The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, June 21, 2019

The Promise to Abraham

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, June 21, 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 57:1-13

Israel’s Futile Idolatry
57:1 The righteous perish,
     and no one takes it to heart;
   the devout are taken away,
     while no one understands.
   For the righteous are taken away from calamity,
2    and they enter into peace;
   those who walk uprightly
     will rest on their couches.
3  But as for you, come here,
     you children of a sorceress,
     you offspring of an adulterer and a whore.
4  Whom are you mocking?
     Against whom do you open your mouth wide
     and stick out your tongue?
   Are you not children of transgression,
     the offspring of deceit—
5  you that burn with lust among the oaks,
     under every green tree;
   you that slaughter your children in the valleys,
     under the clefts of the rocks?
6  Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion;
     they, they, are your lot;
   to them you have poured out a drink offering,
     you have brought a grain offering.
     Shall I be appeased for these things?
7  Upon a high and lofty mountain
     you have set your bed,
     and there you went up to offer sacrifice.
8  Behind the door and the doorpost
     you have set up your symbol;
   for, in deserting me, you have uncovered your bed,
     you have gone up to it,
     you have made it wide;
   and you have made a bargain for yourself with them,
     you have loved their bed,
     you have gazed on their nakedness.
9  You journeyed to Molech with oil,
     and multiplied your perfumes;
   you sent your envoys far away,
     and sent down even to Sheol.
10 You grew weary from your many wanderings,
     but you did not say, “It is useless.”
   You found your desire rekindled,
     and so you did not weaken.

11 Whom did you dread and fear
     so that you lied,
   and did not remember me
     or give me a thought?
   Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes,
     and so you do not fear me?
12 I will concede your righteousness and your works,
     but they will not help you.
13 When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you!
     The wind will carry them off,
     a breath will take them away.
   But whoever takes refuge in me shall possess the land
     and inherit my holy mountain.

Galatians 3:15-22

The Promise to Abraham
3:15 Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, “And to offsprings,” as of many; but it says, “And to your offspring,” that is, to one person, who is Christ. 17 My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.

The Purpose of the Law
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. 20 Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 22 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

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
The Promise to Abraham: Once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it.

The Morning Prayer for FRIDAY, June 21, 2019

Friday morning prayer

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. 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.





Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Verse of the Day FRIDAY, June 21, 2019

Psalm 91:1 (NIV) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Read all of Psalm 91

Listen to Psalm 91

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 - Friday, June 21, 2019

Sencillez de la vida (sexta parte)

Pase lo que pase, compórtense de una manera digna del evangelio de Cristo [...] firmes en un mismo propósito, luchando unánimes por la fe del evangelio.

~ Filipenses 1:27 (NVI)

Al terminar esta semana me he sentido muy motivada a poner en práctica cada una de las enseñanzas que aprendimos aquí. Por eso sería bueno que seamos capaces de resaltar el mayor ejemplo de todos y sé que no lo vamos a olvidar nunca. Ese ejemplo fue JESÚS.

Si Él lo hizo siendo el que era, ¿por qué tú y yo no vamos a poder hacerlo? Comencemos con las cosas sencillas. Quizá mostrando humildad en el trato a nuestros semejantes en el trabajo y en la calle o siendo personas amables y rectas. En la iglesia podemos oler a Jesús, tal y como lo dice el cantante cristiano Michael Rodríguez en una de sus canciones. En la casa también podemos ser humildes. En fin, morir a toda soberbia, a todo mal genio, y que seamos aun sencillos en el hogar.

Pastores, profesionales, líderes, que los títulos no se les suban a la cabeza. Que aunque su iglesia sea la mayor y la más reconocida, logren seguir siendo los mismos siervos que Dios llamó y entregó lo que hoy disfrutan.

Empecemos por nosotros mismos, hagamos una radiografía de nuestro ser y pidámosle a Dios su ayuda.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Al terminar esta semana me he sentido muy motivada a poner en práctica cada una de las enseñanzas que aprendimos aquí. Por eso sería bueno que seamos capaces de resaltar el mayor ejemplo de todos y sé que no lo vamos a olvidar nunca.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Friday, June 21, 2019

PROJECT PEARL PERFUME BIBLES

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

~ Psalm 19:10 (NIV)

In 1977, Peter Xu became the leader of the Born-Again Movement—a large house church network today in China. Ten years ago he was visiting in the United States and shared a devotional at the Open Doors-USA office. When he saw a sample of a Project Pearl Bible on the shelf, he became very animated. Then a long story developed:

After Project Pearl Bibles were stored in depositories in southern China in the early 1980s, Peter Xu sent three men every month by train to the depository contacts to bring back about 1,000 Bibles per trip for his growing house church movement. One month the three men were discovered with their Bible load by the local police of the depository city. The police threw the 1,000 Project Pearl Bibles into the cesspool of the public latrine and the three men were interrogated and jailed for the weekend.

Monday they were released and commanded to return straight home and never return. Instead they waited inside the latrine until darkness fell. Then they climbed down into the filthy cesspool of human waste carefully retrieving each of the foul smelling books. They washed them off under the local water tap and carried them home. There they dried them out, sprayed them with perfume and circulated them through their network. Such was the hunger and importance of every copy of God’s Word.

Project Pearl certainly had an impact on the future printing of Bibles inside China which continues today. Shortly after the project was completed, China’s Three Self Patriotic Movement announced the first official printing of Bibles inside the country. Noted author and China watcher, David Aikman, wrote in his book, Jesus in Beijing, “[Project] Pearl had a major long-term impact on the overall availability of Bibles in China.”[1]

But more important are the personal evaluations from Chinese believers: “These gifts are more precious than gold!”

RESPONSE: Today I will treasure God’s Word as more valuable than any precious metal or gem.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord that Your precious Word is being made available in countries where it is not valued by those in authority.

1. David Aikman, Jesus in Beijing (Washington, DC: Regnery, 2003), p. 270.

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 - Friday, June 21, 2019

Elisha

His name means: "My God Saves"

His work: Elisha was Elijah's successor. A prophet and miracle worker active in the northern kingdom from 850-800 BC, his ministry involved rebuking Israel's unfaithful kings, inaugurating a new royal line, and helping to sustain the faith of all those in Israel who believed in God.
His character: Elisha renounced the life he could have had as the son of a wealthy man to live as a prophet. His single-hearted devotion to the Lord made him a spiritual leader whose integrity, vision, and courage helped sustain the people's faith in God.
His sorrow: He wept when given a vision of how much Israel would suffer at the hands of the king of Syria.
His triumph: Elisha asked to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit, the portion reserved for the eldest son, and received it.
Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-14; 4:1-7; 6:8-23; 13:21

A Look at the Man

Elisha was a man who was never deceived by appearances. Perhaps this is what it means to be a prophet—to have a vision that extends beyond what is merely apparent, to be able to penetrate a set of circumstances to perceive what is really going on. Because of his relationship with God, Elisha was able to live with a keen awareness of both the natural and supernatural aspects of life. He understood that what happens in heaven affects life on earth and that what we do on earth has ramifications in heaven.

When Elisha learned that his city was surrounded, he showed no sign of terror as an ordinary man might have. Instead, he looked up and saw the hills covered with horses and chariots of fire; the army of heaven stood ready to protect him. In the midst of what looked like certain defeat, his ability to perceive reality enabled him to remain calm and confident. Rather than cowering or despairing, he was able to encourage his servant with the truth, saying, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Elisha's enemies, on the other hand, were at a keen disadvantage. Blinded by an act of God, they became fools—prisoners of the man they had meant to take captive. The truth about their ridiculous predicament only became apparent once Elisha asked God to open their eyes again.

Seeing and not seeing—believing and not believing—these are the connections that determine our understanding of the world around us. As we wait for understanding concerning our own difficulties or for the grace to endure without fully understanding them, we can recall Elisha's words: "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Reflect On: 2 Kings 2:5–15
Praise God: For speaking to us through his prophets.
Offer Thanks: For the ways God has challenged you through others.
Confess: Any failure to respond to God’s corrective word.
Ask God: For a greater sense of what it means to live every day for his kingdom.

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.
What happens in heaven affects life on earth and that what we do on earth has ramifications in heaven.

Girlfriends in God - Friday, June 21, 2019

Spectator Christianity

Lisa Morrone, PT

Today’s Truth

“And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So, don’t fool yourselves.”

~ James 1:22 (TLB)

Friend to Friend

I was in middle school when body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger won his 7th Mr. Olympia title. His chiseled musculature was simply stunning, leaving many an onlooker slack-jawed. For many, he was a physical wonder to be marveled at; to a few, he became an inspiration to begin pumping some serious iron!

Viewing a body building competition can be entertaining, fascinating, even captivating, but you never leave the “show” stronger than when you entered, simply for having been a spectator.

Church-going for a Christian can be much like viewing a body building competition. You show up on Sunday, take your seat, and watch the worship team and your pastor “flex their spiritual muscles” by showing you the results of all the spiritual heavy lifting they’ve been doing throughout the week. They’ve been faithfully in the Word, in prayer, composing, rehearsing—all for the sake of edifying the Body. And, wow, does it show!

We, as parishioners, can enthusiastically join in our local church’s Sunday celebration. We can sing our hearts out with hands raised and tears flowing. We can take notes, underline verses or circle key words in our Bibles. We can nod in agreement and even shout out a well-timed, “Amen,” or “Preach it, Pastor.” And boy, oh, boy, do we leave inspired. But unless that Sunday inspiration turns into spiritual “perspiration” over the course of the next six days, we will be as spiritually weak the following Sunday as we were the Sunday before—still struggling to withstand Satan’s attacks and our own propensity to sin.

In high school I played field hockey and ran track. At the start of each sports season, our school’s athletic department would host a pep rally in the gym. Athletes, suited up in their sports jerseys, were seated in the bleachers along with the rest of the student body. The marching band played inspiring tunes from the movie, Rocky, and the rock group, Queen, while the cheer leaders fed our excitement with their display of waving pom poms and well-rehearsed cheer routines.

What was the point of all this “HOO-RAH?” It was to motivate those who were in the stands to get out on the field! Whether you were a cheering fan, a water boy, or someone who helped the coach keep stats you were needed out there. For those of us who were athletes, we were encouraged to train harder, compete stronger, and win more often!

That’s what your church leadership is hoping YOU will do after leaving Sunday morning services. Don’t settle just to be part of the pep rally on Sunday—spend your time building your own spiritual muscles through the” heavy lifting activities” of Bible reading, Bible study and through spending concerted time in prayer. Then get out on the field and play your heart out, girl!

Let’s Pray

Jesus, forgive me for being content with spectator Christianity. I want to build my own spiritual muscles. Give me the drive and disciple it requires to be in your Word and in prayer on a regular basis. Then use my new-found muscles for the advancement of your Kingdom here on Earth!
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

I had a Sunday School teacher as a child who had posters up on her classroom walls with slogans like: “Seven Days Without Prayer Makes One WEAK” and “It’s difficult to stay in shape, spiritually, if you only work out on Sundays!”

My church background truly laid a foundation for me to seek God for myself, to grow strong in His Word, to do the work of prayer. Maybe that’s not been your upbringing, so you’ve been living the life of a spectator Christian because it’s all you know. Well, today I hope you’ve been encouraged to do something different.

Tomorrow I challenge you to set aside 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. Pray, read, ponder…then go give that nasty Devil some serious interference!

More from the Girlfriends

Get Healthy for Heaven’s Sake Harvest House Publishers) is one of Lisa’s six books in her Restoring Your Temple® health resource collection. Her books are available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com,or wherever books are sold.

Lisa Morrone, PT is a physical therapist, professor, author of six books, radio guest and event speaker who encourages people to “Get Healthy for Heaven’s Sake.” Visit Lisa’s website for more information and to sign up to receive her informative “Monday Morning Health Tips”!

Seeking God?
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God
www.girlfriendsingod.com

He became an inspiration to begin pumping some serious iron!

LHM Daily Devotions - A Fresh Start

"A Fresh Start"

Jun. 21, 2019

(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)

The choir in our little church sits on metal chairs in the front of the congregation and somewhat behind the altar and the pulpit. This gives choir members a point of view unavailable to others in the congregation.

We can watch the pastor from behind as he preaches, conducts the liturgy, etc. We can watch the organist intent upon her playing. We can watch the people in the congregation, singling out individuals for special observation.

This can all be quite interesting, but I hasten to add, it is not a regular idle pastime. As I watch I sometimes wonder: "Why doesn't he sing along this morning?" "Why doesn't she rise with the rest of the congregation?" "Why does that woman with the long braid sing that hymn with such vigor?" One family's child is absent. "Is there illness? I should speak to them after the service."

And so the process goes—knowing full well that some members of the congregation are very likely thinking similar thoughts and making similar observations about me: the choir member.

One Sunday, not long ago, we had a Baptism. The baby was brought to the baptismal font by the young parents and a young couple, the sponsors. It was a brief event, and the baby slept undisturbed. The Baptism was ordinary, except for the moment when water was applied to the baby's head. At this act, the mother shifted so she could see. It was a decisive move—so much so that she gently nudged her husband aside.

Then, as the water was applied to the baby's head and the familiar words were spoken, the mother smiled and silently mouthed the words, "My baby."

It was a joyful moment and an emotionally filled one for those of us who could witness the woman. Here was a young mother who knew what the rebirth of Baptism meant for her child, and she wanted to be as close as possible to this great event in the life of her baby. It was a delight to watch this quiet little drama unfold.

It seemed the magnificence of the Sacrament was summarized and visualized in this quiet, unassuming moment. It reminded me of how much is involved in this holy work. The apostle Paul said it well in his letter to the Romans: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4).

Thanks be to God who is making all things new!

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Baptism and the gift of faith. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever witnessed a ritual or ceremony you didn't understand?

• Why is baptizing all nations part of Jesus' worldwide command?

• Do you acknowledge or celebrate your Baptism in any particular way?

From The Lutheran Layman, November 1978 issue, "A Quiet View of Great Moments," by Jon Suel. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever witnessed a ritual or ceremony you didn't understand?

Devocional de la CPTLN del 21 de Junio de 2019 - Un nuevo comienzo

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Un nuevo comienzo

21 de Junio de 2019

(Jesús dijo) Por tanto, vayan y hagan discípulos en todas las naciones, y bautícenlos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Enséñenles a cumplir todas las cosas que les he mandado. Y yo estaré con ustedes todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo. Amén.

~ Mateo 28:19-20 (RVC)

El coro en nuestra pequeña iglesia se sienta en sillas de metal al frente de la congregación y algo detrás del altar y el púlpito, por lo que tenemos una perspectiva especial no disponible al resto de la congregación. Vemos al pastor por detrás mientras predica y dirige la liturgia; vemos al organista mientras toca; vemos de frente a las personas de la congregación, etc.

Todo esto puede ser interesante, pero debo agregar que no es en vano. Mientras observo, a veces me pregunto: ¿por qué será que tal persona no canta hoy? ¿Por qué no se levanta con el resto de la congregación? ¿Por qué esa mujer con la larga trenza canta este himno con tanto vigor? El hijo de una familia está ausente. ¿Estará enfermo? Debo hablar con ellos después del servicio.

Y así continúa el proceso, consciente que algunos miembros de la congregación probablemente tienen pensamientos similares y hacen observaciones similares sobre mí, un miembro del coro.

Un domingo, no hace mucho tiempo, tuvimos un bautismo. El bebé fue traído a la fuente bautismal por los padres y la pareja de padrinos. Fue un evento breve, y el bebé durmió tranquilo. El bautismo fue normal, excepto en el momento en que se aplicó agua a la cabeza del bebé cuando, para poder ver, la mamá se corrió y sonriendo dijo "mi bebé".

Fue un momento muy tierno para quienes pudimos verla: una madre joven que sabía lo que significaba el renacimiento del bautismo para su hijo y quería estar lo más cerca posible de ese gran evento en la vida de su bebé. Fue un placer verlo.

Parecía que la magnificencia del Sacramento se resumía y visualizaba en ese momento tranquilo y sin pretensiones. Me recordó todo lo que esa obra santa involucra. El apóstol Pablo lo dijo bien en su carta a los romanos: "¿No saben ustedes que todos los que fuimos bautizados en Cristo Jesús, fuimos bautizados en su muerte? Porque por el bautismo fuimos sepultados con él en su muerte, para que así como Cristo resucitó de los muertos por la gloria del Padre, así también nosotros vivamos una vida nueva" (Romanos 6:3-4).

¡Gracias a Dios que hace todas las cosas nuevas!

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, gracias por el don del bautismo y el don de la fe. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Sabes por qué Jesús mandó bautizar a todas las naciones?

• ¿Reconoces o celebras tu bautismo de alguna manera especial?

The Lutheran Layman, noviembre de 1978, 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.
¿Sabes por qué Jesús mandó bautizar a todas las naciones?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Ngừng Ganh Tị

Ngừng Ganh Tị

Đọc: Rô-ma 6:11-14 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Ê-xơ-tê 3-5; Công vụ 5:22-42

Download MP3

Mỗi người hãy tự xem xét công việc mình rồi sẽ thấy lý do để tự hào là dựa vào chính mình, chứ không phải so sánh với người khác. Ga-la-ti 6:4

Nghệ sĩ nổi tiếng người Pháp, Edgar Degas, được nhớ đến trên toàn thế giới vì những bức họa về các vũ công ba-lê. Nhưng mọi người ít biết đến sự ganh tị của ông đối với Édouard Manet, một họa sĩ bậc thầy khác về nghệ thuật tương phản. Degas nói về Manet: “Mọi thứ anh ấy làm, anh ấy có thể mô phỏng lại ngay lập tức, trong khi tôi luôn khổ sở mà chưa bao giờ vẽ lại cho đúng được.”

Ganh tị là cảm xúc tò mò muốn biết—sứ đồ Phao-lô liệt kê ganh tị vào những tính cách tệ hại nhất, như “mọi điều bất chính, gian ác, tham lam, hiểm độc; lòng đầy ganh tị, giết người, gây gổ, dối trá, nham hiểm” (Rô. 1:29). Phao-lô cho biết đó là hệ quả của suy nghĩ dại dột, thờ lạy thần tượng thay vì thờ phượng Chúa (c.28).

Tác giả Christina Fox nói rằng khi có sự ganh tị giữa vòng các tín hữu, đó là vì “tấm lòng của chúng ta đã xoay khỏi tình yêu chân thật duy nhất”. Bà nói: “Khi ganh tị, chúng ta chạy theo thú vui thấp hèn của thế gian, thay vì nhìn xem Chúa Jêsus. Điều đó khiến chúng ta quên mất mình thuộc về ai”.

Tuy nhiên, có một giải pháp. Hãy quay về với Chúa. Phao-lô viết trong Rô-ma 6:13 rằng: Hãy “dâng chi thể mình làm công cụ công chính cho Đức Chúa Trời”- đặc biệt là công việc và đời sống bạn. Trong một bức thư khác, Phao-lô viết: “Mỗi người hãy tự xem xét công việc mình rồi sẽ thấy lý do để tự hào là dựa vào chính mình, chứ không phải so sánh với người khác” (Gal. 6:4).

Cảm ơn Chúa về những ơn phước Ngài ban—không chỉ là những điều thấy được, nhưng còn là sự tự do bởi ân điển Ngài. Khi nhìn thấy những điều Chúa ban, chúng ta tìm được sự thỏa lòng.

Đâu là những khả năng, ân tứ thuộc linh, và ơn phước Chúa ban mà bạn đã quên trân trọng? Khi suy nghĩ về những điều đó, lòng bạn cảm thấy thế nào khi trở lại cùng Ngài?

Lạy Chúa, xin kéo con về với Ngài. Xin giúp con không chú ý vào khả năng, ơn phước của người khác mà tập chú vào Ngài, là tình yêu chân thật duy nhất của con.

bởi Patricia Raybo

© 2019 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Đâu là những khả năng, ân tứ thuộc linh, và ơn phước Chúa ban mà bạn đã quên trân trọng?