Girlfriends in God - You Really Can Do It With God

by Kelly Balarie

Today’s Truth

While He was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’ (Matthew 17:5)

Friend to Friend

It looked like an impossible task - a no way, no how kind of thing. I had no time, waning skills and hardly a resource to actually make it happen.

After all, I am not a star candidate. My follow-through record is usually pretty poor, my attitude often defeated and my belief in myself is hardly at mountaintop levels. How could I actually follow through on what I knew God wanted me to do?

Everything in me wanted to tell God to check the earth for another holy roller and remind Him that He had picked the wrong gal.

And, I nearly did.

I would have if it wasn’t for the other “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) I couldn’t seem to shake (despite my best efforts) to ignore. The one that whispered, “With me, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). You can’t, but I can. Where there is my will, there is a way.”

His Word broke through my hard exterior, to speak life to my interior, asking: Will you choose to believe that I can do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask, think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) or will you believe I can’t?

When God hits you like that, you start realizing there isn’t much middle ground. You start realizing that He either is great and mighty like you confess in church, or He isn’t. You start realizing the job is far less about you and far more about what He can do.

You start moving toward belief, real belief, the kind of belief that works out incredible, hopeful and wild-things. The type of faith Jesus says moves mountains, even in when administered in the smallest doses.

“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." Matthew 17:20

What mountain before you seems impossible to shake, quake or break? What do you stand hard-pressed against? What hurts to be near?

Have you considered with your small words of “God can,” He will? He will do something life changing, effective and significant. Why? Because He promises.

Will it look exactly as you think? Probably not.
Will it look better than you can think or imagine? Yes.
Will it always be according to your timeline? Hardly.
Could it be something you have to witness, one day, from the safety of heaven? Possibly.

But, our God will do what He says he will do.

Believe.
Tell your mountain to move.
Ask it again.
Believe it again.
Ask it again.
Believe it again.
Do not grow weary, worn or restless.
God is working for you, loving you and leading you.
Take heart, He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
He can overcome everything and anything that is coming against you.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, let me believe in You. Let me not believe in what I have seen or witnessed, but let me believe in Your ability to do amazing that stretches beyond the small confines of my comprehension. I want to walk in greater faith, with greater vision and greater potential to trust You. Will You help me? I know I can’t do it without You. God, help me to do what You want me to do and to not limit Your great strength that helps me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Remember. Remember one time in your life where God made the impossible – possible. Thank Him for it. Praise Him for His ability to do things beyond earth’s understanding. Keep a running journal of all the ways He does miraculous and mighty. Let your heart sit in praise again and again.

More from the Girlfriends

Kelly Balarie, a blogger at Purposeful Faith, is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.

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Un Dia a la Vez - Dios y las riquezas

Nadie puede servir a dos señores [...] No se puede servir a la vez a Dios y a las riquezas. Mateo 6:24

Hay una gran tendencia en el ser humano por el dinero y es algo que a veces se le escapa a la gente de las manos. Incluso, esto sucede a menudo de manera incontrolable sin saber el daño espiritual que ocasiona.

Ahora volvamos al punto que vimos en días pasados. Dios desea que tú y yo tengamos bendiciones, una casa linda, un bello auto y, por qué no, algunos lujos. Sin embargo, lo que entristece su corazón es que empecemos a adorar el dinero, porque al único que debemos adorar es a nuestro Dios.

Tu felicidad no debe depender del dinero, porque el día que no lo tengas o que lo pierdas, te sentirás desdichado. Por eso Dios desea que agradezcamos y disfrutemos el dinero sin dejar de reconocer que el dueño del oro y la plata es Él.

La entrega de esta esfera es muy difícil, pero no imposible. Es mejor reconocer esta debilidad, pedir perdón y darle la gloria a Dios.

Verse of the Day - November 04, 2016

2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV) He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Read all of 2 Corinthians 3

The Daily Readings for November 4, 2016

Ecclesiasticus 50:1-1, 50:11-24
The leader of his brothers and the pride of his people was the high priest, Simon son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house, and in his time fortified the temple. When he put on his glorious robe and clothed himself in perfect splendor, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the court of the sanctuary glorious. When he received the portions from the hands of the priests, as he stood by the hearth of the altar with a garland of brothers around him, he was like a young cedar on Lebanon surrounded by the trunks of palm trees. All the sons of Aaron in their splendor held the Lord's offering in their hands before the whole congregation of Israel. Finishing the service at the altars, and arranging the offering to the Most High, the Almighty, he held out his hand for the cup and poured a drink offering of the blood of the grape; he poured it out at the foot of the altar, a pleasing odor to the Most High, the king of all. Then the sons of Aaron shouted; they blew their trumpets of hammered metal; they sounded a mighty fanfare as a reminder before the Most High. Then all the people together quickly fell to the ground on their faces to worship their Lord, the Almighty, God Most High. Then the singers praised him with their voices in sweet and full-toned melody. And the people of the Lord Most High offered their prayers before the Merciful One, until the order of worship of the Lord was ended, and they completed his ritual. Then Simon came down and raised his hands over the whole congregation of Israelites, to pronounce the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to glory in his name; and they bowed down in worship a second time, to receive the blessing from the Most High. And now bless the God of all, who everywhere works great wonders, who fosters our growth from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. May he give us gladness of heart, and may there be peace in our days in Israel, as in the days of old. May he entrust to us his mercy, and may he deliver us in our days!

Revelation 17:1-18
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great whore who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and with the wine of whose fornication the inhabitants of the earth have become drunk." So he carried me away in the spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication; and on her forehead was written a name, a mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of whores and of earth's abominations." And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the witnesses to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly amazed. But the angel said to me, "Why are you so amazed? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to ascend from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will be amazed when they see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. "This calls for a mind that has wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; also, they are seven kings, of whom five have fallen, one is living, and the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain only a little while. As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are united in yielding their power and authority to the beast; they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." And he said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the whore is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the whore; they will make her desolate and naked; they will devour her flesh and burn her up with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by agreeing to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."

Luke 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Morning Psalms

Psalm 69 Salvum me fac
1   Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck.
2   I am sinking in deep mire, and there is no firm ground for my feet.
3   I have come into deep waters, and the torrent washes over me.
4   I have grown weary with my crying; my throat is inflamed; my eyes have failed from looking for my God.
5   Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; my lying foes who would destroy me are mighty. Must I then give back what I never stole?
6   O God, you know my foolishness, and my faults are not hidden from you.
7   Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be disgraced because of me, O God of Israel.
8   Surely, for your sake have I suffered reproach, and shame has covered my face.
9   I have become a stranger to my own kindred, an alien to my mother's children.
10   Zeal for your house has eaten me up; the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
11   I humbled myself with fasting, but that was turned to my reproach.
12   I put on sack-cloth also, and became a byword among them.
13   Those who sit at the gate murmur against me, and the drunkards make songs about me.
14   But as for me, this is my prayer to you, at the time you have set, O LORD:
15   In your great mercy, O God, answer me with your unfailing help.
16   Save me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be rescued from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.
17   Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up; do not let the Pit shut its mouth upon me.
18   Answer me, O LORD, for your love is kind; in your great compassion, turn to me."
19   Hide not your face from your servant; be swift and answer me, for I am in distress.
20   Draw near to me and redeem me; because of my enemies deliver me.
21   You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; my adversaries are all in your sight."
22   Reproach has broken my heart, and it cannot be healed; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I could find no one.
23   They gave me gall to eat, and when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink.
24   Let the table before them be a trap and their sacred feasts a snare.
25   Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and give them continual trembling in their loins.
26   Pour out your indignation upon them, and let the fierceness of your anger overtake them.
27   Let their camp be desolate, and let there be none to dwell in their tents.
28   For they persecute him whom you have stricken and add to the pain of those whom you have pierced.
29   Lay to their charge guilt upon guilt, and let them not receive your vindication.
30   Let them be wiped out of the book of the living and not be written among the righteous.
31   As for me, I am afflicted and in pain; your help, O God, will lift me up on high.
32   I will praise the Name of God in song; I will proclaim his greatness with thanksgiving.
33   This will please the LORD more than an offering of oxen, more than bullocks with horns and hoofs.
34   The afflicted shall see and be glad; you who seek God, your heart shall live.
35   For the LORD listens to the needy, and his prisoners he does not despise.
36   Let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and all that moves in them;
37   For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah; they shall live there and have it in possession.
38   The children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his Name will dwell therein.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 73 Quam bonus Israel!
1   Truly, God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2   But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; I had almost tripped and fallen;
3   Because I envied the proud and saw the prosperity of the wicked:
4   For they suffer no pain, and their bodies are sleek and sound;
5   In the misfortunes of others they have no share; they are not afflicted as others are;
6   Therefore they wear their pride like a necklace and wrap their violence about them like a cloak.
7   Their iniquity comes from gross minds, and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.
8   They scoff and speak maliciously; out of their haughtiness they plan oppression.
9   They set their mouths against the heavens, and their evil speech runs through the world.
10   And so the people turn to them and find in them no fault.
11   They say, "How should God know? is there knowledge in the Most High?"
12   So then, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase their wealth.
13   In vain have I kept my heart clean, and washed my hands in innocence.
14   I have been afflicted all day long, and punished every morning.
15   Had I gone on speaking this way, I should have betrayed the generation of your children.
16   When I tried to understand these things, it was too hard for me;
17   Until I entered the sanctuary of God and discerned the end of the wicked.
18   Surely, you set them in slippery places; you cast them down in ruin.
19   Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, come to an end, and perish from terror!
20   Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, when you arise you will make their image vanish.
21   When my mind became embittered, I was sorely wounded in my heart.
22   I was stupid and had no understanding; I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23   Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24   You will guide me by your counsel, and afterwards receive me with glory.
25   Whom have I in heaven but you? and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
26   Though my flesh and my heart should waste away, God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
27   Truly, those who forsake you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful.
28   But it is good for me to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.
29   I will speak of all your works in the gates of the city of Zion.

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 Daily Meditation for November 4, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Psalm 69:1 (NRSV) Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck.

She seemed so successful. A striking woman with a good job, a kind husband, and three interesting children. It must feel pretty good to be her, I thought jealously.

One evening after Bible study, she got into her car and backed into a telephone pole. In a panic, she moved the gears into forward and crashed into the plate glass of the office.

I called the next day to see how she was doing, and I let it slip. You always seem so together. Is anything wrong? A sad laugh crossed the phone line. I’m like a duck, she said. Everything looks calm on top of the water, but underneath, I’m paddling like crazy.

The psalmist knows the feeling of being on the verge of drowning. The writer seems to be facing soured relationships but other problems can pull us under water, from debt to death, from loss of a job to the bone-deep weariness of overcommitment.

When you feel the water rising, sound your cries to God and believe what the psalmist says, “your help, O God, will lift me up on high” (69:31).

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Our Daily Bread - Strong Conqueror

By Tim Gustafson

Read: John 18:10–14, 36–37 | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 32–33; Hebrews 1

My kingdom is from another place. John 18:36

Most of us hope for good government. We vote, we serve, and we speak out for causes we believe are fair and just. But political solutions remain powerless to change the condition of our hearts.

Many of Jesus’s followers anticipated a Messiah who would bring a vigorous political response to Rome and its heavy-handed oppression. Peter was no exception. When Roman soldiers came to arrest Christ, Peter drew his sword and took a swing at the head of the high priest’s servant, lopping off his ear in the process.

Jesus halted Peter’s one-man war, saying, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). Hours later, Jesus would tell Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders” (v. 36).

The Lord’s restraint in that moment, as His life hung in the balance, astonishes us when we ponder the scope of His mission. On a future day, He will lead the armies of heaven into battle. John wrote, “With justice he judges and wages war” (Rev. 19:11).

But as He endured the ordeal of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus kept His Father’s will in view. By embracing death on the cross, He set in motion a chain of events that truly transforms hearts. And in the process, our Strong Conqueror defeated death itself.

Father, how prone I am to reacting quickly rather than wisely. Show me Your will for my life so that I will purposefully choose the path You have for me.

Real restraint is not weakness, for it arises out of genuine strength.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Starke Überwinder

Von Tim Gustafson

Lesen: Johannes 18,10-14.36-37 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jeremia 32–33; Hebräer 1

Mein Reich ist nicht von dieser Welt. (Johannes 18,36)

Wir alle hoffen, dass unsere Regierung gute Arbeit leistet und wir setzen uns auch selber für das Wohl unseres Landes ein. Doch die Haltung unserer Herzen können politische Lösungen nicht verändern.

Viele, die Jesus nachfolgten, erwarteten von dem Messias eine politische Antwort auf die römische Herrschaft. Petrus war da keine Ausnahme. Als die römischen Soldaten kamen, um Jesus zu verhaften, zog er sein Schwert und hieb einem Knecht des Hohenpriesters ein Ohr ab.

Jesus stoppte Petrus. „Steck dein Schwert in die Scheide!“, sagte er. „Soll ich den Kelch nicht trinken, den mir mein Vater gegeben hat?“ (Joh. 18,11). Und etwas später zu Pilatus: „Mein Reich ist nicht von dieser Welt. Wäre mein Reich von dieser Welt, meine Diener würden darum kämpfen“ (V.36).

Wenn wir an Jesu Auftrag denken, kann uns seine Zurückhaltung eigentlich nur wundern. Irgendwann in der Zukunft wird er die himmlischen Heere in den Kampf führen. Johannes schreibt dazu: „Er richtet und kämpft mit Gerechtigkeit“ (Offb. 19,11).

Doch auch bei seiner Verhaftung, Verurteilung und Kreuzigung behielt er den Willen des Vaters im Auge. Indem er den Tod am Kreuz erlitt, setzte er eine Kettenreaktion in Gang, die Herzen verändert. Gleichzeitig hat unser starker Überwinder dabei den Tod selbst besiegt.

Vater, wie oft reagiere ich eher schnell als klug. Zeig mir deinen Willen für mein Leben, damit ich bewusst den Weg gehe, den du für mich vorgesehen hast.

Echte Zurückhaltung ist keine Schwäche, denn sie entspringt wahrer Stärke.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Сильный Воин

автор: Тим Густафсон

Читать сейчас: Иоанна 18:10-14, 36-37 | Библия за год: Иеремия 32-33; 1 Фессалоникийцам 2

Царство Мое не от мира сего. — Иоанна 18:36

Большинство из нас возлагает какие-то надежды на правительство. Мы голосуем, служим, подписываемся за то, что считаем честным и справедливым. Но даже самые мудрые политические решения оказываются бессильными в вопросе перемены состояния человеческого сердца.

Многие из последователей Иисуса Христа ожидали Мессию, Который даст достойный отпор оккупационной политике Рима. Петр не исключение. Когда воины попытались арестовать Учителя, Петр выхватил меч и напал на первосвященнического раба, отрубив ему ухо.

Иисус остановил Своего порывистого ученика, сказав: «Вложи меч в ножны; неужели Мне не пить чаши, которую дал Мне Отец?» (Ин. 18:11). Несколькими часами позже Он сказал Пилату: «Царство Мое не от мира сего; если бы от мира сего было Царство Мое, то служители Мои подвизались бы за Меня, чтобы Я не был предан иудеям» (Ин. 18:36). Кротость Господа в ту минуту, когда Его жизнь висела на волоске, указывает на величие Его миссии. Но в будущем Он возглавит небесное воинство в борьбе с силами зла. Иоанн пишет о Нем: «Верный и Истинный, Который праведно судит и воинствует» (Откр. 19:11).

Но в тот час, пройдя через унижение, истязание и распятие, Господь исполнил волю Небесного Отца. Приняв смерть на кресте, Он запустил цепь событий, преображающих сердца. Этой цепью Он разрушил саму смерть.

Отче, я так склонен отвечать быстро, но неразумно. Открой мне Свою волю для моей жизни, чтобы я кротко принял путь, предназначенный тобой.

Кротость – не слабость, она происходит от настоящей силы.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Notre Pain Quotidien - Notre grand Conquérant

par Tim Gustafson

Lisez : Jean 18.10‑14,36,37 | La Bible en un an : Jérémie 32 – 33 et Hébreux 1

Mon royaume n’est pas de ce monde. (Jean 18:36)

Nous espérons avoir un bon gouvernement. Nous votons, nous servons et nous défendons des causes que nous croyons justes. Les solutions politiques demeurent néanmoins impuissantes à transformer l’état de notre coeur.

De nombreux disciples de Jésus s’attendaient à ce qu’un Messie politique s’oppose avec force à Rome et à la terrible oppression qu’elle exerçait sur le peuple. Or, Pierre n’y faisait pas exception. Lorsque les soldats romains sont venus arrêter Christ, Pierre a impulsivement tiré l’épée et a tranché l’oreille du serviteur du souverain sacrificateur.

Pour mettre fin à cette guerre d’un seul homme, Jésus lui a dit : « Remets ton épée dans le fourreau. Ne boirai‑je pas la coupe que le Père m’a donnée à boire ? » (JN 18.11.) Peu après, Jésus allait dire à Pilate : « Mon royaume n’est pas de ce monde. Si mon royaume était de ce monde, mes serviteurs auraient combattu pour moi afin que je ne sois pas livré aux Juifs » (V. 36).

La retenue du Seigneur devant la mort nous remplit d’admiration pour sa mission incommensurable. Un jour, il conduira l’armée céleste à l’attaque, comme Jean l’a prédit : « [Il] juge et combat avec justice » (AP 19.11).

Tout en vivant l’horreur de son arrestation, de son procès et de sa crucifixion, Jésus a gardé à l’esprit la volonté de son Père. En s’abandonnant à la mort sur la croix, Christ a déclenché une série d’événements ayant pour effet réel de transformer les coeurs. Ce faisant, notre grand Conquérant a triomphé de la mort même.

Étant issue de la vraie force, la vraie retenue ne peut être faiblesse.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

Night Light for Couples - Divine Decree

Night Light for Couples, the couples' devotional from Focus on the Family ministry founder Dr. James Dobson and his wife, Shirley, brings spouses together each evening, helping them stay connected with each other and their Lord.

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

We’ve talked about the powerful influence others have on the way we see ourselves. Yet we should always remember that true value is granted by the One who created us in the first place. There is no greater sense of self‐worth than knowing that He is acquainted with me personally; that He values me more than the possessions of the entire world; that He understands my fears and anxieties; that He reaches out to me when no one else cares; that He can turn my liabilities into assets and my emptiness into fullness; and that He has a place prepared for me—one where earthly pain and suffering will be but a dim memory.

Indeed, the Lord of the universe places so much value on us that He gave His life to save us. What a fantastic message of hope and encouragement for those who are broken and discouraged! This is self‐worth at its richest—dependent not on the whims of birth or physical attractiveness or social judgment, but on the decree of our loving Lord.

Just between us…

• Do we base our self‐image on the Lord’s divine decree?
• What is it that really makes you feel valuable?
• Do I let you know often enough how much I value you?
• How can I better show how much I appreciate you?
• How can we remember that our worth as human beings is determined not by what we do or how we look or what we own, but by the fact that we are children of God?

Lord, we want so much to view ourselves and others from an eternal perspective. May we build our lives together on Your grand scheme, not on what is temporary and insignificant. Help us to live each day by the truth of Your divine decree. 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 - NO TURNING BACK

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38

In northern Nigeria, confessing Christ by word of mouth is not the only test of a believer’s sincere submission to the authority of Christ—particularly one coming to Christ from Islam. A true follower of Jesus must be prepared to carry the cross, or else he falls away.

For 25-year-old Akin, his cross came quickly. His father and uncle took him from the home of one Islamic scholar to another, trying to convince him to compromise his faith in Christ. But all their efforts proved fruitless. Finally, as a last resort, Akin’s family took him to an Islamic reformatory where he must either accept Islam, or die.

“There, I lived with thieves, murderers, alcoholics and drug addicts whose parents or relatives had brought them there to be rehabilitated. I did not belong there…Immediately, they had my hands and feet chained. The chains fastened on my legs were worse, as they joined the metals directly on my legs. They also beat me consistently. The experience was agonizing, but I had to endure, because I had seen the light in Christ and accepted it,” said Akin.

“They maltreated us, but mine was more severe because the Islamic teacher told them I had blasphemed against the prophet of Islam,” said Akin. “I wore the same shirt and trousers for nine months. I could not even wash them since I was chained, hands and feet.”

After nine months in chains and under the cruel treatment of outcasts and the Islamic teacher, the Islamic teacher took Akin back to his father’s house in the village. “My father was very upset and asked the Islamic teacher to take me back, since I had not recanted my faith in Christ,” Akin said. But the teacher refused. “He handed me over to my father and left.”

Because staying with his parents would mean his death, he immediately fled to a pastor’s house for refuge. Akin stayed indoors for two weeks until the church relocated him to a more secure environment. Akin was discipled over the next two years, and then called into ministry.

Now in a Bible school, Akin still cannot go back home. The church in his village is small, with almost no means to support him. His Christian mentor is the only source of help for his school fees, books and provision of food.

“For me the battle continues, although I know it is Christ who rescued me,” says Akin. “This is a constant reminder that Christ actually gave up his life for me…So my experience in that [Islamic reformatory] was just a part of the road that leads to eternity with Christ. He has told us the journey will not be easy, but we must press on, no turning back.”

RESPONSE: Today I will persevere in following Jesus no matter what obstacles I face. I will not turn back!

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for the example of believers like Akin whose example imitates Yours in teaching me to follow after You, no matter the cost.

Girlfriends in God - When Life is Blurry

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. (Isaiah 49:15-16, NASB)

Friend to Friend

Have you ever felt alone, scared, angry, confused, and hurt all at the same time? Ever felt like running away from a difficult situation? I have. There was a time when I wanted to run—hard and fast—from life as I knew it.

I was a young mom with three babies that had been born within three and a half years. (A maternal trifecta!) Then, to everybody’s surprise, my husband got a promotion that moved our seedling family across the country to a place where we didn’t know anybody.

I jokingly refer to that time as the “blurry era.” I had two babies in diapers that carried around their blankies, and one “big boy” who was potty training and struggling to say goodbye to his binky. There was always a diaper to change, a mouth to feed, or a mess to clean up.

My days were a blur and my emotions were overloaded.

I was tired 24/7.

Each day, my husband Brad wore a suit, smelled of cologne, and drove to a sleek metropolitan high rise. I wore sweats, smelled of either throw up, baby food, or formula, and stayed home with three little humans who constantly cried, ate, played, made a mess, or slept (but never at the same time).

Brad earned his company’s President’s Club Award that year. I earned our family’s Pouter Club Award.

I had left the work force and surrendered my weekly paycheck to wipe little bottoms and snotty noses. While I love my children dearly and did enjoy many sweet mommy moments, life didn’t seem fair at the time.

As a young mom, I regularly wrestled with my role in our family. My identity felt muted. Chained down. I felt that to embrace my position as a stay-at-home mom was the equivalent of hugging a porcupine. I didn’t want to do it! I associated my worth with my work…and wrongly so.

I allowed my self-worth to be determined by variable factors.

I felt less valuable as a woman, and I felt alone.

Post partum depression was my reality. In darker moments, I felt invisible and insignificant. As if the world might be better without me.

So many women struggle with these same feelings. Perhaps you are wrestling with feelings of insignificance right now. Allow these words of Jesus to turn your heart to the truth of your value:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

I struggled to view myself as God did.

During that season Scripture was essential to train my heart on truth. (It still is!) God also used a friend to remind me of my value. He answered prayers that never even made it past my lips when he sent me a priceless girlfriend named Peg. She was a young mom who had also just left the workforce. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together, watched each other’s children, and encouraged one another. She was a true blessing in that desperate season of life.

Do you have friends like Peg? Are you that friend to anyone else?

Christian community makes such a difference. It’s important that we don’t push people away and isolate. It’s important that we don’t push God away. When we open our hearts and our homes to others and embrace the truth of who God says we are, we become vessels of encouragement and esteem to one another.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, Thanks for the beauty of friendship and for reminding me that I am never beyond Your sight or Your reach. Help me to face blurry and emotionally charged days with a courage that is firmly routed in your strength.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read what the Lord said through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 49:15-16, “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”

How does this affect you to know that this is God’s heart for you?

More from the Girlfriends

Portions of today’s devotion are from Gwen’s book Broken Into Beautiful. If you’re brave enough to get real so that you—and those you love—can discover true freedom and God's extravagant restoration, get your copy today. To order the book go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen’s web store.

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Un Dia a la Vez - La lámpara del cuerpo

El ojo es la lámpara del cuerpo. Por tanto, si tu visión es clara, todo tu ser disfrutará de la luz. Mateo 6:22

En un devocional anterior pudimos aprender que los ojos son la lámpara del cuerpo. Que debemos guardarlos no solo por la salud física, sino también por la salud espiritual debido a lo que vemos.
Si lo que vemos nos corrompe, nuestro cuerpo se dañará de igual manera. Claro, esto tiene toda la lógica del mundo: Una persona que solo ve pornografía, esa es la información diaria que le da a su mente y a su cuerpo.

Y si tu ojo es bueno, tu cuerpo será bueno del mismo modo.

Dios desea que tú seas libre y bueno.

Y lo puedes ser entregándole esa esfera o cualquier otra.

Él nos cambia y nos transforma… solo si se lo permitimos.

Te recuerdo que la luz y las tinieblas se rechazan entre sí.

Verse of the Day - November 03, 2016

Romans 13:1 (NIV) [ Submission to Governing Authorities ] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Read all of Romans 13

The Daily Readings for November 3, 2016

Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15
Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations. The Lord apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and made a name for themselves by their valor; those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; those who spoke in prophetic oracles; those who led the people by their counsels and by their knowledge of the people's lore; they were wise in their words of instruction; those who composed musical tunes, or put verses in writing; rich men endowed with resources, living peacefully in their homes-- all these were honored in their generations, and were the pride of their times. Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise. But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their wealth will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance with their children's children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. Their offspring will continue forever, and their glory will never be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name lives on generation after generation. The assembly declares their wisdom, and the congregation proclaims their praise.

Revelation 16:12-21
The sixth angel poured his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up in order to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw three foul spirits like frogs coming from the mouth of the dragon, from the mouth of the beast, and from the mouth of the false prophet. These are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. ("See, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and is clothed, not going about naked and exposed to shame.") And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Harmagedon. The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a violent earthquake, such as had not occurred since people were upon the earth, so violent was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. God remembered great Babylon and gave her the wine-cup of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found; and huge hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, dropped from heaven on people, until they cursed God for the plague of the hail, so fearful was that plague.

Luke 13:18-30
He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." And again he said, "To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few be saved?" He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then in reply he will say to you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will say, 'I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Morning Psalms

Psalm 70 Deus, in adjutorium
1   Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
2   Let those who seek my life be ashamed and altogether dismayed; let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and be disgraced.
3   Let those who say to me "Aha!" and gloat over me turn back, because they are ashamed.
4   Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say for ever, "Great is the LORD!"
5   But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me speedily, O God.
6   You are my helper and my deliverer; O LORD, do not tarry.

Psalm 71 In te, Domine, speravi
1   In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed.
2   In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; incline your ear to me and save me.
3   Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold.
4   Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5   For you are my hope, O LORD God, my confidence since I was young.
6   I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother's womb you have been my strength; my praise shall be always of you.
7   I have become a portent to many; but you are my refuge and my strength.
8   Let my mouth be full of your praise and your glory all the day long.
9   Do not cast me off in my old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.
10   For my enemies are talking against me, and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.
11   They say, "God has forsaken him; go after him and seize him; because there is none who will save."
12   O God, be not far from me; come quickly to help me, O my God.
13   Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and be disgraced; let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn and reproach.
14   But I shall always wait in patience, and shall praise you more and more.
15   My mouth shall recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all day long; though I cannot know the number of them.
16   I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.
17   O God, you have taught me since I was young, and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.
18   And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come.
19   Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; you have done great things; who is like you, O God?
20   You have showed me great troubles and adversities, but you will restore my life and bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.
21   You strengthen me more and more; you enfold and comfort me,
22   Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23   My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.
24   My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought to do me harm.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 74 Ut quid, Deus?
1   O God, why have you utterly cast us off? why is your wrath so hot against the sheep of your pasture?
2   Remember your congregation that you purchased long ago, the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance, and Mount Zion where you dwell.
3   Turn your steps toward the endless ruins; the enemy has laid waste everything in your sanctuary.
4   Your adversaries roared in your holy place; they set up their banners as tokens of victory.
5   They were like men coming up with axes to a grove of trees; they broke down all your carved work with hatchets and hammers.
6   They set fire to your holy place; they defiled the dwelling-place of your Name and razed it to the ground.
7   They said to themselves, "Let us destroy them altogether." They burned down all the meeting-places of God in the land.
8   There are no signs for us to see; there is no prophet left; there is not one among us who knows how long.
9   How long, O God, will the adversary scoff? will the enemy blaspheme your Name for ever?
10   Why do you draw back your hand? why is your right hand hidden in your bosom?
11   Yet God is my King from ancient times, victorious in the midst of the earth.
12   You divided the sea by your might and shattered the heads of the dragons upon the waters;
13   You crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him to the people of the desert for food.
14   You split open spring and torrent; you dried up ever-flowing rivers.
15   Yours is the day, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun.
16   You fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.
17   Remember, O LORD, how the enemy scoffed, how a foolish people despised your Name.
18   Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; never forget the lives of your poor.
19   Look upon your covenant; the dark places of the earth are haunts of violence.
20   Let not the oppressed turn away ashamed; let the poor and needy praise your Name.
21   Arise, O God, maintain your cause; remember how fools revile you all day long.
22   Forget not the clamor of your adversaries, the unending tumult of those who rise up against you.

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 Daily Meditation for November 3, 2016

From Forward Day By Day
Written by Richelle Thompson

Psalm 71:9 (NRSV) Do not cast me off in my old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.

A year ago, my mother faced a critical diagnosis and a risky surgery. She wondered, like we all might, about her legacy. She didn’t write the great American novel, but she read books to me night after night. When money was tight, she made ornaments out of what we had: a pacifier with tinsel, Styrofoam balls covered in pins and beads. We learned what it felt like to deliver Thanksgiving baskets to families who had dirt floors and no heat. She poured warm oil to soothe aching ears and tended to broken hearts. Her mothering, though not perfect, continues to teach me about true love (a great wealth indeed), and I am blessed to still be able to seek her advice and support.

Over the past few days, we have honored the saints, those the Church celebrates with special recognition and those quieter souls whose lives may be smaller, their impacts more localized, but whose righteous deeds, like my mother’s, shall not be forgotten. How can we treasure them today? How might we live in a way that will shape generations to come?

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Our Daily Bread - Leading with Love

By David McCasland

Read: Philemon 8–18 | Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 30–31; Philemon

I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. Philemon 9

In his book Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders explores the qualities and the importance of tact and diplomacy. “Combining these two words,” Sanders says, “the idea emerges of skill in reconciling opposing viewpoints without giving offense and without compromising principle.”

During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, he became the spiritual mentor and close friend of a runaway slave named Onesimus, whose owner was Philemon. When Paul wrote to Philemon, a leader of the church in Colossae, asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, he exemplified tact and diplomacy. “Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. . . . [Onesimus] is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord”  (Philem. 8–9, 16).

Paul, a respected leader of the early church, often gave clear commands to the followers of Jesus. In this case, though, he appealed to Philemon on the basis of equality, friendship, and love. “I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary” (v. 14).

In all our relationships, may we seek to preserve harmony and principle in the spirit of love.

Father in heaven, in all our relationships, give us grace and wisdom to be wise leaders, parents, and friends.

Leaders who serve will serve as good leaders.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Unser Täglich Brot - Mit Liebe leiten

Von David McCasland

Lesen: Philemon 8-18 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: Jeremia 30–31; Philemon

Darum . . . will ich um der Liebe willen bitten. (Philemon 9)

In seinem Buch Geistliche Leiterschaft beschreibt J. Oswald Sanders Wesen und Wichtigkeit von Takt und Diplomatie. „In diesen beiden Worten“, so sagt er, „liegt die Kunst, sich widersprechende Standpunkte zusammenzufassen, ohne verletzend zu sein oder Kompromisse der Prinzipien einzugehen.“

Während seiner Gefangenschaft in Rom wurde Paulus zum geistlichen Mentor und Freund eines entlaufenen Sklaven namens Onesimus. In einem Brief bittet Paulus Philemon, den Besitzer von Onesimus und Mitarbeiter der Gemeinde in Kolossä, Onesimus als Bruder in Christus wieder aufzunehmen. Er tut das taktvoll und diplomatisch: „Obwohl ich in Christus alle Freiheit habe, dir zu gebieten, was sich gebührt, will ich um der Liebe willen doch nur bitten . . . [für Onesimus], der mehr ist als ein Sklave; ein geliebter Bruder, besonders für mich, wie viel mehr aber für dich, sowohl im leiblichen Leben wie auch in dem Herrn“ (Philemon 8-9.16).

Paulus, ein geachteter Leiter der frühen Gemeinden, gab oft sehr klare Anweisungen. In diesem Fall jedoch appellierte er an Philemon auf der Basis von Gleichheit, Freundschaft und Liebe. „Ohne deinen Willen wollte ich nichts tun, damit das Gute dir nicht abgenötigt wäre, sondern freiwillig geschähe“ (V.14).

Auch wir sollten in unseren Beziehungen versuchen, im Geist der Liebe Harmonie und Haltung zu bewahren.

Himmlischer Vater, schenk uns in allen unseren Beziehungen, ob als Leiter, Eltern oder Freunde, Gnade und Weisheit.

Leiter, die zum Dienen bereit sind, dienen als gute Leiter.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Руководство с любовью

автор: Дэвид Маккасланд

Читать сейчас: Филимону 1:8-18 | Библия за год: Иеремия 30-31; 1 Фессалоникийцам 1

По любви лучше прошу. — Филимону 1:9

В книге «Духовное руководство» Освальд Сандерс исследует значимость тактичности и дипломатичности. «Из сочетания этих слов, – отмечает Сандерс, – появляется умение примирять противоположные взгляды без оскорблений и компромиссов».

Во время заключения в Риме Павел стал духовным наставником и другом беглого раба по имени Онисим, чьим хозяином был Филимон. Павел написал Филимону, одному из руководителей церкви в Колоссах, письмо, в котором просил его принять Онисима как брата во Христе. Это письмо – образец тактичности и дипломатичности. «Имея великое во Христе дерзновение приказывать тебе, что должно, – по любви лучше прошу... принять его навсегда, уже не как раба, но выше раба – брата возлюбленного, особенно мне, а тем более тебе, и по плоти, и в Господе» (Флм. 1:8-9, 15-16).

Павел, апостол и основатель церквей, часто давал четкие повеления христианам. Но в этом случае он обращается к Филимону на основании равенства, дружбы и любви. «Без твоего согласия ничего не хотел сделать, чтобы доброе дело твое было не вынужденно, а добровольно», – пишет он (Флм. 1:14).

Будем и мы в отношениях с людьми стремиться к гармонии и искренней любви.

Отче Небесный, даруй нам благодать и силу всегда быть мудрыми руководителями, родителями и друзьями.

Тот руководитель хорош, кто умеет служить.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Diriger avec amour

par David McCasland

Lisez : Philémon 8‑18 | La Bible en un an : Jérémie 30 – 31 et Philémon

[C’est] de préférence au nom de l’amour que je t’adresse une prière. (Philémon 9)

Dans son livre Le Leader spirituel, J. Oswald Sanders étudie les qualités du tact et de la diplomatie, ainsi que leur importance. À leur sujet, il dit : « Si l’on combine ces deux mots, une idée émerge : l’habileté à réconcilier des points de vue opposés sans offenser ou sans faire de compromis avec les principes » (France, Éditions Farel, 1994, p. 81).

Durant son incarcération à Rome, Paul est devenu le mentor spirituel et ami intime d’un esclave en fuite du nom d’Onésime ayant un certain Philémon pour maître. En écrivant à ce Philémon, leader dans l’Église de Colosse, pour lui demander d’accueillir Onésime à titre de frère en Christ, Paul a fait preuve de tact et de diplomatie : « C’est pourquoi, bien que j’aie en Christ toute liberté de te prescrire ce qui est convenable, c’est de préférence au nom de l’amour que je t’adresse une prière […] pour mon enfant […] un frère bien‑aimé, de moi particulièrement, et de toi à plus forte raison, soit dans la chair, soit dans le Seigneur » (PHM 8‑10,16).

Leader respecté de l’Église primitive, Paul a souvent donné des instructions claires aux disciples de Jésus. Dans ce cas‑ci, par contre, il a fait appel à la compassion de Philémon sur la base de l’égalité, de l’amitié et de l’amour : « Toutefois, je n’ai rien voulu faire sans ton avis, afin que ton bienfait ne soit pas comme forcé, mais qu’il soit volontaire » (V. 14).

Mus par un esprit d’amour dans toutes nos relations, cherchons donc à faire prévaloir l’harmonie et les principes chrétiens.

Les leaders-serviteurs rendent de bons services à Dieu.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ