The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, January 25, 2019

The New Life in Christ
Romans 12:1-8

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, January 25, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 19

God’s Glory in Creation and the Law
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1  The heavens are telling the glory of God;
     and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2  Day to day pours forth speech,
     and night to night declares knowledge.
3  There is no speech, nor are there words;
     their voice is not heard;
4  yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
     and their words to the end of the world.

   In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5  which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
     and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6  Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
     and its circuit to the end of them;
     and nothing is hid from its heat.

7  The law of the Lord is perfect,
     reviving the soul;
   the decrees of the Lord are sure,
     making wise the simple;
8  the precepts of the Lord are right,
     rejoicing the heart;
   the commandment of the Lord is clear,
     enlightening the eyes;
9  the fear of the Lord is pure,
     enduring forever;
   the ordinances of the Lord are true
     and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
     even much fine gold;
   sweeter also than honey,
     and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is your servant warned;
     in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors?
     Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
     do not let them have dominion over me.
   Then I shall be blameless,
     and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
     be acceptable to you,
     O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Nehemiah 2:1-10

Nehemiah Sent to Judah
2:1 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now, I had never been sad in his presence before. 2 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.” 6 The king said to me (the queen also was sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a date. 7 Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah; 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.

9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent officers of the army and cavalry with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.

Romans 12:1-8

The New Life in Christ
12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in square brackets.

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 Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

The Morning Prayer for FRIDAY, January 25, 2019

Friday Morning Prayer

Twentieth-century Russian Georges Florovsky wrote, “Christianity entered history as a new social order, or rather a new social dimension. From the very beginning Christianity was not primarily a ‘doctrine,’ but exactly a ‘community.’ There was not only a ‘Message’ to be proclaimed and delivered, and ‘Good News’ to be declared. There was precisely a New Community, distinct and peculiar, in the process of growth and formation, to which members were called and recruited. Indeed, ‘fellowship’ (koinonia) was the basic category of Christian existence.”

Lord on this day I am aware of the troubles and darkness in our world. Please come and lead me in prayers for my community, my nation and the world. You are the light that shines in the bleakest times, let your Kingdom be built on earth. May those who suffer be comforted, may those who are at war search for peace, and may those who are in pain find healing. Guide us in the imprint of Christ’s footsteps to pursue justice, counting our neighbors’ welfare to be as important as our own.

Lord, when one of us hungers, make it our instinct to feed. When one of us is displaced, make it our instinct to share our home. When one of us is called illegal, make it our instinct to advocate for our sister’s rights. May we find our peace in the peace of the places to which you have called us. Amen.

May Friday be a thoughtful day

When Your Spirit leads my prayer.

I trust each trouble small and wide,

With faith into Your care.

Let Friday always prompt my heart

To stand upon the truth.

Darkness has been overcome

The Earth belongs to You.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, January 25, 2019

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Read all of Philippians 4

Listen to Philippians 4

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

Un dia a la Vez - El amor verdadero se prueba

El amor verdadero se prueba

No amemos de palabra ni de labios para afuera, sino con hechos y de verdad.

~ 1 Juan 3:18 (NVI)

Hace una semana vi a través de mi princesa mayor, Naty, el sufrimiento por amor. Pasaba por su primera pena amorosa, una gran desilusión. Así que me dijo: «¿Por qué, mami? ¿Por qué tengo que sufrir? ¿Por qué perdí tanto tiempo creyendo en el amor de esa persona?». Me partía el corazón verla llorar a veces sin consuelo y me hizo recordar el versículo sobre el amor que Dios nos dejó en su Palabra: «El amor es sufrido» (1 Corintios 13:4, RV-60).

Sin duda, todos hemos sufrido o sufriremos por amor. En ese momento mis palabras no traían consuelo a su corazón quebrantado, pero en medio de su dolor Dios me recordó varias cosas: El verdadero amor pasa por pruebas para ver su fortaleza. Me afirmó que Dios nos ama de manera incondicional y que nos cuida de tener más sufrimiento.

A veces nosotros creemos que estamos con la persona adecuada y nos aferramos a ella, aun sabiendo que ni la aprueban nuestros padres y mucho menos Dios.

Como Dios nos ama, nos permite ver cosas y nos muestra de alguna u otra manera que estamos equivocados. Sin embargo, nosotros, en nuestra terquedad, seguimos adelante. Así que cuando viene la desilusión, nos acordamos que nos lo habían advertido. Por eso el consejo a mi hija ahora en medio del dolor es: «Tienes que aferrarte más que nunca a Dios y esperar en Él. Dios sanará tus heridas y te mostrará el verdadero amor».

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Hace una semana vi a través de mi princesa mayor, Naty, el sufrimiento por amor. Pasaba por su primera pena amorosa, una gran desilusión. Así que me dijo: «¿Por qué, mami? ¿Por qué tengo que sufrir?

Standing Strong Through the Storm - HOSPITALITY TO ANGELS

HOSPITALITY TO ANGELS

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

~ Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

As we see in Hebrews chapter twelve, once we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,” we will be aware of how we should then live. The writer now turns to the issue of entertaining strangers. After reminding us to keep on loving each other, he now shares that love should also be extended to the strangers in our midst. They could possibly even be angels. I’m sure the Jewish background believers hearing or reading this letter would immediately hearken back to Father Abraham when three strangers passed by one day. He extended full hospitality to them only to discover they were heavenly beings on a special mission.

Aunty Alice was the wife of Pastor Allen Yuan in China, known for her gracious hospitality to everyone who entered her door right until her death in the summer of 2010. Pastor Allen was imprisoned for twenty-one years and eight months for refusing to join the government controlled Three Self Patriotic Movement—the official Protestant church under the communist regime.

Alice had five children and her mother-in-law to care for during those many years of her husband’s absence. She was also branded a “counter-revolutionary” and thus could also secure a hard-labor job moving construction rubble from one site to another by heavy push wagons. This still did not generate enough resources to provide for the all the family’s needs.

One night her mother-in-law informed her, “Alice, there is no rice left to feed the children tomorrow morning!” Alice was angry and complained to the Lord that He had promised to care for her. She opened her Bible and her eyes fell on the Matthew scripture when Jesus says that if God cares for the birds, will He not also care for you? Her heart was rebuked. She asked forgiveness from the Lord and went to sleep peacefully.

The next morning before six o’clock there was a knock on the door. Alice slipped on her house coat and shuffled to the door. There stood a stranger with a big box in her hands. As was her custom, Alice invited her in. She stoked up the fire in the central heating oven and put the kettle on for tea. But the stranger just walked to the table, set down the box and began to leave.

Alice said, “Wait a minute. What’s your name?” The lady replied, “I have no name. Just thank God for that box!” And the stranger disappeared.

With trembling hands Alice opened the box to find rice, meat and vegetables. Also in it was an envelope with more money than two month’s salary. She knew it was truly an angelic visit.

RESPONSE: Today I will be open to entertaining strangers realizing that God may be in the relationship.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the way You work. Help me be an active participant in Your plans.

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

Men of the Bible - Isaac

Isaac

His name means: "He Laughs"

His work: Isaac was an accomplished farmer and herdsman.
His character: The only son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac at a young age witnessed, through the faithfulness of his father, the meaning of obedience. He was gentle and hardworking.
His sorrow: As an old and feeble man, Isaac was victimized by the deception of his son Jacob and to his later dismay gave him the blessing that he had intended for his older son, Esau.
His triumph: Isaac is considered one of the three great patriarchs. For millennia his progeny have revered him.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 25-27

A Look at the Man

When a man is hugely successful in his work, everyone notices. Some of those people celebrate his prosperity; others hate him for it. That is what Isaac experienced. He is one of the early farmers in the Scriptures with a remarkable green thumb. "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold." But Isaac had a secret—something more powerful than a precise crop rotation strategy or specially formulated fertilizer: The Lord blessed him.

Godly excellence in the marketplace and the generous compensation that often follows it have been subjects of controversy among believers for centuries. Surely Christians are supposed to aspire to serving professions like physicians, missionaries, nurses, and teachers. But is there a place for successful, competitive businesspeople in God's plan as well?

The story of Isaac and Rebekah's years in the land of the Philistines illustrates the answer to these questions—and the reason why. As Isaac and Rebekah were leaving Canaan and looking for a new home, the Lord appeared to Isaac. "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you."

Isaac listened to God's voice and obeyed.

It didn't take too long for him to see that his neighbors were envious. The first time Isaac's servant brought word to him that one of his wells had been filled in with dirt would have been a strong indicator! Nothing specific is said about Isaac's reaction to this act of treachery, but there is no indication that Isaac was angry or vengeful. Instead, he simply sent his servants out to redig the wells or to find places for new ones.

Next, it was the king's turn to pay Isaac a visit. He asked Isaac to move, sounding much like an Egyptian pharaoh hundreds of years later. Once again Isaac could have been upset at such treatment. "After all I've done for you and your people," Isaac could have said to Abimelech, "this is the way you treat me?"

But he didn't. Instead, Isaac and Rebekah moved on, setting up yet another successful business in a new location.

Then Abimelech paid a visit to Isaac. As he greeted Isaac, the Philistine king summarized why he had come and why he wanted to establish a peace treaty with Isaac. "We saw clearly that the LORD was with you."

Why would a man pursue excellence in business?

The story of Isaac clearly gives us the answer: God had called (and gifted) Isaac for this work, and he was obedient; Isaac had shown respect for those in authority over him; he worked hard, and his efforts were productive; and Isaac did not allow the sabotage of his enemies to discourage or distract him.

What was the result of Isaac's faithfulness? God received the glory, and his name was honored among those who previously did not know or revere him.

Reflect On: Genesis 25:1-31
Praise God: For his generosity.
Offer Thanks: For the ways God has already blessed you and for all the ways he yet intends to bless you.
Confess: Any tendency to take credit for what God has given you.
Ask God: To richly bless your life as you seek to follow him.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
When a man is hugely successful in his work, everyone notices. Some of those people celebrate his prosperity; others hate him for it. That is what Isaac experienced.

Girlfriends in God - The Plan Came First

The Plan Came First

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”

~ Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I love the story of a tourist visiting the Grand Canyon. As he gazed in wonder at the sight before him, the tourist got too close to the edge, lost his footing, and fell over the side. Just before he went out of sight, the man grabbed a scrubby bush and held on for dear life. Filled with terror, he called out toward heaven, “Is anyone up there?” A calm powerful voice came out of the sky, “Yes, there is.” The tourist pleaded, “Can you help me?” The calm voice replied, “I’m sure I can. What seems to be the problem?” The man explained, “I fell over the edge of the canyon and am now dangling in space, holding onto a bush that’s about to come loose. Please help me!” The voice said, “I will. Do you have faith?” The terrified man replied, “Yes! I have strong faith!” The voice said, “Then just let go. Everything will be fine.” There was a tense pause. The tourist then yelled, “Is there anyone else up there?”

The first time I heard that story, I laughed and thought, “How ridiculous!” My next thought was that I have more in common with the tourist than I care to admit.

How often do I edge my way toward a dangerous cliff of disobedience and find myself giving in to temptation? How many times have I cried out to God to rescue me from some self-made pit into which I have fallen, but dictated how I wanted to be rescued? I can’t begin to count the number of times when I have foolishly chosen to follow my plan instead of God’s plan for my life.

Now that’s ridiculous.

God has a unique plan for each one of us that is beyond human understanding or expectation.  It is called His will. God has been making His will known from the very beginning of time.

In the Garden of Eden God revealed to Adam and Eve His will or plan for their lives. It is important to note that He also gave them the choice to obey because He is a loving Father and a gracious God. Knowing His way was right, God still allowed Adam and Eve to make wrong choices - but He still loved them and forgave them. He will do the same for you.

The Bible promises that God’s plan is the best plan; the one for which we were created. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.” God agrees to not only show us the plan, He promises to provide all of the strength and resources needed to carry out that plan.  His sufficient and constant power is unleashed by our choice to accept and follow His blueprint for victorious living.

We were created by the One who knows us best and loves us most. There are no accidents with God. He never has to say, “Oops!” Before we were ever conceived in the heart and mind of man we were conceived in the heart and mind of God. Wanted, loved, and planned since before the world began. He had a plan in mind and then lovingly, purposefully created us in response to that plan.

I know that there are days when the will of God seems completely wrong and we simply do not understand. Every moment is pregnant with darkness and our hearts are numb, paralyzed by fear and doubt. It is in those shadowed moments that we must choose to trust the Plan Maker even though our faith is small, and we cannot understand the plan. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And one day, every one of our question marks will be yanked into exclamation points as we see that high plan as He sees it – perfect.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). 

Today, my friend set aside your meager agenda. Lay down your limited life arrangement and look for God to meet you at the point of surrender - power and victory in His hands. Now that is a great plan.

Let’s Pray

Father, please forgive me when I stubbornly choose to ignore Your plan for my life. Thank You for always being there for me, ready to rescue me from my own selfish desires and decisions. Help me to remember that Your plan is the highest plan for my life and give me the strength to follow that plan. I want to honor and please You, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

What things or people besides Jesus are you tempted to place your trust in during a crisis?

What keeps you from fully trusting the words of Jesus?

How would your life be different if you chose to place your trust in Jesus alone?

Read Matthew 7:24-28. How do these verses relate to your faith in God and the results of trusting Him?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching” (Matthew 7:24-28).

More from the Girlfriends

I know that plans are rampant in your life - but the only plan that really matters is the one God has for you. Don’t settle for anything less. Need help dealing with temptation? Check out Mary’s Bible Study (E-Book download), Winning the War with Temptation.

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through E-mail, Twitter, Instagram, Shopify, or on Facebook.

Seeking God?

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

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

I love the story of a tourist visiting the Grand Canyon. As he gazed in wonder at the sight before him, the tourist got too close to the edge, lost his footing, and fell over the side.

LHM Daily Devotions - The Gift We Share

"The Gift We Share"

Jan. 25, 2019

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

~ 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)

There were 21 checkout counters at a grocery store, but only three of the counters were open, and I was at the end of one long line of waiting people. I'd been to the store many times, and I can't remember a single time when I saw all 21 counters open for business.

Of course, as you know, the problem is not unique to grocery stores. Department stores never seem to have all their counters manned either. And then there are banks and savings & loan institutions with their neat little signs: "Next window, please."

Most recently, I was mildly irritated when I struggled up the stairs of a public building, carrying an armload of boxes, only to be met by little signs hung from chains in each of the seven doorways. The signs all said, "Please use the doorway on Yuma Street."

If doorways and counters exist for use and service, it seems to me they ought to be used for those purposes. Of course, I know there must be some logical reason for the signs and barriers, and I do suppose there must be some time when all entrances, exits, and counters are used, but I've never had that experience.

But then people, myself included, are like that, too, aren't we?

We have gifts and abilities which ought to be used in the service of God and our fellow man. We are presented with many special service opportunities and circumstances, but—consciously or unconsciously—we hang out little signs that say things like "Not available right now." "See someone else." "I'm too busy." "Come back later." "Sorry, I can't help." "Sorry, I won't help."

How unlike all of that is our Lord. There is no waiting when we call upon His help. In fact, there is abundant help and blessing from Him before we ever ask. You won't find any signs or messages that say He is too busy, too tired, or has too much to do. The bottom line: there are never any barriers as far as He is concerned.

The prophet Isaiah said it well of those whom God has chosen in Isaiah 41:10. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

And what's more—His help is free. Sometimes we may have to wait, but His help and His answer are always worth waiting for.

Sometimes, the best we can do for others is simply to be there—to be there for them, to be available. Offering someone our time is a gift we can give to everyone.

Just like God has done for us.

THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, remind us to be like Your Son who always gave of Himself for us—even unto death on a cross. In His Name. Amen.

From The Lutheran Layman, July 1978 issue, "Our Gifts, Abilities Ought to Be Used" by Jon Suel. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
There were 21 checkout counters at a grocery store, but only three of the counters were open, and I was at the end of one long line of waiting people. I'd been to the store many times, and I can't remember a single time when I saw all 21 counters open for business.

Devocional del CPTLN de 25 de Enero de 2019 - El regalo que compartimos

ALIMENTO DIARIO

El regalo que compartimos

25 de Enero de 2019

Ponga cada uno al servicio de los demás el don que haya recibido, y sea un buen administrador de la gracia de Dios en sus diferentes manifestaciones. Cuando hable alguno, hágalo ciñéndose a las palabras de Dios; cuando alguno sirva, hágalo según el poder que Dios le haya dado, para que Dios sea glorificado en todo por medio de Jesucristo, de quien son la gloria y el poder por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

~ 1 Pedro 4:10-11 (RVC)

El supermercado tenía 21 cajas, pero solo tres estaban abiertas y yo estaba al final de una larga fila de personas. He estado allí muchas veces, pero no recuerdo que alguna vez las 21 cajas estuvieran abiertas.

Por supuesto que este no es un problema exclusivo de los supermercados. En las grandes tiendas sucede lo mismo y en los bancos es común ver los consabidos letreros: "La próxima ventana, por favor".

Más recientemente, me irrité cuando subí las escaleras de un edificio público cargando un montón de cajas, solo para encontrarme con pequeños carteles colgados de cadenas en cada una de las siete puertas, que decían: "Por favor, use la puerta de la calle Yuma".

Se me ocurre que los mostradores de servicio deberían ser usados para esos fines, ¿no? Sé que debe haber alguna razón lógica para las señales y barreras y supongo que en algún momento se utilizarán todas las entradas y salidas, pero nunca lo he experimentado.

Pero así somos también las personas, ¿no es cierto?

Tenemos dones y habilidades para usar al servicio de Dios y de nuestro prójimo y se nos presentan muchas oportunidades para servir. Pero, consciente o inconscientemente, colgamos pequeños letreros: "No estoy disponible en este momento". "Vea a otra persona". "Estoy muy ocupado". "Vuelva más tarde"." Lo siento, no puedo ayudarle"." Lo siento, no voy a ayudarle".

¡Qué diferente es nuestro Señor! Para buscar su ayuda no tenemos que esperar. De hecho, ya hay abundante ayuda y bendición de parte de Él antes de que se la pidamos. Nunca vamos a encontrar un letrero que diga que está demasiado ocupado o demasiado cansado o que tiene mucho que hacer. En conclusión: en lo que a Él respecta, nunca hay barreras.

El profeta Isaías dice: "No tengas miedo, que yo estoy contigo; no te desanimes, que yo soy tu Dios. Yo soy quien te da fuerzas, y siempre te ayudaré; siempre te sostendré con mi justiciera mano derecha" (Isaías 41:10).

Más aún, su ayuda es gratuita. A veces es posible que tengamos que esperar, pero su ayuda y su respuesta siempre merecen la pena esperar.

A veces, lo mejor que podemos hacer por los demás es simplemente estar con ellos y estar disponibles. Ofrecerle a alguien nuestro tiempo es un regalo que podemos darle a todos.

Así como Dios ha hecho con nosotros.

ORACIÓN: Querido Padre celestial, recuérdanos que seamos como tu Hijo, que siempre se entregó a sí mismo por nosotros, incluso hasta la muerte en una cruz. En su nombre Amén.

The Lutheran Layman, julio de 1978, "Nuestros dones y capacidades deben ser utilizados", por Jon Suel

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
El supermercado tenía 21 cajas, pero solo tres estaban abiertas y yo estaba al final de una larga fila de personas. He estado allí muchas veces, pero no recuerdo que alguna vez las 21 cajas estuvieran abiertas.

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Góc Chụp Rộng

Góc Chụp Rộng

Đọc: I Phi-e-rơ 2:1–10 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Xuất Ê-díp-tô ký 12–13; Ma-thi-ơ 16

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Nhưng anh em là dòng giống được tuyển chọn, là chức tế lễ hoàng gia, là dân tộc thánh, là dân thuộc riêng về Đức Chúa Trời, để anh em rao truyền công đức vĩ đại của Đấng đã gọi anh em ra khỏi nơi tối tăm, đưa vào vùng ánh sáng diệu kỳ của Ngài. I Phi-e-rơ 2:9

Trong một chương trình truyền hình đưa tin về lễ nhậm chức của vị tổng thống gốc Phi đầu tiên của Hoa Kỳ, máy quay thu được một góc nhìn rất rộng về đám đông gần hai triệu người đang tập trung lại để chứng kiến khoảnh khắc lịch sử này. Phóng viên Bob Schieffer của Hãng tin CBS bình luận: “Điểm nổi bật của bản tin này là góc quay cực rộng.” Không có bản tin nào khác có thể thu hình trọn vẹn đám đông trải dài từ Đài tưởng niệm Lincoln đến Điện Capitol.

Kinh Thánh hé lộ cho chúng ta thấy một đoàn người còn đông đảo hơn, được hiệp nhất bởi đức tin nơi Chúa Jêsus Christ: “Nhưng anh em là dòng giống được tuyển chọn, là chức tế lễ hoàng gia, là dân tộc thánh, là dân thuộc riêng về Đức Chúa Trời, để anh em rao truyền công đức vĩ đại của Đấng đã gọi anh em ra khỏi nơi tối tăm, đưa vào vùng ánh sáng diệu kỳ của Ngài” (I Phi. 2:9).

Đây không phải là hình ảnh về một số ít người có đặc ân, nhưng là rất nhiều người được chuộc từ “mọi bộ tộc, mọi ngôn ngữ, mọi dân, mọi nước” (Khải. 5:9). Ngày nay, chúng ta sống rải rác khắp địa cầu và nhiều người vẫn bị cô lập và chịu khổ vì trung thành với Chúa Jêsus. Nhưng qua lăng kính Lời Chúa, chúng ta nhìn thấy khung cảnh rộng lớn về các anh chị em cùng đức tin đang đứng với nhau để tôn kính Đấng đã cứu chuộc chúng ta và khiến chúng ta thuộc riêng về Ngài.

Chúng ta hãy cùng hiệp lòng ca ngợi Đấng đã mang chúng ta ra khỏi tối tăm và đưa vào nơi ánh sáng!

Lạy Chúa, hết thảy chúng con đều đồng lòng với nhau rằng Ngài xứng đáng nhận mọi lời ca ngợi! Mọi con dân Ngài đều kinh sợ trước Ngài.

Bạn dâng lên Chúa lời ngợi khen nào?

bởi David McCasland

© 2019 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Trong một chương trình truyền hình đưa tin về lễ nhậm chức của vị tổng thống gốc Phi đầu tiên của Hoa Kỳ, máy quay thu được một góc nhìn rất rộng về đám đông gần hai triệu người đang tập trung lại để chứng kiến khoảnh khắc lịch sử này.