The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, July 26, 2018

Peter’s Denial of Jesus
Matthew 26:69-75

The Daily Readings

THURSDAY, July 26, 2018

Old Testament

Joshua 9:3-21
9:3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they on their part acted with cunning: they went and prepared provisions, and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, 5 with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes; and all their provisions were dry and moldy. 6 They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the Israelites, “We have come from a far country; so now make a treaty with us.” 7 But the Israelites said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you live among us; then how can we make a treaty with you?” 8 They said to Joshua, “We are your servants.” And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” 9 They said to him, “Your servants have come from a very far country, because of the name of the Lord your God; for we have heard a report of him, of all that he did in Egypt, 10 and of all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, King Sihon of Heshbon, and King Og of Bashan who lived in Ashtaroth. 11 So our elders and all the inhabitants of our country said to us, ‘Take provisions in your hand for the journey; go to meet them, and say to them, “We are your servants; come now, make a treaty with us.”’ 12 Here is our bread; it was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for the journey, on the day we set out to come to you, but now, see, it is dry and moldy; 13 these wineskins were new when we filled them, and see, they are burst; and these garments and sandals of ours are worn out from the very long journey.” 14 So the leaders partook of their provisions, and did not ask direction from the Lord. 15 And Joshua made peace with them, guaranteeing their lives by a treaty; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.

16 But when three days had passed after they had made a treaty with them, they heard that they were their neighbors and were living among them. 17 So the Israelites set out and reached their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18 But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Then all the congregation murmured against the leaders. 19 But all the leaders said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we must not touch them. 20 This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that wrath may not come upon us, because of the oath that we swore to them.” 21 The leaders said to them, “Let them live.” So they became hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the leaders had decided concerning them.

The Epistle

Romans 15:1-13
Please Others, Not Yourselves
15:1 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,and sing praises to your name”;

10 and again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

11 and again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;

12 and again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel

Matthew 26:69-75
Peter’s Denial of Jesus
26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

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.
“Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, July 26, 2018

Oh God, who has created all things, seen and unseen, this day is your creation and I give thanks to live in it. I pray that I will not shut you out of the day you have made, blinded by the petty concerns of life, but that I may be always open to your presence.

I open my body to you, for it is your breath that fills and warms the lifeless clay.

I open my eyes and ears to you, thankful for the light of your Word, which has brought me out of the shadow of ignorance.

I open my heart to you, aglow with thanks for your love, filling me with compassion, understanding, and peace.

I open my soul to you, grateful for your Spirit, who fills me with wisdom when I take a moment to listen.

All that I am, I open to you and I return to you, giving thanks every moment of my life for the blessings that fill this day. Through Christ I pray.

Amen

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, July 26, 2018

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Read all of 2 Peter 1

Listen to 2 Peter 1

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 - Bible Bashers

Bible Bashers

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

~ 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)

There is an odd group of people in the world — including atheist “professors of religion” at a large universities — whose primary goal in life seems to be to discredit the Bible. They do not simply argue apologetics—i.e., make reasoned arguments that support or undermine such questions as the existence of God, the truth of the Bible, the divinity of Christ, etc. Rather, they are seized by an emotional hatred of Christianity. They will grasp at any straw, tell any lie, distort any passage in order to make fun of the Bible and ridicule its adherents.

Do not be dismayed by such people. They are the tools of Satan. They are the “lawlessness” that 2 Thessalonians tells us will precede the rise of the Antichrist. “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) 2 Thessalonians goes on to describe how the wicked will tell lies, and God will actually delude people who do not believe in him, because those who will die will believe the falsehoods and deception.

We don’t have time or space here even to outline why such attacks are incorrect. We hope you will continue following Daily Prayer, where we do treat these matters in depth, from time to time. For example, there are parts of the Bible that seem inconsistent or even contradictory. If you are ever confronted by a person spouting off about contradictions, and do not know the answer, what might you say? I'd suggest, “That’s interesting, I’ll have to look into it.” There’s no reason to be defensive.

Anyone who does not think that the end of the world is slowly working its way to fruition should pay attention to these people. They remind me of the Jews, soldiers, and others who stood at the foot of the cross, mocking Christ. The two groups have the same sarcastic delight, and share the same stupidity and short-sightedness.

Do not let yourself be discouraged, troubled, flustered, or even hurt by these people. Simply don't bother with them. They are lost souls and, like the great Tempter himself, they will do or say anything to pull you away from your salvation. You are going to live and they are going to die. Time and time again we witness people full of shouting, mocking bravado, who are silenced only by the defeat that they thought impossible. They will never be convinced and they will never be embarrassed when proven absolutely wrong.

One of the great strengths of our belief is the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We walk in total confidence in Christ. We have been called to it, somehow. I believe in free will and I believe every person can hear the call if they only listen; but even if I am wrong, I know that I have been called by God, for I can see it in my actions. He has changed me. I am, “warts and all,” part of the proof of His truth.

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Lord Christ, my faith in you is steadfast, my love for you is absolute, and my thankfulness for your grace will endure unto all eternity. Amen.

In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny


Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
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 written by Mason Barge, Editor, Daily Prayer.
There is an odd group of people in the world whose primary goal in life seems to be to discredit the Bible.

Un dia a la Vez - El odio

El odio

Si vosotros no perdonáis, tampoco vuestro Padre que está en los cielos os perdonará vuestras ofensas.

~ Marcos 11:26 (RV-60)

El odio es un sentimiento muy negativo. Se manifiesta en una profunda antipatía, disgusto, aversión, enemistad o repulsión hacia una persona, cosa, situación o fenómeno, por lo que se desea evitar, limitar o destruir lo que se odia.

El odio proviene exactamente de la misma fuente que el amor y forma parte de la humanidad. El odio es destructivo y autodestructivo. Es como un veneno que se riega y contamina y crea raíces de amargura. Además, te aleja por completo de Dios, ya que Él es amor.

No es bueno si tienes este tipo de sentimientos porque terminarás mal a la larga. Recuerda también que por odio muchas personas han cometido las peores locuras y han hecho terribles decisiones entre intentos de asesinatos y venganzas. Lo que es más triste, hay personas que su propio odio los alcanza y se eliminan a sí mismas.

Si hoy te has identificado con el odio, es tiempo de decirle a Dios lo siguiente: «No quiero odiar más y deseo sanar mi corazón. Así que te ruego que me limpies y me purifique. Permite que hoy mismo pueda liberarme, perdonar y sacar todo lo que me hace daño».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
El odio es un sentimiento muy negativo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - EMPATHY WITH THOSE NEEDING COMFORT

EMPATHY WITH THOSE NEEDING COMFORT

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

~ Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

In July, 2011 the world was stunned as peaceful Norway experienced a bombing in downtown Oslo and the shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the capital. When the dust settled, the shocking death toll stood at seventy-six. Letters and e-mails of comfort, support and prayers for the grieving families and nation poured into the Open Doors-Norway office. On July 25th our Norwegian Director sent out the following message:

On behalf of our people and nation, I want to thank all of you around the world who are praying for us and are sending words of comfort after the terrible acts that have shaken the nation.

A week ago my wife and I met the Ortiz family in Ariel, Israel. They experienced a bomb attack that almost killed their son Ami a few years ago. They gave us a cup with the Israeli and Norwegian flags on it, and an inscription from Isaiah 40:1, Comfort, yes comfort my people! The last days these words have become a message to our people, the Norwegian nation.

In Haifa we also met the parents of a Christian girl who was one of many victims after a suicide bomber killed dozens of Israeli school children on a bus some years ago. Every year they have a memorial day. They have buttons with the text: ‘Don’t forget – don´t forgive.’ But the Christian parents said, ‘We cannot wear that button. We do not want revenge or hatred to fill our hearts. We are called to forgive and love.’ But of course, they will always have the pain.

It is not possible to find words that express the pain and sadness we feel after such cruel deeds. But we can already see good and beautiful things coming up. People are focusing on how to comfort and help each other. People cry together, and king, queen and prime minister show their emotions before the whole nation. Politicians from different parties are talking to another in a different way, and people admire their good leadership in this difficult time. There are great discussions and wise speeches about the most important subjects. As a nation we have hard days, but also days of learning.

People come to church in a very humble way. It is a place for prayers, lamentations, hope, comfort and love in these days; a place to meet the Comforter and Savior.

In Open Doors we frequently get information about terror against sisters and brothers from so many places in the world. Some times it feels ‘far away.’ But now we will hopefully understand more of the fear and threat every persecuted Christian faces in their lives.

Grace and peace! The staff of Open Doors-Norway

RESPONSE: Thank God that He comforts us so that we can use His comfort to comfort others.

PRAYER: Pray today for all brothers and sisters experiencing the fear and pain of terror and loss.

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 - Jethro: The Practical Priest

Jethro: The Practical Priest

Exodus 2:11—4:18

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped near the mountain of God.

~ Exodus 18:5 (NIV)

Moses married a daughter of yours?

Yes. One day my seven daughters told me some men had forced them away from the well. We have such trouble over water rights in Midian! But an Egyptian man stood up for them. I knew right away that he was the man for one of my daughters.

You were a priest. But to the same God that Moses knew?

To God as best I knew him. How can anyone know more about God than what God reveals of himself? But Moses returned one day with the flocks, saying that Yahweh had made himself known as the one true God, in a burning bush! From that day on, it was no longer a matter of “God as we best know him.” It was a matter of serving either the God who makes himself known or serving the gods of our own conceiving.

Has there been a high point in your walk with God?

Moses brought the people to the same place where God had spoken to him. When I came to this mountain to visit, Moses told me all that the Lord had done. Then I knew that the Lord is greater than all other gods. Even though I am not myself an Israelite, I offered sacrifices to God here at this mountain. I knew we were in the presence of the God who wants all men to know him.

Cite an example of something Moses learned from you.

When I first arrived, the people came to Moses from morning to evening with their disputes, small and great, and he judged every case. It was more than any one man could handle, deciding all day about rights and vows and insults! I told him he must first teach the people the laws of God and then appoint men, truthful and just, to make judicial decisions. They would bring to Moses only the most difficult cases that they themselves were unable to decide. Moses saw that my advice was good. So in my own small way I taught Moses a better way to accomplish his goals.

Will you go now with Moses and his people?

No. It is back to Midian for me. To my flocks and daughters and the life I know. But I’ll be accompanied by the God I know and will pray only that in his perfect wisdom he will show us more and more of his beauty.

Back to the Future

• Are you growing in your understanding of who God is? Are you growing in your love for him? In what ways does your life show this to be true?
• What can you do to gain a deeper understanding of who God is?
• Why should you pursue a deeper understanding of God? Why does God want you to do so?

Read Jethro’s Story:
Read the rest of the story in Exodus 2:11—4:18.

Are you growing in your understanding of who God is?

Girlfriends in God - Why Your Redemption Story Isn’t Yours

Why Your Redemption Story Isn’t Yours

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

‘Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching’.

~ John 14:23a (NIV)

Friend to Friend

There is a feature on my cell phone that allows me to decline an incoming call. There are a thousand reasons why I might choose to hit the “decline” button when my phone rings. Sometimes I’m writing and have a deadline to make. Decline. Sometimes a call comes in when I’m mid-conversation with a friend or when I’m connecting with my family. Decline. At times, true confessions here, I decline a call simply because I don’t have the energy or desire to talk to the person who’s calling me at that moment.

Similarly, there are times in my life when I try to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if I were declining a cell phone call. Times when I just don’t feel like doing what I know God wants me to do. Times when I don’t want to hear the still small voice that whispers to my soul: “forgive him” – “release your anger” – “humble yourself and ask for forgiveness” or “focus on my plan for you … not on my plan for another person.”

One such time took place several years ago in Tennessee. It was after the final session of a three-day ministry event. I was focused and fervent, determined to head home to my husband and three children as quickly as possible. I busied myself wrapping microphone cords, loading products from my resource table, and prepping to leave. While I was mid-busy, a friendly thirty-something woman came up to me with her friend. I was courteous to them, but in a “see-you-later, girlfriend” kind of way.

Not getting my subtle clues, this woman inquired excitedly about the book I was in the middle of writing. I lifted my head with surprise as she announced, “I can’t wait to read your book! Your enthusiasm for the Lord is so contagious, and I just know you have an amazing testimony!”

Then she and her friend stood there expectantly. Decline.

Okay, feel my pain here. It was day three of a three-day event! I was exhausted. I was done. Yet this woman and her friend wanted to hear my testimony. So, I did what any normal fleshy woman would do. I told God, Not now, Lord. I’m going home. I’ve done what I came to do and now I’m going home to my family. I’m tired, slightly grumpy, definitely hungry, and done. I can’t tell these girls about my abortion right now! Nope. Not going to go there. Please don’t ask me to!

So I looked up at these two sweet women and, with a forced smile, said, “Yeah, I’ve got a doozy of a story, but don’t we all? Thank God for grace.”

There! Now they should leave me alone, I thought.

But God kept nudging my heart. Tell them, Gwen.

Before I had a chance to continue my dialog with the Lord, another couple of women came to join our conversation. I was so not amused.

God, are You kidding me? We are done here!

But He kept nudging.

So I finally conceded and shared my testimony with the six women who had gathered to speak to me. Within minutes, two of the six were crying. They’d had abortions as well and for years had lived under the weight of shame. We instantly became a bonded band of blubbering sisters. The story of my redemption from brokenness and the beauty of healing I found in Christ had become a tool in the hands of God that afternoon.

What had once been a wound became a weapon… but only because I accepted the call. (Even if it did take me a while to concede.)

Jesus told his disciples that if they loved Him, they would obey His commands and His teachings (John 14:15-27). A simple if-then statement. If you love me, then you will obey. He also told them that when He returned to the Father in heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit to teach, to guide in truth, to convict of sin and to remind believers of what Jesus taught (John 16:7-14). To help us. To empower us.

The Spirit of God lives within every Christ follower. He equips us for each task as we yield to His leading. When God prompts us to do something on His behalf, He is faithful to lead the way and to bless our obedience – for His own glory. It’s all about His glory. He simply wants our willingness and our obedience.

Friend, God’s plans need to be our plans … even if His plans seem to “interrupt” our plans. Let’s be women who accept His call. Are you willing today?

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times when I’ve chosen my plan over Your plan. Align my will and heart to Yours. Help me to express my love for You by obeying your Word and by responding to the promptings of Your Spirit so that You can be glorified in and through me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

Is there something God is calling you to do today? Are you withholding forgiveness from someone? Are you aware of a need that God wants you to meet? Does He want you end a toxic relationship? Spend a few minutes in prayer about this.

More from the Girlfriends

We’re pleased to announce the new GRACEOLOGY with Gwen Smith podcast! Hang out with Gwen and friends when you go on walks, exercise, run errands or travel. Podcasts are also perfect to listen to as you do household chores! (Laundry anyone?) Each GRACEOLOGY with Gwen Smith podcast episode is filled with fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations that will help you know and trust God more. These discussions are going to encourage you in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the GRACE of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. CLICK HERE to subscribe on iTunes, or visit GwenSmith.net/Graceology for more information.

Portions of today’s devotion are excerpts from the book Broken Into Beautiful. Get 20% OFF Gwen’s BROKEN INTO BEAUTIFUL book today when you order from her website and use the coupon code: 20OFF

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

There is a feature on my cell phone that allows me to decline an incoming call.

LHM Devotion - July 26, 2018 - Heads Up!

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Heads Up!"

Jul. 26, 2018

(Jesus said) "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

~ Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Around 1900 when the world was a little less pseudo-sophisticated, groups of teenage boys from Chicago liked to play tricks on the folks who were seeing the big city for the first time. If there was a group of these visitors, the Chicago boys would suddenly stop, tilt their heads back, and stare at the top of a skyscraper. The visitors would do the same.

Even though they didn't know what everybody was looking at, none of the visitors was willing to ask or admit they weren't seeing anything. The spell was broken only when some stouthearted individual would naively or honestly venture: "What's so interesting up there, anyway?"

You know I think the disciples must have felt like those long-ago Chicago tourists. At Jesus' ascension the disciples stood, heads tilted back, staring up into the heavens at, well, they really didn't know what they were staring at. But they did know, since this was Jesus, it had to be pretty interesting.

Three years of following Jesus had shown them that Jesus, almost always, was interesting. Those years had given those 12 men ringside seats to see things that had boggled their brains and strained their capacity to comprehend.

* They had seen Jesus turn water into wine at Cana. Unbelievable? No, very believable and tasty (see John 2:1-11).

* They were stumped when Jesus challenged them to feed thousands of people on the spur of the moment. "It can't be done!" they said. Then they watched Jesus do what couldn't be done. They saw Him feed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and a few fish (see Matthew 14:15-21). They didn't know how He did it. All they could do is say, "It had been done."

* They wondered after they had seen Him speak to a storm and muzzle its force (see Mark 4:37-41). They watched as Jesus walked across the surface of an unsettled sea to calm their concerns (see Matthew 14:23-28).

The disciples had seen many spectacular things. But in the spring of their third year with Him, the disciples saw things take a turn for the worse. In spite of Jesus' words of love, His actions of concern, His message of repentance and salvation, there had always been groups which had detested Him and tried to short-circuit His work (see Mark 12:13).

Years before, when Jesus had called him, John thought he would see many things, but he never thought he would see Jesus die. The cross should have been the end of Jesus' life and love, but it wasn't. A living Lord Jesus came to His disciples and the world and told them, "I live."

It was a moment which changed everything -- as things were changed when Jesus ascended.

It changes everything because Jesus told us to share what we had seen and heard. He has asked us to tell a world that we have seen God's love and plan of salvation is real and alive.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that when it comes to bearing witness, I don't just hang around looking. Having seen Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, may I do my best to tell others of all He has done to forgive and save them. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Around 1900 when the world was a little less pseudo-sophisticated, groups of teenage boys from Chicago liked to play tricks on the folks who were seeing the big city for the first time.

Devocional del CPTLN del 26 de Julio de 2018 - Alma sedienta

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Alma sedienta

26 de Julio de 2018

¡Alabemos la misericordia del Señor y sus grandes hechos en favor de los mortales! El Señor sacia la sed del sediento, y colma con buena comida al hambriento.

~ Salmo 107:8-9 (RVC)

Colby era una niña de 10 años con cáncer terminal. Después de más de cuatro años de luchar con esa enfermedad, y cuando ya sólo le quedaban pocos días de vida, tenía un deseo que quería cumplir antes de partir: ver la última película de Disney.

El problema es que esa película aún no estaba en los cines. Pero tan grande erasu deseo, y tan precaria su salud, que un amigo de la familia decidió llamar a la compañía filmadora y contarles el deseo de la pequeña niña. Ante tal solicitud, la empresa no demoró en tomar una decisión.

Al día siguiente, un representante llevó a la casa de Colby una copia de la película junto con otros regalos más. Su madre puso la película, pero como la niña estaba muy débil para mantener los ojos abiertos, la madre le narraba lo que ocurría en la pantalla. Colby murió esa misma noche.

Los amigos de la empresa filmadora hicieron una buena acción al ayudar a cumplir el deseo de una niña moribunda.

En el verso bíblico para hoy se nos dice que eso es exactamente lo que Dios hace por cada uno de nosotros. "Él satisface las almas sedientas con buenas cosas."

Gracias al amor constante del Señor y a su cuidado misericordioso, hemos recibido un Redentor, hemos recibido la fe, y hemos recibido el regalo de la vida eterna.

Estamos rodeados por un mundo que está muriendo por el cáncer del pecado; un mundo que necesita escuchar la historia del Salvador, de su vida, su muerte y su resurrección. Un mundo que, antes de morir, necesita encontrar al Cristo que saciará y limpiará sus almas y les abrirá el camino al cielo.

¿Estamos listos a hacer algo por las almas sedientas que necesitan ayuda?

ORACIÓN: Amado Jesús, tú satisfaces los corazones de la humanidad. Ayúdame a contar tu historia a todos los que están muertos por su pecado para que, a través del poder del Espíritu Santo, te conozcan como su Redentor. En tu nombre te lo pido. Amén.

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
Colby era una niña de 10 años con cáncer terminal. Después de más de cuatro años de luchar con esa enfermedad, y cuando ya sólo le quedaban pocos días de vida, tenía un deseo que quería cumplir antes de partir...

Хлеб наш насущный - Жертвенное служение

Жертвенное служение

Читать сейчас: Исаии 58:6-12 | Библия за год: Псалтирь 39-41; Деяния 27:1-26

Скачать MP3

Когда ты... отдашь голодному душу твою и напитаешь душу страдальца, тогда свет твой взойдет во тьме. — Исаии 58:9-10

Несколько человек собрались возле огромного дерева, которое рухнуло на лужайку. Одинокая старушка, опершись на свою палку, с грустью рассказывала, как ночная буря свалила «наш могучий старый вяз». «А самое печальное, – продолжала она, – он разрушил нашу любимую каменную стену. Мой муж построил ее, когда мы поженились. Он любил эту стену. И я любила эту стену! А теперь ее нет, так же как и его».

На следующее утро рабочие распилили и увезли упавшее дерево. Старушка вышла посмотреть на лужайку и трогательно заулыбалась. Двое взрослых и мальчик, которые обычно косили ее лужайку, теперь аккуратно восстанавливали разрушенную стену.

Пророк Исаия рассказал о служении, угодном Богу. Это дела, которые служат ближним и просвещают их сердца, как то, что было сделано для старушки. Исаия показывает, что Бог ценит не бездушные религиозные церемонии, а бескорыстную помощь людям. При этом Он изливает два рода благословений. Во-первых, Он использует такую радушную помощь для поддержки нуждающихся и обездоленных (Ис. 58:7-10). А во-вторых, прославляет тех, кто оказывает эту помощь, и посылает им особую благодать для созидания Своего Царства (Ис. 58:11-12). Какое служение вы можете совершить сегодня?

Небесный Отец, мы благодарны за то, что Ты использовал других людей для помощи нам. Теперь и мы хотим поступать так же.

Бескорыстное служение людям приносит славу Богу.

автор: Рэнди Килгор

© 2018 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Несколько человек собрались возле огромного дерева, которое рухнуло на лужайку.