Хліб Наш Насущній - Ім’я над іменами

Ім’я над іменами

Читати: Вихід 6:1-8 | Біблія за рік: Еклезіястова 7–9 ; 2 Коринтян 13

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Тому й Бог повищив Його, та дав Йому Ім’я, що вище над кожне ім’я. — Филип’ян 2:9

Ім’я Антоніо Страдіварі (1644–1737) стало легендарним у світі музики. Його скрипки, віолончелі та альти настільки цінуються за майстерність і чистоту звучання, що багато з них отримали власні назви. Один з інструментів, наприклад, відомий як “Месія-Салабу Страдіваріус”. Коли на ньому зіграв скрипаль Йозеф Йоахім (1831–1907), він сказав: “Я знову і знову згадую звучання цього унікального інструмента, з його мелодійністю і величністю”.

Втім навіть ім’я і звучання інструментів Страдіварі не можна порівняти з працею набагато величнішого Майстра. Упродовж усієї історії Бог богів називає Себе Ім’ям, яке вище за всі інші імена. Він хоче, аби ми визнавали, цінували і прославляли Його мудрість та діла під звуки музики (Вих. 6:1; 15:1-2).

Однак цей вияв сили у відповідь на благання страждаючого народу був лише початком. Хто б міг передбачити, що одного дня через слабкість розіп’ятих рук Бог залишить спадщину вічної і безмежної цінності? Хто б міг провістити дивовижу і велич музики, яка звучатиме в Ім’я Того, Хто помер, понісши покарання за наші гріхи і провини, щоб показати, як сильно Він нас любить?

Яким чином рука Майстра формує ваше життя, аби ви носили Його Ім’я? Що Він сьогодні робить, аби нагадати вам, що ви Його дитя?

Прочитайте брошуру “Обітниці Божі”.

Отче Небесний, будь ласка, працюй в нас і через нас, аби інші побачили, що ми усім завдячуємо Тобі.

Автор Мартін де Гаан

© 2019 Хліб Наш Насущні

Ім’я Антоніо Страдіварі (1644–1737) стало легендарним у світі музики. Його скрипки, віолончелі та альти настільки цінуються за майстерність і чистоту звучання, що багато з них отримали власні назви.

The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, September 20, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, September 20, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 79:1-9

Plea for Mercy for Jerusalem
A Psalm of Asaph.
1  O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
     they have defiled your holy temple;
     they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2  They have given the bodies of your servants
     to the birds of the air for food,
     the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of
   the earth.
3  They have poured out their blood like water
     all around Jerusalem,
     and there was no one to bury them.
4  We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
     mocked and derided by those around us.

5  How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?
     Will your jealous wrath burn like fire?
6  Pour out your anger on the nations
     that do not know you,
   and on the kingdoms
     that do not call on your name.
7  For they have devoured Jacob
     and laid waste his habitation.

8  Do not remember against us the iniquities of our
   ancestors;
     let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
     for we are brought very low.
9  Help us, O God of our salvation,
     for the glory of your name;
   deliver us, and forgive our sins,
     for your name’s sake.

Jeremiah 8:1-13

8:1 At that time, says the Lord, the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of its officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be brought out of their tombs; 2 and they shall be spread before the sun and the moon and all the host of heaven, which they have loved and served, which they have followed, and which they have inquired of and worshiped; and they shall not be gathered or buried; they shall be like dung on the surface of the ground. 3 Death shall be preferred to life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family in all the places where I have driven them, says the Lord of hosts.

The Blind Perversity of the Whole Nation
4  You shall say to them, Thus says the Lord:
   When people fall, do they not get up again?
     If they go astray, do they not turn back?
5  Why then has this people turned away
     in perpetual backsliding?
   They have held fast to deceit,
     they have refused to return.
6  I have given heed and listened,
     but they do not speak honestly;
   no one repents of wickedness,
     saying, “What have I done!”
   All of them turn to their own course,
     like a horse plunging headlong into battle.
7  Even the stork in the heavens
     knows its times;
   and the turtledove, swallow, and crane
     observe the time of their coming;
   but my people do not know
     the ordinance of the Lord.

8  How can you say, “We are wise,
     and the law of the Lord is with us,”
   when, in fact, the false pen of the scribes
     has made it into a lie?
9  The wise shall be put to shame,
     they shall be dismayed and taken;
   since they have rejected the word of the Lord,
     what wisdom is in them?
10 Therefore I will give their wives to others
     and their fields to conquerors,
   because from the least to the greatest
     everyone is greedy for unjust gain;
   from prophet to priest
     everyone deals falsely.
11 They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,
     saying, “Peace, peace,”
     when there is no peace.
12 They acted shamefully, they committed abomination;
     yet they were not at all ashamed,
     they did not know how to blush.
   Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
     at the time when I punish them, they shall be
   overthrown,
       says the Lord.
13 When I wanted to gather them, says the Lord,
     there are no grapes on the vine,
     nor figs on the fig tree;
   even the leaves are withered,
     and what I gave them has passed away from them.

Romans 8:31-39

God’s Love in Christ Jesus
8:31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written,

   “For your sake we are being killed all day long;
     we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Spirit of God makes the love of God real to us. The Father is for us, the Son is for us, and the Spirit is for us. Nothing can separate us from His love. Is there any reason why we should not be “more than conquerors”?

The Daily Prayer for FRIDAY, September 20, 2019

The Daily Prayer

for FRIDAY, September 20, 2019

Paul Chong Hasang (1794-1839) and the Korean Martyrs

Paul Chong Hasang was the son of Augustine Chong Yakjong, one of Korea’s first converts to Christianity. Yakjong was martyred with Paul’s older brother, but Yakjong’s wife and their remaining children, including seven-year-old Paul, were spared. Paul became a government interpreter, which allowed him to travel and eventually meet a bishop in Beijing whom he entreated to send priests as missionaries to Korea. Years later, Paul learned Latin and theology, and he was about to be ordained when persecution broke out in 1839. Refusing to renounce his faith, Paul was bound to a cross on a cart. We remember him on this day, along with Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest, and 103 other Korean Christians who were martyred.

When a judge told Paul Chong Hasang that the king had forbidden Christianity and that it was his duty as a loyal subject to renounce the faith, Paul replied, “I have told you that I am a Christian, and will be one until my death.”

Thank you, Lord, for the witness of those who have counted their relationship with you more important than their very lives. Draw us to you in constant prayer, that we might grow in the intimacy that makes your passion ours. Amen.

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, September 20, 2019

Joel 2:23 (NIV) Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Read all of Joel 2

Listen to Joel 2

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

Un dia a la Vez - Viernes 20 de Septiembre de 2019

Oración por nuestra defensa

Yo le digo al Señor: «Tú eres mi refugio, mi fortaleza, el Dios en quien confío».

~ Salmo 91:2 (NVI)

Señor, ¡qué cosas tan hermosas nos has dejado en tu Palabra! Cuando leo el Salmo 91, comprendo, mi Dios, que si soy obediente a tu Palabra, mi vida estará siempre bajo tus alas. Con tus cuidados y protección. Que no debo temer a nada ni nadie porque eres mi Defensor.

En tu Palabra prometiste no abandonarme y estar conmigo en todo momento.

Ayúdame, Señor, a darte todo mi amor y a confiar plenamente en tu poder.

Dios mío, no temeré y descansaré en ti.

Por más noticias preocupantes que se escuchen afuera, yo creeré en ti.

Amén y amén.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Oración por nuestra defensa

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Friday, September 20, 2019

WE DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO DO GOD’S WILL

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

~ 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

Our Open Doors colleague, Ron Boyd-MacMillan, shares the following insight from his teaching, “Why I Need to Encounter the Persecuted Church.”

While living in Hong Kong, I used to make a point of having dinner with many of the Open Doors supporters worldwide that gave up some holiday time to courier Bibles into China. Often in the course of their travels some of them would meet famous house church leaders and say, “To be truthful, I was a bit disappointed in meeting.” They would add something like, “I thought these people would be remarkable saints, and of course they were, but they were also quite prejudiced, or rude, or had some other feature that I did not think worthy of a very spiritual leader.” They assumed that the persecuted were “super-saints.” But they are not.

It is a very unfortunate trend to idolize the persecuted. We assume that if a Christian survives twenty years in a stinking prison cell they are in a completely different spiritual category from ourselves. They are of course different in what they have experienced, but that does not necessarily make them more spiritual. As J.C. Ryle once put it, “Even the best of men are only men at the best.” They often retain the blind spots and prejudices of their culture.

On one occasion I was taking a distinguished Bible teacher to meet a revival leader in Lanzhou, Gansu province. This Chinese leader had seen over 50,000 people come to know the Lord through his ministry over a ten-year period, but to our amazement he taught that “you can only come to faith on a Sunday.” He had been taught Christianity by his beloved grandmother, who believed the Lord would only listen to pleas for repentance on a Sunday. We talked and argued about this, and eventually he threw us out shouting, “You just hate my Granny.” I hear now, years later, that he has extended the “repentance period” to Saturday as well. Yet he is still an extremely effective evangelist despite this chronic, man-made obstacle he has erected to the grace of God!

Surely the great point is this: flawed as some Chinese leaders were, they did the will of God mightily. They labored in a country that has seen the number of Christians grow from less than one million in 1949 to over eighty millions today—the largest revival in the history of Christendom. God didn’t stop pouring out his Spirit because his saints were imperfect.

If the persecuted teach us anything, it is that God will work through us even despite our prejudices, blind spots and eccentricities. If we offer ourselves, we will be used…as we are.

We do not have to be perfect to do God’s will. Otherwise, no one could.

RESPONSE: Today I will walk in faith thankful that I do not have to be perfect to do God’s will.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that You can still use me with all my imperfections and blind spots.

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

Men of the Bible - Friday, September 20, 2019

John the Baptist

His name may mean: "Yahweh Has Been Gracious"

His work: He was the forerunner of Jesus, called to live in the spirit and power of Elijah. John prepared the way by preaching the need for repentance.
His character: John was completely focused on his assignment, unaffected by anything other than his message. And he wasn't willing to take on this duty without plenty of preparation.
His sorrow: A prophet's greatest joy is in preaching. But John spent the final days of his life in prison, unable to do what God had called and gifted him to do.
His triumph: God chose John to baptize his Son. No greater honor has ever been given a man.
Key Scriptures: Luke 1:5-25; 3:1-20

A Look at the Man

People in Israel were expecting the Messiah. The prophet Malachi had spoken of a redeemer, saying, "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes" this long-awaited day of the Lord had melted into years, decades, centuries. Generations had come and gone, and still there was silence. God's voice was not heard.

But then came John with the clear-cut assignment pronounced centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for him.'" John's voice was so strong and so persistent that it was heard even in the king's palace. When Herod learned that John had pronounced judgment on his illegal and immoral marriage to his brother's wife, he threw the prophet in prison.

While imprisoned, John felt the need of reassurance about the one whose way he was preparing. Had he, like so many others, secretly hoped the Messiah would be like other great kings, using military force to overthrow his adversaries? But Jesus had assembled no armies. Perhaps, he may have thought, Jesus would use political force. But civil reform would never prove to be part of Jesus' agenda.

When John's emissaries questioned Jesus, they found him at work, curing diseases, giving sight to the blind, delivering those who were possessed by evil spirits. Jesus merely replied to their questions with the command: "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard."

Imagine how John must have been pleased with this message. This is not what I expected in the Messiah, he may have thought. But Jesus must be from God. No one could do these things unless he was the one we have waited for.

A short time later, John was beheaded by Herod. By his life and by his death he prepared the way of the Lord, whose kingdom was not of this earth. Jesus said of John: "I tell you the truth. Among those born of a woman there has not risen anyone greater than John."

John said of Jesus, "One more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.... He must become greater; I must become less." A perfect summary of what it means to prepare the way of the Lord.

Reflect On: Luke 3:7–14
Praise God: For his faithfulness.
Offer Thanks: For God’s plan of salvation, for the obedience of John the Baptist, and for sending his Son.
Confess: Your fear of boldness in speaking the truth and in telling of your love for God and your faith in him.
Ask God: For opportunities to tell others of his mercy and for courage to speak.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
John was completely focused on his assignment, unaffected by anything other than his message. And he wasn't willing to take on this duty without plenty of preparation.

LHM Daily Devotions - September 20, 2019 - Through Our Lives

"Through Our Lives"

Sep. 20, 2019

(Jesus said) "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples."

~ John 15:8 (ESV)

A healthy, thriving plant is a plant that reproduces and bears fruit. Its roots take hold, reaching deep into the soil, nourishing its structure from bottom to top.

Likewise, Jesus' disciples are people—God's branches—who bear fruit. As Christians our lives have been redeemed for service and praise so that we can bless the lives of others and magnify God by how we live. This, unfortunately, is not always the case. We may hear the call to help—the call to get involved in the fruit-bearing process—but then, for whatever reason, not respond to that call. In the end, it's easy to take God's provision for granted.

But God empowers us through His Word and His Spirit at work in our lives. He nourishes the tree; He provides everything we need to carry His message of grace forward into the lives of others. It is Him alone who makes this possible. Though 10,000 witnesses had seen the risen Christ, we would remain as doubting Thomas if the Holy Spirit had not convinced us of this truth. It was God's grace, which allowed these many witnesses to see the risen Lord firsthand. That same grace allows us to see Him through the eyes of faith.

But what about those people who do not know Jesus? How do we respond to them?

In Lutheran Hour Ministries' global outreach, the Good News of Jesus reaches millions yearly through the Word spoken to them and through the hands-on efforts of dedicated Christians in the United States and around the world. God blesses His branches, His people, throughout the world, that they may bear fruit and so glorify the Father above. And the same grace that allows us to see Him through the eyes of faith, will also be at work in the lives of others for them to see.

The ascended Lord Jesus continues to bless His church on earth with ambassadors of His life-giving Gospel. He calls pastors and teachers and lay people everywhere, and He supplies them with the wisdom and resources they need to proclaim God's Word faithfully.

We have been set aside for a special purpose—one given to us by God and meant to a beacon to those around us. The Word of God tells us, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

There is fruit to be born in our lives, and God is ready to make that happen. He sent His Son to die for us and for our sins. He brought us to faith in Him. Of all the people in the world, we are privileged to share His Good News with others.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, move us through Your Holy Spirit so others may witness Your love through our lives. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some of the ways God nourishes His branches—His people?
• How is God glorified by fruit production in our lives?
• Do you feel like God can use you to bear fruit for Him?

This Daily Devotion was written by a contributing writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What are some of the ways God nourishes His branches—His people?

Devocional del CPTLN del 20 de Septiembre de 2019 - A través de nuestra vida

ALIMENTO DIARIO

A través de nuestra vida

20 de Septiembre de 2019

(Jesús dijo) "En esto es glorificado mi Padre: en que lleven mucho fruto, y sean así mis discípulos".

~ Juan 15:8 (RVC)

Una planta sana y fructífera es una planta que se reproduce y da fruto. Sus raíces se aferran al suelo, profundamente, nutriendo así su estructura de abajo hacia arriba.

Del mismo modo, los discípulos de Jesús somos personas que nos convertimos en las ramas de Dios, ramas que dan fruto. Como cristianos, nuestras vidas han sido redimidas para el servicio y la adoración a Dios, para que podamos bendecir las vidas de otras personas y darle así gloria a Dios con nuestra manera de vivir. Desafortunadamente, no siempre es así. Es posible que escuchemos cuando se nos llama a ayudar, a involucrarnos en el proceso de fructificación, pero, por cualquier excusa, no respondemos a ese llamado. Al final, muy fácilmente damos por sentada la provisión de Dios.

Pero Dios nos empodera a través de Su Palabra y del trabajo de Su Espíritu en nuestras vidas. Él nutre nuestro árbol; Él nos proporciona todo lo que necesitamos para llevar su mensaje de gracia a los demás. Sólo Dios hace esto posible. Aunque 10,000 testigos vieron al Cristo resucitado, nosotros seguiríamos dudando como Tomás si el Espíritu Santo no nos hubiera convencido de la verdad. Fue la gracia de Dios la que permitió a estos muchos testigos ver al Señor resucitado en primera fila. Esa misma gracia nos permite verlo a través de los ojos de la fe.

¿Pero qué hay de aquellas personas que no conocen a Jesús? ¿Cómo les respondemos a ellos?

En el alcance global de los Ministerios de La Hora Luterana, las Buenas Nuevas de Jesús alcanzan a millones de personas cada año a través de la Palabra predicada y los esfuerzos prácticos de cristianos dedicados en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo. Dios bendice sus ramas, su pueblo, en todo el mundo, para que den fruto y glorifiquen a Dios Padre. Y la misma gracia que nos permite ver a Dios a través de los ojos de la fe, estará trabajando en la vida de los demás para que lo vean también.

El ascendido Señor Jesús continúa bendiciendo a Su iglesia en la tierra con embajadores de Su Evangelio que da vida. Él llama a pastores, maestros y laicos en todas partes, y les proporciona la sabiduría y los recursos que necesitan para proclamar la Palabra de Dios fielmente.

Hemos sido apartados para un propósito especial, uno dado por Dios y destinado a ser un faro de luz para quienes nos rodean. La Palabra de Dios nos dice: "Pero ustedes son linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo adquirido por Dios, para que anuncien los hechos maravillosos de aquel que los llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable" (1 Pedro 2:9).

Hay frutos listos para germinar en nuestras vidas, y Dios espera que eso suceda. Él envió a su Hijo a morir por nosotros y por nuestros pecados. Nos trajo a la fe en él. De todas las personas en el mundo, nosotros tenemos el privilegio de compartir Sus Buenas Nuevas con los demás.

ORACIÓN: Padre celestial, muévenos a través de tu Espíritu Santo para que otros puedan presenciar tu amor a través de nuestras vidas. En Jesús. Amén

Esta devoción diaria fue escrita por un escritor contribuyente para Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Para reflexionar:

• ¿En qué formas nutre Dios a sus ramas: a su pueblo?
• ¿De qué forma glorificas a Dios produciendo frutos en tu vida?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿En qué formas nutre Dios a sus ramas: a su pueblo?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Ở Trong Cây Nho

Ở Trong Cây Nho

Đọc: Giăng 15:1–8 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Truyền Đạo 4–6; II Cô-rinh-tô 12

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Như cành nho, nếu không ở trong cây nho thì tự nó không thể ra quả được. Nếu các con không cứ ở trong Ta thì cũng như vậy. Giăng 15:4

Mùa xuân đến sau một mùa đông vô cùng ảm đạm Emma giúp đỡ người thân trong suốt thời gian dài bị bệnh, cô thấy được khích lệ mỗi khi đi ngang qua cây anh đào gần nhà ở Cambridge, nước Anh. Nở rộ trên đỉnh những bông hoa màu hồng là những đóa hoa màu trắng. Người làm vườn thông minh đã ghép một nhánh hoa trắng vào cây anh đào. Khi đi ngang qua cây hoa đặc biệt này, Emma nghĩ đến lời của Chúa Jêsus nói rằng Ngài là cây nho và những người theo Ngài là cành nho (Gi. 15:1-8).

Bằng cách dùng hình ảnh cây nho để chỉ về Ngài, Chúa Jêsus đang nói đến một hình ảnh quen thuộc với dân Y-sơ-ra-ên trong thời Cựu Ước, vì ở đó cây nho tượng trưng cho dân Ngài (Thi. 80:8-9; Ôs. 10:1). Chúa Jêsus đã mở rộng biểu tượng này để chỉ về chính Ngài khi phán rằng Ngài là cây nho, còn những người theo Ngài như những cành nho được ghép vào. Và khi ở trong Ngài, họ sẽ được nuôi dưỡng và mạnh mẽ để kết quả (Gi. 15:5).

Khi giúp đỡ người thân trong gia đình, Emma cần được nhắc nhở rằng cô đã được kết nối với Chúa Jêsus. Việc nhìn thấy những bông hoa trắng giữa những bông hoa màu hồng là sự nhắc nhở về lẽ thật rằng nếu cô cứ ở trong cây nho, cô sẽ luôn nhận được sự nuôi dưỡng từ Ngài.

Khi chúng ta tin nhận Chúa Jêsus và luôn gần gũi Ngài như cành nho gắn vào cây nho, thì đức tin của chúng ta được tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ.

Điều gì xuất hiện trong tâm trí bạn khi suy nghĩ về cách cành cây được nuôi dưỡng thông qua hệ thống rễ và nhánh? Bạn được khích lệ thế nào khi nghĩ đến lẽ thật Chúa Jêsus là cây nho và bạn là cành?

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, cảm ơn Ngài đã giúp con cứ ở trong Ngài. Nguyện con tìm thấy sự bình an, hy vọng và sức lực con cần trong ngày hôm nay.

bởi Amy Boucher Pye

© 2019 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Khi chúng ta tin nhận Chúa Jêsus và luôn gần gũi Ngài như cành nho gắn vào cây nho, thì đức tin của chúng ta được tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ.

The Daily Lectionary for THURSDAY, Sept 19, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

THURSDAY, September 19, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 79:1-9

Plea for Mercy for Jerusalem
A Psalm of Asaph.
1  O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
     they have defiled your holy temple;
     they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2  They have given the bodies of your servants
     to the birds of the air for food,
     the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth.
3  They have poured out their blood like water
     all around Jerusalem,
     and there was no one to bury them.
4  We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
     mocked and derided by those around us.

5  How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?
     Will your jealous wrath burn like fire?
6  Pour out your anger on the nations
     that do not know you,
   and on the kingdoms
     that do not call on your name.
7  For they have devoured Jacob
     and laid waste his habitation.

8  Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;
     let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
     for we are brought very low.
9  Help us, O God of our salvation,
     for the glory of your name;
   deliver us, and forgive our sins,
     for your name’s sake.

Jeremiah 12:14-13:11

12:14 Thus says the Lord concerning all my evil neighbors who touch the heritage that I have given my people Israel to inherit: I am about to pluck them up from their land, and I will pluck up the house of Judah from among them. 15 And after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, and I will bring them again to their heritage and to their land, every one of them. 16 And then, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, “As the Lord lives,” as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of my people. 17 But if any nation will not listen, then I will completely uproot it and destroy it, says the Lord.

The Linen Loincloth
13:1 Thus said the Lord to me, “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth, and put it on your loins, but do not dip it in water.” 2 So I bought a loincloth according to the word of the Lord, and put it on my loins. 3 And the word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, 4 “Take the loincloth that you bought and are wearing, and go now to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a cleft of the rock.” 5 So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. 6 And after many days the Lord said to me, “Go now to the Euphrates, and take from there the loincloth that I commanded you to hide there.” 7 Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and I took the loincloth from the place where I had hidden it. But now the loincloth was ruined; it was good for nothing.

8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 9 Thus says the Lord: Just so I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. 10 This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own will and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing. 11 For as the loincloth clings to one’s loins, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the Lord, in order that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory. But they would not listen.

Romans 3:1-8

3:1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much, in every way. For in the first place the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true, as it is written,

   “So that you may be justified in your words,
     and prevail in your judging.”

5 But if our injustice serves to confirm the justice of God, what should we say? That God is unjust to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my falsehood God’s truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), “Let us do evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is deserved!

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

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
Enjoyment of God's word and ordinances, is the chief happiness of a people. But God's promises are made only to believers; therefore the unbelief of some, or of many professors, cannot make this faithfulness of no effect. He will fulfil his promises to his people, and bring his threatened vengeance upon unbelievers.

The Daily Prayer for THURSDAY, Sept 19, 2019

The Daily Prayer

for THURSDAY, September 19, 2019

Oscar Romero, martyr of the church in El Salvador, said, “A church that suffers no persecution but enjoys the privileges and support of the things of the earth—beware!—is not the true church of Jesus Christ. A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call.”

Lord, grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may ever be supported by the love and prayer of your beloved community, and may know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. Amen.

Verse of the Day for THURSDAY, Sept 19, 2019

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Read all of Ephesians 4

Listen to Ephesians 4

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

Un dia a la Vez - Jueves 19 de Septiembre de 2019

Dios es nuestro mayor defensor

El que habita al abrigo del Altísimo morará bajo la sombra del Omnipotente.

~ Salmo 91:1 (RV-60)

En el Manual de Instrucciones, Dios nos dice que «abogado tenemos para con el Padre, a Jesucristo el justo» (1 Juan 2:1).

Sin embargo, para que esto sea así, debes creerle a Dios y tener tu fe puesta en Él, a fin de que veas este versículo hecho realidad en tu vida.

A cada momento vivimos situaciones donde decimos: «¿Quién podrá defenderme ahora?». Entonces comprobamos que solo Dios puede ayudarnos porque Él es omnipotente y omnipresente.

Creerle a Dios es un gran beneficio, pues aunque tal parece que esa situación que hoy vives es un callejón sin salida, Dios tiene la salida para todo problema. Él tiene la última palabra y es el que cambia los decretos de muerte a vida, de enfermedad a sanidad, de prisión a libertad, de culpable a inocente.

A Dios le interesa que nos vaya bien.

De modo que si quieres activar esa defensa a tu favor, debes dejar de luchar con tus propias fuerzas, debes dejar de pensar que te las sabes todas y rendirte por completo a Jesús.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
En el Manual de Instrucciones, Dios nos dice que «abogado tenemos para con el Padre, a Jesucristo el justo» (1 Juan 2:1).

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Thursday, Sept 19, 2019

TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK

If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.

~ Luke 6:29 (NIV)

An Open Doors colleague shares the following incident from an SSTS seminar in Indonesia:

I remember standing in front of nearly 800 pastors on the island of Timor facing a serious dilemma. Most of the pastors were victims of attacks by Muslims on the island of Ambon. They had lost homes, churches and even family members during these attacks. They were hurt, devastated and needed answers to the challenges they faced.

As soon as I started preaching, one pastor stood up and interrupted me: “Must we accept the persecution from the Muslims or must we retaliate? We are tired of forgiving just to be attacked again. We believe it is time to defend the honor of God and retaliate. What must we do?”

I understood perfectly the challenges. I had met those who were attacked and I have seen the scars on the bodies of those who simply accepted it. I understood there was no easy answer. Then another pastor interrupted: “No, pastor, tell this brother he is wrong. The Bible tells us to accept our suffering. We will dishonor God if we retaliate. Seventy times seven we need to forgive. Isn’t this true?”

I looked at the pastors and replied, “The Bible is clear. You MUST retaliate!”

There was silence. I sensed the division. I could see the smiles on the faces of those who agreed and saw those who disagreed getting ready to leave the hall.

“Wait, brothers!” I intervened. “Before you leave, let me finish my sentence. Luke 6 teaches us clearly to retaliate, but in doing so, we need to choose our weapons. When someone curses you, you don’t just accept it. You retaliate by blessing him. When someone mistreats you and persecute you, you don’t just accept it. You retaliate by praying for him. When someone takes your cloak you retaliate by giving your undercoat. When someone slaps you in the face, don’t stand for it. Retaliate! Turn your other cheek.”

The burden of just accepting suffering was broken. They were satisfied.

RESPONSE: Today I will retaliate against attacks upon me using the spiritual weapons of Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, may I always remember how You want me to respond when others treat me badly.

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

Men's Devotional Bible - Thursday, Sept 19, 2019

On Track

1 Chronicles 23:24–32
Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1–11; Matthew 6:5–15; Colossians 4:2–4

What if every driver decided to ignore the center yellow lines? Smash-ups would rival apocalyptic visions. Those colored splotches in the roadway keep us on track. They keep us safe.

In our spiritual journey, praise and thanksgiving are like a yellow line, keeping our hearts on track. But it doesn’t take much to veer off course, does it? Think about the Levites. They were set apart to offer thanks and praise to God every morning and every night, day in and day out, in a never-ending cycle (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). It was their job. Forced “thank yous.” Praise, praise, praise.

Imagine the temptations inherent in this routine. Did easy-to-repeat prayers take the place of petitions motivated by full hearts and genuine gratitude? Did their minds wander as the words bubbled out? “Hear me, O God. Here we go again.”

We’ve all heard of the doctor who’s in terrible physical condition or the plumber whose house has leaky pipes. When you do something for a living, as these people do, it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated to keep your own life in order. This is what it may have been like for the Levites as well.

Praise and thanks are key ingredients in a healthy relationship with God. We need them as much as we need fresh air. Praise isn’t just an outward gesture; it reveals what’s inside us—the attitude we have toward God. When we offer meaningful thanks, we acknowledge that God’s goodness deserves our recognition and awe. Every gift comes from his hand. Nothing we’ve done grants us the sun’s bright rising or peaceful slumber at night—it all comes from God’s good hand.

How do we make our delight in God genuine and true every day? Unlike the Levites, God doesn’t demand that we follow certain daily requirements. Maybe that makes the routine more difficult. We are responsible for taking the time to bow before him and offer our praise and thanks.

When we skip this routine, we become like those drivers who disregard the center line—a potential accident waiting to happen. But when we take the time to regularly focus on and praise the God who loves us, he helps us to stay on track.

To Take Away

• Spiritually, would you describe yourself as “on track” or as “an accident waiting to happen”? Why?
• Why does God want you to praise him?
• List several things in your life for which you can praise and thank God. How can you keep your prayers of praise and thanksgiving fresh?

Hear me, O God. Here we go again.

LHM Daily Devotions - Sept 19, 2019 - Loving the Lord with All Our Minds

"Loving the Lord with All Our Minds"

Sep. 19, 2019

(Jesus said) "The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness."

~ Luke 16:8a (ESV)

The parable of the dishonest manager shows us a man who is about to be dismissed because the rich man he works for has heard that he is doing a lousy job. This is usually the point where the security guards show up and escort the guy off the premises, right? But that doesn't happen in this story. Instead, the rich man gives him a day or two to tidy up his paperwork—and, sure enough, the manager finds a way to cushion his own fall.

With the authority he still has left, he calls in everybody who owes his master money. He slashes their debts drastically and sends them away grateful. Chances are they had no idea what was really going on. They probably thought the master was in a really good mood that day, to have ordered such a thing!

And of course, once the rich man found out, it was too late for him, the master, to do anything about it. The whole village was doubtless praising him for his generosity. Trying to roll back the debt forgiveness would have been a public relations nightmare. So the dishonest manager escaped his just fate—at least for a while. He doubtless became a sofa surfer for as long as the debtors' gratitude held out. And the master had to admire his cunning.

It's an entertaining story, true. But why would Jesus tell it? What can we learn from this story?

There's only one good thing in this manager—and that is the sheer speed with which he faced the facts of his situation, figured out what his options were, and came up with a plan for his future. In other words, the man had brains—and he used them. He did not waste time mooning around, dreaming about what might have been. He came up with a workable plan and implemented it—brilliantly.

It's a sad fact of life that, as Jesus put it, "the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light" (Luke 16:8b). How often have you seen disasters in the church that could have been prevented with a little common sense? How often are resources wasted, people offended, or huge amounts of work done—only to have to be re-done—because nobody thought through all the possible consequences?

Christians often excuse this kind of thing because "their hearts were in the right place." Well, that may be true, but we are called to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37b). Jesus Himself was no bumbler. He would not have survived to reach the cross at God's chosen time if He had not had the good sense to know exactly how to deal with the antagonistic authorities such as Herod and the high priests.

Paul reminds us that Jesus is not just God's love, but God's wisdom for us. He is the One who is the light of our minds and hearts. Let us follow the Lord our wisdom with true hearts and clear minds, trusting in Him to show us His way.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, open my mind to understand Your will. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Do you think God cares about thinking and common sense? Why or why not?
• How do you serve the Lord with your mind?
• What is one thing you could do that would help you to serve him better in this way?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Do you think God cares about thinking and common sense? Why or why not?

Devocional del CPTLN del 19 de Septiembre de 2019 - Amando a Dios con toda nuestra mente

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Amando a Dios con toda nuestra mente

19 de Septiembre de 2019

(Jesús dijo) "Y el amo elogió al mal mayordomo por haber actuado con tanta sagacidad..."

~ Lucas 16:8 (RVC)

La parábola del mayordomo deshonesto nos muestra a un hombre que está a punto de ser despedido porque el hombre rico para quien trabaja se enteró de que está haciendo un mal trabajo. Este es generalmente el momento en que los guardias de seguridad aparecen en la escena y escoltan al empleado fuera de las instalaciones, ¿verdad? Pero eso no sucede en esta historia. Para su sorpresa, el hombre rico le da uno o dos días para ordenar sus expedientes y, efectivamente, el mayordomo encuentra una manera de amortiguar su propia caída.

Con la autoridad que aún le quedaba, el mayordomo llamó a todos los que le debían dinero a su jefe. Entonces rebajó drásticamente sus deudas y ellos se fueron agradecidos. Lo más probable es que no tenían idea de lo que realmente estaba sucediendo ¡Seguramente pensaron que el hombre rico estaba de muy buen humor ese día y por eso había ordenado tal rebaja!

Y, por supuesto, una vez que el hombre rico se enteró de las rebajas, ya era demasiado tarde para hacer algo al respecto. Indudablemente, toda la aldea lo alababa por su generosidad. Intentar revertir la condonación de la deuda habría sido una pesadilla de relaciones públicas. Así que el mayordomo deshonesto escapó del destino que le esperaba, al menos por un tiempo. Sin duda se hizo popular, al menos mientras duró la gratitud de los deudores. Y el jefe tuvo que admirar su astucia.

Es una historia interesante, cierto. Pero, ¿ por qué la contaría Jesús? ¿Qué podemos aprender de ella?

En este mayordomo solo vemos algo bueno: la gran velocidad con que enfrentó la realidad de su situación, examinó cuáles eran sus opciones y se le ocurrió un plan para salvar su pellejo. En otras palabras, el hombre tenía cerebro, y lo usaba bien. No perdió el tiempo dando vueltas, pensando en el pasado. Se le ocurrió un plan viable y lo implementó de manera brillante.

Tristemente, como dijo Jesús, "en el trato con sus semejantes los hijos de este mundo son más sagaces que los hijos de la luz" (Lucas 16: 8b). ¿Con qué frecuencia has visto desastres en la iglesia que pudieron haberse evitado usando el sentido común? ¿Con qué frecuencia se desperdician recursos, se ofende a las personas o se realizan grandes cantidades de trabajo, solo para tener que volver a hacerlo todo, porque nadie pensó en todas las consecuencias posibles?

Los cristianos a menudo disculpamos este tipo de comportamiento porque pensamos que las personas "tenían buenas intenciones". Eso puede ser cierto, pero estamos llamados a amar al Señor nuestro Dios con todo nuestro corazón, y con toda nuestra alma, y con toda nuestra mente (Mateo 22: 37b). Jesús no era un tonto; no habría sobrevivido para ir a la cruz en el momento elegido por Dios si no hubiera tenido el sentido común de saber exactamente cómo lidiar con las autoridades antagónicas como Herodes y los sumos sacerdotes.

Pablo nos recuerda que Jesús no es solo el amor de Dios, sino la sabiduría de Dios para nosotros. Él es la luz de nuestras mentes y corazones. Sigamos a Jesús, nuestra sabiduría, con corazones sinceros y mentes claras, confiando que en Él nos mostrará el camino.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, abre mi mente para entender tu voluntad. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Crees que a Dios le importa nuestro pensamiento y sentido común? ¿Por qué sí o por qué no?
• ¿Cómo sirves al Señor con tu mente?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Crees que a Dios le importa nuestro pensamiento y sentido común? ¿Por qué sí o por qué no?

Хлеб наш насущный - Чувство ничтожности

Чувство ничтожности

Читать сейчас: Матфея 6:25-32 | Библия за год: Екклесиаста 1-3; 1 Коринфянам 10:19-33

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Что есть человек, что Ты помнишь его, и сын человеческий, что Ты посещаешь его? — Псалом 8:5

Фильм Дэвида Лина «Лоуренс Аравийский» многие кинокритики считают одним из величайших фильмов всех времен. Видами бесконечных аравийских пустынь он оказал влияние на целое поколение режиссеров, включая обладателя «Оскара» Стивена Спилберга. «Когда я впервые увидел “Лоуренса”, он меня вдохновил, – сказал Спилберг. – Я почувствовал себя ничтожным. Он и сейчас заставляет чувствовать себя ничтожным. И это один из признаков его величия».

А мне чувство собственной незначительности внушает необъятность творения: когда я смотрю на океан, лечу над полярной шапкой или вглядываюсь в ночное небо, сверкающее миллиардом звезд. Если сотворенная Вселенная так огромна, то насколько более великим должен быть Создатель, Который Словом вызвал ее к бытию!

Божье величие и наше чувство незначительности описано Давидом в Псалме: «Что есть человек, что Ты помнишь его, и сын человеческий, что Ты посещаешь его?» (Пс. 8:5). Но Иисус говорит нам: «Взгляните на птиц небесных: они не сеют, и не жнут, и не собирают в житницы; и Отец ваш Небесный питает их. Вы не гораздо ли лучше их?» (Мф. 6:26).

Я могу чувствовать себя маленьким и ничтожным, но в глазах моего Небесного Отца я имею высокую ценность, в которой убеждаюсь каждый раз, когда смотрю на крест. Плата, которую Он был готов внести, чтобы вернуть меня в общение с Ним, – доказательство того, как Он ценит меня.

Какое чудо творения обращает ваше внимание на Бога? Как оно влияет на ваше понимание того, как сильно Создатель ценит вас?

Небесный Отец, помоги нам помнить о Твоем отношении к нам. Направь нас, чтобы найти свою истинную значимость в Тебе.

автор: Билл Краудер

© 2019 Хлеб Наш Насущный
Какое чудо творения обращает ваше внимание на Бога?