Our Daily Bread - Praying For You Today

Read: Romans 8:22–34 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5–6; Ephesians 1

By David McCasland

The Spirit himself intercedes for us . . . . [Christ Jesus] is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:26, 34)

When we face a perplexing situation or a tough problem, we often ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. It’s a great encouragement to know that others who care are holding us up to God in prayer. But what if you don’t have close Christian friends? Perhaps you live where the gospel of Christ is opposed. Who will pray for you?

Romans 8, one of the great, triumphant chapters of the Bible, declares, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. . . . The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Rom. 8:26–27). The Holy Spirit is praying for you today.

In addition, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (v. 34). The living Lord Jesus Christ is praying for you today.

Think of it! The Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ mention your name and your needs to God the Father, who hears and acts on your behalf.

No matter where you are or how confusing your situation, you do not face life alone. The Spirit and the Son are praying for you today!

Dear God, I bow in humble thanks for the prayers spoken by the Holy Spirit and by Your Son today—for me. What an amazing truth!

The Holy Spirit and Jesus are always praying for you.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Er betet für dich

Lesen: Römer 8,22-34 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 5–6; Epheser 1

Von David McCasland

Der Geist selbst vertritt uns . . . [Christus Jesus], der zur Rechten Gottes ist und uns vertritt. (Römer 8,26.34)

Wenn wir vor Problemen oder einer schwierigen Situation stehen, bitten wir oft unsere Geschwister im Glauben, für uns zu beten. Es ist eine große Ermutigung zu wissen, dass andere uns im Gebet zu Gott bringen. Aber was ist, wenn wir keine gläubigen Freunde haben? Vielleicht lebst du in einem Umfeld, wo man das Evangelium ablehnt. Wer betet dann für dich?

Römer 8, eines der gewaltigsten, beeindruckendsten Kapitel der Bibel, erklärt: „Wir wissen nicht, was wir beten sollen, wie sich’s gebührt; sondern der Geist selbst vertritt uns mit unaussprechlichem Seufzen . . . denn er vertritt die Heiligen, wie es Gott gefällt“ (Röm. 8,26-27). Der Heilige Geist betet heute für dich.

Und weiter: „Christus Jesus ist hier, der gestorben ist, ja vielmehr, der auch auferweckt ist, der zur Rechten Gottes ist und uns vertritt“ (V.34). Der lebendige Herr Jesus Christus betet heute für dich.

Stell dir das vor! Der Heilige Geist und der Herr Jesus Christus sagen Gott dem Vater heute deinen Namen und was du brauchst und er hört und hilft.

Egal, wo du bist und was dein Problem ist, du bist nicht allein. Der Geist und der Sohn beten heute für dich!

Lieber Gott, ich beuge mich vor dir und danke dir für die Gebete, die der Heilige Geist und dein Sohn heute vor dich bringen—für mich. Und ich kann nur staunen!

Der Heilige Geist und Jesus beten immer für dich.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Молитва за вас

Читать сейчас: Римлянам 8:22-34 | Библия за год: Исаия 5-6; 1 Коринфянам 16

автор: Дэвид Маккасланд

Сам Дух ходатайствует за нас... Христос Иисус... ходатайствует за нас. — Римлянам 8:26, 34

Попадая в сложные ситуации, мы часто просим братьев и сестер во Христе молиться за нас. Очень утешительно знать, что кто-то переживает и ходатайствует за нас перед Небесным Отцом. Но что, если таких близких друзей нет? Что, если вы одиноки и живете во враждебном окружении? Кто помолится за вас?

В главе 8 Послания к римлянам, одном из самых возвышенных текстов Библии, Павел пишет: «Мы не знаем, о чем молиться, как должно, но Сам Дух ходатайствует за нас воздыханиями неизреченными... Он ходатайствует за святых по [воле] Божьей» (Рим. 8:26-27). Оказывается, сегодня Святой Дух вознес вас и вашу нужду в молитве перед Богом!

Более того, Христос также присоединяется к этой молитве. Он «умер, но и воскрес: Он и одесную Бога, Он и ходатайствует за нас» (Рим. 8:34). Божий Сын, находящийся по правую сторону престола величия на высоте, также просит Отца за вас!

Только подумайте! Святой Дух и Господь Иисус Христос называют ваше имя и приносят ваши нужды к Богу Отцу, Который слушает их и, конечно же, отвечает.

Неважно, где вы находитесь и какие трудности испытываете, вы не одиноки. Святой Дух и Божий Сын молятся за вас.

Боже, я смиренно склоняюсь и благодарю за молитвы, возносимые Святым Духом и Твоим Сыном за меня. Какая удивительная истина!

Святой Дух и Иисус Христос всегда молятся за вас.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - On prie pour vous aujourd’hui

Lisez : Romains 8.22‑34 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 5 – 6 et Éphésiens 1

par David McCasland

[L’Esprit] nous aide dans notre faiblesse […] et [Christ] intercède pour nous ! (Romains 8.26,34)

Devant une situation qui nous laisse perplexes ou un problème grave, nous demandons souvent à nos frères et soeurs en Christ de prier pour nous. Il est très encourageant de savoir que des gens qui se soucient de nous nous élèvent à Dieu en prière. Que faire, par contre, si vous n’avez pas d’amis chrétiens intimes ? Il se peut que vous viviez dans un endroit où l’on s’oppose à l’Évangile de Christ. Qui priera alors pour vous ?

Romains 8, l’un des grands chapitres empreints de victoire de la Bible, déclare : « [Nous] ne savons pas ce qu’il convient de demander dans nos prières. Mais l’Esprit lui‑même intercède […] parce que c’est selon Dieu qu’il intercède en faveur des saints » (RO 8.26,27). Il prie donc pour vous aujourd’hui.

De plus, « Christ est mort ; bien plus, il est ressuscité, il est à la droite de Dieu, et il intercède pour nous ! » (V. 34) C’est donc dire que le Seigneur Jésus‑Christ, qui est vivant, prie pour vous aujourd’hui.

Réfléchissez‑y un instant ! Le Saint‑Esprit et le Seigneur Jésus‑Christ mentionnent votre nom et vos besoins à Dieu le Père, qui les entend et agit en votre faveur.

Peu importe où vous vous trouvez et à quel point vous êtes dans la confusion, sachez que vous n’avez pas à affronter la vie seul. L’Esprit et le Fils prient pour vous aujourd’hui !

Le Saint‑Esprit et Jésus prient continuellement pour vous.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Night Light for Couples - The Trouble Paradox

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When troubles line up in what seems like an endless parade, feelings of despair or helplessness can be overwhelming. One way out of this downward spiral toward depression is to reach out to someone else. Our own difficulties seem less threatening and all‐consuming when we are busy helping someone else handle theirs. The possibilities for helping others are limitless. Visit the sick. Bake something for your neighbors. Do household chores for an elderly shut‐in. Use your car for those without transportation. And, perhaps most important, be a good listener. Sometimes what a person needs most of all is simply a friend who will share his or her life for a few moments.

This is one of the powerful paradoxes of the Christian life: When we share someone else’s pain, we often shed some of our own. When we help others, we end up helping ourselves. When we lift another’s burdens, ours lighten.

Just between us…

• What do you do when you’re discouraged or depressed?
• Am I helpful to you when you’re feeling down?
• In what ways did Jesus minister to the downhearted? Is there someone in a difficult situation who could use our help?

Dear God, thank You for Your goodness during trouble. Increasingly, make us Your instruments to help others in need. Help us to share Your comfort and testify to Your great faithfulness. Thank You that we’ll be blessed in doing so. Amen.

• From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - NORTH KOREA TESTIMONY

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24

After Gyeong Ju Son, a young woman from North Korea, gave her moving testimony at The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town in October 2010, the 4200 participants from over 190 countries, came away stunned—many moved to tears.

Born in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, this petite 18-year-old is the daughter of a former high-ranking government leader—an assistant of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il.

In 1998, when Gyeong Ju was at the tender age of six, her father suffered severe political persecution and the family was forced to flee to China. It was there that her parents came to know the amazing grace and love of God. After only a few months, her mother, pregnant with their second child, died of leukemia.

“It was in the midst of this family tragedy that my father joined a Bible study led by missionaries from South Korea and America, and after a time his strong desire was to become a missionary to North Korea,” she says.

In 2001 her father was reported and arrested by the Chinese police, to be sent back to North Korea, where he was sentenced to prison. Desperately crying out to God during this time, his three-year incarceration only served to strengthen his faith. After his release he returned to China and Gyeong Ju Son was reunited briefly with her father.

“Not long after he chose to return to North Korea—instead of enjoying a life of religious freedom in South Korea—to share Christ’s message of life and hope among the hopeless people of his homeland.”

In 2006 her father’s work was discovered by the North Korean government and once again he was imprisoned. Not having heard from her father again, she assumes he has been publicly executed on charges of treason and espionage. This is often the fate of confessing Christians in North Korea.

Left in China, Gyeong Ju Son was adopted for a while by the family of a young pastor, and it was their love, care, compassion and protection that made a deep impression on her. When they left for America she was given the opportunity to go to South Korea.

RESPONSE: Today I give thanks for brothers and sisters who serve Jesus at the cost of their own lives.

PRAYER: Pray today for those believers still living in North Korea and committed to evangelism.

Girlfriends in God - The Miracle is On Its Way

by Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Christmas morning is serious business at the Southerland home. The sequence of events does not vary. First come the stockings. Everyone has a bulging stocking spilling over with small gifts.

And I am not talking about just any old stocking stuffers. I listen and question and watch our children and grandchildren all year long to see what makes their eyes sparkle and their faces light up.

I keep an ever-evolving Christmas list. No one knows where I keep it. And no one ever will if I can help it. I begin buying stocking stuffers and gifts each summer, and I stash them in secret hiding places around the house. I told you … serious business!

After the stockings are opened, we take a break to clean up and eat breakfast. Dan then reads the Christmas story and talks about the miracle of Jesus’ birth.

It is then time to open gifts. We try to follow the rule of taking turns so everyone can enjoy the process. It works pretty well with the adults, but not so much with the kids. The adults usually end up waiting to open gifts until the kids have opened all of theirs. Watching the children really is my favorite part of the day.

One Christmas, God used our oldest grandson to teach me an important lesson. He was six years old at the time and desperately wanted a red remote control Corvette for Christmas. All year long I had heard about this amazing car, so when I found it during a Christmas in July sale, I quickly bought it and stashed it in one of my secret spots.

When Christmas morning rolled around that year, the kids tore into their gifts with the usual exclamations of delight. But everything stopped when Jaydan opened that car. He jumped to his feet, eyes wide with excitement, pumped both fists in the air and yelled, “I knowed it! I just knowed it!” Jaydan then threw himself into my arms and then Dan’s arms, thanking us for the car before he raced back to play with it.

Our daughter-in-law then explained that he had been praying for that car for months and had even picked a spot in his room where he would keep it … when he got it.

That’s faith.

That’s praying with thanksgiving.

It reminds me of the time when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. While His friend was still in the tomb, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank You that You have heard me” (John 11:41).

Don’t miss this important truth! Thanksgiving came before the miracle. Jesus prayed and then thanked God for what He was about to do. Jesus knew. He did not wait to see the miracle before giving thanks to God. His gratitude came before the miracle as an act of faith.

I wonder what Jesus was thinking and feeling. I mean raising someone from the dead is no small feat. Jesus was God … and yet He was man, too. Did a doubt or two slither through his heart and mind? If so, He chose to set them aside and trust His Father as an act of faith and assurance that the miracle was on its way. We need to do the same.

1. God is willing and waiting to pour out His favor and blessings on a life of faith. Hebrews tells us that faith always honors God and God always honors faith.
2. Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is real and that He rewards those who truly want to find Him.”
3. Sometimes my faith is small and weak. That’s when I cling to the words of Jesus found in Matthew 17:20:
4. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
5. I want to be like Jaydan. I want to grow to the place where I pray … and make room in my heart and life for the answer to that prayer before it comes.
6. I want to live in a constant state of celebration that the miracle is on its way!

Let’s Pray

Father, I come to You today with a faith that seems so small. I want to believe You, Lord. I want to walk by faith, knowing that You will keep every promise You have ever made. Help my unbelief, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Psalm 86:15 (NIV) “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Record this verse in your journal. Then make a list of the words in this verse that describe God. What do these words tell you about God’s willingness to bless your life?

What is the first step of faith you need to take today? Are you willing to take it right now? 

More from the Girlfriends

NEW BOOK from Mary Southerland! Mary has updated the E-Book, Fit for Life, and released it in a soft cover book. Fit for Life addresses the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual areas of your life and teaches you principles that will empower you to bring each area under God’s control.

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.

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

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 1311
Huntersville, NC 28070

info@girlfriendsingod.com
http://www.girlfriendsingod.com

Verse of the Day - September 27, 2016

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Read all of Matthew 6

The Daily Readings for September 27, 2016

Hosea 4:1-10
Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel; for the LORD has an indictment against the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or loyalty, and no knowledge of God in the land. Swearing, lying, and murder, and stealing and adultery break out; bloodshed follows bloodshed. Therefore the land mourns, and all who live in it languish; together with the wild animals and the birds of the air, even the fish of the sea are perishing. Yet let no one contend, and let none accuse, for with you is my contention, O priest. You shall stumble by day; the prophet also shall stumble with you by night, and I will destroy your mother. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. The more they increased, the more they sinned against me; they changed their glory into shame. They feed on the sin of my people; they are greedy for their iniquity. And it shall be like people, like priest; I will punish them for their ways, and repay them for their deeds. They shall eat, but not be satisfied; they shall play the whore, but not multiply; because they have forsaken the LORD to devote themselves to

Acts 21:1-14
When we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. When we found a ship bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and set sail. We came in sight of Cyprus; and leaving it on our left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. We looked up the disciples and stayed there for seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When our days there were ended, we left and proceeded on our journey; and all of them, with wives and children, escorted us outside the city. There we knelt down on the beach and prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we greeted the believers and stayed with them for one day. The next day we left and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. While we were staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. He came to us and took Paul's belt, bound his own feet and hands with it, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Since he would not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, "The Lord's will be done."

Luke 5:12-26
Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean." Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do choose. Be made clean." Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. "Go," he said, "and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them." But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, "Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-- he said to the one who was paralyzed-- "I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home." Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 97 Dominus regnavit
1   The LORD is King; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2   Clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.
3   A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies on every side.
4   His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees it and is afraid.
5   The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6   The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
7   Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in false gods! Bow down before him, all you gods.
8   Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.
9   For you are the LORD, most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
10   The LORD loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11   Light has sprung up for the righteous, and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
12   Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks to his holy Name.

Psalm 99 Dominus regnavit
1   The LORD is King; let the people tremble; he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake.
2   The LORD is great in Zion; he is high above all peoples.
3   Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; he is the Holy One.
4   O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5   Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and fall down before his footstool; he is the Holy One.
6   Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7   He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8   O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds.
9   Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and worship him upon his holy hill; for the LORD our God is the Holy One.

Psalm 100 Jubilate Deo
1   Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
2   Know this: The LORD himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3   Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4   For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 94 Deus ultionum
1   O LORD God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, show yourself.
2   Rise up, O Judge of the world; give the arrogant their just deserts.
3   How long shall the wicked, O LORD, how long shall the wicked triumph?
4   They bluster in their insolence; all evildoers are full of boasting.
5   They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your chosen nation.
6   They murder the widow and the stranger and put the orphans to death.
7   Yet they say, "The LORD does not see, the God of Jacob takes no notice."
8   Consider well, you dullards among the people; when will you fools understand?
9   He that planted the ear, does he not hear? he that formed the eye, does he not see?
10   He who admonishes the nations, will he not punish? he who teaches all the world, has he no knowledge?
11   The LORD knows our human thoughts; how like a puff of wind they are.
12   Happy are they whom you instruct, O Lord! whom you teach out of your law;
13   To give them rest in evil days, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14   For the LORD will not abandon his people, nor will he forsake his own.
15   For judgment will again be just, and all the true of heart will follow it.
16   Who rose up for me against the wicked? who took my part against the evildoers?
17   If the LORD had not come to my help, I should soon have dwelt in the land of silence.
18   As often as I said, "My foot has slipped, " your love, O LORD, upheld me.
19   When many cares fill my mind, your consolations cheer my soul.
20   Can a corrupt tribunal have any part with you, one which frames evil into law?
21   They conspire against the life of the just and condemn the innocent to death.
22   But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my trust.
23   He will turn their wickedness back upon them and destroy them in their own malice; the LORD our God will destroy them.

Psalm 95 Venite, exultemus
1   Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
2   Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
3   For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4   In his hand are the caverns of the earth, and the heights of the hills are his also.
5   The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands have molded the dry land.
6   Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, and kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7   For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
8   Harden not your hearts, as your forebears did in the wilderness, at Meribah, and on that day at Massah, when they tempted me.
9   They put me to the test, though they had seen my works.
10   Forty years long I detested that generation and said, This people are wayward in their hearts; they do not know my ways."
11   So I swore in my wrath, "They shall not enter into my rest."

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for September 27, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Jonathan Melton

Hosea 4:2-3 (NRSV) Swearing, lying, and murder, and stealing and adultery break out; bloodshed follows bloodshed. Therefore the land mourns, and all who live in it languish; together with the wild animals and the birds of the air, even the fish of the sea are perishing.

 Bloodshed follows bloodshed, says Hosea—the sins of our sisters and brothers and ourselves are inevitably suffered even by the fish of the sea. All creation—from the blue whale to the Higgs boson—groans for our promised redemption.

Hosea tells Israel that care of the land depends on the communal character of the people. This isn’t just something nice to say, something sweet to pass on to God’s people about the earth and how it brims with God’s creativity. Hosea really means what he’s saying—when we behave without integrity toward our brothers and sisters, when we refuse to offer respect and care for the world, all of creation languishes and mourns. This is as true today as it was when Hosea preached this word to the children of Israel.

Poet Wendell Berry reminds us, “Eating is an agricultural act.” To learn to love the land has everything to do with loving our neighbors, and if we love our neighbors, we will love the land.

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Our Daily Bread - True Riches

Read: Luke 12:22–34 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4; Galatians 6

By Amy Boucher Pye

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)

At the memorial service for my friend’s dad, someone said to her, “Until I met your father, I didn’t know a person could have fun while helping others.” Her dad contributed his part in helping to build the kingdom of God through serving people, laughing and loving, and meeting strangers who became friends. When he died, he left a legacy of love. In contrast, my friend’s aunt—her father’s older sister—viewed her possessions as her legacy, spending her latter years worrying about who would protect her heirlooms and rare books.

In His teaching and by His example, Jesus warned His followers to avoid hoarding possessions, to give to the poor, and to value what will not rust or decay. “For where your treasure is,” Jesus said, “there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).

We might think our things give meaning to our life. But when the latest gadget breaks or we misplace or lose something valuable, we begin to realize that it is our relationship with the Lord that satisfies and endures. It is our love and care for others that does not wither and fade away.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us see clearly what we value, to show us where our heart is, and to help us seek His kingdom above all (12:31).

What do you value? Read the story about the manna in the wilderness in Exodus 16. Consider how this story relates to Jesus’s words to the crowds in Luke 12.

What we value reveals the state of our heart.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Wahrer Reichtum

Lesen: Lukas 12,22-34 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jesaja 3–4; Galater 6

Von Amy Boucher Pye

Denn wo euer Schatz ist, da wird auch euer Herz sein. (Lukas 12,34)

Bei der Trauerfeier für den Vater einer Freundin sagte jemand zu ihr: „Ehe ich deinen Vater kannte, wusste ich nicht, dass es Spaß machen kann, anderen zu helfen.“ Ihr Vater hatte geholfen, Gottes Reich zu bauen, er hatte den Menschen gedient, dabei gelacht und geliebt und selbst Fremde zu Freunden gemacht. Als er starb, lebte seine Liebe weiter. Ganz anders die Tante meiner Freundin, die ältere Schwester ihres Vaters. Sie klammerte sich an ihren Besitz und sorgte sich in ihren letzten Jahren nur noch darum, wer sich einmal um ihre Hinterlassenschaft und die seltenen Bücher kümmern würde.

Durch Wort und Tat warnte Jesus seine Nachfolger davor, Reichtümer anzusammeln. Stattdessen sollten sie die Armen unterstützen und Schätze sammeln, die nicht rosten oder verrotten können. „Denn wo euer Schatz ist, da wird auch euer Herz sein“, sagte er (Luk. 12,34).

Wir denken manchmal, Dinge könnten unserem Leben Sinn geben. Aber wenn das neue Spielzeug zerbricht oder wir etwas Wertvolles verlegen oder verlieren, merken wir, dass allein die Beziehung zu Jesus hält und Zufriedenheit schenkt. Und es sind unsere Liebe und Fürsorge für andere, die nicht verwittern und verwelken.

Wir wollen den Herrn bitten, uns zu zeigen, welche Dinge wir für wichtig halten, woran unser Herz hängt, und uns zu helfen, vor allem nach seinem Reich zu trachten (12,31).

Was ist dir wichtig? Lies die Geschichte vom Manna in der Wüste in 2.Mose 16. Überlege dir, was sie mit den Worten Jesu an die Menge in Lukas 12 zu tun haben könnte.

Was uns wichtig ist, zeigt, wie es in unserem Herzen aussieht.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Настоящее богатство

Читать сейчас: Луки 12:22-34 | Библия за год: Исаия 3-4; 1 Коринфянам 15:29-58 

автор: Эми Бушер Пай

Где сокровище ваше, там и сердце ваше будет. — Луки 12:34

На погребальном богослужении, где прощались с отцом моей подруги, кто-то сказал ей: «До встречи с вашим отцом я даже не знал, что помогать другим – это так здорово». Покойный действительно вносил большой вклад в созидание Божьего Царства, служа людям, утешая, любя и принимая гостей, становившихся друзьями. Уйдя на небо, он оставил доброе наследие любви. В противоположность этому старшая сестра умершего провела последние годы жизни в непрестанных заботах о том, кто позаботится о ее фамильных ценностях и редких книгах.

И Своим учением, и личным примером Христос убеждал учеников остерегаться любостяжания, помогать бедным и ценить то, что не ржавеет и не портится. «Ибо где сокровище ваше, там и сердце ваше будет», – говорил Он (Лк. 12:34).

Многим кажется, что вещи придают ценность жизни. Но когда ломается новый телефон или теряется что-то дорогое, мы начинаем осознавать, что по-настоящему насыщает душу общение с Господом. А наилучшие приобретения происходят от любви и заботы о людях.

Будем просить у Господа ясного взгляда на то, что мы ценим и где находится наше сердце, а также помощи прежде всего искать Его Царства (Лк. 12:31).

Чем вы дорожите? Прочитайте библейское повествование о манне в пустыне (Исх. 16). Как эти слова соотносятся со словами Христа в Евангелии от Луки 12?

То, что мы ценим, открывает состояние сердца.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - De véritables richesses

Lisez : Luc 12.22‑34 | La Bible en un an : Ésaïe 3 – 4 et Galates 6 

par Amy Boucher Pye

Car là où est votre trésor, là aussi sera votre coeur. (Luc 12.34)

Aux funérailles du père de mon amie, quelqu’un lui a dit : « Avant de rencontrer votre père, j’ignorais qu’il était possible de s’amuser autant en aidant les autres. » Son père a contribué à bâtir le royaume de Dieu en servant, en riant, en aimant et en se liant d’amitié avec des inconnus. À sa mort, il a laissé l’amour en héritage. Par contraste, la soeur aînée de son père considérait ses biens matériels comme son héritage, ce qui l’a amenée à passer les dernières années de sa vie à s’inquiéter de savoir qui allait protéger son héritage familial et ses livres rares.

Par ses enseignements et son exemple, Jésus a mis en garde ses disciples contre la tentation de s’amasser des richesses, pour donner plutôt aux pauvres et accorder de la valeur à ce que ni la rouille ni la teigne ne peuvent altérer. Puis il leur a expliqué ceci : « Car là où est votre trésor, là aussi sera votre coeur » (LU 12.34).

Il se peut que nous croyions que nos biens donnent un sens à notre vie. Reste que, lorsque nous cassons, égarons ou perdons notre tout dernier gadget, nous en venons à comprendre que c’est notre relation avec Dieu qui nous satisfait et qui dure toujours. C’est notre amour et notre tendresse pour les autres qui ne s’émoussent jamais.

Demandons donc au Seigneur de nous aider à voir avec lucidité ce à quoi nous accordons de la valeur et où est notre coeur, ainsi qu’à chercher d’abord le royaume de Dieu (12.31).

Ce à quoi nous accordons de la valeur révèle l’état de notre coeur.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Night Light for Couples - Charlie Wedemeyer

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Life was good for Charlie Wedemeyer. He was married to a beautiful woman, Lucy, had two wonderful children, and was a successful high school teacher and football coach. When he noticed a weakness in his hands, however, he visited a doctor. The doctor told him he had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), that in a few years he would be totally paralyzed, and that eventually he would die. Charlie’s disease worsened in the years that followed.

Time appeared to be running out. Then two things changed his life—he began using a portable respirator, and he became a Christian.

Today, more than twenty years after being diagnosed, Charlie and Lucy have touched thousands of lives during their appearances across the country. He cannot walk, speak, or even breathe on his own, but he chooses not to dwell on his infirmities.

“Pain and suffering are inescapable,” Charlie says through Lucy’s translation. “It’s up to us to decide if we’re going to be miserable or if we’re going to try to make the most of our lives.”

Charlie Wedemeyer is making the most of his. How about you?

Just between us…

• How would either of us respond if we faced a situation like Charlie’s?
• So far in life, how much have we been asked to suffer?
• Who in the Bible suffered from disease or disability yet demonstrated trust in God? (For examples, see 2 Kings 5:1–14; 20:1–6; Matthew 9:27–29; Mark 5:25–29; 10:48–52; and 2 Corinthians 12:7–10.)

Father, thank You for promising to be with us when we suffer. Help us not to complain too much about life’s little hurts, and help us to place our big sorrows in Your tender care. Amen.

• From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Daily Readings for September 26, 2016

Hosea 2:14-23
Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. From there I will give her her vineyards, and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she shall respond as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. On that day, says the LORD, you will call me, "My husband," and no longer will you call me, "My Baal." For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned by name no more. I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the LORD. On that day I will answer, says the LORD, I will answer the heavens and they shall answer the earth; and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel; and I will sow him for myself in the land. And I will have pity on Lo-ruhamah, and I will say to Lo-ammi, "You are my people" and he shall say, "You are my God."

Acts 20:17-38
From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, enduring the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from doing anything helpful, proclaiming the message to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house, as I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. "And now I know that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom, will ever see my face again. Therefore I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.

Luke 5:1-11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 89:1-18 (Part I) Misericordias Domini
1   Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2   For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3   I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4   'I will establish your line for ever, and preserve your throne for all generations.'"
5   The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O LORD, and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones;
6   For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? who is like the LORD among the gods?
7   God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, great and terrible to all those round about him.
8   Who is like you, LORD God of hosts? O mighty LORD, your faithfulness is all around you.
9   You rule the raging of the sea and still the surging of its waves.
10   You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11   Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.
12   You have made the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your Name.
13   You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand and high is your right hand.
14   Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne; love and truth go before your face.
15   Happy are the people who know the festal shout! they walk, O LORD, in the light of your presence.
16   They rejoice daily in your Name; they are jubilant in your righteousness.
17   For you are the glory of their strength, and by your favor our might is exalted.
18   Truly, the LORD is our ruler; The Holy One of Israel is our King.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 89:19-52 (Part II) Tunc locutus es
19   You spoke once in vision and said to your faithful people: "I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20   I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21   My hand will hold him fast and my arm will make him strong.
22   No enemy shall deceive him, nor any wicked man bring him down.
23   I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
24   My faithfulness and love shall be with him, and he shall be victorious through my Name.
25   I shall make his dominion extend from the Great Sea to the River.
26   He will say to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.'
27   I will make him my firstborn and higher than the kings of the earth.
28   I will keep my love for him for ever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29   I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of heaven."
30   If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my judgments;
31   If they break my statutes and do not keep my commandments;
32   I will punish their transgressions with a rod and their iniquities with the lash;
33   But I will not take my love from him, nor let my faithfulness prove false.
34   I will not break my covenant, nor change what has gone out of my lips.
35   Once for all I have sworn by my holiness: 'I will not lie to David.
36   His line shall endure for ever and his throne as the sun before me;
37   It shall stand fast for evermore like the moon, the abiding witness in the sky.'"
38   But you have cast off and rejected your anointed; you have become enraged at him.
39   You have broken your covenant with your servant, defiled his crown, and hurled it to the ground.
40   You have breached all his walls and laid his strongholds in ruins.
41   All who pass by despoil him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42   You have exalted the right hand of his foes and made all his enemies rejoice.
43   You have turned back the edge of his sword and have not sustained him in battle.
44   You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground.
45   You have cut short the days of his youth and have covered him with shame.
46   How long will you hide yourself, O LORD? will you hide yourself for ever? how long will your anger burn like fire?
47   Remember, LORD, how short life is, how frail you have made all flesh.
48   Who can live and not see death? who can save himself from the power of the grave?
49   Where, Lord, are your loving-kindnesses of old, which you promised David in your faithfulness?
50   Remember, Lord, how your servant is mocked, how I carry in my bosom the taunts of many peoples,
51   The taunts your enemies have hurled, O LORD, which they hurled at the heels of your anointed.
52   Blessed be the LORD for evermore! Amen, I say, Amen.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for September 26, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Jonathan Melton


Luke 5:10b-11 (NRSV) Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

The sign outside the small church read: “Be fishers of people. You catch ‘em. I’ll clean ‘em! Sincerely, God.” I still laugh out loud when I remember it; it evokes an image of God wearing eye black and camouflage, cleaning people like catfish in the bed of a truck.

Jesus’ words are confounding. After all, what we know about catching fish is informed by popular techniques of deception and betrayal. And yet hooks, worms, and fancy lures are nowhere to be found in the gospels. Instead, Jesus tells the fishermen to, “Let down your nets.” To fish for people in New Testament terms is to cast generously and gather.

What if catching people is less about proselytizing and more about reconciling? May we embrace the good work of gathering, glad in the knowledge that Christ has gathered us close to God’s heart.

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Verse of the Day - September 26, 2016

Hebrews 10:30-31 (NIV) For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Read all of Hebrews 10

Our Daily Bread - Calming Your Soul

Read: Matthew 11:25–30 | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1–2; Galatians 5

By Joe Stowell

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

While attending a concert, my mind detoured to a troublesome issue that insisted on my attention. Thankfully, the distraction was short-lived as the words of a beautiful hymn began to reach deep into my being. A men’s a capella group was singing “Be Still, My Soul.” Tears welled up as I listened to the words and contemplated the restful peace that only God can give: 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side! Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain.

When Jesus was denouncing the unrepentant towns where He had done most of His miracles (Matt. 11:20–24), He still had words of comfort for those who would come to Him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened . . . . learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (vv. 28–29).

This statement is striking! Immediately following His strong words for those who were rejecting Him, Jesus extended an invitation to all to draw near to Him to find the peace we all yearn for. Jesus is the only one who can calm our restless, weary souls.

I come to You now, Lord, in need of rest for my heart. Help me to trust You and be confident in Your love.

When we keep our minds on Jesus, He keeps our minds at peace.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries