her father-in-law.

Rahab, who had been a prostitute in Jericho.

Ruth, who was a foreigner from a cursed people group in Moab.

Bathsheba, who had an affair with King David.

I’m so glad these women were listed. This shows us we can never go so far away from God that His grace can’t reach in to save us, and then use us. Each of these women would have probably thought they weren’t good enough if they had known how God was going to use them in His kingdom. What a beautiful example of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

No matter what mistakes you’ve made in your past, first of all, know you’re in good company. Secondly, know that God loves using mess-ups who fess up and then step up to do mighty works for Him.

Let’s Pray

God, I have made some big mistakes in my life. How encouraging to know that some of Your mighty men and women in the Bible messed up too. Help me to move past my failures and into the amazing future you have for me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Are there any past failures in your life that you’re allowing to stand in the way of what God is calling you to do? If so, what are they? Say it out loud.

What do you think God would say about that? What did he say to Gideon?

More from the Girlfriends

Do the voices in your head tell you that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just not enough, period? If so, it’s time to stop listening to the lies that sabotage your confidence and start embracing the truth of your true identity in Christ. It’s time to overcome the lies of the enemy with the promises of God.

Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence exposes the lies that keep you bogged down in guilt, shame, and insecurity. By recognizing the lies, rejecting the lies, and replacing the lies with truth, you’ll be able to:

• silence the voice inside that whispers you’re not good enough
• accept God’s grace and no longer allow past failures to define you or confine you
• be preloaded with the truth to fight insecurities
• walk in the surefooted confidence of God’s unconditional love

Want to join me in changing the way you think? Click over to the 7-Day Mindset Reset and let’s do it together.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

Many women are living in silent defeat, comparing themselves to other women who likewise are living in silent defeat. I was one of them.

LHM Devotion - May 24, 2018 - Giving Dogs a Bad Name

Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Giving Dogs a Bad Name"

May 24, 2018

Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

~ Revelation 22:15 (ESV)

The fire at the home of Robert and Elsie Whitson broke out in the early morning hours of March 9. The last I heard, a space-heater in the family room was thought to be responsible for the blaze. By the time the fire department arrived, Robert and Elsie were safe. They survived because when their dog Lassie smelled smoke, she gently nipped at their fingers until they fled from their home. Lassie's body was found under a section of the collapsed ceiling.

Which explains why many of us love dogs.

You should know the Bible doesn't share that feeling. That's because, over the centuries, people living in the lands of the Bible have thought of dogs as being ravenous beasts, scavengers. That's why, when the ancient Jews wanted to show their disrespect for someone, they called him a "dog."

Now, why all this talk about dogs? I'll tell you. In the book of Revelation, it tells how things will be after the judgment. Jesus shares: "Those who stand firm to the end will be saved" (see Matthew 24:13). The Savior's words promise that this world's sadness will be replaced by unending joy; tears will be dried and laughter will be heard; pain and problems, trials, troubles, and tribulations will be no more. Salvation is the living Savior's gift to all who stand firm until the end.

And the dogs? The Savior tells us that outside will be the dogs, those who practice magic arts, "the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

In other words, after Judgment Day this world's sin-twisted tables will be turned. Those who wanted only to live their lives without God, who demanded nothing more than to be free of the Savior -- His work, His sacrifice, His redemption, His forgiveness, and salvation -- will be granted their wish. The Father, quite rightly has decreed that these lovers of falsehood will spend eternity as ungrateful, unthankful, unappreciative mongrels, which they have shown themselves to be.

Eternity will be spent without God, without Christ's love, the Holy Spirit's peace. They will spend eternity howling through the unending hours of perpetual night and darkness.

Does what has just been said sound too stern, too severe? Remember, that isn't God's wish. God would have everybody be saved. That is why the Father sent His Son into this world to purchase our freedom. After the judgment, if some are sent as dogs to live outside heaven's doors, it is not by God's desire, but by humankind's disobedience.

And what of those who have remained faithful until the end? What about them?

Jesus tells us what will happen to them. He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven ..." (Matthew 5:3-12).

Is there anyone who hears this devo who does not wish to be so blessed?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, while there still is time, let the lost be saved. To that end, may I be of help. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Those who wish to reference this story may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17525736/ns/us_news-life/t/dog-dies-saving-family-burning-home/#.WwVVgq2WzIU

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
The fire at the home of Robert and Elsie Whitson broke out in the early morning hours of March 9...

Devocional del CPTLN del 24 de Mayo de 2018 - Un mal negocio

ALIMENTO DIARIO

"Un mal negocio"

24 de Mayo de 2018

Porque ¿de qué le sirve a uno ganarse todo el mundo, si pierde su alma? ¿O qué puede dar uno a cambio de su alma?

~ Mateo 16:26 (RVC)

Hay cosas en la vida que son un mal negocio.

Eso es lo que Jesús estaba diciendo en el texto que usamos para la devoción de hoy. Él quería que sus seguidores supieran que, si se esforzaban por acumular todos los bienes posibles en esta tierra, pero en el proceso perdían la vida, estaban haciendo un mal negocio.

En eso pensé cuando leí un artículo de la CNN sobre el robo de cobre en este país. La historia hablaba de cómo alguien había robado cables de cobre, avaluados en $100, de un campo de deportes para niños en la ciudad de Gwinnett, Georgia.

Para reparar el daño causado por ese robo, se necesitan $8,500. No sólo eso, sino que todos los partidos de fútbol que se juegan a la noche tuvieron que ser trasladados temporalmente a Tucker, una ciudad cercana.

Esos arreglos parecían marchar bastante bien hasta que alguien, quizás la misma persona, robó los cables de cobre de las canchas de fútbol de Tucker.

¿Incidentes aislados? Lamentablemente no. Ladrones de cobre fueron los culpables de que pacientes con cáncer no pudieran recibir sus tratamientos de radiación en una clínica en Vista, California, y también ladrones de cobre dejaron un vecindario entero de Ohio sin electricidad.

La policía dice que la mayoría de estos robos están relacionados con drogas. Jesús dice: ¿De qué le sirve al hombre poder robar todo el cobre del mundo, si pierde su vida? La respuesta a la pregunta de Jesús es obvia: tal persona no gana nada, sino que pierde mucho. Ha hecho un mal negocio.

Aún así, las noticias están llenas de personas que sacrifican sus almas por involucrarse en malos negocios. Las drogas, el juego, la pornografía, el poder, la ambición y un montón de cosas más que producen un placer pasajero, todos prometen mucho. Prometen mucho, pero dan poco, pues son malos negocios.

En contraste con los negocios malos del mundo, los seguidores de Jesús han sido encomendados la tarea de compartir la historia de salvación del Salvador con un mundo pecador y moribundo. Y no estamos hablando de hacer un `buen negocio`. Estamos hablando del regalo de amor de Dios que viene a nosotros desde el pesebre de Belén, de la cruz de Jerusalén y de la tumba prestada y vacía.

ORACIÓN: Señor Jesús, te doy gracias por darme perdón y paz, y por abrirme el cielo. Haz que, junto con todos tus seguidores, seamos testigos fieles tuyos para que más y más personas se aparten de los "malos negocios" que ofrece este mundo y se acerquen a ti. En tu nombre. Amén.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Hay cosas en la vida que son un mal negocio...

Хлеб наш насущный - Бессонница

Бессонница

Читать сейчас: Псалом 4 | Библия за год: 1 Паралипоменон 22-24; Иоанна 8:28-59

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Спокойно ложусь я и сплю, ибо Ты, Господи, один даешь мне жить в безопасности. — Псалом 4:9

Что мешает вам спать по ночам? Недавно у меня возникли проблемы, и я долго не могла заснуть, крутилась и ворочалась на кровати, пытаясь найти решение. Наконец, я стала больше беспокоиться о том, что не высплюсь, и наступающий день будет таким же неустроенным, как ночь.

Звучит знакомо? Сложные отношения, неопределенное будущее, что-то еще в этом роде… Мы беспокоимся по разным поводам.

Царь Давид, несомненно, переживал, когда писал Псалом 4. Люди выдвигали против него несправедливые обвинения (Пс. 4:3). Некоторые критиковали его правление (Пс. 4:7). Давид, наверное, чувствовал гнев. Он точно мог бы не спать ночами, думая о происходящем. Но вот что он пишет: «Спокойно ложусь я и сплю» (Пс. 4:9).

Чарльз Сперджен красиво объясняет этот стих: «Спокойно ложась, Давид предавал себя в руки Другого. Он делал это настолько всецело, что избавлялся от всех забот и спокойно засыпал. Вот оно, полное доверие».

Как он так мог? С самого начала Давид был уверен, что Бог ответит на его молитвы (Пс. 4:4). И он знал, что, поскольку Бог избрал и возлюбил его, то позаботится обо всех его нуждах.

Пусть Бог поможет нам во всех переживаниях довериться Его силе и присутствию. В Его могучих и любящих руках мы тоже сможем спокойно ложиться и спать.

Дорогой Небесный Отец, спасибо, что Ты слышишь, когда я зову Тебя. Для Тебя нет ничего трудного, и Ты всегда делаешь то, что лучше для меня. Я предаю Тебе свои заботы и успокаиваюсь в Твоем присутствии.

Доверьте свои заботы надежному Богу.

автор: По Фанг Чиа

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