The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, June 20, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, June 20, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 22:19-28

19 But you, O Lord, do not be far away!
     O my help, come quickly to my aid!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
     my life from the power of the dog!
21   Save me from the mouth of the lion!

   From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;
     in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
     All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
     stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
     the affliction of the afflicted;
   he did not hide his face from me,
     but heard when I cried to him.

25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
     my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
     those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
     May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
     and turn to the Lord;
   and all the families of the nations
     shall worship before him.
28 For dominion belongs to the Lord,
     and he rules over the nations.

Isaiah 56:9-12

The Corruption of Israel’s Rulers
56:9 All you wild animals,
     all you wild animals in the forest, come to devour!
10 Israel’s sentinels are blind,
     they are all without knowledge;
   they are all silent dogs
     that cannot bark;
   dreaming, lying down,
     loving to slumber.
11 The dogs have a mighty appetite;
     they never have enough.
   The shepherds also have no understanding;
     they have all turned to their own way,
     to their own gain, one and all.
12 “Come,” they say, “let us get wine;
     let us fill ourselves with strong drink.
   And tomorrow will be like today,
     great beyond measure.”

Romans 2:17-29

The Jews and the Law
2:17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God 18 and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, 19 and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, 21 you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

25 Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. 29 Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.

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
Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

The Morning Prayer for THURSDAY, June 20, 2019

Thursday morning prayer

Lord on this day I remember that You go before me, so I pause to meditate on Your promises. Thank You Lord that You go with me, You lay a pathway, You watch over me like a shepherd. So I give You my fears, worries and anxieties. I lay all tension and stress at the foot of the cross. Thank You that You arose from the death, and that You bring life, freedom, hope and the promise of Heaven! Praise You that I am safe in Your presence. Amen.

May Thursday be a hope filled day,

That floods my fears with light,

A day that quiets all anxious thoughts

As I encounter Christ.

Let Thursday always prompt my heart

To stop and find Your peace,

And live upon the truth You give

My eyes to You I lift.




Early Morning Prayer

You are the glorious morning,
You are refreshment and peace.
You are the sounds as the dawn breaks,
You are the rose that smells sweet.

You are the Lord, my creator,
You are the wonder of life.
You are the great words of wisdom,
I read them and fill up inside.

You are the wonderful sunrise,
You are restorer of hope.
You are the air that we breathe now,
You are the warm winter coat.

You are the Lord, my creator,
You are a love without end.
You are all grace and forgiveness,
I stand loved and free as your friend.

Verse of the Day THURSDAY, June 20, 2019

Mark 8:36 (NIV) What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Read all of Mark 8

Listen to Mark 8

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 - Thursday, June 20, 2019

Sencillez de la vida (quinta parte)

La actitud de ustedes debe ser como la de Cristo Jesús, quien, siendo por naturaleza Dios, no consideró el ser igual a Dios como algo a qué aferrarse.

~ Filipenses 2:5-6 (NVI)

El mejor ejemplo de sencillez y de humildad lo hemos conocido con el mismo Jesús que, siendo el Hijo del Rey, se despojó de sí mismo. La palabra «despojó» en griego es kenoo, que significa «vaciarse de su gloria», o sea, se colocó en una actitud de no exigir nada de lo que merecía por ser el Hijo de Dios. Al contrario, se convirtió en siervo de manera voluntaria, haciéndose semejante a los hombres, menos en el pecado. Por lo demás sufrió hambre, tristezas, pobreza, rechazo, calumnias, maltrato y hasta la muerte. Esto sí que es un ejemplo de humildad.

¿Qué haríamos nosotros de todo lo que Jesús hizo? ¡Creo que NADA! Sin embargo, lo lindo es que Jesús lo hizo por obediencia al Padre. Si queremos ser imitadores de Cristo, nos falta mucho por aprender.

Jesús fue humilde y esa debe ser nuestra meta.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
El mejor ejemplo de sencillez y de humildad lo hemos conocido con el mismo Jesús que, siendo el Hijo del Rey, se despojó de sí mismo.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, June 20, 2019

PROJECT PEARL WET BIBLES

All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

~ Psalm 104:27-28 (NIV)

There are stories and reports of “wet” Bibles and “perfume” Bibles from Project Pearl that continue to be shared to this day. Four hours after we left the beach that night of delivery of the one million Chinese Bibles on June 18, 1981, a patrol of Chinese police came by and found some boxes of Bibles stashed under the trees. They had not yet been transferred to the storage areas. The police tried unsuccessfully to burn the Bibles and then in frustration threw them into the water. The next morning, fishermen plucked these floating volumes out of the sea and put them on the roofs of their homes to dry. Later they sold them to Christians in the area. I personally treasure a sample of one of these “wet” Bibles that was used by a Chinese believer for fifteen years. One of the leading house church network leaders in China acknowledges receiving “wet” Bibles from Project Pearl.

Chinese Sister Ling shares the poignant story of how she pleaded with God for a Bible as a young evangelist. She found believers without Bibles doing unusual things—like carrying extra oil around so they’d be ready like the five wise virgins.

At the time of Project Pearl, she heard of a woman who had received “wet” Bibles and dried them. When Ling asked her for a Bible, the woman required her to quote the Lord’s Prayer without a single mistake to prove she was a believer. Ling memorized it from a handwritten copy of the Bible and passed the test. She received one “wet” Bible.

The woman apologized for being so overly careful but then explained, “After our brothers collected these Bibles from the shore, they began to distribute them about China. It was very dangerous and some paid with their lives. Remembering their sacrifice, I treasure these Bibles even more.” Ling went on to experience much suffering for her leadership role in the house church movement but now aware that suffering in the will of God has meaning and purpose.

RESPONSE: Today I recommit to living the principles of God’s Word and not be ashamed of publicly sharing them.

PRAYER: Thank God for the number of Bibles you have and ask Him to provide for those still without even one copy.

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

Men's Devotional Bible - Thursday, June 20, 2019

Shadow of a Doubt

Genesis 3:1–15
Recommended Reading: John 1:14–18; 2 Timothy 3:16—4:8; 2 Peter 1:12–21

What happens when people act in direct opposition to what they know is right? This activity happens on a number of levels. When a person who’s trying hard to lose weight consistently binges on pizza and ice cream, disappointment ensues. When an individual commits a crime, victims suffer and the perpetrator risks jail time. When a husband or wife chooses to engage in an extramarital affair, the marriage is damaged—sometimes beyond repair—and children suffer the consequences. When a CEO decides to overlook or sometimes even encourage accounting inconsistencies, giant corporations fail, high-level indictments follow and investors lose their savings.

What do all of the scenarios outlined above have in common? Every one of these accounts, as well as countless other failure-filled stories, can trace its origin to the book of Genesis. Today’s reading gives us a glimpse of the first failure to follow a direct command from God and the devastating results of that failure. We see the repercussions of this disobedience reflected in the daily news—and, if we’re honest, reflected in our own darkened hearts.

At first, Adam and Eve were sure of God’s instructions. There was no doubt. They knew exactly what God wanted because they received their marching orders straight from the Creator himself. Still, a simple challenge (“Did God really say …?”) from the serpent shook Eve’s confidence to the core. Once she questioned what she knew to be true, she became vulnerable to Satan’s temptation. When she and Adam then acted in violation of God’s direct command, sin invaded what had been an unimaginably perfect paradise.

Spiritually speaking, what are you sure of beyond the shadow of a doubt? What do you know to be true? Where does your certainty come from? These are important questions to answer because you face tests every day that can undermine your Biblical marching orders. People may question your mental capacity: “How can an educated person believe in intelligent design when there’s so much evidence to support evolution?” Others may accuse you of being narrow-minded: “How can you say Jesus is the only way to God?” Some may appeal to your sense of freedom: “Doesn’t God want you to have any fun?” Still others might attack the source of your trust: “The Bible is full of inconsistencies, and you’re choosing to base your life on this book?”

How prepared are you for the assaults that will come your way? Do you have a tight grip on God’s truth? Think about this today: How will God’s truth impact your actions—from the time you set foot on the floor in the morning to the minute you go to bed tonight?

To Take Away

• What are your core faith beliefs—the spiritual truths you are sure of? Take a minute and write down three or four statements that sum up these truths.
• When was the last time someone challenged your faith? How did it affect you?
• How did you respond to the challenge? What would you do differently next time?

What happens when people act in direct opposition to what they know is right?

Girlfriends in God - Thursday, June 20, 2019

Lose the Less-Than Love

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

You have forsaken your first love… Repent and do the things you did at first...

~ Revelation 2:4b-5 (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I watched a movie about the end times that left me longing for a few answers. So I grabbed my Bible and sat to read from the book of Revelation. In this apocalyptic, end-of-the-Bible book, John speaks of a vision from Christ that he received while on the island of Patmos. In this vision, Jesus unveils events yet to come – which, ultimately, echo His eternal love, power, and justice.

In chapter two, the words leapt from the page to my heart as Jesus spoke to the Church in Ephesus. His tone was heavy and serious, yet intimate, tender, and loving. Clearly this message was meant for Christians throughout history, not just the church of Ephesus. It was meant for me – and for you.

Jesus spoke to his church. “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”(Revelation 2:2-3)

While reading this, I sensed the Lord speaking to me. Personally…

“I know you work hard, Gwen. I know you spend countless, thankless hours doing mundane tasks like laundry, driving kids around, vacuuming floors, cleaning toilets, preparing meals, and managing relationships. I know you’re exhausted and wish you were more productive and organized. I know you serve at church. I know of your good intentions to spend quality time with me even though your often-inverted-priorities and distractions keep us from deeply connecting sometimes.”

His voice continued the heart-whispers as mine swelled…

“I know ______ … I know ______ … I know ______ ... I know YOU.

And I see.

I see what you are doing. I see the pressure you’re under. I’m fully aware of the pain you have endured and are enduring. I see your temptations and your struggles. I see all that you think is hidden.

I am El Roi.

I see you.

Now…

SEE ME.

More.

Much More.

Your glances toward me are fleeting. Flippant. Casual. Less-than.

Your worship is often half-hearted… somewhat of an obligation. At times your service to Me is joyless and sterile – a going-through-the-motions of sorts. It should be a vibrant offering.

I am not an obligation.

I am GOD.

I am your Redeemer. I am your Savior. I am your Healer. I am your Strength. I am your Deliverer. I am your Comfort. I am your Portion. I am your Counselor. I am your Hope.

I AM.”

Overwhelmed and undone in His presence, I continued to read from the Word.

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken you first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5)

Repent.

Return to me… your first love.

Do the things you did at first.

I grasp for memories that will take me there. I think back to when I was more on fire… more driven by a white-hot, blazing love for Jesus.

When was I there - at the height of my love for God? What things was I doing?

I wrestle and think… and confess… and bow low in my heart.

When were YOU at the height of your love for God? What things were you doing?

THE CHARGE for each of us: Do the things you did.

Return to your first love. Return to His perfect love. To pure love. To holy, powerful, sacred, compassionate, everlasting, merciful, grace-filled, trust-worthy, faithful love.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” (Revelation 2:7)

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord,
Who am I that you are mindful of me? That you know me? That you see me? That you love me? Please forgive this wandering worshiper. As I consider your mercy, I confess these things: _________________. Draw me close, once again, with your blood-stained grace and ignite an unquenchable fire of love deep within my heart, my soul, and my mind.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

What is one thing you did then that you can do today? Will you do it? If you accept this first-love charge, CLICK HERE to leave a comment on my blog telling me about “what you did then”, or simply say, “I will do the things I did!”

While you are in the comments section, take time to encourage and pray for one another.

More from the Girlfriends

If you want to read and study the Bible this summer, but at your own pace, then this is for you! Girlfriends in God co-founder Gwen Smith has several online Bible Study options that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word. These studies will help you know what God says about tender topics like forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, relationships and hope. Each study can be done in the comfort of your home and in a timeframe that fits with your personal schedule. Visit www.GwenSmith.net/BibleStudy to learn more.

PS. Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends as you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, fold laundry, run errands or travel.

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 watched a movie about the end times that left me longing for a few answers. So I grabbed my Bible and sat to read from the book of Revelation.

LHM Daily Devotions - What Jesus Has Done for You

"What Jesus Has Done for You"

Jun. 20, 2019

Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met Him a man from the city who had demons. ... Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So He got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with Him, but Jesus sent him away, saying. "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

~ Luke 8:26-27a, 35-39 (ESV)

In our Bible reading for today we have the story of the man possessed by demons. Luke describes him as a man who had lost almost everything. He was homeless—he lived among the tombs, away from family and friends. He was naked—his body unprotected from the weather and from shame. He was out of his mind as a result of the demon possession. He was virtually nameless—when Jesus asked his name, the demons answered "Legion," referring to the huge numbers of them who were present.

Now this was a man whom Jesus loved. He had created him, not to be a plaything for demons, but to be a human being in God's own image, blessed and whole. There was no way Jesus would stand by and let him continue in this state. And indeed, He was already commanding the evil spirits to leave when they broke in with their plea for mercy. A few seconds later, the evil spirits were gone. The man's sanity returned. Somebody—one of the disciples? Jesus Himself? Somebody supplied him with a change of clothes. And by the time the townspeople made it out to see for themselves, the man was dressed and ready to go home. Jesus had restored all his losses.

But the man wanted even more, and who could blame him? He begged Jesus for permission to go with Him, to follow Him around as the other disciples did. But Jesus had another plan in mind. "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you," He said. And the man did just that. He went home and told everybody how much Jesus had done for him. He became a powerful witness for God's love.

The man didn't realize it then, but Jesus was already in the process of doing the greatest thing He could do for him and for all of us who suffer under the power of the devil. Jesus was moving steadily toward the cross. He was on His way to the crowning battle of His life, where He would take on the devil with all his frightening power—and win. By His death, Jesus freed us from the grip of the devil. By His resurrection, He won for us everlasting life—for all of us who belong to Him, who trust in Him as our Savior.

Now the process has begun. Jesus is restoring all our losses. He has given us life for death, faith for distrust, hope and healing instead of despair and destruction. He promises us much, much more. On the day of His return, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. There will be no more suffering or loss or death or grief. Then we will rejoice, just as this man did. How much Jesus has done for us!

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for what You have done for us. Keep us close to You forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever seen/met someone who was possessed by a demon?

• Why do you think people shunned or ostracized the man in the text, even after he had been healed?

• Has God ever healed you of an intensely evil trait or attitude or maybe even a demon, perhaps?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever seen/met someone who was possessed by a demon?

Devocional de la CPTLN del 20 de Junio de 2019 - Lo que Jesús ha hecho por ti

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Lo que Jesús ha hecho por ti

20 de Junio de 2019

Después arribaron a la tierra de los gerasenos, que está en la ribera opuesta a Galilea. Cuando él llegó a tierra, vino a su encuentro un hombre de la ciudad que estaba endemoniado. Hacía mucho tiempo que no se vestía ni vivía en una casa, sino en los sepulcros... La gente salió a ver lo que había sucedido. Cuando llegaron a donde estaba Jesús, se encontraron con que el hombre, de quien habían salido los demonios, estaba sentado a los pies de Jesús, vestido y en su cabal juicio. Y tuvieron miedo. Los que habían visto todo esto, les contaron cómo había sido salvado el endemoniado. Entonces toda la gente de la región de los gerasenos le rogó a Jesús que se alejara de ellos, pues tenían mucho miedo. Así que Jesús entró en la barca y se fue. El hombre de quien habían salido los demonios le rogaba que lo dejara estar con él, pero Jesús lo despidió y le dijo: «Vuelve a tu casa, y cuenta allí todo lo que Dios ha hecho contigo.» Entonces el hombre se fue y contó por toda la ciudad lo que Jesús había hecho con él".

~ Lucas 8:26-27a, 35-39 (RVC)

En nuestra lectura bíblica para hoy tenemos la historia del hombre poseído por demonios. Lucas lo describe como un hombre que había perdido casi todo. No tenía hogar, vivía entre las tumbas lejos de la familia y los amigos, estaba desnudo, desprotegido del clima y de la vergüenza. Estaba loco, pues estaba poseído por demonios y tampoco tenía nombre: cuando Jesús le preguntó su nombre, los demonios respondieron "Legión", refiriéndose a la gran cantidad de ellos que estaban presentes.

Pero, aun así, era un hombre a quien Jesús amaba. No lo había creado para que fuera un juguete de los demonios, sino para que fuera un ser humano a la imagen de Dios, bendito y completo. Por lo tanto, no podía seguir de largo sin hacer nada. Y así fue. Y cuando les estaba ordenando a los espíritus malignos que se fueran del hombre, ellos irrumpieron con su súplica de misericordia. Sin embargo, apenas unos segundos después, los espíritus malignos se habían ido y al hombre le volvió la cordura. Alguien (¿uno de los discípulos o Jesús mismo?), le entregó una muda de ropa. Y cuando el pueblo salió a ver por sí mismo, el hombre estaba vestido y listo para irse a casa. Jesús había restaurado sus pérdidas.

Pero el hombre quería más. ¿Y quién podía culparlo? Le rogó a Jesús permiso para ir con él, para seguirlo como lo hacían los otros discípulos. Pero Jesús tenía otro plan en mente. Le dijo: "Vuelve a tu casa, y cuenta allí todo lo que Dios ha hecho contigo". Y el hombre hizo justamente eso. Se fue a su casa y les dijo a todos lo que Jesús había hecho por él, convirtiéndose así en un poderoso testigo del amor de Dios.

El hombre no lo supo entonces, pero Jesús tenía un plan que cumplir que lo acercaba cada vez más a la cruz, donde habría de pelear la batalla suprema de su vida enfrentando y derrotando al demonio con todo su poder aterrador. A través de su muerte Jesús nos liberó de las garras del diablo, y con su resurrección nos abrió las puertas a la vida eterna a todos los que confiamos en Él como nuestro Salvador.

El proceso ha comenzado. Jesús está restaurando todas nuestras pérdidas. Él ha cambiado la muerte en vida, la incredulidad en fe, la desesperación en esperanza y la destrucción en sanidad... y nos promete mucho, mucho más. En el día de su regreso Dios borrará todas nuestras lágrimas, ya no habrá más sufrimiento, pérdida, muerte, dolor. En ese día nos alegraremos, así como se alegró ese hombre.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor Jesús, gracias por todo lo que has hecho por nosotros. Mantennos cerca de ti para siempre. Amén.

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Por qué crees que la gente tuvo miedo del hombre sanado y de Jesús?

• ¿Alguna vez Dios te ha sanado de un rasgo, actitud o emoción negativa?

Dra. Kari Vo. © Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Por qué crees que la gente tuvo miedo del hombre sanado y de Jesús?

Хлеб наш насущный - Рядом во время бурь

Рядом во время бурь

Читать сейчас: Псалом 45 | Библия за год: Есфирь 1-2; Деяния 5:1-21

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Господь сил с нами, Бог Иакова – заступник наш. — Псалом 45:8

Пожар быстро распространился по дому многодетной семьи из нашей церкви. Отец и сын выжили, хотя отцу потребовалось лечение. А его жену, мать и двоих маленьких детей похоронили. К сожалению, подобные душераздирающие события происходят часто. И каждый раз возникает старый как мир вопрос: «Почему страдают хорошие люди?» Должно ли нас удивлять, что на этот извечный вопрос не появляется новых ответов?

И все же истина, на которую обращает внимание автор Псалма 45, тоже многократно повторяется и осмысливается. «Бог нам прибежище и сила, скорый помощник в бедах» (Пс. 45:2). В стихах 3-4 описываются катастрофические события: колеблется земля, движутся горы, вздымаются воды. Если представить себя в центре этих описанных поэтическим языком явлений, невольно пробирает дрожь. Но иногда именно это и происходит. Нас уносит вихрь неизлечимой болезни, потрясают опустошительные финансовые кризисы, ошеломляет смерть дорогих людей.

В такие моменты нас посещает искушение думать, что беды означают отсутствие Бога. Но истина Писания опровергает такое понимание. «Господь сил с нами, Бог Иакова – заступник наш» (ст. 8, 12). Он рядом, когда обстоятельства невыносимы, и мы находим утешение в Его характере. Бог добр, любящ и верен.

Когда трудности жизни вызывали у вас сомнения в Божьем присутствии? Что помогло изменить ваше состояние?

Небесный Отец, помоги мне довериться истине Твоего Слова, когда мне трудно ощущать Твою заботу или присутствие.

автор: Артур Джексон

© 2019 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Пожар быстро распространился по дому многодетной семьи из нашей церкви. Отец и сын выжили, хотя отцу потребовалось лечение. А его жену, мать и двоих маленьких детей похоронили. К сожалению, подобные душераздирающие события происходят часто. И каждый раз возникает старый как мир вопрос: «Почему страдают хорошие люди?»