LHM Daily Devotions - November 4, 2019 - Created for Praise

"Created for Praise"

Nov. 4, 2019

Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the Name of the LORD! For He commanded and they were created. And He established them forever and ever; He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

—Psalm 148:3-6 (ESV)

The world appears to be anything but orderly. In fact, it very often seems to be in complete disarray. Military and political conflicts stir up the nations. Disasters, natural and man-made, swirl across the globe. Yet there is order in this disordered world. The sun rises and sets, just as expected, giving predictability to our days. The waxing and waning moon marks the months. The stars and planets maintain their courses and, as they go, their motion is a song of praise to their Creator, who set them on their way.

The creation account in Genesis reflects this ordered majesty. God calls the earth, the seas and the sky into existence and marks the passing of each new day. On the sixth day, God creates man—male and female—in His own image: people created to serve and praise Him and to care for the world He has made.

The people God created did not continue in the order into which their Creator placed them. They rebelled against His Word and ate the fruit forbidden to them; "they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25a). Their sinful disorder spread through the world and, like an inherited disease, carried down through the generations to infect our lives, as we too rebel against God.

Yet even in this fallen world, "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). For before the foundation of the world God planned to restore His creation, including the people made in His image, to the ordered majesty He first decreed. Jesus, God's own Son, would come to "reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20b).

By God's grace, through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God. Each of us is, in Christ Jesus, a new creation. The psalmist declares, "Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!" We joyfully join in as creation praises its Creator, an echo of the praise to come, when "at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).

THE PRAYER: Our God and Creator, the earth and skies declare Your majesty. For the sake of Jesus our Savior, accept our grateful praise until the day comes when all creation bows down to confess that He is Lord. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• When you look at the stars at night, what do you think about? What strikes you most about the insignificance of planet earth in respect to the enormity of the universe?
• How do you envision God's creation of the universe beyond the earth? Was there more of a process, do you think, that took place than God simply speaking the stars, planets, and galaxies into existence?
• What is your favorite kind of earth environment—mountains, beach, desert, or someplace else? Why?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
When you look at the stars at night, what do you think about?

CPTLN devocional del 04 de Noviembre de 2019 - Creados para alabar

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Creados para alabar

04 de Noviembre de 2019

¡Que alaben al Señor el sol y la luna! ¡Que alaben al Señor las estrellas refulgentes! ¡Que alaben al Señor los cielos de los cielos, y las aguas que están sobre los cielos! ¡Alabado sea el nombre del Señor! El Señor dio una orden, y todo fue creado. Todo quedó para siempre en su lugar; el Señor dio una orden que no se debe alterar.

—Salmo 148:3-6 (RVC)

Este mundo parece lejos de estar en orden; de hecho, parece ser un desorden total. Los conflictos militares y políticos agitan a las naciones. Los desastres naturales y los provocados por el hombre, se arremolinan en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, en este mundo desordenado sí hay orden. El sol sale y se pone sin fallar, dando previsibilidad a todos nuestros días. La luna creciente y menguante marca los meses. Las estrellas y los planetas mantienen su curso y, a medida que avanzan, su movimiento es una canción de alabanza a su Creador.

El relato de la creación en Génesis refleja esta majestad ordenada. Con el poder de su Palabra hablada, Dios hizo que existieran la tierra, los mares y el cielo y es él quien marca el paso de cada nuevo día. En el sexto día Dios creó al ser humano, hombre y mujer, a su propia imagen: creados para servirlo y alabarlo y para cuidar del mundo que él había hecho.

Pero las personas que Dios creó no se mantuvieron en el orden en que fueron creados. Se rebelaron contra su Palabra y comieron de la fruta prohibida; "cambiaron la verdad de Dios por la mentira, y honraron y dieron culto a las criaturas antes que al Creador" (Romanos 1:25a). Su desorden pecaminoso se extendió por el mundo y, como una enfermedad hereditaria, se transmitió de generación en generación infectando nuestras vidas.

Sin embargo, incluso en este mundo caído, "los cielos proclaman la gloria de Dios; el firmamento revela la obra de sus manos" (Salmo 19:1). Porque antes de la fundación del mundo, Dios planeó restaurar su creación a la majestad ordenada que decretó al principio, incluyendo a los seres humanos hechos a su imagen. Jesús, el Hijo de Dios, vendría a "reconciliar consigo todas las cosas, tanto las que están en la tierra como las que están en los cielos, haciendo la paz mediante la sangre de su cruz" (Colosenses 1:20b).

Por la gracia de Dios, a través de la fe en Jesús, nuestros pecados son perdonados y somos reconciliados con Dios. Cada uno de nosotros es, en Cristo Jesús, una nueva creación. El salmista declara: "¡Que alaben al Señor el sol y la luna! Que alaben al Señor las estrellas refulgentes! ¡Que alaben al Señor los cielos de los cielos, y las aguas que están sobre los cielos!" Nos unimos alegremente a la alabanza de la creación a su Creador, que es un eco de la alabanza que viene, cuando "en el nombre de Jesús se doble toda rodilla de los que están en los cielos, y en la tierra, y debajo de la tierra; y toda lengua confiese que Jesucristo es el Señor, para gloria de Dios el Padre" (Filipenses 2:10-11).

ORACIÓN: Nuestro Dios y Creador, la tierra y los cielos declaran tu gloria. Por Jesús nuestro Salvador, acepta nuestra alabanza de agradecimiento hasta que llegue el día en que toda la creación doble sus rodillas para confesar que Él es el Señor. Amén.

Dra. Carol Geisler

Para reflexionar:

• ¿Qué es lo que más te sorprende de la insignificancia del planeta tierra con respecto a la enormidad del universo?
• ¿Qué significa para ti que Dios te haya creado?

© Copyright 2019 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Qué es lo que más te sorprende de la insignificancia del planeta tierra con respecto a la enormidad del universo?

Notre Pain Quotidien - Rien à craindre

Rien à craindre

Lisez : Sophonie 3.9-17

La Bible en un an : Jérémie 32 – 33 ; Hébreux 1

[Mais] ils paîtront, ils se reposeront, et personne ne les troublera V. 13

Lorsque la police éthiopienne a retrouvé l’adolescente de douze ans une semaine après son enlèvement, trois lions à crinière noire l’entouraient pour la protéger comme si elle était des leurs. Sept hommes l’avaient kidnappée, l’avaient emmenée dans les bois et l’avaient rouée de coups. Par miracle, un trio de félins ayant entendu les cris de la jeune fille, avait accouru et avait chassé ses assaillants. Le sergent Wondimu a indiqué à un journaliste : « [Les lions] ont veillé sur elle jusqu’à ce qu’on la retrouve, puis l’ont tout simplement laissée là comme un présent avant de retourner dans la forêt. »

Certains jours, la violence et le mal, comme ceux infligés à cette jeune fille, nous déconcertent, nous désespèrent et nous terrifient. Dans l’Antiquité, le peuple de Juda en a fait l’expérience lorsque des armées impitoyables ont triomphé de lui et qu’il en est venu à ne plus imaginer comment leur échapper. La peur le consumait, mais le Seigneur lui a rappelé sa présence incessante : « [Le] roi d’Israël, l’Éternel, est au milieu de toi ; tu n’as plus de malheur à éprouver » (SO 3.15). Même si notre propre rébellion nous mène à la catastrophe, Dieu vient malgré tout à notre secours : « L’Éternel, ton Dieu, est au milieu de toi, comme un héros qui sauve » (V. 17).

Quels que soient les problèmes et les maux qui nous assaillent, Jésus – le Lion de Juda et notre Sauveur – reste toujours à nos côtés (AP 5.5). Et cela, même si nous nous sentons seuls au monde et en proie à la terreur.

Jésus se tient à nos côtés, et cela, quels que soient les problèmes et les maux que nous devons surmonter.

par Winn Collier

© 2019 Ministères NPQ
Lorsque la police éthiopienne a retrouvé l’adolescente de douze ans une semaine après son enlèvement, trois lions à crinière noire l’entouraient pour la protéger comme si elle était des leurs.

The Sunday Lectionary Readings for SUNDAY, November 3, 2019 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

SUNDAY, November 3, 2019 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost

[Ordinary 31, Proper 26]

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Reformation and Reconciliation

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10

Opening Prayer

Come, let us sing to the LORD!

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come to Him with thanksgiving.

Let us sing psalms of praise to Him.

For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.

He holds in His hands the depths of the earth

and the mightiest mountains.

The sea belongs to Him, for He made it.

His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship & bow down.

Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,

for He is our God.

We are the people He watches over,

the flock under His care.

The Collect (Book of Common Prayers)

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Call to Confession

We confess we have strayed away from your Word. We cry out to you, O God.

We confess that we have allowed the worries of this world to drive us away from your vision for our lives. We cry out to you, O God.

We confess that there is strife and contention all around us. We cry out to you, O God.

We confess that we are powerless and have taken our focus off your Word, that we have not allowed your Word to work in our lives, yet we continue to cry out to you in times of trouble and need. Grant understanding and wisdom that we may see your vision and apply it in our lives. Hear our prayer O God and Call us back to you.

Assurance of God’s Love

The scripture tell us that God’s love will find us no matter how far away we are from the word. Just like Jesus found Zacchaeus hiding in a tree, God will find us and bring us home. God has no respect of persons, it does not matter what we have done wrong, we still belong to God. We have the assurance, God will rescue us. This is the good news of the Gospel!

First Reading

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

(The righteous live by faith)

1:1 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.

The Prophet’s Complaint
2  O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
     and you will not listen?
   Or cry to you “Violence!”
     and you will not save?
3  Why do you make me see wrongdoing
     and look at trouble?
   Destruction and violence are before me;
     strife and contention arise.
4  So the law becomes slack
     and justice never prevails.
   The wicked surround the righteous—
     therefore judgment comes forth perverted.
[...]
God’s Reply to the Prophet’s Complaint
1  I will stand at my watchpost,
     and station myself on the rampart;
   I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,
     and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
2  Then the Lord answered me and said:
   Write the vision;
     make it plain on tablets,
     so that a runner may read it.
3  For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
     it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
   If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
     it will surely come, it will not delay.
4  Look at the proud!
     Their spirit is not right in them,
     but the righteous live by their faith.

The Psalm

Psalm 119:137-144

(Grant me understanding)

137 You are righteous, O Lord,
       and your judgments are right.
138 You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
       and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me
       because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
       and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
       yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
       and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
       but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your decrees are righteous forever;
       give me understanding that I may live.

Second Reading

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

(Faith and love amid adversity)

Salutation
1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving
3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.
[...]
11 To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel

Luke 19:1-10

(Zacchaeus climbs high to see Jesus)

Jesus and Zacchaeus
19:1 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Here ends the Lessons

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of love and mercy,

You call us to be your people,

You gift us with Your abundant grace.

Make us a holy people,

radiating the fullness of your love.

Form us into a community of people who care,

expressing Your compassion.

Remind us day after day of our baptismal call

to serve with joy and courage.

Teach us how to grow in wisdom and grace

and joy in Your presence.

Through Jesus and Your Spirit,

we make this prayer. Amen.

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 Sunday Lectionary Readings
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10

The Daily Prayer for SUNDAY, November 3, 2019

The Daily Prayer

SUNDAY, November 3, 2019

Martin de Porres (December 9, 1579 – November 3, 1639)

The illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman in sixteenth-century Peru, Martin de Porres bore the complexion of his black mother. He presented himself at fifteen as someone who could sweep the floors at a Dominican monastery, but his talents, especially in the art of healing, were soon recognized. As head of the monastery’s infirmary, Martin not only treated the brothers but went out into the streets of Peru and brought in the poor, even offering his own bed for them to sleep in. When Martin was made a saint in 1962, Pope John XXIII named him patron of all who work for social justice.

A contemporary of Martin de Porres testified, “He was a man of great charity, who being in charge of the infirmary not only healed his brother religious when they were sick but also assisted in the larger duty of spreading the Great Love of the world. For this they knew him as their father and consolation, calling him father of the poor.”

Lord, when we open our hands and hearts to the poor, your kingdom is at hand. Remind us that there is always enough to give to those who are in need. Make us generous today with the goods you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Verse of the Day SUNDAY, November 3, 2019

Romans 13:1 (NIV)

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

Listen to Romans 13

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 - Domingo 03 de Noviembre de 2019

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 (NVI)

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.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
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.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Sunday, November 3, 2019

STEADFAST TO THE END

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

— 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Christians in northern Nigeria have suffered severely from physical attacks resulting in destruction of Christian churches, houses and shops. Hundreds of believers have been badly injured, many macheted to death, some burnt alive and even more shot dead.

Despite all that has happened in northern Nigeria, the Body of Christ is not discouraged, declaring instead they are willing to continue carrying the cross. One Christian articulated their commitment: “We will be steadfast to the end.”

Another leader declared, “They destroyed our church buildings, houses and business centers, but the good Lord is comforting us. The Christians are growing in strength and total submission to God. Our challenge now is how to rebuild our churches and continue with the fellowship to encourage each other.”

The affected families of pastors and church members have gone through unimaginable hardship after all they labored for, all their lives, was destroyed within minutes. Many families were left unattended while some were able to move to refugee camps. Others are living under trees with their children, gazing at their destroyed houses and life belongings, shedding tears and calling for help in this desperate situation.

A lady who was crying inconsolably told Open Doors, “I have nowhere to go. All I have labored for is gone, I cannot afford to feed my children, and life is difficult. I almost gave up, but I will continue to wait on God to come to my rescue.”

“It is difficult to fathom the scale of destruction, but we have accepted it in good faith,” said one pastor’s wife who had lost her home. “It is nothing short of the fulfillment of the Gospel. We love these Muslims even though they hate us. They are not our enemies. We are only against the person behind their actions. We so much pray that they change their ways and accept Christ, so that we will rejoice together when we get to heaven.”

The believers in the affected areas are now confronted with the challenge of how to rebuild their churches and lives, while facing the call of sharing love and total forgiveness.

A pastor who lost his church building commented, “We are always ready to pay the price for our faith. This added strength to our faith, no going back. We are going to encourage our people to see this from God’s perspective. We want the world to know that what has happened in northern Nigeria…is even beyond politics. It is purely religious, and we need your prayers.

“Christ was rejected here on earth to the point that they crucified him on the cross for our sins; therefore, no amount of sacrifice for Christ would be too much. All we can do now is pray for the aggressors, because they do not know what they are doing. We will be steadfast to the end.”

RESPONSE: Today I will receive God’s restorative help in being strong, firm and steadfast.

PRAYER: Pray for brothers and sisters in northern Nigeria facing constant challenges to their faith.

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

LHM Daily Devotions - November 3, 2019 - Behold a Host, Arrayed in White

"Behold a Host, Arrayed in White"

Nov. 3, 2019

"Despised and scorned, they sojourned here; But now, how glorious they appear! Those martyrs stand, a priestly band, God's throne forever near. On earth they wept through bitter years; Now God has wiped away their tears, Transformed their strife to heav'nly life, And freed them from their fears. They now enjoy the Sabbath rest, The heav'nly banquet of the blest; The Lamb, their Lord, at festive board, Himself is host and guest."

If you had seen one of these people on earth, you would not necessarily have noticed anything different about them, at least not so far as outward appearance goes. In fact, you see one of these people every day—you need only look in a mirror. There you see a saint, one of God's holy people, redeemed and dressed in the righteousness of Christ. By God's grace you have been brought to faith in Jesus. God has called you to be one of His people, "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9a), set apart for service in Christ's Name. Here on earth, we look no different from anyone else, but one day that will change.

Our hymn verse is a study in contrasts. The hymn celebrates the lives of the saints, God's holy people who have fallen asleep in Christ and now rest in His presence. On earth, while they looked no different, their faith in Jesus and their lives dedicated to Him set them apart, and for that reason they were often "despised and scorned." But now before God's throne, "how glorious they appear!" Many suffered martyrdom and on earth "wept through bitter years," but now God "has wiped away their tears." Now they enjoy their Sabbath rest.

Today, when you look at that saint reflected in the mirror, you will see someone who may at times be despised and scorned by the world. You may weep through bitter years and struggle with fears and earthly strife. But even now, the apostle Paul tells us—speaking so dismissively of this earthly strife and struggle—"this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

At some point, we will be called home to be with the Lord and enjoy the Sabbath rest that God has prepared for us. And then, on the Last Day, when Jesus returns in glory, these bodies that once appeared no different will be raised up from death. On that day of resurrection, our bodies will be dressed in immortality and transformed in glory. We will join our fellow saints at the wedding banquet of the Lamb, who will be our "host and guest." But for now—even though we can't really see it in the mirror—through these bitter years and earthly strife we are already clothed in the bright righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Him we "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15b).

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we give thanks for the saints, past and present. Until we will join them at the "heavenly banquet of the blessed," shine through us so that we will shine as lights in the world. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Can you give an example of someone from history who was martyred for his or her faith? How was their life like Christ's?
• Does knowing that God Himself will wipe away our tears make suffering for Him any easier?
• Do you have any favorite Bible verses to get you through times when you feel like you're being scorned or mistreated for your faith?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "Behold a Host, Arrayed in White." Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Can you give an example of someone from history who was martyred for his or her faith?

Unser Täglich Brot - Eine neue Menschheit

Eine neue Menschheit

Lesung: Apostelgeschichte 2,1-12 | Die Bibel in einem Jahr: Jeremia 30—31; Philemon

MP3 herunterladen

Als nun dieses Brausen geschah, kam die Menge zusammen und wurde verstört, denn ein jeder hörte sie in seiner eigenen Sprache reden. Apostelgeschichte 2,6

Beim Besuch der Tate Modern in London fiel mir ein Werk des brasilianischen Künstlers Cilde Meireles auf, ein riesiger Turm aus Hunderten von alten Radioapparaten. Alle waren eingeschaltet, jeder auf einen anderen Sender. Ein unbeschreiblicher, unverständlicher Wirrwarr. Die Skulptur trug den Titel Babel.

Der Titel passte. Beim echten Turm von Babel verhinderte Gott den Versuch des Menschen, den Himmel zu erreichen, indem er die Sprachen durcheinanderbrachte (1.Mose 11,1-9). Als sie nicht mehr miteinander kommunizieren konnten, zersplitterte die Menschheit in Stämme mit unterschiedlichen Dialekten (V. 10-26). Seitdem haben wir Probleme, einander zu verstehen.

Die Geschichte hat eine Fortsetzung. Als an Pfingsten der Heilige Geist auf die ersten Christen fiel, bewirkte er, dass sie an jenem Tag Gott in den Sprachen der Besucher loben konnten, die nach Jerusalem gekommen waren (Apostelgeschichte 2,1-12). So konnten alle die Botschaft hören. Die babylonische Verwirrung war aufgehoben.

In einer Welt ethnischer und kultureller Trennungen ist das eine gute Nachricht. Durch Jesus schafft Gott aus allen Völkern, Stämmen und Sprachen eine neue Menschheit (Offb. 7,9). Als ich in der Tate Modern stand, stellte ich mir vor, dass all die Radios plötzlich auf dieselbe Wellenlänge schalten und im ganzen Raum dasselbe Lied spielen würden: „Amazing Grace..

Wie bringt der Glaube an Jesus dich trotz aller Unterschiede mit Menschen aus anderen Nationen zusammen? Wie kannst in der heutigen Zeit zu Harmonie und Verständigung beitragen?

Gott reißt Schranken ein, um etwas Neues zu schaffen.

Von Sheridan Voysey

© 2019 Unser Täglich Brot
Beim Besuch der Tate Modern in London fiel mir ein Werk des brasilianischen Künstlers Cilde Meireles auf, ein riesiger Turm aus Hunderten von alten Radioapparaten.

The Daily Lectionary for SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

The Daily Lectionary

SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 119:137-144

(Grant me understanding)

137 You are righteous, O Lord,
       and your judgments are right.
138 You have appointed your decrees in righteousness
       and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me
       because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
       and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
       yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
       and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
       but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your decrees are righteous forever;
       give me understanding that I may live.

Habakkuk 2:5-11

(Those who heap up what is not theirs)

5  Moreover, wealth is treacherous;
     the arrogant do not endure.
   They open their throats wide as Sheol;
     like Death they never have enough.
   They gather all nations for themselves,
     and collect all peoples as their own.

The Woes of the Wicked
6 Shall not everyone taunt such people and, with mocking riddles, say about them,

   “Alas for you who heap up what is not your own!”
     How long will you load yourselves with goods taken in pledge?
7  Will not your own creditors suddenly rise,
     and those who make you tremble wake up?
     Then you will be booty for them.
8  Because you have plundered many nations,
     all that survive of the peoples shall plunder you—
   because of human bloodshed, and violence to the earth,
     to cities and all who live in them.

9  “Alas for you who get evil gain for your house,
     setting your nest on high
     to be safe from the reach of harm!”
10 You have devised shame for your house
     by cutting off many peoples;
     you have forfeited your life.
11 The very stones will cry out from the wall,
     and the plaster will respond from the woodwork.

John 8:39-47

(True children of Abraham)

Jesus and Abraham
8:39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40 but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. 44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”

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

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

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary
Psalm 119:137-144; Habakkuk 2:5-11; John 8:39-47

The Daily Prayer for SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

The Daily Prayer

SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

In 1996, the first World Christian Gathering of Indigenous People took place in Rotorua, New Zealand. Founded by a Maori couple, Monte and Linda Ohia, the World Christian Gathering is a coming together of the world’s indigenous peoples to worship the Creator and celebrate their traditional cultures.

Great preacher and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

God, we are so used to seeing ourselves as individuals with personal destinies. Remind us that we are made in your image, the image of community. Help us to love each other and be made one as you are one. Whisper your love to us and let us whisper your love to the world today. Amen.

Verse of the Day for SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Read all of 1 Peter 2

Listen to 1 Peter 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 - Sábado 02 de Noviembre de 2019

Tesoros en el cielo

Porque donde esté tu tesoro, allí estará también tu corazón.

— Mateo 6:21 (NVI)

¡Es increíble cómo a nuestro Dios le interesa que seamos personas equilibradas y rectas en la vida! Por eso le agradezco mucho que nos dejara la Biblia. A través de su lectura he podido conocer los principios de vida y la manera más fácil de ser feliz.

Hoy en día, se escucha muy a menudo esta frase bíblica: «No os hagáis tesoros en la tierra» (Mateo 6:19, rv-60). Eso significa que nuestro ídolo no debe ser el dinero y que no debemos apegarnos a las riquezas.

Fíjense que no se trata de que Dios no esté de acuerdo en que seamos prósperos. Lo que Él no quiere es que ese sea nuestro tesoro y nuestra vida. Así que ten en cuenta que cuando partamos de este mundo, no nos llevaremos nada en lo absoluto. Por lo tanto, es más importante pensar en nuestra vida eterna.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
¡Es increíble cómo a nuestro Dios le interesa que seamos personas equilibradas y rectas en la vida!

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Saturday, November 2, 2019

BOLDER AND FEARLESS

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

— Philippians 1:14 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul indicates that another reason why the gospel was actually advancing during his imprisonment was the bold courageous witness of other believers who had lost their fear.

Two Chinese itinerant evangelists who carried Christian books with them were arrested in Anhui Province during their ministry. The Public Security Bureau (PSB) put them in jail and beat them. The guard beat the face of one until it bled and then took his shoes away in the cold of winter. Then they poured cold water on him throughout the winter. He became deformed from the harsh treatment. Both were kept in jail for six months.

They had led two people to the Lord in that prison location before they were arrested, and when they were released from jail after six months, there were over one hundred new Christians in the area from the seeds that these men had planted. The two people that they led to the Lord spread the message to others. The work grew even while the itinerant evangelists were in prison.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, fourteen Christians continued their witness while in prison by reading scripture aloud. By the time they were released, they had read through the entire New Testament and forty-four inmates professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Pedro Pablo Castillo shares a similar situation in Nicaragua where half of the four thousand political prisoners became Christians. On the eve of their release, they prayed, sang and read scripture to celebrate their pardon. Castillo returned to the jail to urge them to let Christ shine in their lives whether in jail or outside.

We shared earlier about Pastor Tu in Vietnam—leader of the fastest growing house church network. Pastor Tu spent three years in prison for his evangelistic ministry. When he was released, he found his house church network had grown three hundred per cent during his imprisonment years.

I received a Christmas card from him the following year that read: “…God greatly gives our church 20,203 more new believers this year. Hallelujah!”

RESPONSE: God’s kingdom will advance when I overcome my fear and become a bold and courageous witness to the power of the gospel.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust You fully and become a dynamic force in boldly advancing the growth of Your church.

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

The NIV Couples Devotional - Saturday, November 2, 2019

Giving With Grace

Deuteronomy 15:1–11

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

— Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)

Years ago I said something that still bothers me when I think about it. I had led a young couple to faith in Jesus. The husband earned a good living in his hairstyling salon. In the basement of their home he kept the barber’s chair that his deceased father had once used in a shop in another town.

His father’s chair was more than an item of nostalgia, however. My friend used the chair in his basement two evenings and part of Saturday each week to seat customers who couldn’t afford to see him in his shop. In this homey room my friend clipped and snipped the hair of the poor. Some, like me, he charged a nominal fee; others he waved out the door with a smile.

After one splendid haircut, I pulled out my wallet and handed him a note that was twice what he normally charged me. It was my smallest note, but he had no change. “Just keep it,” I said. “Next time I won’t have to pay anything.”

Indeed, as I stepped out of the chair after my next grooming session and reached for my wallet, my friend said, “Wait! You’ve already paid for this one!”

It was then that I said some horrible words: “If you had remembered that earlier,” I teased, “you wouldn’t have done such a good job, would you?”

A slight grimace furrowed my friend’s brow before he caught himself and laughed. He was a generous man, and I had treated his kindness flippantly by joking that mercenary demons drove his heart.

It seems like materialism is all around us, and it is not uncommon for people to be driven by need and greed. During the lean years that many of us experience , we can become selfish and cheap. Those attitudes can stick, even when resources grow and demands diminish.

God built safeguards into Israelite society so that debt wouldn’t dehumanize those who became trapped in it. But God also knew that some people would try to manipulate handouts and bailouts and other kinds of welfare for their own cunning ends. So he asked his people to be generous to the poor, even if the poor appeared to be abusing the gifts.

Generosity and graciousness are learned qualities. They must be caught from the example of bighearted souls. Like God. Like the widow who gave two very small copper coins—all she had to live on (see Mark 12:41–44). Like the disciples who shared their lunch with a crowd (see Matthew 15:32–39). Like my barber.

We must practice giving so that generosity becomes an essential part of who we are. And when we give, we’ll find that our generosity is rewarded by God, who will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).

Wayne Brouwer

Let’s Talk

• In what ways has God blessed us? In what ways are we tightfisted about sharing what we have? How can we make our spending and giving reflect our values?
• Who are some generous people who have helped us along the way? What have we learned from them? How are we becoming like them?
• What did we learn about money and generosity from our parents? Were these good or bad lessons? What will our children learn from us?

LHM Daily Devotions November 2, 2019 - Some Things Won't Wait

"Some Things Won't Wait"

Nov. 2, 2019

Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

—John 11:25-26 (ESV)

It is amazing how intelligent people refuse to face the worst life has to offer. They prefer to put it out of their minds; they won't even talk about it.

A businessman told a young friend of mine in the ministry that he would just as soon not hear anything more about death in this new pastor's sermons. "It doesn't move people in our time," said the executive. "Personally, it doesn't stir me!"

Eight months later, the same businessman sat in mute agony in his home, having just returned from the funeral of his wife, who had succumbed to an incurable disease. The woman's husband had fought back with all his resources, to no avail. Death did not retreat. Expert doctors were flown in from all over, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, late one night, death walked into the somber hospital room where his wife lay and made off with the life of his bride.

With good reason, the Bible calls death man's "last enemy." Is there no answer to death except to pretend that it does not exist? Is there no way to meet death except to fight it with medicine? Is there no force to overcome death when it raps on the house next door or on the door of your own home?

When his wife died, Sir Walter Scott said, "A kind of cloud of stupidity hangs about me, as if all were unreal that men seem to be doing and talking." Death is the moment of truth, putting everything into its proper place. What seemed important before, suddenly becomes unimportant and inconsequential. What seemed to be of no concern previously, suddenly looms up as the real and major thing it was all the time.

Think of yourself right now. What are you planning to do this afternoon, this evening, or tomorrow? Play some golf? Watch a ballgame? Take a ride in the country? What if, within the next hour, that sharp pain within your chest was the beginning of a serious heart attack? What if the next phone call you received was news that a loved one had been taken in a car accident? What would be important then?

Are you ready to face the worst, as one day you must? What does it take to bring you eyeball to eyeball with death—and your need for Christ—who has conquered the grave? Do you have to meet Christ for the first time in some tragic life event that puts someone in the hospital or worse yet—takes a loved one from you?

I hope not.

Speaking the words of the text above to Martha, Christ added emphatically, "Do you believe this?" And now I ask you, can you believe this? Do you believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life—the Conqueror of death who triumphs over the darksome finality of death? Do you believe that He is the Life—able to unfold for you God's eternal promise which is life indeed?

That is my prayer.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give us all the gift of faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Does death seem a natural part of life's processes or something to be feared?
• By believing in Jesus, one will never die. How is this so? What does Jesus mean when He talks about believing in Him and having eternal life?
• What kinds of things have you done to prepare for your own death?

From "Facing the Worst" a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Does death seem a natural part of life's processes or something to be feared?

Хліб Наш Насущній - Найбезпечніше місце

Найбезпечніше місце

Читати: Псалом 45:2-12 | Біблія за рік: Єремії 27–29 ; Тита 3

Завантажити MP3

Бог для нас – охорона та сила. — Пс. 45:2

Коли ураган Флоренс із руйнівною силою обрушився на Вілмінгтон у Північній Кароліні, моя дочка готувалася залишити домівку. Вона чекала до останнього, сподіваючись, що ураган мине. Однак тепер вона поспішно збирала важливі документи, картини та речі, намагаючись вирішити, що взяти з собою. “Я не думала, що буде так важко від’їжджати, – казала вона мені пізніше, – проте тоді я не знала, чи залишиться там щось, коли я повернуся”.

Життєві бурі приходять по-різному: через урагани, торнадо, землетруси, повені, неочікувані проблеми у шлюбі або з дітьми, раптову втрату здоров’я або фінансів. Ми за одну мить можемо втратити те, що цінуємо.

Біблія говорить нам про найбезпечніше місце посеред бурь: “Бог для нас – охорона та сила, допомога в недолях, що часто трапляються, тому не лякаємось ми, як трясеться земля” (Пс. 45:2-3).

Автори цього псалма були нащадками чоловіка, який багато поколінь тому служив Богу, але потім збунтувався проти Господа і загинув під час землетрусу (див. Чис. 26:9-11). Їхній погляд відображає смирення і глибоке розуміння Божої величі, співчутливості та рятівної любові.

Проблеми приходять, однак Бог сильніший за них. Ті, хто біжить до Спасителя, виявляють Його непохитність. У руках Його вічної любові ми знаходимо місце спокою.

Як Бог сповнює вас миром під час непередбачуваних бурь? Як ви сьогодні до Нього бігтимете?

О, Боже, Той, Хто більший за бурю, допоможи мені віддати Тобі всі свої страхи і заспокоїтися у Твоїй незмінній любові.

Автор Джеймс Бенкс

© 2019 Хліб Наш Насущні
Коли ураган Флоренс із руйнівною силою обрушився на Вілмінгтон у Північній Кароліні, моя дочка готувалася залишити домівку. Вона чекала до останнього, сподіваючись, що ураган мине.